Roku reveals a secret mode on devices to should turn on every time someone visits – it even helps you avoid a big bill
YOUR Roku streaming device has a special feature that is perfect for when you’ve got guests staying over.
It’s a standard feature of every Roku device, so you don’t need to download anything extra.
The feature is called Guest Mode, and is designed for when other people are using your TV.
It lets them safely log their own accounts in – without ruining your own set-up.
And importantly, it’ll prevent anyone from spending your money through your Roku apps.
“Your guests can confidently use their own app accounts and subscriptions on your Roku streaming device with Guest Mode,” Roku explains.
“Guests can enjoy free content, live TV, and music or try out any of the 10,000+ apps that Roku offers.
“Guest can also add any app they want from the Roku Streaming Channels Store.
“In Guest Mode, your guests will not be able to access your apps, make unauthorized purchases on your card, or influence your recommendations.”
HOW TO ACTIVATE GUEST MODE ON ROKU
Turning Guest Mode on is very easy, but you’ll need to prepare it ahead of time.
That’s because Guest Mode requires you to have a Rooku PIN.
You can easily set one up by going to my.roku.com/account/PIN.
Once you’ve got a Roku PIN, you can get started.
Just follow these steps:
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Scroll down and choose Settings
- Select Guest Mode
- Then choose Enter Guest Mode
- Now enter the Roku PIN that you’ve set up
- Hit OK and confirm
If you don’t see Guest Mode then it means it’s not available in the region where you live.
Roku says that it’s available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Mexico, and Latin America.
If you want to turn Guest Mode off, it’s a similar process.
Follow these steps:
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Scroll and choose Settings
- Then tap Guest Options
- Now choose Sign Out and Clear Info
- Next enter your Roku PIN
- Finally, select OK
But Roku adds that “when you turn off Guest Mode, it may take up to a few minutes for the device to reset and you may need to sign back into some apps.”
It’s also possible to manually sign out a guest from anywhere.
“Your guests can sign out at any time or will be automatically signed out of all subscriptions and logins on a date they choose,” Roku said.
“All added apps will be automatically deleted on sign out.
“If your guest left early or accidentally selected the incorrect sign-out date, you can sign them out remotely with the following instructions.”
The Roku Channel – what you need to know
Here's the lowdown...
The Roku Channel is a streaming app that’s available on a range of devices.
It offers more than 400 live TV channels.
And it promises over 80,000 movies and TV shows on an on-demand basis.
Roku says that the app is available on:
- Roku streaming devices
- Compatible Samsung Smart TVs
- Compatible AMazon Fire TV devices
- TheRokuChannel.com website
- Roku mobile apps (iOS and Android)
Roku notes that the app is only available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It’s also available in Mexico, but only on Roku devices.
Just log into your Roku account on the web, scroll to My Streaming Devices & TVs, choose the Roku device, and then select Sign Guest Out.
You can customize your Guest Mode welcome screen in this same settings menu.