How to Enable Roku Developer Mode and Sideload Apps – Easy Guide 2024

Do you wish to install a couple of interesting third-party apps on your Roku device?

Then it’s time to know how to enable the Roku Developer Mode and Sideload apps.

Perhaps you intend to create your very own Roku channels or find the current line-up of channels a bit intricate; hence you are on the lookout for some good third-party apps to try out.

No matter what be your goal, it will require you to set up the Roku Developer Mode and then Sideload the apps before you can go far.

What’s the Roku Developer mode about?

The Roku developer setup is more or less similar to the one available on Android devices.

It is intended to perform tasks such as testing new apps, running robo-tests and creating multiple channels.

Though, its main purpose it to clear errors within the Roku devices, debug the various apps or channels and improve features so that you can enjoy a smooth experience.

The developer mode allows you to make more interesting apps for Roku that you can try out and then include them on the service.

These are typically apps or channels that are not available on the official Roku channel.

For this, you need to turn on the developer mode on your Roku device and then install the new apps by “sideloading” them onto your device.

Sideloading is the only process that allows users to install unsupported channels on the service.

Before we delve into the essential steps for enabling the developer mode on the Roku device, remember this is something that only knowledgeable developers should attempt.

It is not prudent for you to mess up with the settings or attempt to sideload any third-party apps that may prove to be malicious on the device.

Attempting to sideload apps without accurate coding may crash your Roku device.

How to Enable Developer Mode on the Roku Device?

This is by far one of the more elaborate procedures and requires users to precisely follow the steps.

The following directives are extremely essential to successfully enable as well as access the development environment on your Roku device.

Enable Roku Developer Mode

1. Power On the particular Roku device you’ll be using in this process. Wait tolerantly as it boots up.
2. Now select the exclusive key combination below in the correct order. Use the Roku remote to do it and ensure you follow the sequence accurately.
3. Push the Home key three times, followed by the Up key two times.
4. 2. Push the Right key just once, followed by the Left Key once, as well.
5. 3. Now push the Right key once, followed by the Left key once and lastly, the Right key once.
6. This will open up the developer section of the device. It’s a secret menu that only the ones who know about this can access.
7. You will see a dialogue window appear on the device. Take the time to write down the IP address and username for the Developer setting. After that, tap on the ‘Enable Installer and Restart’ key.
8. Selecting this option will take you to another screen. It will prompt you to confirm SDK License Agreement. Go ahead and tap on ‘I Agree’.
9. Soon after that, you’ll be in the Developer Webserver. Here you have to create a good password and make sure you can’t forget it. It’s crucial that you make sure you have the correct password.
10. Finish off by selecting, Set Password and Reboot. The device will immediately reboot and when it’s back on, you’ll have fruitfully enabled Developer Mode.

Access Developer Mode

Enabling the developer environment setup is one thing.

Accessing it is another.

Follow this step-by-step guide on how you can access the Developer Mode on your Roku device.

• Using a chosen web browser on your smartphone or PC, go to the IP address you had written down earlier.
• Now, type in your Roku account login details.
• After logging in, you’ll come across a window with the Development Application Installer.
• Install it and remember to save the file on your device in a Zip file format. Any zipping software will do at this point.
• Launch the Installer screen and select the Upload button.
• Find the file you saved earlier and let it upload completely. Once it’s done, you’ll see the file name show up right next to the upload button. Now select the install button.
• Go to Roku. You should find the installed channels in the My Channels section.
• Take some time to test each of the newly installed channels.

That’s about it.

You’ve successfully enabled the developer settings on your Roku device.

Final Thoughts

That about wraps up the article on how to enable Roku Developer Mode and sideload apps.

Optimistically, this will help you get to know more about the Roku service as well as improve your understanding of the developer mode setup process.

It’s a complicated and delicate process, hence you are advised to follow it precisely.

FAQs

What can you do with developer mode on Roku?

For starters, it can help you test apps.

This means that if your private app is already installed on Roku, developer mode will let you test your app in its current state before you make any changes.

You can also use the developer mode to access a Roku emulator to run an Android or iOS device through the Roku streaming player.

Without it, you would have to connect your phone or tablet via an MHL adaptor or a USB cable.

Can I sideload apps on Roku?

Yes but the process is a bit complex. Mostly, you must turn on Developer mode to install any channel apps that aren’t supported.