
The best way to revive old TVs is to connect them to a Roku device.
But wait…
You realize that your old TV doesn’t have an HDMI input…
While your Roku device only has an HDMI output.
Now what?
Don’t worry. I’m here to help you work this out.
Continue reading to find out:
- 17 quick steps to connect Roku to your non-HDMI TV.
- How to change the input settings of your specific TV model.
- Which Roku device lets you connect directly to TVs without HDMI ports.
- And more…
How to connect Roku to TV without HDMI?
To connect Roku to TV without HDMI, you need a converter box that’ll connect your HDMI cable to RCA cables. Plug the RCA cables from the converter to your corresponding TV ports. Then, change its input settings into TV/AV.
17 steps to connect Roku to TV without HDMI
Using Roku is 1 of the easiest ways to use modern streaming platforms on older TVs.
Unfortunately, though, some TVs aren’t compatible with HDMI…
Which is the only output type of most Roku devices like:
But there’s a simple way to work around this problem, and that’s by:
Using a converter box.
And if you’re wondering what it is…
Let me explain.
A converter box is a device used to convert digital signals to analog.
Simply put…
You can use this to let your non-HDMI TV connect with devices with HDMI outputs.
Like Roku devices.
Don’t worry. This is a quick and easy process.
Plus, I’ll tell you exactly how you can do it.
Just follow the 22 steps I’ve listed below.
And you’ll be able to watch Roku on your old TV in no time.
But before you start, make sure you have:
- RCA cables.
- A Roku device.
- An HDMI cable.
- An HDMI converter box.
#1: Prepare your converter box
A high-quality converter box is necessary for a smooth visual and audio transmission.
So before you proceed to connect it to your TV…
Ensure that it’ll work as it should.
Check for any visible damage and remove any dust or particles from its ports.
After checking the unit, continue and…

#2: Get your HDMI cable
HDMI cables are necessary for most Roku devices.
But if you have a Roku streaming stick…
Then you won’t need it.
You can just plug the Roku stick directly into the converter box and skip the next step.
But if you’re using other Roku models…
#3: Plug 1 end of the HDMI cable into the converter box
Search for the HDMI port of your converter box.
Most of the time, this port will be labeled with an “HDMI.”
Ensure that your cable is locked into the port before proceeding to the next step.
#4: Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the Roku device
Just like finding the HDMI port of your converter…
It’s also easy to search for the HDMI port of your Roku device.
Just look for the port with the label “HDMI.”
And once you find the port, align your cable to it and connect them.
Ensure that it’s locked into position.
Because loose connections usually result in low-quality data transmissions.
And you’d want to avoid that.
You might also want to know: 22 Steps To Connect Vizio Soundbar To Roku TV
#5: Grab your RCA/Composite Cables
Your RCA cables will be in 3 colors:
- Red.
- White.
- Yellow.
It’s important to check that each cable is in good condition.
And after checking…
#6: Plug each cable into its designated ports on your converter
Just like your cables, your converter will also have 3 color-coded ports.
All you have to do now is….
Plug each RCA cable into its corresponding color on your converter box.
Ensure that each cable locks into its port.
And once you do…
For more information on how to connect RCA cables to your converter box, watch:
#7: Plug the other end of the cables to your TV
Your TV will also have ports similar to the ones on your converter.
Find the 3 circular ports with the colors red, white, and yellow.
And once you locate them, plug the ends of the RCA cables.
Make sure to match the colors of the cables to the colors of the ports.
Then the next step is to…
#8: Plug your Roku into an Outlet
Insert your Roku’s power cord into the device.
Then, plug the power cable into an outlet and wait for your Roku to turn ON.
#9: Turn ON your TV
Hold your TV’s power button on the remote or the TV itself.
Let go once the screen turns ON and…
#10: Change your TV’s input source into TV/AV
This step will be different depending on the TV model you have.
For Samsung TVs:
- On your remote, press Source.
- Navigate using your remote’s up and down button.
- Choose TV/AV.
For Sony TVs:
- Press Input on your remote.
- The different input sources will be displayed on your screen.
- To navigate, use the arrows on your remote.
- Select TV/AV.
- Confirm the selection.
For Sony TVs:
- Go to your home screen.
- Head to your input menu.
- You’ll see the list of your input choices.
- Choose TV/AV.
- Confirm.
Note: Some converter boxes already have built-in HDMI and RCA cables.
For these converter boxes, all you need to do is:
- Prepare your converter box.
- Connect the box’s HDMI cable to your Roku device.
- Insert the built-in RCA cables to your TV.
- Plug the Roku device into an outlet.
- Turn your TV ON.
- Change your TV’s input to TV/AV.
#11: Watch Roku on your TV
You can now watch your favorite shows from your Roku device.
Try logging in to the streaming platforms you use and check if everything works fine.
It’s easy, just like I promised, right?
But if you’re not a fan of connecting different cables or using a converter box…
There’s another way you can play Roku without using HDMI.
And that’s by…
Using the Roku Express Plus model from 2018
Roku understands us, after all.
They realize that not all of their customers use HDMI-enabled TVs.
So they adjusted and accommodated analog signals in 1 of their models:
The Roku Express Plus.
With this Roku model…
Connecting your Roku to a non-HDMI TV becomes even easier.
After all…
You won’t need to use a converter box because the device already has built-in analog ports.
Now, how convenient is that?
This process won’t even take you 5 minutes.
So let’s proceed.
To connect using Roku Express Plus
#1: Get your composite cables
A composite cable is just another way to call RCA cables.
As mentioned earlier, these 3 cables will be color-coded into red, white, and yellow.
Fortunately, your Roku Express Plus will already have these cables in the box.
So if you’re planning on using this model…
You won’t need to buy these cables separately.
#2: Connect the composite cables to your Roku
Insert each cable to its corresponding colored port on your Roku device.
Ensure that the red cable goes to the red port and simply follow the pattern.
#3: Plug the other end of the composite cables into your TV
Follow the procedure you did in step #2…
And insert each cable into the port that matches their color.
#4: Plug the Roku device into a power source
Connect the power cord to your Roku.
Then, insert its charger head into an electrical outlet.
#5: Turn ON your TV
If your TV isn’t plugged into a power source yet, do so.
Then, hold its power button until the screen lights up.
Once your TV is ON…
#6: Change your input settings to TV/AV
The procedure to change your input settings depend on your TV model.
But for the most part, all you need to do is:
- Head to your TV’s input menu.
- Navigate using your remote.
- Select TV/AV as your input source.
After doing this…
You’ll be able to use Roku on your non-HMDI TV.
Further reading: 7 Reasons Why Your Roku TV Keeps Turning Off by Itself