The Roku, a popular streaming device, is prevalent in smart households. While the device offers unlimited access to a wide range of TV shows and movies, managing your channel list can be a bit tricky, primarily when there are too many apps to an extent that the home screen becomes cluttered and disorganized. Having too many apps on your home screen can lead to confusion and difficulties finding your channels. Fortunately, deleting apps from Roku is a simple process, and this article aims to outline the different ways to remove those unwanted apps.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Delete Apps from Roku Home Screen
The Roku is an excellent streaming device. Still, due to the many channels available on the platform, it is sometimes impossible to find the app you want without unnecessary scrolling. Moreover, it is common for people to try new apps and later lose interest in them. These inactive apps thus take up space on your home screen, making it cluttered and disorganized. With so many apps on your device, it’s no wonder you might want to delete some to make it more organized and easier to navigate.
Method 1: Removing Apps via Remote
Deleting apps using the Roku remote is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Navigate to the home screen and locate the app you want to delete.
2. Using the remote, highlight the app you want to remove.
3. Once highlighted, press the Start button.
4. A new screen will appear, select the “Remove Channel” option, and press OK.
5. Confirm the action by selecting “Remove Channel” again.
Pros:
– It’s simple and straightforward.
– You don’t need any other device to delete the app.
Cons:
– It can be time-consuming when you have multiple apps to remove.
– Not all Roku remotes have the option of the Start button.
Method 2: Removing Apps via Mobile Phone
Roku has a mobile app that you can use to delete apps from your Roku streaming device. Follow these steps to delete your apps using your phone:
1. Download the Roku mobile app from Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Ensure that your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
3. Launch the Roku app, and select the device icon to connect to your Roku device.
4. On the home screen, select the “Channels” option.
5. Find the app you want to delete and select it.
6. A new screen will appear, select the “Remove Channel” option.
7. Confirm the action by selecting “Remove.”
Pros:
– It’s easier and faster to navigate using a mobile phone.
– You can remove multiple apps at once.
Cons:
– You need to have a smartphone and ensure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
– You need to download the Roku mobile app.
Method 3: Hiding Apps
If you don’t want to delete an app permanently, you can choose to hide it on your home screen. Here’s how to hide apps on Roku:
1. Navigate to the home screen and locate the app you want to hide.
2. Using the remote, highlight the app you want to hide.
3. Once highlighted, press the Star button.
4. A new screen will appear, select the “Remove Channel” option and press the OK button to confirm.
5. To restore the app, go to “Settings,” then “Home Screen,” then “Hide and Unhide Channels” and click on the app to unhide it.
Pros:
– It’s a reversible process. You can restore a hidden app at any time.
– It’s ideal for apps that you don’t often use, but you don’t want to uninstall entirely.
Cons:
– The app is not permanently deleted. It’s only hidden from the home screen.
– You need to navigate to settings to restore the hidden app.
Method 4: Removing Apps Online
You can also choose to remove the unwanted apps from your account online. Here’s how:
1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to Roku’s website.
2. Sign in with your credentials.
3. Click on your account and select “Manage Your Subscriptions.”
4. Find the channel you want to delete and click on the “Unsubscribe” button.
5. Confirm the action by clicking on “Yes, Unsubscribe.”
Pros:
– You can manage your Roku account from anywhere.
– You can cancel your subscription and delete the app simultaneously.
Cons:
– You need to have access to the internet for this method to work.
– The app is not deleted from your Roku device until you log in with your account.
What to Do If You Can’t Remove Apps from Roku Home Screen
In some cases, you might encounter issues while trying to remove an app from your Roku device. Here are some fixes to try:
– Restart your Roku device by unplugging it from the power source and plugging it back in after a few minutes.
– Check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable.
– Update your Roku device to the latest software version.
– Contact Roku’s customer support.
Bonus Tip
1. Organize your home screen by grouping your apps into folders.
2. Move the apps you use frequently to the top of the home screen.
3. Customize your home screen by personalizing it with different themes.
5 FAQs
Q1: What Happens If I Remove an App from My Roku Device?
A: Removing an app from your Roku device means you are deleting it from your home screen and preventing it from using your internet bandwidth. If the app is a subscription-based service, the payment stops immediately.
Q2: Can I Recover Deleted Apps on Roku?
A: You can restore a recently deleted app by going to “Settings,” then “System,” then “System Update,” and finally, “Restore Factory Settings.”
Q3: What Happens to My Saved Data When I Delete an App on Roku?
A: When you delete an app from Roku, all your saved data gets deleted. These include login information, preferences, and saved content.
Q4: How Do I Fix a Frozen Roku Device?
A: Unplug the device from the power supply and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in. This restarts the device, and it should start working again.
Q5: How Many Apps Can Roku Handle?
A: Roku can handle as many apps as possible. However, the number of apps present affects the device’s performance and navigation.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your Roku device ensures you have quick and easy access to your favorite channels. Removing unwanted apps from the home screen not only makes it less cluttered but also frees up space and speeds up performance. With the above methods, deleting those channels you no longer need is a straightforward and stress-free process.