Did you browse the internet on a Roku web browser? Yes! you can install an internet browser on Roku. On the cons, the Roku number on the web browser is limited and lacking in features.
Also, if you want to learn more about the Roku web browser options, along with a method that offers a good web browsing experience, then dive down below!
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Does Roku Have an Internet Browser?
After using your streaming device as a web browser, Roku sticks and set-top boxes are not the best choices.
Besides being around for many years (and rather than many Roku’s main competitors offering internet browsers on their streaming devices). However, there are just two browsers in the Roku Channel Store. None of them developed by Roku itself.
Roku Web Browser in the Channel Store
Officially, the two Roku web browsers are available in the Roku Channel Store are POPRISM Web Browser or Web Browser X.
Web Browser X
The amazing Roku web browser is the Web Browser X. We use the word “amazing ” somewhat loosely. If you’re expecting a smooth and advanced interface, then you’re going to be disappointed. Web Browser X seems like it was built in the early 1990s. However, it’s interface and fonts are quite old fashioned.
Also, it works to render and format highly network pages. Some pre-saved favorites (like CNN, Google News, and ABC News). But also you can visit any site after input the URL. Also, you can add your own frequently visited websites to your list of favorites.
If you want to move to a web page. Simply use the right or left buttons on your remote to cycle through the links on a page. You can then use the up and down arrows to move through the text.
On the cons, the browser can’t play videos. Also, it can’t fill in username fields, web forms, and password fields.
And another word of caution. During the research for this article, I downloaded the app from the Mexican model of the Channel Store. They told me the price was $0.00. But after generated a monthly invoice of $4.99 against my account. The US model of the store also lists the price at $4.99/month. So there is a difference between the national stores.
POPRISM Web Browser
The only other Roku web browse is the POPRISM Web Browser. However, it has many levels worse than Web Browser X.
That’s due to it can read the only text— there are no GUIs, no images, no CSS, no JavaScript, and so on. Whatever website you visit, you’ll just view a mass of unformatted text.
However, the browser is completely useless for the majority of sites. It’s just about acceptable for text forums, RSS feeds, and other content that’s quite text-heavy.
If we talk about the positive side, the POPRISM Roku browser can’t try and scam me out of $4.99. Well, you have got to look for bright spots.
Set Up Screen Mirroring to Browse the Internet on Roku
However, it is also possible to install a Roku web browser, but the fix available is far from ideal.
Also, the best technique is to use screen mirroring and cast a browser directly from your Android or PC directly to your Roku device.
Cast a Web Browser to Roku from Windows
Rather than Roku internet browsers available in the channel store, the only other alternative is to cast a browser from your Android or PC to your Roku using screen mirroring.
If you want to cast a Windows web browser to Roku, follow the instructions below:
Step 1:
At first, check your Roku is executing at least model 7.7 of the operating system by moving to Settings > System > About. If it’s not, head over to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now and allow the process complete.
Step 2:
On Windows, head over to the Action Center by tapping on the required link in the lower right-hand corner of your display screen.
Step 3:
Tap on the Connect tile. If you can’ t view it straight away, you might want to tap on Expand.
Step 4:
Enable Windows to scan for your Roku. The process can take up to 30 seconds.
Step 5:
Tap on the Roku’s name in the list of devices. The connection will also occur automatically.
Step 6:
Head over to your web browser of the option and begin surfing.
If you want to turn off casting, choose Stop Video on your TV screen or press Disconnect on Windows.
Cast a Web Browser to Roku from Mobile
If you want to browse the internet on Roku from your mobile phone or tablet, follow these steps instead:
Step 1:
Head over to your Android’s Settings app.
Step 2:
Then move to Connected Devices > Pair New Devices.
Step 3:
Wait a while for Android to find your Roku streaming stick or set-top box.
Step 4:
Click on the name of your Roku and wait for the connection to start.
Step 5:
Head over to the web browser you like to use on your Roku.
Even Screen Mirroring Has Its Drawbacks
Unfortunately, also casting a browser to Roku has some disadvantages.
Initially, Roku screen mirroring depends on Miracast technology. It means just Android devices or Windows can cast their screens natively. Neither iOS and macOS are compatible with Miracast. It means you want to use a third-party app to get the same result. The best third-party app to cast Mac or iPhone screen to a Roku is AirBeamTV.
Miracast is not a reliable protocol. It opens to lagging, connection hippy, failed pairings, and other problems.
At last, screen mirroring means you want to a) leave the screen executing on the casting device b) use the casting device to control the web browser.
After using the casting device to control the browser probably not a problem after watching a video. But for active browsing, it’s difficult to view what advantage casting would have over just using the main device. Just consider you want to look at the device’s screen to view what you’re doing.
Despite the cons, however, if you really want a full-featured web browser on your Roku device then screens mirroring is the best choice.
Conclusion:
Here’s all about “Roku Web Browsers”. If you want to share any other thing regarding the article then let us know below. For further queries and questions let us know in the comment section below!
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