How to keep audio playing while your Roku TV screen is turned off

How do I turn off the screen and keep audio playing on my Roku TV?

Your Roku TV has a built-in feature that turns the screen off while audio keeps playing. Use it anytime you want to listen to a show, music, podcast, or sports broadcast without the screen on. It works with any app or input and helps save energy.

This feature is only available on Roku TVs. It does not work on Roku streaming players like the Roku Express, Streaming Stick, or Ultra.

How do I turn off the screen with my remote?

To turn the screen back on, press the OK  button on your remote.

Can I use a voice command to turn off the screen?

Yes. If you have a Roku voice remote, move the slider on the side to “On,” then press and hold the Microphone button and say:

• "Turn off display"
• "Turn off the screen"

If you have a Roku Voice Remote Pro, say "Hey Roku" and then say the command.

To turn the screen back on, press OK  or say "Turn on display"

What types of content work with this feature?

This feature works with anything playing on your Roku TV, including:

• Streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Pandora
• Live TV from an antenna
• Devices connected through HDMI, like a cable box or Blu-ray player

Where does the audio play from when the screen is off?

Audio plays through whatever speakers are currently active:

• Your TV's built-in speakers
• A connected Roku soundbar or Roku Streambar
• Connected Roku wireless speakers
• An external sound system connected through HDMI ARC or eARC

• Note: When a Roku audio device is connected, your TV's built-in speakers are automatically turned off.

How do I start music or other audio when the TV is off?

To start audio while the TV is already off, you need to enable Fast TV Start. This setting keeps your Roku TV connected to its speakers during standby so you can start playing content without turning the screen on.

To turn on Fast TV Start:

1. Press Home on your Roku remote
2. Go to Settings > System > Power
3. Select Fast TV Start
4. Check the box next to Enable ‘Fast TV Start’

• Note: If you set up Roku wireless speakers or a Roku wireless soundbar, Fast TV Start is turned on automatically during setup. Fast TV Start uses more power than normal standby.

How to use Fast TV Start

Once Fast TV Start is on, use your Roku voice remote to start playing audio. While the TV is off, press and hold the Microphone button (or say "Hey Roku" with a Voice Remote Pro) and say something like:

• "Listen to classical music on Pandora"
• "Play Today's Hits on TuneIn"
• "Play Stuff You Should Know on iHeartRadio"

While listening, you can use voice commands to control playback:

• "Pause" / "Resume" / "Next"
• "Volume up" / "Mute" / "Set volume to 50%"

Can I listen to Bluetooth audio with the screen off?

Yes. You need a compatible Roku device connected to your TV and Fast TV Start turned on.

1. Use a voice command like "Open Bluetooth" or "Launch the Bluetooth app"
2. Start playing audio from your phone, tablet, or computer.
3. The audio plays through your Roku audio device while the screen stays off.

If you do not hear sound, read what to check to get Bluetooth audio from your device.