How to set up your Roku Streambar SE or Roku Streambar with a Roku TV system
When connecting your Roku® Streambar® SE or Roku Streambar to a Roku TV™ system, the set up process is automatic so you can sit back and get ready to enjoy exceptional sound.
- Note: Setup typically takes a just few seconds to begin after your Streambar is connected and detected.
This article explains what to expect during the automatic process and provides suggestions if you encounter any issues.
- If your Streambar is connected to a non-Roku TV system, you need to complete the standard on-screen setup process.
- If you have a Roku Streambar Pro, refer to the detailed article with instructions on how to set up a Roku Streambar Pro.
How to automatically set up your Streambar
Your Roku TV system must be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi® for the automatic set up process to work. If you connect your Streambar and the setup process does not begin automatically, you need to use the on-screen instructions for a non-Roku TV system.
- Note: Setup typically takes a just few seconds to begin after your Streambar is connected and detected.
Setup checklist
Before you continue, make sure your Streambar is ready for automatic setup by checking the following items:
- Is it plugged into a power outlet? When your Streambar is powered on, the status LED on the front of the device will be illuminated. If it is not, make sure the included power cable is firmly attached and you are using a working wall outlet or extension cable.
- Is it connected to the HDMI port labeled ARC? To simplify the setup and use of your Streambar, we recommend using the HDMI port on your TV labeled ARC. This single connection transmits both video from your Streambar to your TV, and audio from your TV and connected devices (Blu-ray™ player, game console) to your Streambar. If you do not use the HDMI port labeled ARC, you need to connect the included optical cable to get audio from your TV and connected devices to your Streambar, and you need to follow the on-screen instructions for a non-Roku TV system.
- Is ARC and CEC enabled on your TV? When your compatible TV initially detects your Streambar on the ARC port, it automatically enables both CEC and ARC. If you disable these HDMI features after your Streambar is set up, you can always return to the settings menu to enable ARC and CEC.
- Tip: If you have questions about any of the steps above, return to the initial setup article for your Roku Streambar or Roku Streambar SE.
On-screen setup and activation
A welcome screen will appear after your Streambar is connected to your TV and powered on.
Just select Begin setup with your TV remote and your TV will move through the remaining steps automatically. Your TV's Wi-Fi connection details will automatically be shared with your Streambar, allowing it to connect to the internet. If a software update is necessary, it will be installed which may take a few moments.
You are done! It's time to enjoy exceptional sound from all the devices connected to your TV and your favorite streaming channels. Your TV is used for streaming and audio will play from your Streambar. When you return to the Home screen, you will continue using your TV remote even when controlling volume for your Streambar.
How to fix audio and video issues after setup
Why is there no sound from my Streambar?
If there is no sound playing from your Streambar, try the following steps.
- Check the cable connections. Unplug your HDMI and then plug it back in to make sure it is properly seated.
- Turn up the volume. Use your Roku remote to make sure the volume is turned up.
Why is there no sound from my TV speakers?
When streaming your favorite entertainment, you will only hear sound coming from your Streambar. You will not hear any sound on the speakers built-in to your TV or an existing audio system.
Why is sound from my Streambar out of sync with the picture?
Learn how to fix audio/video (A/V) sync issues in the detailed A/V troubleshooting article.
Why do I not see 4K movies and TV shows?
If you plan to stream 4K and/or HDR content with your Roku Streambar, make sure you have the following:
- Compatible 4K TV. To view 4K and/or HDR content in full resolution, connect your streambar to an HDMI port on your TV that supports HDCP 2.2. If the HDMI port labeled ARC on your TV does not support HDCP 2.2, any 4K and/or HDR content you stream on this connection will output in a lower resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p).
- Good internet connection. Your internet connection must have enough bandwidth to stream 4K and/or HDR (up to 25 Mbps may be needed). Learn how to check the connection on your streaming device.
- Streaming plan with 4K movies or TV shows. You need to have a streaming service like Netflix with a plan that supports streaming in 4K and/or HDR
- Premium High Speed HDMI Cable. Use the HDMI cable included with your Streambar. Other HDMI cables may not support 4K or HDR streams.
For more details, you can read about setting up your Streambar for 4K or HDR.
How to use the streaming player in your Streambar
When you set up your Streambar with your Roku TV system, the HDMI input tile for your Streambar is automatically hidden because your TV is the primary streaming device and your Streambar is used as an audio device.
However, there are reasons you may prefer using the streaming player in your Streambar. For example, if you have an older TV, you may wish to enhance your streaming experience with the powerful 4K streaming capabilities of your Streambar. Or, you may wish to add voice search and voice control supported on the remote for your Roku Streambar.
Show the Streambar input on your TV
Use the following steps to begin using the streaming player in your Streambar.
- Press Home
on your TV remote - Scroll and select Settings
- Select TV inputs
- Select Roku Streambar
- Select Show input
The Streambar input tile will now appear in the channel grid along with input tiles for other audio/video inputs. Any time you select it, you will access the streaming player built into your Streambar. To control it, you need to use the remote included with your Streambar.
If you ever want to hide the input tile from the channel grid and return to only using the streaming capabilities of your TV, highlight the Streambar input tile on your TV, press Star 
, and then choose Hide input.