The following tutorial explains how to Jailbreak a Roku for free movies, TV shows, and more.
We show you how to get around the blockades that we typically see with Roku devices and access streaming platforms that aren’t readily available within the Roku channel store.
We provide two different methods to do this and choosing which one is best for you is based on personal preference.
Can You Jailbreak a Roku?
The short answer is no, you can’t technically jailbreak a Roku device.
You can’t jailbreak a because Roku it runs a closed operating system that does not allow for the installation of third-party applications. This applies to Roku streaming sticks, boxes, and Roku Smart TVs as they are all have a closed system software.
Anyone who claims you can “jailbreak” or “unlock” a Roku device is not telling the truth. Some have gone as far as selling an Ebook about this topic.
Android and Fire TV devices on the other hand run an “open” operating system that allow for side-loading. This includes Android phones, tablets, TV boxes, and Amazon Fire TV devices. We explain this in more detail in our Roku vs Fire TV Stick comparison.
This is why TROYPOINT always recommends a Fire TV or Android device for streaming. Using a device powered by Android OS allows users the ability to install 3rd party apps that Roku devices are not capable of.
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However, there are still workarounds that can help you play third-party content as an alternative to jailbreaking.
How to Jailbreak Roku
This tutorial provides two methods for jailbreaking your Roku device. However, both will require a separate device such as a PC or Android phone.
Plex Media Server
Plex is a client-server media software that lets you store content including Movies, TV Shows, Photos, and more; and send them to any device you wish for streaming.
Using Plex will require a Home Media Server such as a PC for storing your content and a streaming device such as Roku.
Prior to installing the Plex application on Roku, you must first set up your Plex Media Server. I suggest following our detailed Plex tutorial for downloading movies and TV shows that you will then be able to sync to your Roku device.
After you have your preferred content in your Plex Media Server, simply install the Plex Client App on your Roku device access your library! Follow our step-by-step guide below.
1. Click the home button on your Roku remote.
2. Scroll down to hover over search
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3. Type Plex
4. Choose Plex – Stream Free Movies & TV
5. Click Add channel
6. Wait for Plex channel to install
7. Click Ok
8. Hover over Plex channel and click options
9. Choose Move channel
10. Place Plex at the front of your apps list and click to launch
11. From the home screen of Plex, choose Sign In
12. Take note of the activation code you are provided with.
13. Launch your Browser (on any device) and enter provided authorization code. Click Link
14. Account Linked message will appear
15. Return to your Plex app on Roku and choose your preferred Server
16. Click Continue
17. Customize navigation to your preferences and click Finish
18. Choose your Plex Media Server
19. Click Movies to find your available content. Enjoy!
Screen Mirroring
For those who prefer a separate method of “jailbreaking” their Roku device, we do have another option. This is called casting or screen mirroring another device directly to your Roku.
Screen Mirroring is available from a few devices including iOS, Android, and PC.
Mirroring involves using an application on one device to cast to another. One way to do this is by installing Android Apps on Windows PC and mirroring this to your Roku.
This is a great way to stream some of the Best APK’s for Movies and TV Shows directly to your Roku streaming device. All of the apps in this list are not available within the Roku Channel Store. Use the guide below to learn how to screen mirror your PC to Roku.
1. From the main menu of your Roku device, click Settings.
2. Choose System.
3. Click Screen mirroring.
4. Select Screen mirroring mode and choose Prompt.
5. Open your Windows PC and launch Settings. Click Devices.
6. Select Add Bluetooth or other device.
7. Choose Wireless display or dock.
8. Click to select your Roku device.
9. Once connected click Done.
10. Return to your Roku device and when prompted, click Allow.
That’s it! Your Roku Device will now screen mirror your PC. Enjoy.
Is it Legal to Jailbreak a Roku?
Jailbreaking a Roku isn’t possible because it runs a closed operating system that does not allow side-loading or third-party app installation.
While using screen mirroring or Plex Media Server to stream content is legal, accessing copyrighted material without permission could violate copyright laws.
Roku strictly prohibits software modification, and any attempts to bypass restrictions may result in account suspension or other legal issues. See their terms and conditions for more details.
Final Thoughts from Troy
Ultimately, while you can’t technically “jailbreak” Roku devices, there are a few workarounds for streaming movies and TV shows. This includes setting up a Plex Media Server and screen mirroring another device.
Not being able to side-load apps is one of many reasons why TROYPOINT does not recommend purchasing a Roku device. We suggest using Android TV boxes or Amazon Fire TV devices that do have side-loading capabilities.
For more information on Roku’s operating system (OS) you can refer to their official support documentation and for more Roku related tutorials, refer to our guides below:
Have you tried ‘jailbreaking’ a Roku device before? Let us know in the comments below!
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