Alright. You’re here to learn how to jailbreak a Roku. But can you even do it? Well, I have bad news for you. Unfortunately, you can’t jailbreak a Roku. However, there are some alternatives to jailbreaking a Roku.
In this guide, we’ll go over some alternatives to jailbreaking Roku streaming devices and a little bit more on why jailbreaking a Roku is not possible.
Table of Contents
Can You Jailbreak A Roku?
No. You cannot jailbreak Roku devices. This includes:
- Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4
- Roku TV
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Roku Box
- Roku Express
- Roku Ultra
- Roku Premiere
You may be asking why. Well, unlike other smart devices, Roku devices are jailbreak proof. They run on a standalone operating system that blocks users from modifying its features and functionality.
In other words, Roku devices cannot be jailbroken because of the limitations set in place by the manufacturer. You’ll see online that many websites say you can jailbreak any Roku device but that is 100% false.
One thing to note is that many people misunderstand what jailbreaking is/does in the first place. In reality, the features they’re looking for are already accessible. If you’re looking to stream pirated movies and TV Shows, you’ll have to try one of the alternatives below.
Alternatives to Jailbreaking A Roku
So you want to learn how to jailbreak a Roku to watch pirated movies but can’t. Don’t get upset just yet. You still have a few options:
- Screen Mirror
- Screen Cast
- Play media stored on your PC through your local network or USB
- Use the Play On Roku feature via the Roku Mobile App
Screen Mirroring
When you want to stream movies and other media from your tablet or phone onto your TV, screening mirroring might be the solution. This feature will “mirror” the screen of your Android or Windows device wirelessly onto your TV. In other words, whatever you see and do on your mobile device appears on your TV. This means you can send web pages, videos, photos, music, and more to your Roku streaming device.
Learn more about Roku screen mirroring
Screen Casting
You can screencast with supported apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more by opening the casting icon on your device and selecting your Roku streaming device. The channel/app will launch automatically on your Roku device and your video will start to play.
In order to use screencasting, the app you’re casting must also be downloaded on the Roku. Also, your Roku streaming device and phone/tablet must be on the same wifi network.
Learn more about how to cast to Roku
Play Media Via Local Network or USB
Another option is to use Roku streaming sticks and boxes to play videos, music, and show photos that are saved on a PC, USB stick or media server via your wireless network.
To accomplish this, check to see if the Roku Media Player App has been pre-installed on your Roku stick or box. If it isn’t, download it from the Roku Channel Store. This app allows you to access your media stored on PC, USB stick or media server. The app is compatible with a number of media server software platforms. Here are a few: PlayOn, Plex, Serviio, Tversity, Twonky, and Windows Meda Player.
Learn more about how to play media via local network or USB on your Roku
Using Play On Roku Feature Via The Roku Mobile App
Another Jailbreak workaround is Play On Roku which works with both Android and iPhone. This feature is quite similar to Screen Mirroring and Screen Casting. It gives you the ability to play videos, music, show photos and more from your smartphone to a Roku TV via the Roku Mobile App. However, it can’t be used with apps such as YouTube, Netflix, or KODI. You can download the Roku Mobile App from your phone’s app store.
Learn more about using Play On Roku
Conclusion
Well, you can’t jailbreak the Roku, The world isn’t over though, you can still screen mirror, cast to your Roku, play media via your local network or USB, or use the Play On Roku feature. Check out those alternatives and you’ll be good to go!