The main purpose of Roku is to stream movies, series, and your favorite content. Right? Not many users know they can also access web browser on Roku devices. However, you can’t access the web browser directly on Roku TV because it does not have an official browser. Then what should you do? How can you access a web browser?
There are several ways to do it. In this guide, we’ll share all the methods you can use to access it. So keep reading. Quick Answer: You can cast the screen or use a screen mirroring method on the Roku device. You can also check some third-party web browsers, such as Opera, Poprism, and Kraus & Karnath Browser, to get the same benefits on Roku TV.Â
Does Roku have a Web Browser?
Not at all. Roku doesn’t have a web browser. However, you can access some basic browsing features using third-party apps or channels on your smartphone or computer. Remember, every method is unique and plays an effective role in helping users access web browsers on Roku TV.Â
Some users opt to use HACKS, which is not recommended practice. Moreover, many users have stated that using a web browser on Roku would be difficult without a keyboard and mouse. That’s why you should cast across a web browser from a smartphone or computer. It provides the same benefits of enjoying the best streaming content on the big screen of the TV.Â
Read: VH1 on Roku
Best Ways to Use Web Browser On Roku TV
Now that there are no official apps for getting web browsers on Roku, it’s time to dive deeper. Let’s look directly at these effective methods through which you can enjoy web browsers on Roku.
Use Via Your Smartphone
You can’t download Android apps on your Roku device. Right? Moreover, no official web browser app on the Roku Channel Store is solely made for streaming. But you can still cast a web browser across. You can mirror the content directly to your Roku device. For this purpose, you can use screencast apps such as Web Video Cast on smartphones. The best part is that it’s easy to use, and you can set it up within a few minutes.Â
Here’s a step-by-step method you should follow for this purpose.
- Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.Â
- Now go to the search bar and type Web Video Cast or any casting app you prefer.Â
- Install the app and launch it to connect the devices.Â
- Now, you can use the browser as you normally would, as if you were browsing on a smartphone.Â
- After finding the site you want to browse on Roku, click the Cast icon, which is usually at the top of the screen.Â
- A list of devices will appear. From here, choose your Roku device. Now, you’ve successfully cast your smartphone screen on the Roku TV.Â
Use Via Your Computer
If you don’t want to connect your smartphone to Roku TV for web browsing, you can use your computer. Here’s the procedure you should follow for this purpose.
- Turn on your computer and Roku device. Now connect both with the same WiFi network.Â
- If you don’t have Google Chrome on your computer, install it. If you already have it, then move to the next step.Â
- Visit Google Chrome and now navigate to the website that you want to view.
- When you open the site, click on three vertical dotted buttons on the browser on the right side. Â
- A drop-down menu will appear from here. Tap on Cast.Â
- Now, a list of devices will appear from here. Choose your Roku device.Â
Use Via Windows
Another method to access the browser on your Roku TV is to use the Windows tool Windows MiraCast. This tool allows you to mirror the screen to a Roku device. You’ll need a PC running with at least Windows 10 or more.
Now, follow this method step-by-step.
- Connect your PC and Roku TV WiFi network. Make sure you’re connecting both with a similar WiFi network.Â
- On your Roku TV, navigate to Settings and click System Settings.Â
- Now, choose the Always-On option right next to the screen mirroring option.Â
- Check the notifications at the bottom of the taskbar on the PC screen.Â
- Click on Connect to a Wireless Display. After clicking the Windows, you will scan all the devices connected to your network.Â
- When it detects your Roku device, tap on the Connect option. Your screen will now mirror on the Roku TV.Â
Best Roku Web Browsers
You can also use third-party browsers on your Roku, but most users aren’t aware of what browsers they can use. So here’s a list of some of the best Roku web browsers.Â
- Web Browser X: It provides basic web browser functions to the user. You can use it for simple web tasks. It provides basic navigation, text, and image rendering.
- POPRISM Web Browser: It is a text-based browser that handles text-heavy websites. Text-only browsing, no multimedia support.
- Media Browser (Emby): While primarily a media server app, it can be used to access media content via the web. Streaming media from personal servers, some web content access.
- Kraus & Karnath Browser: The Kraus & Karnath Browser is a less-known and limited web browser for Roku. It provides access to simple web pages and is often used for specific, lightweight browsing tasks.
- Opera: It is a well-known web browser available on multiple platforms but not natively on Roku. It is known for its fast browsing speeds and efficient performance. Moreover, it includes a free, built-in VPN for secure browsing.
FAQ’s
Q: Which Browers are compatible with Roku?
A: There are some native browsers for Roku. Here is an available list for the Roku web browser.
- Web Browser X
- POPRISM Web Browser
- Media Browser (Emby)
- Kraus & Karnath Browser:
- Opera
- Chrome
Q: Can I install a web browser directly on Roku?
A: No, Roku does not support native web browsers directly installed from the app store. but you can watch the web browser on your smart TV through Screen Mirroring.
Conclusion
Although Roku doesn’t have a web browser that provides a wide range of functions, users can access third-party browsers and implement other options mentioned in the article. With these methods, you can extend Roku’s capabilities and get a better browsing experience. After all, you don’t want to miss out on your favorite movie. With the advancement in Roku features, there might be a web browser integration in the near future, but for now, you can use these methods. Do you still have any queries? Please comment below with your question, and our team will contact you as soon as possible.