Are you an avid Twitch viewer who recently got a Roku device, only to find out that you can’t watch your favorite streamers on it? Fret not!
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the world of Twitch on Roku and explore how you can enjoy your favorite Twitch content on your Roku device.
With our easy-to-follow guide on how to get Twitch on Roku, you will learn about the current situation between Twitch and Roku, and the various workarounds that will have you watching your favorite Twitch streamers in no time.
Short Summary
Getting the Official Twitch channel on Roku
If you were one of the lucky few who had the official Twitch channel installed on your Roku streaming device before it was removed, you might still be able to reinstall it by updating the channel and following the following steps:
Go to the Roku website and sign in
Go to the “my account” page
Select “Add channel using a code”
Enter “twitchtv” and press “add channel”
A warning message will display, just click “OK”
Add the channel to your Roku device and update
For those who didn’t have the official Twitch channel installed prior to its removal, the options are more limited.
Now, we will explore the different ways to access Twitch on Roku through unofficial channels, screen mirroring, and using a Roku web browser.
Understanding the Twitch and Roku Situation
Twitch, the world-renowned live streaming platform for gamers, was once available as an official channel on Roku devices. However, in 2017, the official Twitch channel was removed from the Roku Channel Store, leaving users puzzled and frustrated.
The exact reason for the removal from the Roku Channel Store remains unclear, but some speculate that it has to do with competition between Amazon, Twitch’s parent company, and Roku.
Despite the removal of the official Twitch app from the Roku Channel Store, there are still ways to watch Twitch on Roku, and we will explore these options.
The Removal of Twitch from Roku
Since the removal of the official Twitch channel from the Roku Channel Store in 2017, users have been left searching for alternative ways to access their favorite Twitch streams.
While the exact reason for the removal remains a mystery, it is believed that competition between Amazon and Roku may have played a part in the decision.
This has left Roku users with two main options for accessing Twitch on their devices: switching to Amazon Firestick or utilizing screen mirroring.
In this blog post, we will dive into these options and provide step-by-step instructions on how to watch Twitch on Roku.
If you were one of the lucky few who had the official Twitch channel installed on your Roku device before it was removed, you might still be able to reinstall it by updating the channel and following the steps provided in this article using the code.
Current Options for Twitch on Roku
Fear not, fellow Twitch enthusiasts! Even though the official Twitch channel is no longer available on Roku, there are still ways to access Twitch on your Roku device.
One option is adding an unofficial Twitch channel, such as Twitched or Twitched Zero, which can be done by entering the channel access code “TWITCHTV” on the Roku website. However, using a private channel comes with certain risks and limitations.
Another option for watching Twitch on a Roku is screen mirroring from a compatible device, such as an Android phone, iPhone, or Windows PC.
This method involves projecting your device’s screen onto your Roku TV, allowing you to watch Twitch streams directly on the big screen.
Lastly, you can access Twitch on your Roku by using a compatible Roku web browser.
Accessing Twitch on Roku TV through Unofficial Channels
Also known as private or beta channels, these are channels that are not officially supported or endorsed by Roku or Twitch and are not available through the Roku Channel Store.
The Twoku channel is an example of one which could earlier be used in conjunction with the Twoku app. However, the Twoku channel has been removed. So, that’s an example of a risk with using private channels.
Although Roku doesn’t officially support Twitch anymore, there are several other channels available that allow you to watch Twitch streams on your Roku device. As mentioned earlier, some of these channels include Twitched and Twitched Zero.
To add these channels to your Roku device, you will need to enter the channel access code “TWITCHTV” on the Roku website. Once added, you can enjoy your favorite Twitch content on your Roku device.
However, keep in mind that using a private channel comes with certain risks and limitations, which we will explore below.
Risks and Limitations
While an unofficial channel may seem like a convenient solution for watching a Twitch stream on Roku, there are potential risks and limitations involved.
Using an unofficial Twitch channel may expose you to security risks, as these channels are not officially supported or endorsed by Roku or Twitch. Additionally, the stability of a private channel can be a concern, as they may not receive regular updates or support from the developers.
Another limitation of using an unofficial Twitch channel is that some Roku boxes do not support screen mirroring, which is required for casting Twitch streams from your mobile device to your Roku TV.
Moreover, some mobile devices may not support casting to Roku boxes, which makes this method less than ideal for certain users.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to access Twitch on Roku using unofficial methods, taking into account these risks and limitations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To access Twitch on Roku using unofficial Twitch channels:
You will first need to ensure that your Roku device is set up and connected to the internet.
Next, you will need to download the unofficial Twitch channel, such as Twitched or Twitched Zero, by entering the channel access code “TWITCHTV” on the Roku website.
Once the channel is added to your Roku device, you can launch it and start enjoying your favorite Twitch streams.
If you are concerned about these risks, you may want to consider alternative methods for watching Twitch on a Roku, such as screen mirroring from a compatible device or using a Roku web browser.
Screen Mirroring Twitch to Roku
Screen mirroring is a technique that enables you to project the content of your device onto your Roku TV, allowing you to cast Twitch streams directly on the big screen. This method is supported by various devices, including Android phones, iPhones, and Windows PCs.
In this section, we will explore the process of screen mirroring Twitch to Roku from each of these devices, providing you with step-by-step instructions for a seamless Twitch viewing experience on your Roku TV.
Please note that screen mirroring capabilities may vary depending on your specific Roku device and the device you are mirroring from.
In some cases, your Roku may not support screen mirroring, or your mobile device may not be compatible with casting to a Roku TV.
In these instances, you may want to consider alternative methods to view Twitch on a Roku, such as using a Roku web browser.
Using Screen Mirroring Mode on Android Devices
Many Android devices come with a built-in screen mirroring feature that allows you to project your device’s screen onto your Roku TV.
To screen mirror Twitch from your Android device to your Roku TV, you will first need to ensure that screen mirroring is enabled on your Roku device. Then connect your Android device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku TV.
Next, open the “Settings” menu on your Android device and look for the “Screen Mirroring” or “Wireless Display” option.
Enable this feature, and your Android device will start searching for compatible devices nearby. Select your Roku TV from the list of available devices, and your Android device’s screen will be mirrored onto your Roku TV.
Now, simply open the official app on your Android device and start streaming your Twitch account on your Roku TV.
Using Screen Mirroring Mode on iPhones
Screen mirroring from an iPhone to a Roku TV is also possible, albeit with a slightly different process compared to Android devices.
To mirror your iPhone’s screen to your Roku TV, you will first need to ensure that both your iPhone and Roku TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Next, download a compatible screen mirroring app from the App Store, such as “Mirror for Roku” or “Video & TV Cast for Roku.” Launch the app on your iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your iPhone to your Roku TV.
Once connected, you can open the official app on your iPhone and start streaming your favorite Twitch content on your Roku TV.
Screen Mirroring from Windows PCs
If you are using a Windows PC, you can also screen mirror Twitch to your Roku TV. To do this, first, ensure that your Windows PC and Roku TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Then, on your Windows PC, press the “Windows” key and “P” simultaneously to open the “Project” menu.
In the “Project” menu, select “Connect to a wireless display.” Your Windows PC will now search for available devices to connect to. Once it locates your Roku TV, click on it to start the screen mirroring process. You may need to enable screen mirroring on your Roku TV if you haven’t done so already.
Finally, open the Twitch website on your Windows PC’s web browser, and start streaming your favorite Twitch content on your Roku TV.
Using a Roku Web Browser to Watch Twitch
Another way to watch Twitch on a Roku device is by using a Roku web browser. Although no Roku devices come with a built-in web browser, there are compatible web browsers available that can be used to stream Twitch content directly on your Roku TV.
In this section, we will discuss the various Roku web browsers compatible with streaming Twitch content, as well as provide instructions on how to navigate and stream Twitch using a Roku web browser.
Please note that using a Roku web browser to watch Twitch may come with certain limitations, such as the browser’s capabilities or the quality of the stream.
In cases where using a Roku web browser is not ideal, you may want to consider alternative methods to watch Twitch on a Roku, such as screen mirroring from a compatible device or using unofficial Twitch channels.
Compatible Roku Web Browsers
There are several web browsers compatible with Roku devices that can be used to stream Twitch content.
Some of these browsers include Web Video Caster, Safari (via AirPlay), Chrome (via Screencast), Web Browser X, and Poprism Web Browser.
It is important to note that Roku does not have its own web browser, so you will need to download and install one of these compatible browsers on your Roku device.
Once you have installed a compatible web browser on your Roku device, you can use it to navigate to the website and stream Twitch content.
Keep in mind that the streaming experience may vary depending on the capabilities of the web browser you choose. Some browsers may not support certain features, or may not be able to stream Twitch content in high quality.
Navigating to Twitch and Streaming
To watch Twitch on your Roku device using a compatible web browser, first ensure that your Roku is connected to the internet and that you have installed a compatible web browser, as discussed earlier.
Next, open the web browser on your Roku device and navigate to the Twitch website (www.twitch.tv). Once on the Twitch website, you can browse and select the Twitch streams you want to watch.
The streaming experience may vary depending on the web browser you are using, as some browsers may not support certain features or may not be able to stream Twitch content in high quality.
If you encounter any issues watching a Twitch stream on your Roku device using a web browser, consider alternative methods such as screen mirroring from a compatible device or using unofficial channels.
Alternative Solutions for Watching Twitch
In addition to the methods discussed above, there are alternative solutions available for stream Twitch on Roku devices. These alternatives include switching to an Amazon Firestick or utilizing a Smart TV.
Both of these options provide access to Twitch directly from their respective app stores, allowing you to watch Twitch on Roku without having to rely on unofficial channels, screen mirroring, or using a Roku web browser.
In this section, we will explore the advantages of switching to an Amazon Firestick or utilizing a Smart TV to watch Twitch on Roku.
By understanding the benefits of these alternative solutions, you can make an informed decision on which method is best suited for your Twitch viewing needs.
Switching to Amazon Firestick
One alternative solution to watch Twitch on Roku is to switch to an Amazon Firestick. The Amazon Firestick is a streaming media player that allows you to access Twitch directly from the Amazon App Store.
In addition to Twitch, the Amazon Firestick provides access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Switching to an Amazon Firestick is a convenient solution for accessing Twitch on your TV, as it eliminates the need for unofficial channels, screen mirroring, or using a Roku web browser.
Simply plug the Firestick into your TV’s HDMI port, connect it to the internet, and start streaming your favorite Twitch content directly from the official Twitch app.
Utilizing Smart TVs
Another alternative solution to watch Twitch on Roku is to utilize a Smart TV. Smart TVs come with built-in app stores that allow you to download and install the official Twitch app directly onto your TV.
This eliminates the need for unofficial channels, screen mirroring, or using a Roku web browser, as you can access Twitch directly from your Smart TV’s app store.
In addition to Twitch, Smart TVs also provide access to a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
By utilizing a Smart TV to watch Twitch on Roku, you can enjoy a seamless and convenient Twitch viewing experience without any workarounds.
Conclusion
The discontinued official channel can only be accessed by those who installed the official channel before it was removed.
There are several methods available to watch Twitch on Roku, despite the removal of the official Twitch channel from the Roku Channel Store.
These methods include using unofficial channels, screen mirroring from compatible devices, and using a Roku web browser.
Each of these options comes with its own set of risks and limitations, but with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can still enjoy your favorite Twitch stream on your Roku.
If the above methods do not suit your needs or preferences, you can always consider alternative solutions such as switching to an Amazon Firestick or utilizing a Smart TV for your Twitch viewing needs.
By understanding the various options available and their respective advantages and disadvantages, you can make an informed decision and find the best solution to watch Twitch on Roku.
So go ahead, explore these methods and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twitch not supported by Roku?
Unfortunately, the official Twitch channel is no longer available in the Roku Channel Store due to an expired contract, meaning Roku users cannot download the Twitch app directly. Fortunately, you can use an unofficial Twitch app to watch Twitch on Roku devices.
How to watch Twitch on TV?
It is easy to cast Twitch on your TV with the help of certain streaming devices. Using either a Chromecast or an Apple TV, you can cast Twitch streams from your phone or laptop directly onto your television screen. To do this, simply open the Twitch app on your device and then connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your streaming device.
Can I use a web browser to watch Twitch on Roku?
Unfortunately, you cannot use a web browser on Roku. While some third-party apps and channels can provide basic browsing capabilities, they are not the same as using a full-featured web browser.
Consequently, you won’t be able to access the internet in the same way as you would on your computer or smartphone.
Can I stream Twitch from my phone to Roku?
You can stream Twitch from your phone to Roku by using the screen mirroring feature. Simply connect your phone and Roku to the same Wi-Fi network, open the screen mirroring option on your phone, and select your Roku device.
Does Twitch have a TV app?
Yes, Twitch has a TV app. You can download the official Twitch app from the Roku Channel Store and enjoy Twitch streams on your TV.
Can I download the Twitch app on my smart TV?
The availability of the Twitch app on smart TVs depends on the specific brand and operating system of your smart TV. Some smart TV brands offer the Twitch app for download directly from their app store, while others may not have it available. It is recommended to check your smart TV’s app store or visit the official Twitch website for information on app compatibility with your specific TV model.
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.