Forum Discussion

Rianne's avatar
Rianne
Newbie
6 years ago
Solved

Using Roku outside the United States

Hi everyone!

My dad purchased a Roku and brought it back here to the Philippines. I have set it all up but it seems I have very limited options. I was hoping to stream ESPN for live NFL games. Are there any channels you suggest I can get to stream live games? 

Also, it would be great if Roku App would be allowed to work in our country. Had a hard time inputting my Netflix login details. Although up to now, it's just a black screen with the Netflix logo on the upper right corner. Is something wrong with it or this is normal?

Looking forward to your responses. 

Thank you!

-Rianne

TV & Player Setup
  • RokuDanny-R's avatar
    RokuDanny-R
    5 years ago

    BillBrehm 

    Thanks for the post.

    Please be aware that channel availability/access on Roku devices will vary from region to region. A Roku device will work in any location, however, channels may not be available on your device in that location, based on each channel provider's discretion. For more information, you'd want to contact any specific channel/service provider to inquire further about whether they offer their channel/service on the Roku platform in your region. 

    In addition, it sounds like you may have created a Roku account that isn't located in your current region. If channels in your region are not available, it may indicate that your device is linked to an account that was created in a different region where that channel may not be offered by the channel provider. You'll want to make sure that you are using an internet connection located in the correct region when creating your account. You can check your IP address' reported location by visiting www.whatismyip.com - If you see an issue, you'll need to contact your ISP to help resolve any issue.

    We would recommend creating a new Roku account in your region. For more information about how to create a new account, visit our Support page here: How do I create a Roku® account? Once your new account is set up, try to perform a factory reset on your device and link it to your new account. For more information about how to perform a factory reset, visit our Support page here: How do I factory reset my Roku® streaming device?


    Thanks,
    Danny

20 Replies

  • BillBrehm's avatar
    BillBrehm
    Channel Surfer
    5 years ago

    I have a Roku Ultra that I bought in the US and brought home to the Philippines. I am able to get Netflix on it. I do notice that some of the shows that were available on Netflix in the US are not available here.

    I set up this Roku while in the US. I don't know if that matters.

    I notice on the Roku Channel that a lot of shows I try to play will not play. It tries for a second then goes back to the screen with the play button and there is no message explaining why it doesn't play. I'm guessing it's because I'm not in the US. But I wish it would tell me that and I wish it would not offer shows that it will not allow to play. They could just as easily check my location before they display the list of shows.

    • RokuDanny-R's avatar
      RokuDanny-R
      Retired Moderator
      5 years ago

      BillBrehm 

      Thanks for the post.

      Please be aware that channel availability/access on Roku devices will vary from region to region. A Roku device will work in any location, however, channels may not be available on your device in that location, based on each channel provider's discretion. For more information, you'd want to contact any specific channel/service provider to inquire further about whether they offer their channel/service on the Roku platform in your region. 

      In addition, it sounds like you may have created a Roku account that isn't located in your current region. If channels in your region are not available, it may indicate that your device is linked to an account that was created in a different region where that channel may not be offered by the channel provider. You'll want to make sure that you are using an internet connection located in the correct region when creating your account. You can check your IP address' reported location by visiting www.whatismyip.com - If you see an issue, you'll need to contact your ISP to help resolve any issue.

      We would recommend creating a new Roku account in your region. For more information about how to create a new account, visit our Support page here: How do I create a Roku® account? Once your new account is set up, try to perform a factory reset on your device and link it to your new account. For more information about how to perform a factory reset, visit our Support page here: How do I factory reset my Roku® streaming device?


      Thanks,
      Danny

      • BillBrehm's avatar
        BillBrehm
        Channel Surfer
        5 years ago

        RokuDanny-R Thanks for your reply and explanations.

        I am aware that content is regional. I will try to make a new account and see how that works. I hope it solves the issues of sowing me content that is not available and then refusing to play it. If that's the case then I would not need to get a message about why the content didn't play. It may take me a few days to find the time, but I will post my results back here.

        But even if there is some problem with my account, the Roku channel could solve this issue. If they are looking at my account information to decide what to show me then at my location to decide if they will play what they show, they could improve that algorithm to be more consistent. I am a software engineer myself with 40+ years experience so I am sensitive to these software shortcomings. Also, since they are testing my location and not deciding to play the content, why don't they put up a message to say so? It's one extra step on their part but it would avoid confusion to customers and avoid customers retrying and avoid customers seeking technical support. Could you make this a feature request please?

  • RokuDanny-R's avatar
    RokuDanny-R
    Retired Moderator
    6 years ago

    Rianne 

    Thanks for the inquiry.

    Channel availability/access on Roku devices will vary from region to region. A Roku device will work in any location, however, channels may not be available on your device in that location, based on each channel provider's discretion. For more information, you'd want to contact any specific channel/service provider to inquire further about whether they offer their channel/service on the Roku platform in your region. 


    Thanks,
    Danny