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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRoku cannot record arbitrary streaming movies or shows directly. Use a streaming service’s cloud DVR for eligible live programs, Live TV Pause for supported antenna television on some Roku TVs, or a computer-based recording workflow for supported content. A capture card is not a universal workaround: HDCP copy protection can block commercial streams.
Choose the method that matches your source
| What you want to record | Best-fit method | Creates a local file? | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible live program in a streaming service | That service’s cloud DVR | Usually no | Provider, plan, and title restrictions |
| Antenna television on a compatible Roku TV | Live TV Pause, or a separate OTA DVR for an archive | No, not with Live TV Pause | Supported TV and input required |
| Supported online channel recorded on a computer | PlayOn Home or another service that supports the channel | Through the service’s recording workflow | Channel support and plan requirements can change |
| Permitted, unprotected HDMI video | Capture card and computer | Yes | Protected HDMI output may be blocked |
| Commercial movie or show on a Roku app | Provider’s authorized DVR or download option | Usually no | App playback is not a Roku recording feature |
Roku says its players and TVs lack built-in storage for general downloading or recording of internet video. Cloud DVR is available only when an individual channel or provider offers it. See Roku’s recording and cloud DVR guidance.
Use the streaming service’s cloud DVR
This is usually the simplest way to save an eligible live program. The recording is managed by the provider and watched in its app; it is not a video file saved by the Roku. Roku lists Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Philo as examples of channels with cloud DVR, but the feature and its rules belong to each provider.
- Open the live-TV service on your Roku.
- Find the program in the live guide or open its show page.
- Select the service’s control, such as Record, Add to Library, or Save.
- Choose a series or schedule option if the service offers one, then confirm.
- Later, open the service’s Library, DVR, or Recordings area to watch.
Before relying on a recording, check that provider’s current rules for title eligibility, storage, expiration, simultaneous recordings, playback rights, region, and subscription tier. Cloud DVR commonly targets eligible live programming; it does not necessarily let you record an on-demand movie or every title in an app.
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- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
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- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Pause antenna television with Roku TV Live TV Pause
Some Roku TVs can pause supported live digital broadcast television received through an antenna or supported cable feed connected directly to the TV. Roku documents a compatible 16 GB USB flash drive and a pause buffer of up to 90 minutes. This is temporary pause-and-resume functionality, not a permanent DVR library.
- Connect the antenna or supported cable feed directly to the Roku TV, without a set-top box.
- Insert a compatible 16 GB USB flash drive and follow the on-screen Live TV Pause setup.
- While watching supported live digital broadcast TV, press OK to pause.
- Resume or rewind using the on-screen controls; choose Jump to live to return to the current broadcast.
Model and input support matter, so verify Live TV Pause compatibility for your Roku TV. A USB drive does not record Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, or other app playback. If you need lasting antenna recordings, use a dedicated OTA DVR rather than treating Live TV Pause as an archive.
Record permitted HDMI content with a capture card
A capture card sends HDMI video and audio to a computer, where recording software can save a file. It can work for personal, freely licensed, or otherwise permitted content when the HDMI signal is not blocked. The basic layout is:
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Roku or other source → capture card → computer recording software
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf the card has HDMI passthrough, connect its output to a TV or monitor as well. Elgato lists OBS and other recording applications as compatible with its 4K X capture hardware; that compatibility does not remove copy protection. See the 4K X product page for its own hardware specifications.
- Connect the source to the capture card’s HDMI input.
- If you want to watch on a separate screen, connect the card’s HDMI output to that display.
- Connect the capture card to the computer using its specified USB or PCIe connection.
- Open compatible capture software and add the card as a video-capture source.
- Check the preview, audio meters, resolution, recording format, and destination storage.
- Make a short test recording, play it back to verify picture and sound, then record the full program.
Do not buy a card on the assumption that it will record protected commercial streams. Roku uses HDCP copy protection over HDMI; a protected signal can trigger an “HDCP Error Detected” message or purple screen. For 4K or HDR, Roku says every HDMI-connected device in the chain must support HDCP 2.2. A capture card is an input device, not a way around those restrictions.
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- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Record supported online programs with PlayOn
PlayOn is a separate computer-based service, not a Roku feature. PlayOn Home describes a workflow in which you select supported programs on the computer, queue and record them, then cast completed recordings to Roku. Its Roku page advertises support for more than 20 channels; channel support and operation can change, so check the current list before subscribing.
- Install PlayOn Home on a compatible computer and follow its current Roku setup instructions.
- Select a supported service and eligible program, then add it to the recording queue.
- Wait for the recording to finish on the computer.
- Open the completed recording, choose its cast control, and select your Roku device.
PlayOn says a Home plan is required for features including recording non-ad-supported content, HD or Full HD recording, automatic ad skipping, captions, and casting to a TV. Confirm current requirements and channel availability on PlayOn’s FAQ and its Roku device page. This option involves a computer and does not guarantee support for every service or account. Check applicable service terms and local law; a recording service does not itself grant permission to copy or redistribute content.
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Why a capture card may show a black or purple screen
HDCP protects some HDMI content. When a device in the chain does not support the required protection, playback or capture may fail. Roku identifies “HDCP Error Detected” and a purple screen as possible symptoms. For 4K/HDR, an HDMI switch, receiver, soundbar, capture device, or display without HDCP 2.2 support can also force lower resolution or prevent playback.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
- Test the Roku connected directly to the TV.
- Temporarily remove HDMI switches, AV receivers, and soundbars from the chain.
- Try another HDMI cable and TV input.
- Confirm the capture device and every intermediary support the resolution, HDR mode, and HDCP requirements in use.
- Test with personal or freely licensed content that you are permitted to record.
- If the source is protected, use the provider’s authorized DVR or download feature instead of attempting to bypass protection.
Roku recommends connecting the player directly to the TV when intermediary HDMI equipment causes an HDCP problem. Its guidance is at Roku’s HDCP troubleshooting page and HDCP 2.2 guidance for 4K/HDR.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Screen mirroring and AirPlay display content; they do not record it
Screen mirroring shows a phone, tablet, or computer display on Roku. Casting sends selected playback from a compatible app to Roku instead of showing the entire device screen. Neither feature makes Roku save a recording. Roku’s comparison explains that a mobile device must remain powered on during screen mirroring; with casting, the Roku app handles playback. Protected apps may also block recording on the source device.
For supported Android devices, open the phone’s screen-mirroring control—often called Smart View, Cast, or Wireless display—select the Roku, and approve the request on the TV. On Windows, use the wireless-display control, choose Connect, select the Roku, and approve the request. For compatible Apple devices, enable AirPlay on the Roku, put both devices on the same network, then choose the Roku from Control Center or the app’s AirPlay control.
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- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
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Roku model support varies. Its instructions list screen mirroring for Roku Express models 3960, 3930, and 3900, but not 3700; check a Roku’s model at Settings > System > About. To troubleshoot a device that does not appear, check the network, protocol support, AirPlay setting for Apple devices, app casting support, and whether the Roku is blocking the connection. Roku’s screen-mirroring settings can include Always allow, Allow, Block, and Always block. See Roku’s screen-mirroring instructions and its casting and mirroring explanation.
What to know about The Roku Channel and other apps
The fact that a program appears on The Roku Channel—or any other Roku-installed app—does not make it recordable through Roku. The relevant questions are whether the provider offers a recording or download option, whether the title is eligible, and whether the playback signal is protected. Roku discusses HDCP errors when The Roku Channel is watched on a computer connected to an external monitor, so HDMI capture should not be assumed to work simply because the content is inside Roku’s own channel.
Quick Recap
Pick the practical option
- Eligible live program in an app: use that provider’s cloud DVR and check its retention and title rules.
- Short pause of antenna TV: use Live TV Pause if your Roku TV and input support it.
- Online channel supported by PlayOn: record through the computer workflow and cast the completed recording to Roku.
- Permitted, unprotected HDMI source and a local-file requirement: use a capture card and computer, after confirming the full signal chain.
- Protected commercial movie or show: use the provider’s authorized DVR or offline-download option if available.
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