How to Add the Spectrum App to Your Roku

Evan Gower November 20, 2019

Spectrum TV is a channel app that can be added to a wide range of modern smart TVs. With a subscription to Spectrum TV, you should be able to enjoy up to 30,000 on-demand TV series and movies as well as a variety of live TV channels.

How to Add the Spectrum App to Your Roku

It’s a pretty complete package that caters to movie lovers, reality TV fans, and sports fans. While you can use this as an independent app, you can also add the channel to your Roku device so that you don’t have to switch HDMI sources back and forth to enjoy all your favorite shows. Here’s how you can do it.

Spectrum TV Requirements

There are some things that you should know before trying to add the Spectrum TV app to your Roku account. First and foremost, either a cable or satellite subscription will be required in order to install and use the app’s features.

You also have to create a Spectrum account and username first. Use a web browser to do this from your smartphone or computer. Note, however, that it will take between 24 and 72 hours before you can actually log in and use the Spectrum TV channel.

If you travel or live overseas, you won’t get support for Spectrum TV. It doesn’t work internationally.

And, if you want to guarantee the best viewing experience on Spectrum TV you should use either a third-generation or newer Roku device. First-gen Roku streaming devices don’t have support for the Spectrum TV app.

How to Install the Spectrum TV Channel on Your Roku Device

Make sure that your Roku device is connected to the internet on the same network as your TV and that your Roku account is validated and fully functional. Use your Roku remote to navigate through the following steps.

Press the Home button to access Roku’s home screen.
From the left panel, select the Roku Channel Store (second option).
Select the search bar or press the magnifying glass button on your remote.
Type or use the voice search function to search for the Spectrum TV channel.
Once located select the channel and install it.
Use the virtual keypad to sign in using your Spectrum TV credentials.
Hit OK and follow any remaining on-screen instructions.
Accept to the terms of the License Agreement.

After the Spectrum TV setup is complete, your Roku device should remember your sign in credentials and every time you access the channel you’ll be automatically logged into your account.

Shortcomings of Spectrum TV for Roku

As is the case with other similar channels, you may not be able to access the full spectrum of Spectrum TV features, no pun intended.

Depending on your location, certain channels in the Spectrum TV grille may not be available to you. You should be able to see the complete list of available channels by logging into your Spectrum TV account using a web browser and check your subscription package.

Parental controls might not work on all channels, as they would when using Spectrum TV without a Roku device. You may also like to know that if you access the Spectrum TV channel through your Roku device, you won’t be able to access any Pay-Per-View events. There’s no PPV support with Roku for now.

Is It Worth Paying a Subscription to Spectrum TV?

Spectrum TV clearly offers an astounding number of live and on-demand programs. It’s one of the most complete channels/apps of its kind. But, it’s not free and it doesn’t offer too much than other channels already available on the Roku Channel Store.

Should you spend money on Spectrum TV just to add it to your Roku? Well, probably not, since Roku already offers so much. But, if you don’t have a Roku device and your smart TV is just sitting there with nothing on it, then you might want to give Spectrum TV a shot, as long as you don’t need something to watch your favorite shows on while you’re vacationing overseas.