How to reset your Roku streaming device if it's not functioning properly

Publish date: 2024-02-01

Updated

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You can factory reset your Roku if it isn't responding or frozen.
You can also restart your Roku in the Settings menu if it isn't completely frozen, but still has issues.
When you reset Roku, you will lose saved device settings and personal preferences.

It's always frustrating when tech starts misbehaving. If you're having issues with your Roku TV, there are a lot of things you should check, and the issue may not be the device itself. For example, if you're having Wi-Fi problems, a restart won't help, but restarting your router might.

You also might be having issues with your HDMI cable, in which case you might have to check that it's properly connected.

With that in mind, here's how to restart your Roku TV, or do a factory reset.

How to restart your Roku from Settings

You can restart your Roku from the Settings menu:

1. From the Home menu, scroll down to the Settings menu.

2. Select the Settings menu by pressing OK on the remote.

Select Settings. Devon Delfino

3. Scroll down to select the System option.

4. Press OK on your remote to open the menu.

Choose System. Devon Delfino

5. Select Power and then choose System restart.

Choose System restart. Devon Delfino

6. Choose Restart. Your device will shut off, then turn on again.

Select restart. Devon Delfino

Quick tip: Alternatively, you can do a forced reboot by unplugging the Roku power cord for at least ten seconds.

How to factory reset Roku

There are a few ways to get this done:

From the Settings menu

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.

2. Scroll down and select Settings.

3. Select System.

4. Choose Advanced system settings.

Choose Advanced system settings. Devon Delfino

5. Select Factory reset.

Choose factory reset. Devon Delfino

6. If you have a Roku TV, you'll then choose Factory reset everything. Otherwise, you'd follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Using a physical button or pinhole

If your device is completely frozen, there is a built-in reset button (or pinhole) that you can use to perform a reset. That will be located on either the back or bottom of your device.

You'd need to press and hold the button or use a paperclip or bobby pin to press the pinhole for at least ten seconds.

With most Roku devices, you should see a blinking LED light indicating that you've successfully reset the device.

What happens after you reset a Roku

When you do a factory reset on a Roku, the following changes will occur:

Your personal preferences will be erased.
Your Roku account will be unlinked from your device.
All of your device settings will reset.
Your Roku device will be ready to be set up again.

Devon Delfino Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino. Read more Read less