Does Roku Have a Web Browser? How to Browse the Internet on Roku?

2023-01-06 | June

Tip: In today’s article, we will have an in-depth look at all the options with which you can browse the internet on Roku.

When it comes to streaming entertaining media content, Roku tops the list of many streamers.

But does it include a built-in browser to surf movies, shows, and other content online?

In today’s article, we will have an in-depth look at all the options with which you can browse the internet on Roku.

Does Roku Have a Web Browser?

For all those wondering if Roku has its own web browser, it doesn’t. Unfortunately, Roku has not yet developed its native web browser.

Yes, we know- despite countless channels in the Roku Channel Store and an impressive user interface, Roku just didn’t feel the need to have its own web browser. Even after waiting for quite some time, we don’t really see Roku having its built-in web browser anytime soon in the future either.

But, this does not mean you can’t get your desired work done without having a web browser on Roku.

One way to visit your desired platform or website is through the official apps from the Roku Channel Store. You can find tons of dedicated apps for your favorite social media platforms, OTT streaming services, and other apps you might want to use on Roku.

Another way of using a web browser on Roku is casting a web browser from another device. But how?

Continue reading below as we tell you how you can easily cast a web browser from numerous devices onto your Roku device.

Also read: What Does go.roku.com/lowpower Mean and How to Resolve It?

How to Screencast a Web Browser from Numerous Devices?

Screencasting from a device basically means sharing content from the screen of one device on another device. So, luckily, to use a web browser on your Roku streaming device, you can easily screen share/ screencast a web browser from multiple devices.

Roku devices have a built-in Miracast feature, which lets users cast and mirror any desired content to various other devices. This is one of the most commonly-used sharing methods and is pretty straightforward to use.

First and foremost, you will need to enable the Miracast feature on your Roku device before you can start mirror casting or mirror sharing from other devices.

Here’s how to enable the Miracast feature on your Roku device:

Switch on your Roku device
From the Home Screen, open Settings
Click on System
Select Screen Mirroring
Click on the Screen Mirroring mode
Select Always Allow

That’s it- you’ve finally configured Miracast on your Roku device. Now, you’re all set to start using a web browser on your Roku from any other device you might own.

Screencast Web Browser from Android to Roku

You can easily screencast the web browser from any Android device you might have with you or lying at your home. You can use a smartphone, a tablet, or any other Android device.

Using an Android for surfing the internet on Roku is one of the most flexible ways. This is because of the wide range of browsers that are available for Android users to choose from.

After you have enabled Miracast on your Roku device, just follow the steps we have listed below, and then you are all set to browse the internet on your Roku with an Android:

Head over to the control/notification center on your Android device
Select Smart View/Smart Share (or similar icon)
Select your Roku device, and then wait for the device to be connected

That’s it. When you switch on your Roku, you can easily select any web browser on your Android and start surfing the internet. All shows and movies you will see on your Android device will be displayed on your Roku.

Screencast Web Browser from Windows to Roku

You can also screencast from your Windows PC or laptop. So, if you have a Windows lying around, grab hold of it, and follow these steps mentioned below to surf the internet on your Roku:

Open the Notification icon from the Taskbar
Select Project or Connect
Click on Expand
Choose either Duplicate or Extend from the options
Select the Roku device on the next screen

After the successful connection, you can open any web browser on your Windows PC or laptop and start surfing the internet.

Also read: A Complete Guide about How to Watch Porn on Roku TV

Screencast Web Browser from Airplay to Roku

iOS devices have their own built-in mirror casting feature known as Airplay. Luckily, with the latest Roku update, Roku devices are now fully compatible with Apple Airplay. You can easily mirror cast or mirror share all contents from your iOS devices onto your Roku device.

So, be it your iPhone or iPad… you can easily surf the internet on your Roku with these devices with only a few simple steps!

For this, you can use Apple’s own browser, Safari, or any other web browser you can download from the App Store- the choice is yours!

First and foremost, you will have to activate and enable Apple Airplay on your Roku device. Here’s how to do it:

From the Settings tab, click on Apple Airplay and Homekit tile
Turn ON Airplay

Airplay is now successfully enabled on your Roku device. Here’s how to connect both devices so that you can use screencast from your Apple device onto your Roku device:

Switch on your Apple device
From the control center, click on Screen Mirroring
Click on the Airplay-enabled Roku device
Enter the code on your Apple device that is being displayed on your Roku TV

That’s it! You can now search the web from your Apple device.

Why Can’t I Screencast/Screen Share on My Roku Device?

Are you facing problems with screencasting from the devices we mentioned above onto your Roku device? Fret not.

Here are some of the most common issues that arise with screencasting on Roku devices, as well as how you can quickly fix them:

Compatibility Issues

You must make sure your Roku device supports screen mirroring. Almost all Roku devices that have been released after 2017 support this feature, except for Roku Express(model 3700) and Roku Express+(model 3710).

Outdated Software

If you are using outdated software on your Roku, you might face issues with mirror casting. In this case, you must ensure that both devices work on the latest operating software.

To check for any new system updates on your Roku device, simply navigate to Settings, and open System. Click on System Update, and then Check Now.

Internet Connectivity Issues

It is important to note that both devices must be connected to the same internet connection to avoid any issues. You must also ensure your device is connected to a working WiFi connection with stable signals.

At this point, you must clearly understand how to screencast a web browser from different devices. Alternatively, you can install any third-party web browser, such as Chrome, Opera, Firefox, or Safari, to surf the internet on your Roku device.

Conclusion

The unavailability of a built-in browser is one of the downsides of having a Roku device. But that doesn’t mean you let go of all your favorite shows and movies just because Roku doesn’t have an in-built browser. As discussed above, you can screencast a web browser from your device or simply install any third-party browser to surf the internet.

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