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Sideloading Your Roku App

Test your channel on a real Roku device before submitting to the Channel Store.

What is Sideloading?

Sideloading lets you install development apps directly on your Roku device without going through the Channel Store. This is the fastest way to test your CastConductor powered Roku app. Begin testing immediately instead of waiting days or weeks.

Prerequisites

  • A Roku device on your local network
  • Your generated app .zip file from the Toaster
  • A computer on the same network as your Roku

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode

  1. On your Roku remote, press: Home 3x, Up 2x, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right
  2. A developer settings screen will appear
  3. Select Enable installer and restart
  4. Note the IP address shown (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
  5. Create a developer password when prompted

Remember Your Password

You'll need this password to upload apps. If you forget it, you'll need to factory reset your Roku.

Step 2: Access Developer Portal

  1. Open a web browser on your computer
  2. Go to http://[YOUR_ROKU_IP] (e.g., http://192.168.1.100)
  3. Enter username: rokudev
  4. Enter the password you created

Step 3: Upload Your App

  1. Click Upload on the developer portal
  2. Select your CastConductor app .zip file
  3. Click Install
  4. Wait for installation to complete

Step 4: Launch & Test

  1. Your app will appear on the Roku home screen
  2. Select it to launch
  3. Test all features:
  4. Navigation
  5. Video playback
  6. Content loading
  7. Back/home buttons

Troubleshooting

"Developer mode not enabled"

Re-enter the button sequence on your remote. Make sure you're pressing the buttons quickly and in the correct order.

"Connection refused"

  • Verify your Roku and computer are on the same network
  • Check the IP address is correct
  • Try restarting your Roku

App crashes on launch

  • Check your WordPress site is accessible
  • Verify your license key is active
  • Check the Roku developer console for error logs

Content not loading

  • Ensure your WordPress site is publicly accessible
  • Check that CastConductor plugin is activated
  • Verify REST API is working: yoursite.com/wp-json/castconductor/v5/

Development Tips

Iterate Quickly

Your Roku app automatically polls for changes about every 10 minutes. To see changes immediately, close and re-open your Roku app.

Check the Console

Connect to your Roku's developer console at http://[YOUR_ROKU_IP]:8085 to view detailed debug logs while your app is running.

Next Steps

Once testing is complete:

→ Submit to Channel Store