How to Watch Twitch on Your Roku Device: The Complete 2024 Guide

Affiliate Disclaimer: SmartTVs is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
Jason

Written by Jason Lin

Watch Twitch On Roku

Looking to watch your favorite Twitch streams on the big screen? Despite Twitch removing their official Roku channel years ago, there are still several great options to access Twitch on Roku.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from re-adding the old Twitch app to using third party channels and screen mirroring. Let’s dive in!

Overview: Why Twitch Isn’t Officially on Roku

Back in 2019, Twitch abruptly removed their official channel from the Roku store. This came as a disappointment to many Roku owners who used the channel to watch streams on their television.

The exact reasons are unclear, but it likely relates to competition between Roku and Amazon, who owns Twitch. Amazon wants Fire TV to be the preferred way to watch Twitch, while Roku doesn’t want to promote a competitor’s streaming service.

Fortunately, where there’s a will there’s a way. With a bit of effort, Roku users can still access Twitch using the methods below:

  • Re-install the old Twitch channel
  • Add unofficial third party channels
  • Screen mirror from a phone or computer

So while not as seamless as before, watching Twitch on Roku is still very possible in 2024. You can also watch other great streaming services on Roku, like YouTube, Vimeo, ESPN, and more. Let’s look at how to get Twitch working too.

Method 1: Re-install the Official Twitch Channel

If you previously installed the Twitch channel prior to it being removed, you can still re-add and use it. Roku simply hides it from new users.

Here’s how to get back the official Twitch app:

  1. On a web browser, visit my.roku.com and log into your Roku account
Roku Re Install The Official Twitch Channel 1
  1. Click “Add Channel with a Code”
Roku Re Install The Official Twitch Channel 2
  1. Enter the code: twitchtv
  2. Click Add Channel
Roku Re Install The Official Twitch Channel 3
  1. Accept the warning message and confirm adding the channel
Roku Re Install The Official Twitch Channel 4
Roku Re Install The Official Twitch Channel 5
  1. On your Roku device, go to Settings > System Update > Check Now to trigger a refresh
Roku Tv Check Now
  1. Wait for an update to complete, then look for the Twitch icon on your home screen!

This will re-install the last iteration of the official Twitch channel that Roku had on its platform.

Key Benefit: It’s the official app with full capabilities.

Downside: As Roku warned, the app is no longer supported or updated. So expect a dated interface and potentially buggy performance.

But for simply watching streams, it still gets the job done! You can use similar methods to watch MeTV on Roku or watch FS1 on your Roku device.

Method 2: Install Third Party Twitch Channels

If you’ve never installed Twitch before on your Roku, the above method won’t work. But fear not! There are unofficial third party Twitch channels you can add instead.

The most popular is called Twoku. Here’s how to get it:

  1. On a browser, visit my.roku.com and log into your account
  2. Click “Add Channel with a Code”
  3. Enter the code: C6ZVZD or TWOKU
  4. Click Add Channel
Roku Install Third Party Twitch Channels 1
  1. Accept the warning message and confirm adding the channel
Roku Install Third Party Twitch Channels 2
  1. On your Roku device, go to Settings > System Update > Check Now to trigger a refresh
  2. Wait for an update to complete, then find the Twoku icon on your home screen

Key Benefit: It’s a quick, easy way to enable Twitch streaming on any Roku device.

Downsides: Twoku is not an official Roku channel, so it lacks some features and polish. Performance can be buggy. And Roku could technically ban the app in the future if they crack down on unofficial channels.

But for most users’ needs, it provides a solid Twitch streaming experience on Roku. This also works for adding TikTok, NBA, MotoGP, and other channels Roku doesn’t officially support.

There are a couple other unofficial Twitch apps like TwitchTV that work the same way using channel access codes. But we’ve found Twoku to be the most reliable.

Method 3: Screen Mirror Twitch onto Your Roku

The final option is to “cast” the Twitch mobile app from your smartphone or tablet directly onto your Roku. This uses screen mirroring technology to project and sync up another device’s display.

Roku has integrated screen mirroring protocols that allow seamless streaming from iOS and Android devices.

Here’s how to set it up:

From an iPhone or iPad:

  1. Make sure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network
  2. Open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring
  3. Select your Roku device to initiate pairing
  4. Allow the prompt enabling screen mirror permissions
  5. On your iOS device, open the Twitch app and start a stream
  6. The broadcast will now display on your TV screen!
Mirror Your Iphone Screen On Your Roku

From an Android device:

  1. Connect both devices to the same WiFi
  2. Open your Android’s quick settings and tap Smart View or Cast
  3. Choose your Roku model to initiate pairing
  4. Allow the prompt to permit screen casting
  5. Open the Twitch app and select a stream
  6. The broadcast will now display on your Roku!
Cast Via Roku Streaming Stick

This works seamlessly and delivers lag-free streaming. Just note that it does drain your phone/tablet’s battery faster to maintain the constant video feed.

Key Benefit: Easy wireless streaming without any app installation needed.

Downside: You must keep another device powered on and actively streaming. Some connection issues may still occur.

But it’s a fast way to get Twitch working without restrictions.

Fixing Twitch Streaming Issues on Roku

Despite Roku making it difficult to directly access Twitch these days, workarounds exist to make it happen. But sometimes technical issues interfere with ideal streaming.

Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Can’t discover or pair Roku for screen mirroring?

  • Ensure WiFi is enabled on both devices and connected to the same network.
  • Reboot the Roku box and restart mirroring discovery.
  • Check for AirPlay/Smart View toggling issues on the streaming device.
  • Make sure screen mirroring is enabled in Roku settings.

Unofficial channel not working properly?

  • Try uninstalling and re-adding the channel code.
  • Check for channel updates on the device.
  • Monitor Roku forums for status updates.

Connections dropping or stuttering?

  • Reboot the Roku to refresh system processes.
  • Disconnect/reconnect paired devices and ensure strong WiFi signals (or use ethernet if possible for more stability).
  • Lower Twitch stream quality settings if internet bandwidth is constrained.

In most cases, refreshing linked devices, toggling Bluetooth/WiFi, or trying alternate network ports resolves temporary software glitches.

Key Takeaways

To recap the top pointers for watching Twitch on your Roku box:

  • Re-install the old official app with a special access code
  • Use third party channels like Twoku if you’ve never added Twitch before
  • Cast Twitch streams from your mobile device using screen mirroring
  • Adjust quality and troubleshoot connectivity issues
  • While hacked together, Twitch can work very well on Roku devices

No single method is perfect or guaranteed if Roku further restricts things. But combining the techniques above offers reliable Twitch streaming in 2024 and beyond!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about accessing Twitch on Roku:

Is Twitch ever coming back officially to Roku?

Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely. Twitch is owned by Amazon, a competitor to Roku, so neither company seems interested in collaboration. Roku has also been cracking down on many unofficial streaming channels, further dimming hopes.

What are the best Roku devices for watching Twitch?

For the most stable Twitch streaming, we recommend Roku Ultra, Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, or newer Roku Express 4K+ models. Their higher processing power and memory improve mirroring reliability. Upgrade routers to WiFi 6 models to also strengthen connections.

Why was the Twitch app removed from Roku originally?

Industry experts surmise that Amazon strategically pulled Twitch from Roku to boost their own Fire TV platform. Catering to Roku users didn’t serve Amazon’s business interests, plus Roku balked at promoting a rival’s service.

Is Twoku safe to install?

Unverified third party channels always pose some risk of malware, privacy issues, or sudden removal. TWOKU seems reasonably safe so far based on community feedback and analysis of app permissions. Still, install at your own discretion until Roku blesses an official channel again!

Can I watch Twitch on Roku without WiFi?

Unfortunately, an internet connection is required to access Twitch’s live streaming functionality. You could connect via ethernet to improve stability compared to WiFi. Some adapters even enable ethernet on WiFi-only devices like Roku Streaming Sticks.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Twitch’s disappearance from Roku left many users disappointed. But thanks to grandfathered apps, third party channels, and wireless mirroring, Roku homes can still happily watch their favorite streamers.

We recommend trying multiple methods for the best experience tailored to your preferences. Let us know which solutions work best for your Roku setup!

And don’t forget to bookmark us for all the latest tips on customizing and improving your streaming devices. The home entertainment technology landscape changes fast, but we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Jason
Jason Lin
Tech enthusiast with 10+ years of experience, providing guides, reviews, and tips on Smart TVs, streaming devices, and TV apps.

More from Roku

Watch Youtube On Roku

How to Watch YouTube on Your Roku Device: The Ultimate 2024 Guide

Whether you want to stream the latest YouTube videos or access YouTube TV for live television, there are several ways ...
Watch Tiktok On Roku

How to Watch TikTok on Your Roku Device: The Complete Guide

TikTok has become a global phenomenon, with its short yet captivating videos keeping users hooked for hours on end. As ...
Roku Keeps Restarting

Why Does My Roku Keeps Restarting? – 4 Reasons & 4 Fixes!

What if your Roku keeps restarting and disturbing your entertainment? Don’t worry because this article contains all the practical solutions to ...
Your Mastodon Instance