I have wondered how you can enhance your entertainment experience without burning a hole in your pocket. Enter Freeview. Freeview is a digital terrestrial television platform in the United Kingdom for those unfamiliar with it. It provides access to numerous free-to-air TV and radio stations, making it famous among viewers.
However, you might wonder, “How do I watch Freeview on Roku?” This guide is your comprehensive walkthrough of the world of Freeview on Roku. Let’s explore more about this service, how you can set it up, and how it can transform your leisure time into something more entertaining.
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How to Stream Freeview on Roku
Despite the unavailability of a dedicated Freeview app on Roku, you can still enjoy Freeview channels through the TVPlayer app. It’s a free Roku channel that provides live TV from over 75 tracks, including those from Freeview.
To stream Freeview on Roku using TVPlayer, follow these steps:
- From the Roku home screen, navigate to the “Freeview Play” section.
- Search for “Freeview Play.”
- Click on “Add Channel” and wait for the installation to complete.
- Launch Freeview Play and browse for Freeview channels. These channels include BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Five.
Alternative Method: How to Watch Freeview on Roku By Screen Mirroring
One method to watch Freeview on Roku when a dedicated app isn’t available is by using a technique known as screen mirroring. Screen mirroring replicates your device’s Screen onto your TV, providing an avenue to watch content from apps not directly supported on Roku.
To use this method, you’ll need an Android smartphone, an iOS device, or a Windows PC with the Freeview app installed. Here are the detailed steps to screen mirror Freeview to Roku from these devices:
Screen Mirror Freeview to Roku From Android Devices:
Screen mirroring from an Android device to Roku can be an effective workaround to stream Freeview channels if you don’t have access to the TVPlayer app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Check Your Network: Ensure your Android device and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Screen mirroring won’t work if they’re on different networks.
- Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku: On your Roku device, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Screen Mirroring.’ Make sure Screen Mirroring is set to ‘Prompt’ or ‘Always allow.’
- Open Screen Mirroring on Android: On your Android device, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade. This may vary slightly based on your Android version and device manufacturer. Look for the “Cast,” “Smart View,” or “Screen Mirroring” button, and tap on it.
- Select Your Roku Device: Your Android device will search for available devices. From the list of devices that appear, select your Roku device. You may see a prompt on your Roku device asking permission to allow screen mirroring. Select ‘Allow.’
- Open Freeview: Now, open the Freeview app on your Android device. The Screen of your Android device and the audio will be mirrored on your Roku device, allowing you to watch Freeview channels on your TV.
Screen Mirror Freeview to Roku From iOS Devices:
Screen mirroring from an iOS device to a Roku device requires a bit of a workaround, as Apple’s proprietary system doesn’t natively support Screen mirroring to Roku. However, this can be accomplished with the help of third-party applications, such as the “Mirror for Roku” app. Here’s how to do it:
- Download Mirror for Roku: Download the Mirror for Roku app from the App Store onto your iPhone or iPad.
- Ensure Devices are on the Same Network: Connect your iOS device and Roku device to the same Wi-Fi network. Screen mirroring will not work if the devices are on different networks.
- Launch the App and Select Your Roku Device: Launch it Once it is installed. It will automatically start searching for Roku devices on your network. Select your Roku device from the list.
- Install the Channel on Roku: You will be prompted to install the Mirror for Roku channel on your Roku device. Follow the instructions on the Screen to install this channel.
- Mirror Your iOS Device: After installing the channel, return to the app on your iOS device, and tap ‘Start Mirroring.’ Then select ‘Mirror for Roku’ and tap ‘Start Broadcast.’ Your iOS device’s Screen will now be mirrored on your Roku device.
- Open Freeview: Now, open the Freeview app on your iOS device. The content from the Freeview app will be mirrored on your TV through the Roku device.
Remember, apps like Mirror for Roku may have a slight delay, and video quality can depend on the strength and speed of your Wi-Fi network. This method should allow you to enjoy Freeview content directly from your iOS device on your Roku device.
Screen Mirror Freeview to Roku From Windows PC:
Screen mirroring Freeview from a Windows PC to Roku is a handy way to enjoy your favorite Freeview content on a bigger screen. Windows PCs have a built-in feature that allows you to cast your Screen to a Roku device. Here are the steps:
- Visit the Freeview Official website from your PC.
- Ensure Devices are on the Same Network: Ensure your Windows PC and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku: Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Screen Mirroring’ on your Roku device. Ensure Screen Mirroring is set to ‘Prompt’ or ‘Always allow.’
- Access Screen Mirroring on Your PC: On your PC, go to “Settings,” then “System,” and choose “Display.” Scroll down and click on “Connect to a wireless display.” This will open the ‘Project’ menu on the right side of your Screen.
- Connect to Roku: A list of devices available for Screen mirroring will appear. Select your Roku device from the list. A prompt may appear on your Roku screen asking permission to allow screen mirroring. Select ‘Allow.’
- Open Freeview on Your PC: Finally, navigate to the Freeview website or launch the Freeview app on your Windows PC. The content should now be mirrored on your TV screen via your Roku device.
Alternatives to Freeview on Roku:
Suppose you find streaming Freeview on Roku tedious or in a region where Freeview isn’t available. In that case, several alternative channels on Roku offer a similar selection of content. Here are some of the most notable:
- Now TV: This subscription-based service offers live TV, on-demand content, and box sets from Sky channels. You can watch movies, sports, and shows without a contract.
- Sky News: This channel provides free access to 24/7 live news coverage. While primarily a news channel, Sky News also offers documentaries and other special programming.
- BBC iPlayer: This free service allows you to catch up with BBC television programming. It provides various content, including news, sports, films, and popular shows.
- ITV Hub: This service offers free access to ITV’s family of channels. With the ITV Hub, you can stream live television and catch up on missed shows.
- All 4: This is Channel 4’s on-demand service. It’s free and has an extensive catalog of TV shows, films, and exclusives.
- My5: This service provides on-demand content from Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, and Spike.
- UKTV Play: This on-demand service offers programs from UKTV channels such as Dave, Really, Yesterday, and Drama.
While each channel provides different content, they all offer a combination of free and premium programming, much like Freeview. With these alternatives, you should be able to find similar content to what’s available on Freeview directly on your Roku device.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there isn’t a dedicated Freeview app available on Roku, several workarounds allow users to stream Freeview content. Screen mirroring from an Android device or Windows PC is one of the most effective solutions. iOS users will need a third-party app, such as Mirror for Roku, to make it possible.
It’s important to note that while these solutions are effective, they depend on the strength and speed of your Wi-Fi network and may not provide the same seamless experience as a dedicated Roku app.
Alternatively, services like Now TV, Sky News, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, and UKTV Play offer a vast range of content, some similar to what’s available on Freeview.
Despite the initial hurdles, Roku users still have many options for accessing high-quality content. It’s a matter of picking the solution that works best for you. So whether you’re a live TV, catch-up TV, movies, or particular programming fan, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies on your Roku device.
