How to Add a Roku Smart TV to Apple HomeKit
Your Roku TV is already pretty smart when it comes to apps and services. However, you can make it smarter by connecting it to Apple’s HomeKit smart home platform.
By adding HomeKit to the mix, you’ll be able to turn on your TV with a Siri voice command, change inputs via scenes, and control it with the remote app that comes with your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to add your Roku smart TV to HomeKit and the Home app.
What You’ll Need to Add Roku to HomeKit
To start with HomeKit, you must ensure that your Roku TV runs Roku OS 9.4 or later. To do this, you can navigate toSettings, followed bySystem, and thenSystem Update.
You’ll also need to be running iOS 12.3 or later on your iPhone or iPad. If you need help, check out ourhow to modify your iPhoneguide.
Finally, for best performance, we suggest enabling theFast TV Startoption in your TV’s settings. While it may increase energy usage, Fast TV Start ensures that your TV is always available through HomeKit, even when powered off.
How to Set Up Apple HomeKit
Screenshot/Photo by Christopher Close – No attribution required
Adding HomeKit to your Roku TV starts on the big screen. Start by clickingSettings, then theApple AirPlay and HomeKitoptions. Next, clickSet Upunder HomeKit at the bottom of your screen.
Your TV should now display a HomeKit QR setup code which you can scan with the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. The process for adding your TV is the same asadding any other smart home product to Apple HomeKit.
Launch the Home app, tap the+icon near the top right corner, and tapAdd Accessory. You can now scan the HomeKit code on your TV. The Home app will connect to your TV, and if successful, it will give you the option to provide a name, assign it to a room, and set your inputs. At the end of the pairing process, tapDone.
How to Use Your Roku TV With the Home App and Siri
With your Roku TV connected to the Home app, you can now access several valuable features. You can find your TV in the same room you assigned it to, and by long pressing on its device icon, you will find a set of quick controls.
Tapping thepower togglewill turn on or off your TV, and you can switch inputs by swiping on theinput list. Tapping thesettings iconwill present options to rename your TV and inputs and change rooms.
Still in the Home app, your Roku TV is also available for use in scenes and HomeKit automation. With a HomeKit scene, you can slot your TV alongside other smart home accessories such as lights and smart blinds—perfect for a movie night scene. Automations allow you to add your TV to your routines, such as toggling the power off when you turn off the lights in a bedroom.
Of course, adding your Roku TV to HomeKit also unlocks Siri voice controls. Whether through your iOS devices or a HomePod, you can use phrases such as “turn on the TV” to toggle power or “set the TV to cable box” to switch inputs on demand.
How to Control Your Roku TV Through Control Center
Outside the Home app, you can find another set of convenient controls for your Roku TV in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. If your iPhone has a Touch ID button, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to bring up Control Center. If your iPhone uses Face ID, swipe down from the top right corner.
Now tap the remote icon to bring up a list of the TVs in your home, then tap the name of the device you wish to control. If you do not see a remote icon, you may need to add it to your Control Center first. Check out ourcustomize control center guidefor detailed steps.
The iOS remote app should now appear, giving you access to volume controls using your phone’s side buttons, a directional pad, play/pause controls, a back button, and an additional information button. Tapping in the center of the directional pad will act as the select or OK button on the Roku Remote while tapping the name of your TV will allow you to switch between devices.
Make Your Roku TV Even Smarter With HomeKit
Adding HomeKit to your Roku smart TV opens the doors to a world of automation possibilities and greater convenience. Now with HomeKit, you can set the stage for your next movie night with a scene that turns on your TV, sets the correct input, dims your smart lights, and closes the blinds, all with a tap or Siri voice command.
Do you own a Roku device? If not, why not? If so, good, because it’s time for some more tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Roku.
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