To add storage to a Roku streaming player, insert a microSD card into the player’s microSD slot—not a full-size SD card—then format it when prompted. Only some older Roku players have the slot, so check your exact device before buying a card. Roku’s instructions do not provide a complete model-by-model compatibility list. Roku’s player instructions explain the process.
What a Roku player’s microSD card is for
On compatible streaming players, a microSD card expands internal storage for installing channels and games. It does not let the player access your personal photos, videos, or music; Roku directs users to USB for personal media. Roku’s player guidance describes the card as additional memory for apps.
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Before purchasing a card, look for a microSD slot on the exact player. The feature is not universal. If you need to identify your device, Roku explains how to find its serial number or device ID in its device identification guide.
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Which microSD card should you use?
Roku UK recommends a Class 2 or faster microSD card with at least 2 GB for best results on compatible players. This is Roku’s recommendation, not a guarantee that every card works with every player. Check that your particular player has a slot and verify card compatibility before buying. Roku Support UK provides the speed-class and capacity guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Expand your storage in a flash: ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops.
- Increase your TV show, movie, and Full HD video[4] recording collections dramatically with up to a massive 1.5TB[1].
- Transfer files fast with up to 150MB/s[2] read speeds and SanDisk MobileMate USB micro 3.0 microSD card reader[6].
- Load apps faster with A1-rated performance[3].
How to insert and format the card
- Locate the microSD slot. Check the back of the compatible Roku player. If the HDMI cable blocks access, disconnect it first.
- Insert the card. Push the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place, as described in Roku’s instructions.
- Reconnect HDMI if needed. Restore the cable you removed to reach the slot.
- Format the card when prompted. When the screen says a microSD card was detected, select Format, then Continue.
- Finish setup. Wait for formatting to complete, then select OK.
Formatting erases existing data on the card. Back up anything you want to keep before selecting Format. Roku’s player instructions and UK support page both warn that card data is erased during formatting.
What happens if you remove or move the card?
Removing the card does not erase purchased or installed channels and games. However, items stored on the card may need to be downloaded again before you can access them. If you move the card to another Roku player, that player prompts you to reformat it; channels stored on the card cannot be transferred between players. These behaviors are covered in Roku’s player instructions and Roku Support UK.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
If the player still reports an app or memory error
A microSD card can expand app storage on a player that has a slot, but it is not a fix for every app problem. Roku’s troubleshooting guidance also identifies network issues as a possible cause of app errors. Follow its steps for “Can’t run app” and “Insufficient memory” messages rather than assuming the card alone will resolve the issue.
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Roku Smart Home cameras use microSD cards for video recording, a separate function from expanding a streaming player’s app storage. Not every Roku camera supports card recording; check Roku’s camera-specific instructions for supported camera models.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Up To 48MB/s Read Speed
- 10-year warranty
- Easily Back Up Files With "SanDisk Memory Zone" App
- SD adapter included for compatibility with digital cameras
- The 32GB SanDisk Ultra microSDHC UHS-I Memory Card works with any device that has a microSDHC card slot
Rank #4
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 190MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow Technology (Up to 190MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. SanDisk QuickFlow Technology is only available for 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities. 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes and 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum speeds (sold separately)
- Up to 90MB/s write speeds for fast shooting (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- 4K and 5K UHD-ready with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30) (Compatible device required. Full HD (1920x1080), 4K UHD (3840 x 2160), and 5K UHD (5120 X 2880) support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on SanDisk site. UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS-enabled host devices. Video Speed Class 30 (V30), sustained video capture rate of 30MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS-enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website.)
Rank #3
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock startling 5K[3] point-of-view and pristine high-res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30[4].
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with rapid read speeds up to 245MB/s[2] and write speeds up to 170MB/s[2] [256GB-1TB capacities[1]].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Record longer and store more with up to 2TB[1] of storage.
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON. SANDISK microSD cards are temperature proof, humidity proof, waterproof, shock proof, drop proof, magnet proof, X-ray proof and wear-out proof[7].
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[10].
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