How to Set Up Your Streaming Stick or Box — A Step-by-Step Guide for Canadians
Just unboxed your new Roku Stick or Fire TV? This guide gets you from the box to streaming Canadian content in under 15 minutes — no technical knowledge required.
Before you start: what's in the box
Every major streaming stick or box includes:
- The streaming device itself (stick or small box)
- A remote control (with batteries)
- HDMI extension cable or short cable (sticks) or full HDMI cable (boxes)
- USB power adapter and cable
- Quick start guide
Don't have a streaming device yet? Get one at Visions Electronics.
Step-by-step setup — Roku devices
Connect to your TV
Plug the Roku stick into an HDMI port on your TV (use the extension cable if the port is hard to reach). Connect the USB power cable to the device and plug it into a power outlet or your TV's USB port.
Switch your TV to the right HDMI input
Turn on your TV and press the Input or Source button on your remote. Select the HDMI port you plugged the Roku into (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2).
Insert batteries and follow the setup wizard
The Roku setup wizard starts automatically. Press the Home button on the Roku remote if nothing appears after 30 seconds.
Select your language — English or Français
Roku fully supports both official Canadian languages. Select your preference. This also affects which Canadian apps are featured.
Connect to your Wi-Fi
Select your home Wi-Fi network and enter your password. For best streaming, use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network if your router offers one.
Create or log into your Roku account
A free Roku account is required to download apps. You can create one on the TV screen or at my.roku.com on your phone. No credit card needed for free apps.
Install your Canadian apps
Once setup is complete, go to Streaming Channels (or Channels Store). Search for: CBC Gem, CTV, Crave, Netflix, Disney+, ICI TOU.TV, Pluto TV. Free apps are available immediately; paid apps require a subscription.
Set your location to Canada
In Settings → System → Advanced System Settings → ensure your country is set to Canada. This ensures Canadian app versions load correctly with Canadian content libraries.
Step-by-step setup — Fire TV Stick / Cube
Connect to your TV's HDMI port
Fire TV sticks plug directly in. If the port is tight or blocked by other cables, use the included HDMI extender cable. Connect the power adapter.
Pair the Alexa Voice Remote
Press and hold the Home button on the Fire TV remote for 10 seconds until the light on the remote starts blinking. The device will pair automatically.
Select your Wi-Fi and sign into Amazon
Fire TV requires an Amazon account. If you don't have one, create one for free at amazon.ca — no purchase needed for free apps.
Set your language to English (Canada) or Français (Canada)
In Settings → Device Options → Language. Choose the Canadian version of your preferred language for the correct regional content.
Install Canadian apps from the Appstore
Go to the Appstore and search for: CBC Gem, CTV, Crave, Netflix, Pluto TV, ICI TOU.TV, TSN. All are available for free download; subscriptions are required for paid services.
Try Alexa voice search
Press the microphone button and say "Show me CBC Gem" or "Open Crave" — Alexa works well for navigating between Canadian apps once installed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay for a Roku account?
No. A Roku account is free. You only pay for paid streaming services (like Netflix or Crave) after you install them.
My TV doesn't have a free HDMI port — what do I do?
You can use an HDMI switch (available at most electronics stores) to add additional HDMI ports. Alternatively, disconnect a device you use less frequently.
Is CBC Gem really free?
Yes — CBC Gem is free with ads. A premium tier ($4.99/month) removes ads. You can sign in with a Canadian social account (Facebook, Google) or create a CBC account.
Can I watch live Canadian news on a streaming device?
Yes. CBC Gem streams CBC News Network live. CTV streams CTV News Channel live. Both are free with an account.
Does Crave work on Roku?
Yes — Crave has a fully functional Roku app. Sign in with your Crave subscription credentials after installing it from the Roku Channel Store.