Roku devices are solely designed for streaming content. However, that does not mean their capabilities stop there. Should you wish to browse the web through your Roku, then you can do so using screen mirroring. Although there is no downloadable app for this, there is a way around it.
Although Roku doesn’t have its own internet browsing app, you can use screen mirroring to surf the internet on your Roku. You may need to download an internet app like Opera, Poprism, Web Browser X, or Chromecast. Just search the app store for these apps, download them, and start surfing.
Want to learn more about which internet app is best for you? Let’s look at the exact steps for browsing the internet on your Roku and tips for which web browser you should download.
Can You Browse the Internet on Roku?
People will be happy to know that it is possible to browse the internet on a Roku device (on Amazon). Although the devices do not allow or offer web browser apps, there is a way to cast a browser from other devices such as a smartphone or laptop.
Instead of directly using an application on Roku, you can mirror the content from another external device and view and use the browser that way. This is a great way to use outside services that don’t have an app, like Apollog Group TV.
Roku’s operating system differs significantly from Android’s, however, and the base kernel versions are also distinct. You won’t be able to run Android apps on Roku due to these differences. And it’s worth noting that if you have a RokuTV, this conversation is the same (regardless of the model of Roku TV).
The Best Way To Access The Internet On Roku
Although you can use PCs and laptops for accessing the internet on Roku, the best and easiest way is to use a smartphone. The ease of access to a smartphone allows you to scroll through internet pages as you would when using the phone for internet browsing. But instead, you will see the content on your Roku.
The most effective method is to use Web Video Cast on your smartphone. It only requires a few seconds to set up and is simple to use. Just adhere to these steps:
- Use your phone and search for the app, Web Video Cast in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- To start configuring and connecting your gadgets, install the app.
- Then, you can use the browser in the same way that you would on your phone’s standard online browser.
- Tapping the cast icon at the top of the screen once you’ve located the website you want to peruse on your Roku.
- Pick Roku from the available choices.
- Now, you can watch both the large TV screen and the internet browser on your Roku device.
What Are the Best Web Browsers to Use for Roku?
Should you wish to have the best mirroring experience, you will want to know what web browsers are to use for Roku when browsing the internet.
Here is a list of the top choices.
Web Browser X
This browser is generally the best method to browse the web. The drawback is that using it does have an annual fee.
Simply use the navigation buttons on the remote to cycle through any links on sites when using this browser to navigate through web pages. You can scroll through content using the up and down arrows, which makes for a good user experience.
Of course, the drawback is that you can’t watch videos and you can’t complete online forms with usernames and password fields, so forget about attempting to sign in to social media sites. However, there may be a shift in a few years.
Although it functions fairly well, it might have trouble rendering and formatting sites that are more complicated.
In the US, you can purchase this browser choice for $4.99 per month. That is not to suggest that you won’t be able to get it complimentary in other nations. For instance, it costs $0 in Mexico.
Opera
On Roku devices, Opera offers seamless online browsing. Opera needs a device that can stream connect connected to a Windows computer, just like any other conventional web browser, and can be navigated with a standard keyboard.
Its lightweight design and quick response time to user requests make it one of the finest browsers for Roku. Users can immediately access limitless entertainment content while maintaining the security of their online identity with the aid of a great VPN integration.
Chrome/Screencast
Since neither Chrome nor Screencast web browser options are great and it all feels a little dated to most users, we are forced to come up with creative methods to use Roku to browse the internet until the company releases its own web browser.
The most effective method for streaming on a Roku device is to use screen mirroring. You can then start broadcasting by casting or mirroring your smartphone’s screen.
You can stream video using Roku if you choose to cast other browsers to it. The only drawback to doing this is that it essentially relies on the other device because it needs its assistance in order to cast the screen.
Poprism
Although Poprism is an option, it isn’t the best one. If you want to access only text, it can be brilliant as it only offers text; there are no graphics, CSS, JavaScript, GUIs, or anything else.
You cannot view any GIFs or memes in this browser.
This means that the overwhelming majority of websites cannot be used with this web browser, and text forums, RSS feeds, and other content types that rely heavily on text may be the only ones that can be used with it.
However, you can study the fundamental Google research on this page. You won’t be charged for Poprism, and there isn’t a $4.99 cost like there is for Web Browser X, so at least there’s that.
How to Install a Web Browser on Roku
Roku does not offer the option to install a web browser on the device. It does not support the download of Android apps. That said, if you’re trying to access content from Kodi or Plex or some other online source to sidestep channels and apps, check out our related guide.
It is possible to cast your web browser using a PC, as well as a smartphone. Here’s how to do that.
How to Cast a Web Browser to Your Roku Using a PC
For Chrome devices, simply confirm that your computer and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that Google Chrome is loaded on your computer.
After doing that, launch Google Chrome and look for the website you want to watch. Click the three vertical dotted icons on your browser when you are on the website. The URL bar’s right side is where it is.
Wait for Roku to show up, then pick your Roku device by clicking Cast from the drop-down menu. Your Roku gadget can now be used to access the internet.
You must use either your computer or a smartphone to alter anything on the website that is displayed on your Roku in either scenario.
Or, you can use a Windows device and use the following steps:
- To set up screen mirroring on your Roku, navigate to the system options and choose “always-on” from the drop-down menu.
- Make sure the Roku device and your PC are both linked to the same network.
- On your computer, check the taskbar’s lower right corner for your alerts.
- Pick the option to connect to a Wireless Display from the menu.
- Windows will then examine every device connected to your network.
- Click Connect once the Roku device has been detected.
- Your Roku gadget is currently mirroring your screen.
What Are the Limitations of Internet Browsing on a Roku?
There are a few limitations to be aware of that come from browsing the internet on a Roku, these include:
- Not getting the full experience. Some browsers will result in you lacking the full experience. For instance, using Poprism means you can only access text, and using Web Browser X means you cannot complete online forms.
- No app downloads. Life would be much easier if you could download an internet browser to Roku. However, this option isn’t possible.
How to Troubleshoot
Should you experience issues with your Roku when trying to mirror an internet browser, you might need to follow the troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your router to restart the internet connection (turn it off for at least 30 seconds)
- Restart your Roku (turn it off for at least 30 seconds)
- Switch both back on and try again
If these steps do not successfully troubleshoot the device and resolve the issue, try signing in and out of your account.
