How to use Google to control your Roku streaming device
When you use Google with Roku® Voice, you can speak commands like “Hey Google, show me action movies on bedroom Roku” or “Hey Google, launch Apple TV on living room Roku” to help find entertainment and control your compatible Roku device. If you have a Roku TV™ system, you can also use your voice to adjust volume, switch inputs, and turn the TV screen off or on without needing your Roku remote.
This article helps you integrate a Google Assistant-enabled device with Roku Voice, and provides some examples of voice commands you can use to search and control your Roku device.
- Notes:
- The Roku Action on Google is supported in Canada, Ireland, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- The Roku Action on Google is supported on all Roku TV system models and current generation Roku players.
- Using your voice to launch Netflix, or access and interact with Netflix content is not currently supported when using the Roku Action on Google. Other voice commands like those for adjusting volume are also not supported when using Netflix.
- Launching a channel on your Roku device using Google works for more than 100 top channels on the Roku platform. However, the launch channel command does not work with all channels on the Roku platform at this time.
- The Roku Action on Google does not support all Roku voice capabilities. Learn about additional capabilities you can use with a Roku voice remote.
Be aware that you can also use Google Assistant to control your Roku Smart Home cameras, doorbells, bulbs, plugs, and light strips.
What you need to get started
Before you can use Roku Action on Google, make sure your Roku device is running Roku OS 9.1 or higher. You can find the software version by visiting Settings > System > About. Your Roku device checks for an update every 24-36 hours or you can manually check for a software update if needed.
In addition to a compatible Roku player or Roku TV system with the correct software, you will need the following:
- A free Roku account
- A Google Assistant-enabled device such as a Google Pixel phone, Google Home, Google Home Mini, or Google Home Max.
- The Google Home mobile app downloaded to your iOS® or Android™ device.
- Note: For help setting up a Google Assistant-enabled device or downloading the mobile app, visit Google help.
To learn more about which Roku devices support voice search and voice control, read about what you need to use voice commands with your Roku device.
What you can do with Google
When you use the Roku Action on Google, you can:
-
Control media playback
Issue a command by saying "Hey Google" followed by:
- “pause on kitchen Roku"
- "fast forward on living room Roku"
- "rewind on bedroom Roku"
- “launch The Roku Channel on office Roku"
Search for entertainment
Issue a command by saying "Hey Google" followed by:
- "find documentaries on bedroom Roku"
- "show me comedies on kitchen Roku"
Control your Roku TV system
Issue a command by saying "Hey Google" followed by:
- "turn on office Roku"
- "raise the volume on living room Roku"
- "mute on bedroom Roku"
- "change to channel 7.1 on living room Roku"
- "switch to HDMI 2 on kitchen Roku"
- [1] An HDTV antenna must be connected to your TV to use Google to change broadcast channels.
How to set up Google on your Roku device
To use the Roku Action on Google, you need to link your Roku account to your Google account using the Google Home mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
- Launch the Google Home mobile app on your smartphone
- Tap the Plus icon
in the top corner - Tap Set up device from the list
- Select Works with Google
- Tap the Magnifying glass icon
and search for Roku - Select Roku from the list
- When prompted, sign in to your Roku account. Learn what to do if you forgot your email address or password.
- Select Continue and follow the prompts to return to the Google Home app