If you own a Roku device, there are probably a bunch of features that you're not yet using. However, these are great ways to get more from your Roku. Do you want to learn how to use the Roku TV alarm clock or add a custom Roku screensaver? Then keep reading, as these are some of the best Roku features you should check out. Of course, keep in mind that these features may vary depending on the model of your Roku.

1. Use Your Phone as a Remote

While the Roku remote functions well, you unlock extra features and convenience when you use your phone or tablet as a remote. For example, if you hate entering passwords or search terms, using your phone is much easier than using the remote control. The Roku app offers a jazzed-up version of the physical remote, plus voice controls, a keyboard, and more.

Not only do you get the latest remote and search features even if your Roku is a more basic model, but you also always have your remote nearby since you probably already have your phone on you.

The Roku app also mirrors your personalized home features, such as your continue watching and universal save list.

Download: The Roku App for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Create or Choose Your Own Roku Screensaver

Roku devices come with a few native screensavers, but if you don’t find them inspiring, you have other options. You can either download a new screensaver from the Channel Store or create your own.

How to Download a Screensaver on Roku

The Roku Theme Store has theme packs, screensavers, and wallpapers you can download. Whether you want a more functional screensaver like a clock or one that suits your aesthetics, you may find something you prefer over the standard.

To select one, go to Settings > Screensaver > Change Screensaver, and make your choice. Of course, you can also download new screensavers from the Channel Store. You can also access the Channel Store from your Roku device and via the web. On your Roku device, go to Streaming Channels > Screensavers to see what's available.

How to Create Your Own Roku Screensaver

You can also make your own custom Roku screensaver using the photos on your smartphone.

To add photos to your Roku screensaver, you need to download the Roku app for your Android or iOS device. Within the app, go to Media > Screensaver > Get Started. You can choose up to 20 images at a time, with up to 1,000 photos in each stream. You also need to set the display style and speed.

3. Use Roku's Private Listening Feature

Roku devices can be addictive. A Netflix subscription is even more addictive. Put the two together, and you've got a recipe for all-night binges. But too much binging can damage your health, and if you live with other people, they probably won't appreciate being woken up at 4 a.m. by the sound of the TV blaring out loud.

Similarly, if your kids love binge-watching SpongeBob SquarePants on repeat, you might grow fed up with hearing the same jokes on a never-ending loop. The solution is private listening. One of the best tips to make the most out of the Roku app is to use how you can listen to your shows or movies privately with your headphones.

To activate voice search from within the Roku app, press the microphone icon and hold it down for around one second. This will launch the voice search screen, which has a larger version of the microphone, and the app will use voice recognition software to search based on what you say next.

Some Roku devices also offer voice search from the remote control device. If your Roku offers this feature, you will see a voice search icon; press and hold, then speak to initiate a search.

5. How to Pause Live TV on Roku

Live TV Pause is only available if you have a Roku TV (i.e., a smart TV with a built-in Roku operating system). And even if you have a Roku TV, it's only available if you have connected an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to your set (which you should, as you'll be amazed at the content you can receive for free through an aerial). Lastly, you need to connect a USB storage stick with at least 16GB of space to your TV.

Live TV Pause uses the memory on the stick to save the footage. Assuming your setup meets those three criteria, the feature will be available. You can pause live TV for up to 90 minutes, which is plenty of time to make a cup of coffee or pop into the bathroom.

6. Use Roku's Hotel and Dorm Connect Feature

You've always been able to throw your Roku Streaming Stick into your luggage whenever you're leaving home for a few days. And doing so will put all your content at your fingertips wherever you are in the world. But there was always a problem: using Wi-Fi networks that required you to sign in to the network via a web browser. You know the type, you see them a lot in hotels and office buildings.

Well, if your Roku is running Roku OS 7.0 or higher, you need to check out the Hotel and Dorm Connect feature. It lets you sign into browser-based Wi-Fi networks in seconds. Just make sure you select I am at a hotel or college dorm when you connect to the network. For detailed instructions, visit Roku’s support page.

7. How to Set an Alarm on Your Roku

Although alarm clocks are not a native Roku feature, there are a couple of ways you can make your TV turn on and start streaming a channel of your choice at a specific time.

The most straightforward way to make a Roku alarm is to schedule a custom routine on the Google Home app. Just open the app, go to Routines > Add a Routine, and follow the on-screen instructions. Note that not all Roku apps support Google Home routines. Of the ones that do, many are live-streaming channels such as Newsy and CBS News.

You can also try the Roku-Stream-Alarm Github project. You can use it to set up a task scheduler or crontab to send a PowerShell script or curl request to your Roku at any time. To use the tool, you will need some programming knowledge and will need to enable the Developer Mode on your Roku device.

8. Tune Into The Roku Channel

There is no shortage of high-quality video-on-demand apps. Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, Disney+—the list goes on and on. Most streaming apps share one thing in common: they cost money. The same is true for almost all of the big-name services.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Stretch your entertainment budget further by watching The Roku Channel. If you don't know what The Roku Channel is, you're missing out on one of the best free streaming services. This is Roku's official channel, and it provides hundreds of TV shows and movies for free. You can find it on all Roku devices and smart TVs or watch it online even if you don't own a Roku device.

9. Enable Consumer Electronics Control (CEC)

Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) is part of the HDMI standard. It can sync volume between devices, coordinate separate audio and video inputs, and allow one remote to control all of your devices.

Roku utilizes CEC's one-touch play feature. If enabled, your TV will jump to the Roku's input port as soon as you press the power button on your Roku remote. It removes the need to use your TV remote if you want to jump from regular cable programming to Netflix, for example.

To turn on the feature, go to Settings > System > Control Other Devices > 1-Touch Play and mark the checkbox.

10. Use the Lost Remote Finder

Remotes have a way of wandering off and hiding. If you can’t find your remote, you can always use your phone as a remote, or you can use the lost remote finder feature if your device supports it. Some devices that support this feature include Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar Pro, or Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.

Becoming a Roku Power User

In addition to these tips, learning your way around the Roku channel, home screen, and associated app allows you to integrate the streaming channels you use and discover new content.