Roku mobile app

[Schotzy]

I watch Roku connected via an HDMI cable from my my iPad to my TV. When watching TV shows on different channels, once I have watched an episode and it advances to the next episode, it gives me no way to return to the previous episode. When I hit the back button, it takes me back to the Roku lineup. Clicking on the show again takes me immediately into the current episode—no way to see a list of episodes, information on episodes, etc., no ability to select another episode except the one last viewed. What am I missing on how to see other episodes of a TV show? (Sometimes I fall asleep and miss the end of the current episode. I want to go back and see what I missed. Can’t find a way to return.)

[DBDukes]

@Schotzy 

First, I assume you're talking about The Roku Channel. That's an app. Roku is a platform that runs apps. Since you're saying you run Roku on you iPad, I assume you mean you're running The Roku Channel app on your iPad. If my assumption is wrong, let me know.

It would be helpful to know which TV series you're talking about on The Roku Channel. Give specific examples of the TV show, and the episode names/numbers so I (or others) can attempt to replicate what you are doing.

You see, this is a support site for Roku. That usually means Roku devices, and most of the people here to help are Roku users. We don't work for Roku, but do use Roku devices. You're talking about an app that's running on a Apple device. There will be a smaller number of people that do what you're trying to do, so it may take longer for them to see your message and attempt to help, since there are so few. For that reason, I'm asking you to provide more information, and specific information, so that they can easily try to replicate what you're encountering.

On the Roku platform, when launching a TV show from The Roku Channel, a full list of episodes shows. It's easy to find the one you want. Before I add The Roku Channel app to my iPad, I'd prefer to know what I need to do in order to attempt to help.

[Schotzy]

Okay, understood. I have a Roku device and sometimes I watch via that device; a while back I found that I could download the Roku app and watch the Roku channel through it, and can also use my iPad as a Roku remote.

I subscribe to a couple of premium channels through the Roku channel: Acorn and MHz. When I am on my Roku device, watching these channels via the Roku channel, I can see a list of episodes and select one. But when I watch on my iPad, I cannot see a list of episodes—only the current one. I also subscribe to the BritBox app but downloaded it directly onto my iPad, not through Roku— and as you might imagine, I don’t have the same problem. I can see a full list of episodes and select one. Currently, I am referring to the series on MHz called “Death of a Pilgrim.” Fell asleep before the end of the first episode; now it’s on the second episode and I can’t get back to the first one using my iPad. I will try actually going onto the device, but I’d sure like to know how to do it using both methods. I do appreciate your help.

[DBDukes]

@Schotzy 

That clears up the picture. There is one item I want to be sure about, though. You subscribed to premium services through The Roku Channel. I assume you did that on your Roku device. If so, that means you can only watch those premium channels on a Roku device. The Roku app/The Roku Channel does not turn an iPad/device into a Roku.

I've not subscribed to premium content through The Roku Channel, but on my iPad, premium channels do show as available in the Roku app. That would indicate those premium channels, and the content from them, would be available through the Roku app. I will note that I do not see MHz on my iPad in the Roku app, so I can't test that. The fact I don't see it and you do makes me wonder why. Are you outside the USA? I'm uncertain why we would not see the same content, unless we're in different regions (usually different countries).

Back to watching on Roku... Let me suggest that before you get mad at Roku about any restrictions regarding having to watch on a Roku device, understand that Amazon works the same way: if you subscribe to a service through Prime Video, you can only watch it on your Amazon device. It's how a platform -- Roku, Amazon, other -- attempts to lock you into their ecosystem.

For this reason, I never subscribe through Roku or Amazon or such. I always subscribe directly to the service. For instance, if I want a subscription to a HBO Max, I subscribe directly to HBO Max, and not through Roku. Then, I can launch the HBO Max app on whatever device I want -- Roku, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Fire OS, Web browser, anything -- and use my HBO Max credentials to log in. Yes, that's an extra account and password/credentials to maintain, but I gain the flexibility.

[Schotzy]

You make very good points. I subscribed to Acorn through the Roku channel by going to my Roku account online and adding that channel because, when I subscribed to Acorn by downloading the app and subscribing directly, I discovered that when connecting my iPad to my TV with an HDMI cable, the picture would not play on my TV—only on my iPad. This is a problem that numerous Acorn users have, and Acorn’s “customer service” simply tells everyone to get a different HDMI cord, which does not solve the problem. When viewing the Acorn service through the Roku channel, it plays just fine, On occasion I have also subscribed to others (Walter Presents and MHz, for instance) . . . but now I’m rethinking. The inability to switch from episode to episode is bothersome. I’m guessing there’s no answer for this and no rhyme or reason as to why one can’t toggle to different episodes. Maybe I will just stay with only Acorn on the Roku channel and directly subscribe to the others. Thank you for your insight. And by the way, I’m in Delaware. 

[DBDukes]

@Schotzy 

I would await input from @RokuDanny-R @RokuMary-F or @RokuKariza-D regarding your not seeing all the episodes as you would expect. It may be a service issue (MHz) but I'm thinking not, although I am going by my gut feeling, not any inside knowledge. 

I do have one question, though. Why the iPad? Is it for MHz (which, again, I'm not seeing on my iPad Roku app)? Acorn has a standalone app for Roku. If you're putting content on a TV, why not use the Roku device? If it's a second TV and not one that currently has a Roku attached, you can buy a Roku for the price of an Apple Lightning-to-HDMI cable, and stream directly.

Or, if you just want to stream through the iPad, current Roku devices support AirPlay2. Maybe bypass the HDMI from iPad entirely and use the AirPlay functionality. You could test that on your current Roku (assuming it is recent enough to support AirPlay).

[Lbkm]

We are having this problem with HBOMAX watching Deadwood. Very frustrating. 

[RokuDanny-R]

@Lbkm

Thanks for the post.

Can you please specify the issue you are experiencing? What are the steps to reproduce the issue? What are you seeing on screen? 

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

Thanks,
Danny

[em_3]

I have the Apple TV app running on a TCL Roku Tv. Had the same problem not being able to toggle episodes within a show. No one knows, not Apple, not Roku. I figured it out. When you’re in the Apple TV app, scroll all the way down the main pain past every show category and list, all the way to the bottom of the page. There you’ll see “recently watched” and each episode of the show you are in. Select the episode you want to see, click it open, and viola there you are Good luck. 

[WilliF]

I have the same problem as Schotzy. I tried your solution on my Roku App but there is no "recently watched" at the bottom. I am using App Version 8.4.0.1099531 In the previous version I could see a list of episodes but it was sometimes hard to get the one I wanted to play. That's why I upgraded to the new version. But when I did I can't see a list of episodes.