Roku mobile app

[JTilghman87]

We set up a PIN to block the ability to add channels to the ROKU TV. However, you can still add channels via the ROKU app.  For example, if you search a movie on the mobile app and click "watch on Tubi" or "watch on Plexi" it automatically installs the TUBI or Plexi channel and bypasses the PIN requirement). Is there a way to block the ability to add channels through the ROKU mobile app?

[RokuDanny-R]

@JTilghman87

Thanks for the inquiry.

Can you please specify the issue you are experiencing? What are your PIN setting set to in your Roku account? In addition, what mobile device are you using the Roku mobile app on, are you using an Android or iOS device?

With more detailed information, we will be able to assist you further.

Thanks,
Danny

[JTilghman87]

Hi Danny,

Our PIN settings are set to:

1. Always require a PIN to make purchases and to add items from the Channel Store

2. The Roku Channel parental controls - a PIN is required to view some content in the ROKU Channel.

However, via the ROKU app on our iPhones, you are still able to add channels (e.g., Tubi, Plexi, etc.) via the app, without having to enter a PIN.

[DBDukes]

@JTilghman87 

Just throwing an observation in from a user perspective, not trying to interfere with your support from @RokuDanny-R ...

In order for the Roku app to be able to add an app to the Roku account, the Roku app must be logged in with that Roku account. Those are the same credentials one would use on the Roku Website. And you can always add apps to your account via the Website (https://channelstore.roku.com)

So, if you've provided the credentials to someone you don't want adding apps to your account, even if the app did require a PIN, they'd still be able to use those same credentials and log in to the Roku Channel Store via the Web and install apps.

The general philosophy of Roku seems to be that only the administrator (you) would use the Roku login credentials. You would only share those with those you trusted as an administrator. That would include the Roku app. If you're providing the credentials for the Roku app to others, you're effectively making them an administrator.

Now, perhaps that is not what Roku intends, and @RokuDanny-R could certainly weigh in on that, but I don't think Roku is intending the Roku app to be for all users. Perhaps it should be, and I can see why that would be of benefit to families, but I don't think that's how it is intended at the moment.

Again, just an observation, not intending to derail any discussion or assistance from Roku.

[JTilghman87]

@DBDukes 

Valid point. However, our ROKU TV is logged into the same account yet requires a PIN to add channels or view anything above a PG-13 rating, even for me as the owner of the account. It seems that the app should follow the same restrictions.

I agree that it would be very beneficial for the app and website to require the same PIN credentials to add content. Either that or the ability to link "family" accounts to the "parent/owner" account so that security/content measures are protected. We use the remote on our iPhones more frequently than the physical ROKU remote so there's ubiquitous access/use to our ROKU TV via the mobile app, hence the need for a solution on our end. 

[DBDukes]

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@JTilghman87 wrote:

@DBDukes 

.. the ability to link "family" accounts to the "parent/owner" account so that security/content measures are protected....

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I really like that suggestion. Perhaps you should submit it via the Suggest a Feature page.

[carmonlugo]

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