If you want to learn how to get Freeview channels on Roku TV OS, you have three different paths or options to choose from.
You could use the television set with antenna support so the built-in tuner receives Freeview content. Another methodology would be to use streaming apps and catch-up services to access the same channels online.
Finally, you can choose to build a network-tuner + Plex setup that turns an antenna into network streams that any Roku OS device can play.
Each approach has tradeoffs for simplicity vs features, free vs subscription, local-only vs internet. This guide walks you through every step.
Option 1 — Roku TV with antenna
If you own a television set that runs Roku OS, then you know it usually includes a built-in digital tuner and a coaxial aerial input.
So, when you connect an aerial to the TV and run the Live TV setup, it will scan the broadcast multiplexes. This adds Freeview channels to the built-in guide.
Here is how to get Freeview channels on Roku with this method:
Step 1: Determine if your Roku set is compatible
Before you purchase an aerial or consume time scanning, ensure the Roku in front of you is a Roku TV and not a streaming stick/box.
Here is how to know your set is supported:
- Check model label: Look at the tag on the back of the set. You could also navigate with your remote to Settings > System > About screen. While there, it should say “Roku TV” and show a TV model. If it shows “Roku Express / Streaming Stick / Ultra,” it’s a player, not a TV.
- Look for a coax port: Physically inspect the gadgets’ inputs for a round coaxial socket marked “Aerial”, “ANT IN”, “RF”, or “Coax”. If that is present, that means your set has an antenna input and an internal tuner, plus supports this method on how to get Freeview channels on Roku.
- Confirm country/region: Roku TV sets found outside the UK won’t include Freeview/Freeview Play features. If your Roku OS set was intended for the UK market, it surely includes Freeview support by default.
Step 2: Choose and proceed to connect the right aerial
You need an aerial that suits your distance from the broadcast transmitters and how easy it is to get a rooftop install. Here is a guide to help you decide the right antenna:
- Choose aerial type: We recommend that you use an indoor if you live close to transmitters and want an easy setup. Those far away should stick to the outdoor/roof. This is also the best option if you want the highest reliability and more channels.
- Decide amplified vs passive: If you live far from Freeview transmitters or plan to split the signal obtained from a single antenna to multiple rooms, choose an amplified aerial. You could also go for a masthead amplifier to achieve the same effect and ensure signals do not degrade.
- Connect the aerial to TV: Screw the coax into your Roku RF/ANT IN port. Ensure that you point it in the right direction guided by Freeview map data.
Step 3: Run the Live TV
After antenna setup, you will need to scan/retune. The process should also be repeated after transmitter changes. To do so:
- Start Setup: On the Roku Home screen, go to Settings > TV Inputs > Live TV (or Antenna TV) > Set up input (or “Antenna”).
- Scan for channels: Let the TV scan all multiplexes, this can take several minutes. Don’t interrupt the scan. If the TV prompts to keep found channels, accept. If a channel is missing, retune again and check antenna placement.
Option 2 — How to get Freeview channels on Roku with streaming apps
If you either don’t have an aerial or prefer a purely internet-based setup, you are not left behind. You could watch Freeview channels’ catch-up and many live streams via official broadcaster apps on Roku. Apps, or “Channels” as Roku calls them, such as ITVX, All 4, My5, UKTV Play, and many local aggregator services are available through the official OS Channel Store in the UK.
Step 1: Decide which applications you need
Make a short list of the channels and all the services you want to be watching on your Roku. Once done, proceed to the Roku Channel Store and confirm each app is available for your Roku and region. Most mainstream free channels have apps for Roku. Small broadcasters might not have them.
Step 2: Install the applications and sign in
Once you identify the apps you desire, add them to your Roku and sign in with the broadcaster account. Each app has its own sign-in flow and may ask for a UK postcode.
Grant required permissions to the apps and test live/catch-up playback.
Step 3: Use aggregator apps & Freely
Freely, a free streaming aggregator backed by BBC/ITV/Channel4/Channel5, and some third-party aggregators aim to put live free channels in one guide via the net.
Freely is rolling out on supported Roku TV models and on other platforms. So, check if your Roku TV has a “Freely” entry or if the Freely app is available and add it.
Option 3 — How to get Freeview channels on Roku with Plex + network tuner
If you want to keep the free OTA channels and have full DVR capabilities, multi-room streaming around your house, use a network tuner.
Plex Media Server with a Plex Pass can use that tuner to detect channels, build a program guide, record shows, and stream them to the Plex channel on your Roku.
Step 1: Pick the network tuner & server hardware
Pick a model with enough tuners for your needs. You’ll also need a PC/NAS or small server to run Plex Media Server. It could be Windows, macOS, Linux, Synology/QNAP, and then storage for recorded shows.
Here are the details:
- Choose tuner model: For simple setups, an HDHomeRun CONNECT or FLEX works. If you want ATSC 3.0 future-proofing, check HDHomeRun specs and community notes on codec support.
- Select a Plex server host: A low-power PC, Intel/NVidia based NAS, or an always-on desktop is fine. For multiple simultaneous streams and transcoding, you’ll want a modern CPU.
- Get storage: Use a dedicated internal or network drive (NAS) sized for the number and quality of recordings.
Step 2: Connect the antenna to the network tuner and your router
The next step on how to get Freeview channels on Roku with Plex is to plug your aerial coax into the HDHomeRun’s antenna port. You should then connect the HDHomeRun to your router via Ethernet. We prefer wired for reliability.
Power it up. The tuner should now appear on your network. It is now able to broadcast the tuners as streams that the Plex server software can use.
Step 3: Install and configure your Plex Media Server
Install Plex Media Server on your chosen machine and OS. Sign in to your Plex account or create one. Once in, enable Live TV & DVR. feature.
You must have a valid Plex Pass to enable this feature. So, head over to their official site and purchase it.
Once you have it, here is how to get Freeview channels on Roku with Plex by adding the HDHomeRun as a tuner:
- Add tuner in Plex: In your server program, navigate to Settings > Live TV & DVR and look for Set up a new tuner. The software should be able to detect the HDHomeRun on your LAN automatically.
- Import EPG: Follow the in-built wizard to scan and import the channel guide (EPG). Plex supports guide data for many countries automatically; if unavailable, you can import XMLTV.
- Choose storage and paths: Tell your server where you want it save your recordings and organize or create your library folders. Ensure that the server gets all the necessary permissions to write to that path or drive.
Step 4: Install Plex on any Roku OS gadget
Finally, install the Plex channel on each Roku device from the Roku Channel Store. It is not a must that you have a Roku TV for this; any Roku gadget, be it a box or stick, will surface.
Once installation is over, sign in to your Plex account and browse Live TV / Guide. Here, you can watch live, schedule recordings, and play recorded shows from the Plex library.
If you don’t want to buy Plex Pass, you can use the following free methods on how to get Freeview channels on Roku:
- HDHomeRun app on Roku: Silicondust provides its own Roku app to watch live TV and record if you use their DVR subscription or local storage. The app experience is more basic than Plex for library features.
- Channels DVR / Tablo / NextPVR / Emby: These are other DVR solutions that integrate with network tuners and have their own Roku apps or client options. Each has different pricing and strengths. For instance, Channels DVR is well-regarded for DVR features, Tablo is hardware plus app, Emby is similar to Plex with its own paid features.