Roku shares ‘night owl’ trick that instantly improves TV watching when it’s dark – plus bonus perk that saves you time

ROKU owners need to try a clever TV mode that's perfect for when you're watching at night.

It's available as a free perk and takes just a few seconds to set up.

The feature is called Private Listening and is designed to let you listen to your TV through headphones.

It means you won't disturb other people and can enjoy a movie soundtrack or music channel to its fullest.

Roku explained, "Are you a night owl that likes to stream while others are asleep? Or maybe the noise outside is interrupting your streaming experience? No worries!

"With many Roku devices and the Roku mobile app, you can use your choice of headphones to hear all the action loud and clear.

"And the Roku mobile app even lets you share the fun with up to four connected devices!"

HOW SET UP PRIVATE LISTENING ON ROKU

Before you can use Roku's Private Listening feature, there are some steps you need to take to prepare.

First, make sure that you have the latest version of Roku's mobile app installed.

Then follow the instructions in the app to make sure that your mobile device is connected to your Roku.

This will involve having both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Also, note that when you activate Private Listening, no audio will come out of your TV speakers.

Once that's all ready, you can get started.

HOW TO USE PRIVATE LISTENING ON ROKU

First, make sure that your headphones are connected.

It'll work with wired headphones plugged in or Bluetooth headphones that are paired and connected.

Then open your Roku mobile app and tap on the Remote icon on the navigation bar.

Then tap on the Headphone icon that will activate private listening.

You can then adjust the volume before you put your headphones on.

If you want to switch it off, simply tap the Headphone icon again.

It's also possible for multiple people to connect to Private Listening at once.

In fact, four devices can be linked to your Roku simultaneously.

OTHER ROKU APP PERKS

There are two other perks that come with using the Roku mobile app.

The first is that it serves as a back-up Roku remote if you lose your physical one.

Roku explains, "Ever get settled into your couch, perfectly comfy for a night of streaming, when suddenly you realize the remote is on the other side of the room?

"With the free Roku mobile app, there’s no need to get up! It lets your phone do everything your Roku remote does and more."

And secondly, you can use the Roku mobile app to make voice searches.

There are loads of voice commands to try, so test a few out.

You can use it to find specific movies or shows, content from favorite actors, launch streaming channels, or control media playback.