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'key takeaways
- Soft restart fixes most Roku glitches without erasing your settings.
- Factory reset wipes everything and prepares the device for new users.
- Resets are useful when the Roku, menus, or remote will not respond.
If you own a Roku TV or Roku device, you've probably had that lovely moment when you finally sit down to watch your favorite show or the latest streaming blockbuster after a long day, only for the screen to freeze mid-stream or the remote to suddenly stop working. Perfect. Exactly what you want. But instead of launching the nearest object across the room, you can fix it with a reset.
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A soft reset will often provide a fresh start by clearing out glitches, refreshing network handoffs, and getting everything back in working order. A factory reset, on the other hand, is essential if you are giving your Roku to someone else, like selling or gifting it, and need to remove your account, apps, and personal settings. The good news is that Roku supports a full range of resets.
Some models even include a hardware reset button. Let's go through every option so you can pick the right reset for your needs.
How to reset a Roku TV or device
What you'll need: A Roku TV or streaming device, a working remote or the Roku mobile app, and access to either the Settings menu or the physical reset button on the device.
1. System restart (or soft reset) your Roku
Give it a quick reboot
If your Roku feels sluggish, if apps are slow to open, if playback stutters, or if remote commands lag, this is the best first step -- and the safest one. Nothing important is removed. Your account sign ins, installed channels, Wi-Fi settings, and preferences all stay exactly as they are, but your device will reboot and clear out any temporary issues that may be causing problems.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote. (If you do not have a physical Roku remote, or it is not working properly, you can use the Roku app for iOS or Android, as it includes a software remote.)
- Go to Settings from the main menu.
- Select System.
- Choose System restart. (Some models require you to go to Power, then System restart, which may also be called Restart device.)
- Select Restart to confirm and wait while the device shuts down and starts up again.
- The Roku logo will appear during the restart.
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Tip: Alternatively, you can use a special button combination with your Roku remote to perform a soft restart. Just press the Home button five times, then the Up arrow once, then Rewind twice, and Fast Forward twice.
Show more2. Unplug your Roku
Physically turn it off
When all else fails, unplug your Roku and plug it back in... seriously.
This is called a manual power cycle, and it works wonders by forcing the device to restart when it refuses to work. Maybe the menus are frozen, the remote is not responding, or the screen is completely blank. In those cases, a simple unplug should do the trick without removing apps, account information, or network settings.
- Locate the power cord for your Roku TV or Roku device.
- Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet or from the device, if possible.
- Wait at least 10 to 15 seconds.
- Plug the device back in and wait for the Roku logo to appear.
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Note: To fully unplug a Roku Stick, you must physically remove the power source. Look for the micro USB cable connected to the stick, and unplug it from your TV USB port or wall adapter.
Show more3. Factory reset with the software menu
Warning: This is a hard reset that erases everything
This is your clean slate option, and there is no coming back from it.
A factory reset removes everything on the device, including account information, network settings, installed channels, and saved data. If you want to start over completely, such as when you are giving away or selling the device or dealing with issues that continue after a soft reset, a factory reset may be the best choice.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Advanced system settings.
- Select Factory reset. (If prompted, enter the code shown on screen to confirm.)
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete.
- The device will restart and display the Welcome to Roku setup screen.
- Link your Roku account again and reinstall your channels.
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After the reset, the device returns to the exact state it was in when you first purchased it and opened the box.
Show more4. Factory reset with the hardware button
Try when the software menu isn't working
Let's say your screen is blank, the remote does not respond, and you cannot reach the factory reset software menu at all. A hardware reset using the hardware button may be the only solution. Many Roku models include a small reset button or a recessed reset pinhole that can be pressed.
- Find the small reset button or recessed pinhole on the side, back, or bottom of the Roku. (You can look up your model and locate its specific reset button or pinhole here.)
- Press and hold the reset button for about 20 seconds, or until the status light begins to flash. Use a paper clip if it has a recessed pinhole.
- Release the button or stop pressing the pinhole when the Roku logo or setup screen appears.
- The device will load the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen steps to join Wi-Fi, sign in to your Roku account, and reinstall your channels.
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This method triggers the same full factory reset as the software version above. It erases everything on the Roku, including all settings and customizations, forcing the device to behave exactly like a new unit.
Show moreFAQs
Will a system restart (soft reset) delete my apps or settings?
No. A system restart simply reboots the device. Your apps, network information, and sign ins remain intact.
If I factory reset my Roku, do I lose purchased or rented movies?
No. While you lose device-specific settings and preferences, your purchases stay linked to your Roku account. So, when you set up your Roku again and sign back in to your account, your purchases will reappear. You will need to reinstall channels and log into them.
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Can a reset fix every problem?
No. A reset cannot repair hardware failures such as faulty HDMI ports or damaged memory. But it does fix most software issues.
What if my remote does not work at all?
As a backup, you can try the Roku mobile app as a temporary remote.
How often should I restart my Roku device?
There is no strict rule, but I suggest you restart it once a week. It refreshes the memory and gives it a temporary performance boost.
What is a network connection reset?
A network connection reset (Home > Settings > System > Network connection reset) on a Roku clears all saved Wi-Fi and network settings. This forces your Roku to forget every network, which can be useful if you are experiencing connection issues.
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After the reset, you will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi as if you were setting it up for the first time.
How do I remove a Roku device from my account?
If you are preparing to give away or sell a Roku device, make sure it is no longer listed in your Roku account. Many people forget this step. While a factory reset removes your data from the device, unlinking ensures the device is no longer tied to your Roku account.
- Visit my.roku.com and sign in.
- Go to your account.
- Open the section called My devices. Select the device you plan to give away.
- Choose the "Remove device from account" option.
- Confirm that the device no longer appears in your account list.
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