Get Twitch Streaming on Your Roku – A How-To Guide

As an experienced tech specialist, I know how frustrating it can be when the apps and services you rely on disappear without warning. That‘s exactly what happened to Twitch users enjoying the platform‘s live streams on their trusted Roku devices.

In this comprehensive guide just for you, I‘ll explain multiple methods to start watching Twitch again on Roku – no new gadgets required!

Why We Got Here

First, let‘s quickly cover why there‘s no longer an official Twitch channel in Roku‘s app store:

• Twitch was purchased by Amazon way back in 2014
• Amazon wants to drive consumers to buy Fire TV products which still support Twitch
• Over 30% of US households own Roku devices as of 2022
• Restricting access helps differentiate Fire TV for potential new buyers

While not having the app is inconvenient, don‘t worry – I‘ve still got you covered! Whether you want to maintain control of your viewing data, prefer interacting with streamers, or simply need the simplest option to start watching, I‘ll explain several solid alternatives:

• Install uncertified Twitch apps Twoku or TwitchTV
• Use AirPlay to mirror Twitch from Apple devices
• Cast Twitch from Windows PCs or Android phones

Let‘s dive into the specifics of getting each method set up…

Option 1: Sideload the Twoku or TwitchTV App

If you want dedicated Twitch access directly on your Roku without any extra devices, sideloading the Twoku or TwitchTV third party channel is your solution.

The benefit here is a standalone app experience specifically designed for consuming Twitch streams on your television.

The downsides are losing access to account features like chatting or subscriptions. You also have to weigh personal comfort with installing uncertified channels outside of Roku‘s verified offerings.

Here‘s a step-by-step guide to installation:

Installation Instructions

1. Use your computer or mobile browser to visit Roku‘s website at www.roku.com
2. Click on the profile icon then navigate to My Account and sign-in
3. Scroll down and select Add Channel with a code
4. Type Twoku into the text box and press Add Channel
   • TwitchTV reportedly only works if you‘ve ever installed official Twitch app
5. A warning box appears – click OK to confirm adding the uncertified channel
6. Verify tile icon matches attached screenshot
7. Click Yes, add channel to finish

And that‘s it! Twoku should now show up as a new app to open for streaming Twitch.

Pro Tip: For best results, visit Settings > System > System Update on your Roku to force a refresh of available channels.

Now let‘s explore accessing Twitch from devices you likely already use daily.

Option 2: Use AirPlay on iPhone or iPad

Thanks to Apple‘s proprietary AirPlay technology, you can mirror any content from a compatible iPhone, iPad or Mac right to your Roku player.

For tech newcomers, that does mean:

• You‘ll need an AirPlay enabled Roku device – most support it
• Have an iPhone, iPad or Mac – doesn‘t matter how old

The major benefits of accessing Twitch via AirPlay are:

• Full app functionality – chat, subscribe, etc.
• Works with any app or website
• No need to install uncertified channels

Let me provide simple instructions to connect:

Airplay Setup Steps

1. Swipe down from top of iOS device to reveal Control Center
2. Long press Screen Mirroring icon
3. Select your Roku device now visible as an AirPlay option
4. Enter matching 4-digit code shown on TV to complete pairing

Now, with mirroring enabled, simply open the Twitch app or visit Twitch.tv in your mobile browser. Everything shown on your iPhone will display on the big screen!

Option 3: Cast Twitch from Windows PC

If you spend more time catching up on livestreams from a Windows laptop or desktop, I‘ve got you covered there too.

Windows 10 includes built-in wireless display settings that perfectly mirror your monitor to modern Roku devices.

For this method, you‘ll want:

• Windows 10 PC – 7 or 8 works in some cases
• Roku Device – with display mirroring support

Ready? Follow these instructions:

Windows Casting Setup

1. Click the Windows key and A button together to open Action Center
2. Select Project then Connect to Wireless Display
3. Choose your Roku in list of available devices
4. Load up Twitch in your browser of choice

Now just kick back with your favorite gaming stream shown large and in charge on the television!

Choose the Right Solution for You

While Roku devices and Twitch seem destined to suffer an apps divorce, I hope the information above provides a path forward.

As a quick recap, the core capabilities based on the method you pick are:

My recommendation is to rely on display mirroring from devices you already actively use for the best experience. But installing Twoku directly on your Roku still gets the job done if viewing streams is your sole focus.

Either way, Roku plus Twitch can live together harmoniously once again thanks to the workarounds outlined step-by-step above.

Let me know if you have any other questions getting your favorite gaming personalities up on the big screen where they belong!