We all know that Roku supports Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms. In addition to that, you can also get to stream local channels on your Roku devices. With local channels, you will know what is happening around you and the trending news in your local area. Most international apps won’t cover the local content to a greater extent. If you want to know all the local happenings, this guide is specifically for you.
Ways to Watch Local Channels on Roku
- Local Streaming Apps
- Live TV Apps
- Private Channels
- OTA Antenna
- Third-Party Apps
- Screen Mirror to Roku
How to Get Local Channels on Roku using Official Local TV Channels
You can stream local channels on Roku using official local TV channels. There are over 100+ local channels to stream local news and weather. Some free local TV channels include News 12, Boston 25, WBRC FOX 6 News, Newsy, Pluto TV, Local TV, etc.
(1) On your Roku device, go to the Streaming Channels section.
(2) Roku Channel Store will appear. Click the Search Channels option.
(3) Search for the app, News 12 app.
(4) Select the News 12 app on the search results and click the Add channel button.
(5) Open the News 12 app.
How to Get Local Channels on Roku using Third-Party Apps
If you can’t find a local TV channel on your Roku device, you can use third-party apps like NewsON and Haystack TV. Using these channels, you can stream local news and weather reports live. Haystack TV offers 150+ local TV channels that, includes CBS Los Angeles KCAL, NBC Nebraska, and more. Another similar app is NewsON, with over 170+ local TV channels across the US for free, which includes ABC, Raycom Media, Cox Media Group, etc.
How to Stream Local Channels on Roku using Live TV Apps
Live TV streaming apps like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, CBS, fuboTV, and Sling TV offer many local TV channels based on your zip code. You need to get a subscription from any one of these live TV streaming platforms to watch the local channels. While creating a profile, it will ask for your zip code. With the zip code, you will get local channels.
Most of the live TV apps are available on the Roku Channel Store. You can install the app by using the same steps mentioned above.
How to Watch Local Channels on Roku using Private Channels
Apart from Roku Channel Store, you can add private channels on Roku. With the specific app code, you can install apps on Roku. All you need is to enter the correct app code. This way, you can add a lot of local channels to your device.
To add a private channel, you must sign in with your Roku account on your PC or smartphone. You can’t add private channels right from your Roku device.
How to Watch Local Channels on Roku Using OTA Antenna
If you have a cable TV connection, you can connect your OTA antenna to your Roku device. But none of the Roku streaming devices has a compatible port for the OTA antenna. If you are a Roku TV user, you can plug the OTA antenna into the compatible port and watch all the channels from your cable TV provider. Among all the methods, this is the most cost-effective method. You don’t have to pay for any subscription. All you need is your cable TV connection.
Note: If you are a Firestick user, you can also learn to get local channels on Firestick.
How to Screen Mirror Local Channels to Roku
As you can browse the internet on Roku devices, you can browse the local channels using your smartphone or PC and screen mirror it to Roku. It is the best way to stream all your favorite local channels on your Roku-connected device without installing the application. To mirror local channels, you have to make some changes to your device. To do that, go to Settings > Select Screen Mirroring > Enable Screen Mirroring > Tap Always Allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can get local channels for free using apps like Newsy, Pluto TV, etc. If you prefer to stream local channels on Roku using YouTube TV, fuboTV, or Hulu, the subscription may vary as per their features.