How to Sideload Apps on Roku: Step-by-Step Developer Mode Guide

As Roku users ourselves with years of hands-on experience customizing devices, we've mastered the four ways to add channels: official web or on-device stores, private codes, and sideloading ZIP files.

Sideloading stands out for installing any app—even unofficial ones—bypassing store limits or geo-blocks if you have the source code. It's straightforward with Developer Mode.

Ready to expand your Roku library? Follow our proven steps below.

How to Install an App on Roku via Sideloading

Downloading an app to your Roku is simple with these expert-tested instructions:

1. Press Home (x3) + Up (x2) + Right + Left + Right + Left + Right on your Roku remote to enable Developer Mode.
2. Note the IP address shown on screen.
3. Select I agree on the SDK license page.
4. Create a password.
5. Enter the noted IP address in your browser.
6. Click Upload.
7. Select the ZIP file for the channel you want to install.
8. Click Install.

The channel uploads and installs in a few minutes. If it doesn't appear immediately, navigate to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now to refresh the full channel list.