Can you use Roku on a non smart TV? This is a frequent search query, and in this guide, we will unwrap facts and necessary TV requirements for any Roku.
Let’s learn more!
Any Roku device such as a streaming stick, stream bar, or soundbar would function with non-smart television as long as there is an HDMI port.
To find out whether your TV does include an HDMI port, take a look at the back panel or consult the user’s manual.
Let’s dig deeper!
Can You Use Roku on a Non Smart TV?
The Roku devices connect to the television via an HDMI cable that is used to transfer both the video and the sound.
Hence, any television with one or more HDMI ports can connect and utilize the Roku features on any device.
No TV HDMI no Roku Support?
There is a way to connect an HDMI device (Roku) to an old TV without having an HDMI port.
There are many solutions and they are all related and based on whether your TV has the available ports or not, which would decide which adapter you might need.
- HDMI to AV adapter
- HDMI to VGA adapter
- HDMI to DVI adapter
- HDMI to RCA adapter
Important: Do not perform any purchases before reading the methods of connecting Roku to a not smart TV below!
How to Connect Roku to Non Smart TV?
As we’ve mentioned, there are different methods to connect a Roku device to a not smart TV, based on whether there is an HDMI port or not.
The following methods will describe all possible ways to connect the Roku to non-smart and even non-HDMI ports TVs!
1. Use the HDMI or HDMI ARC
Even when the television is old and it doesn’t have any smart features, as long as there is an HDMI or HDMI ARC input on the back,
Roku is ready to go. Simply plug the Roku streaming stick, streambar, or soundbar into the HDMI input of your TV and the stream would appear.
Choosing the HDMI Source?
Any TV with an HDMI input on the back should have the so-called “Source Menu”, where you’ll be able to select which HDMI source to view.
It’s important to navigate to the sources and select the HDMI input used to connect the Roku.
Tip: If available, test both the HDMI inputs and the HDMI arc to connect the Roku!
2. Use an Adapter (No TV HDMI)
In case your TV doesn’t have HDMI inputs, to connect the Roku you would need an adapter based on the ports on your TV.
For easier recognition, take a look at the image below to be able to recognize the input ports on the back of your TV even if they don’t have labels.
Recognizing TV Input Ports!
HDMI to Display Port:
If your non-smart television does have a Display Port, you can purchase an HDMI to display port adapter which would be suitable to connect to Roku.
The HDMI to display port adapter connects one end into your TV and then you only need to plug your Roku (HDMI) connector!
- Best recommendation: BENFEI DisplayPort to HDMI (Male to Female).
HDMI to DVI Adapter:
As shown in the image above, if your non-smart television does have a DVI port on the back, the Roku connection is already done.
The adapter or HDMI to DVI cable can be found online at cheap prices and is the perfect solution when there is no HDMI input on your television.
- Best recommendation: BENFEI DVI to HDMI Adapter (Male to Female).
HDMI to RCA (Component):
The old TVs that don’t include an HDMI input, typically have the old way of transferring video and audio, hence the RCA component inputs.
The RCA cable consists of 3 cables that connect to the back of your TV into their respective ports and then into an HDMI adapter for the Roku!
- Best recommendation: Marmoin HDMI to RCA Cable (for HDTV).
HDMI to VGA Cable:
The VGA input port does exist on many non-smart televisions but this is the primary port that we encounter on our computer to connect the monitor to the video card.
In case you’ve got a VGA port on the back of your non-smart old TV connecting Roku is easy with the following adapter:
- Best recommendation: Moread HDMI to VGA Adapter (Mate to Female).
Reminder: Don’t forget to select the correct input source from the TV’s sources menu!
3. Use Wireless HDMI Kit
Another way to connect the Roku to a not smart TV without HDMI inputs is to use a wireless HDMI Kit that would provide a wireless video and audio transmission.
The setup consists of a receiver connected to your TV and a transmitter connected to the player (video source).
Wireless HDMI?
Since Roku only connects via HDMI to the television, the wireless HDMI Kit might just be what we need to establish the connection.
The wireless transmitter connects directly with the Roku streaming stick (HDMI) and the other end into your TV’s HDMI or into an available adapter.
Follow the steps below to connect Roku to a non-smart television using wireless HDMI:
Step #1 – Check the Available TV Ports!
Based on the ports that you’ll be using, use the previous step in this guide to identify and purchase the correct adapter or converter.
Note: You don’t need an adapter or converter if your TV does include an HDMI port!
Step #2 Purchase Wireless HDMI Kit
The wireless HDMI Kit is not cheap but surely will enable you to connect Roku to an old TV when combined with an adapter. We recommend the Wireless HDMI TIMBOOTHECH.
Step #3 Connect your Adapter
Connect your adapter or converter to the respective port on your TV and hook up the wireless HDMI receiver to the HDMI port (to the old TV).
Then, connect the Roku to the wireless HDMI transmitter and the feed should appear if the correct source is selected on your TV.
Info: The HDMI wireless Kit, typically arrives with several extensions such as micro USB, or mini HDMI that you can use to stream from your phone on the TV.
How to Control Roku on a Not Smart TV?
Typically users wonder how to control their Roku streaming stick when connected to an old and non-smart television.
Well, your Roku remote would control the Roku device (only) but in order to start streaming you need to turn on the television first, using the original TV remote.
Also, there are no volume buttons on the Roku remote, hence you need to adjust the sound of your TV, again, with the original remote.
We can overcome this hurdle by connecting a smart speaker to our Roku and adjusting the volume with a voice command or through the app.
Info: In conclusion, if your non-smart television and Roku setup, you need both remotes in order to access all functionalities.
More Ways to Watch Roku on a TV!
In case your TV does include an HDMI input but the Roku does not appear or you’re unable to reach the TV Source Menu, we got you covered.
Nowadays it’s easy to stream on Roku on any TV as long as there is an HDMI input and an HDMI cable that you can use!
Here are some of the best, alternatives to watch Roku on not smart TVs:
- Use the TV as a computer/laptop monitor to stream Roku online!
- Connect a console and use the online browser to stream Roku.
- Use the Screen Mirroring TV feature to cast your phone’s screen.
- Connect an Apple TV via HDMI and use AirPlay to stream Roku.
Tip: In case you didn’t know you can get the Roku app and stream on your smartphone!
Need More Help?
In case you weren’t able to connect Roku to your not smart TV, you can contact Roku Customer Service for additional information.
Perhaps Roku has any compatibility limitations or simply your TV doesn’t have the necessary ports. Good luck!
Reminder: Feel free to consult the user’s manual for any questions!
Quick Recap:
Now that we’ve learned can you use Roku on a non smart TV, we know that if the television is equipped with HDMI ports, Roku connects directly.
In contrast, without an HDMI port, the only solution would be an adapter or converter or via a wireless HDMI Kit.
Read Next: Can You Use Roku With Hotspot? – All You Need to Know
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.