You just unboxed a new Roku or maybe you’ve had one for years and it’s basically part of the furniture now. You see the grid of purple and white. Netflix is there. YouTube is there. But honestly, most people barely scratch the surface of what apps on the Roku actually do in 2026.
It's not just a Netflix box.
Roku has quietly turned into this massive ecosystem with over 30,000 "channels"—which is just their fancy word for apps. Some of them are incredible, and others are, frankly, just clutter. If you're only clicking on the big four streaming icons, you’re leaving about 90% of your device's power on the table.
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The Secret World of Free Apps on the Roku
Let's talk money. Or rather, not spending it.
The biggest trend in 2026 is FAST—Free Ad-supported Streaming TV. You've probably noticed The Roku Channel has been getting a massive push lately. It actually captured 2.8% of all US TV viewing according to Nielsen data from late 2025, which is wild when you realize it beat out some paid platforms.
But don't stop there.
Tubi and Pluto TV are the heavy hitters. If you haven't checked them lately, they’ve moved way past "weird old movies nobody wants to watch." You’ll find things like The Bear or live local news from almost every major city.
Then there are the niche freebies. Have you tried NewsON? It's basically a portal to 200+ local news stations across the US. If you moved away from home and want to see the local weather or news from back in your hometown, it’s a lifesaver. No cable login required. Just open it and watch.
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Why the "Secret" Menus Matter
Most people just use the remote to scroll. Boring.
There are actually hidden "Secret Screens" that can fix your streaming issues when your Wi-Fi is acting up. If your app is stuttering, try this sequence: Press Home five times, then Up, Down, Up, Down, Up. It brings up a wireless signal screen that shows you exactly how much "glitch" your connection is hitting.
It’s way more useful than just staring at a loading circle.
The 2026 Tech Upgrade: AI and OS 15
Roku isn't just sitting still while Google TV and Apple TV get smarter. The rollout of Roku OS 15.0 has changed how the apps actually feel.
They finally leaned into AI.
Now, when you use the voice remote, you can actually have a conversation. Instead of just saying "Action movies," you can ask, "What was that movie where the guy is stuck on Mars?" and it’ll pull up the right app to watch it. It’s significantly faster than it was even a year ago.
New features you should actually use:
- What to Watch: This is a dedicated hub on your home screen that pulls in recommendations from all your apps. It stops the endless "scrolling for 20 minutes before picking a show" problem.
- Photo Streams: You can now link Google Photos directly. Your TV basically becomes a giant digital frame when you aren't watching anything.
- Backstage: This is a newer feature that gives you behind-the-scenes info on what you’re currently watching, similar to Amazon’s X-Ray but across multiple apps.
Gaming and Utility: More Than Just Video
Did you know you can play Tetris or Pac-Man 256 on your Roku?
Most people don't. While it's not a PlayStation 5, the gaming apps are great for kids or just killing ten minutes. They’ve also added a lot of "lifestyle" apps. FitOn is probably the best fitness app on the platform—it’s free, has high-quality workouts, and doesn't require a gym membership.
If you're a student or a geek, TED and NASA TV are essential. Watching a live rocket launch on a 65-inch screen is a lot cooler than watching it on your phone.
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How to Keep Your Home Screen From Becoming a Mess
Installing apps is easy. Go to the "Streaming Store" on your sidebar, find an app, and hit "Add App."
The problem is that after a month, your home screen looks like a digital junk drawer.
Pro-tip: You can move apps. Highlight an app, press the Star (*) button on your remote, and select "Move App." Put your top five at the very top. If you haven't opened an app in three months? Delete it. It clears up cache and keeps the interface snappy.
If you find an app you like on the web, you can actually add it via the Roku Mobile App or the website at channelstore.roku.com. It won't show up instantly—the device usually checks for new downloads every 24 hours—but you can force it by going to Settings > System > System Update.
Realities of "Hidden" Channels and Sideloading
You might hear people talk about "Private Channels" or "Non-Certified" apps.
Be careful here. Roku officially shut down the old private channel system a few years back to stop piracy. Now, if you want to "sideload" an app, you have to use Developer Mode.
To turn it on, you press: Home (3x), Up (2x), Right, Left, Right, Left, Right.
This isn't for everyone. It’s mostly for people who want to test their own code or use specific media servers. For 99% of people, the official store has more than enough.
Making the Most of It
To really get the best experience out of your Roku apps, start by cleaning house. Delete the "bloatware" that came pre-installed. Then, go into the "Sports Zone" if you’re a fan—Roku added a feature where you can "Favorite" teams, and it’ll automatically create a row on your home screen showing you which app is currently broadcasting their game.
Your immediate next steps:
- Check for the OS 15.0 update in your settings to ensure you have the new AI search features.
- Download The Roku Channel and Tubi if you want high-quality free content without a credit card.
- Use the Star (*) button to organize your top 6 apps so they are the first thing you see.
- Set up Photo Streams via the mobile app to turn your TV into a piece of art when it's idle.