How to Factory Reset a Roku Device

Performing a factory reset on your Roku device can fix technical issues or make it ready for a new user. When you follow the steps listed below to factory reset your Roku, you are essentially starting over with a brand new device that has no channels, account, or personal information.

This article will show you all the ways you can reset your Roku device and provide some helpful tips along the way.

Restarting Roku

Before trying to factory reset, you should first try restarting your Roku as this may fix some of the issues you are having. You can try using the on/off switch to turn it off and on again first. Unfortunately, older Roku streaming sticks don't have this switch, so you'll need to do the following:

1. Using your remote and from your Home page, tap System.
2. Select Reboot System.
3. Select Restart on the right side of the screen.
   Your Roku device will then take a few minutes to turn back on and the home page will appear.
4. Try to see if your Roku works better.
5. If the Roku is frozen, reboot again by following these steps:
6. Press the Home button exactly five times.
7. Press the Up button once.
8. Tap Rewind twice, then Fast Forward twice.
9. The system will reboot, which may take some time.

Roku Factory Reset with Remote

If restarting your Roku Stick didn't work and you're having trouble, you can do a factory reset. This will remove all of your previously set preferences. Your Roku will return to its default configuration, so you will need to start the setup again. You will also need to re-connect your Roku account to the device.

1. Press Home on your remote.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Go to the System tab.
   
4. Select Advanced System Settings.
   
5. Select Factory reset on the right side of the screen.
   
6. You will then see a code at the bottom right of the screen. Enter the code to complete the factory reset.
   

Now your Roku will reboot. When the screen comes back on, you will notice that all your channels and personal information are gone.

Roku Factory Reset without Remote

If your Roku streaming stick is not responding to the remote or if you don't have access to the remote, you can factory reset from the device itself or use the mobile app as a remote if possible. We will cover both in this section.

Use the Roku app as a remote

If you have a smartphone, you can download the Roku app and use the remote control feature. iPhone users can get the app using this link, and Android users can get it here.

While installing the app, you can follow these steps to use your phone as a remote control:

1. Log into your Roku account and connect your phone to the same WiFi network as your TV.
   
2. Tap features at the bottom of the screen.
   
3. Tap on your Roku device.
   
4. When your Roku device displays logged, Press on Remote.
   
5. Now you can use your phone as a Roku remote.
   

Unfortunately, you may need the Roku remote to set this all up for the first time. If you can't get the app to work as a remote, don't worry. You can always perform the factory reset using the reset button.

Use the reset button

Fortunately, most of your Roku devices and TVs have a physical button that you can use to perform a factory reset.

Notes: If you're trying to reset a Roku TV, you may need to consult the manufacturer's manual to quickly locate the reset button. For example, the TCL Roku TV's reset button is on the right side of the TV above the HDMI ports.

1. Locate the reset button or pinhole on the back of your streaming stick or TV.
2. You will need to hold the button down for at least 20 seconds. If yours is shaped like a pinhole, you'll need to insert something that fits and hold it down for about 20 seconds.
3. If you understood correctly, the power light will start flashing on your device. This means the factory reset is complete.
4. Release the Reset button.

Network reset

Even a factory reset may not solve your problem if you are having problems with the Wi-Fi connection. In this case, you must reset the connection by following these steps:

1. From the start screen, select Settings
2. Select the system
3. Open the Advanced System Settings tab.
4. Select Reset Network Connection, then Reset Connection on the right side of the screen. This will erase all stored wireless information.
5. Go back to Settings and open Network.
6. Select Set up a new connection. You will then need to enter your wireless network information.

Remote control reset

If the Roku remote is the problem and it still does not work after factory reset, you can do the following:

1. Remove the battery cover from your remote.
2. Below the drum slots you will see a Link/Pairing button.
3. With your Roku Stick active, press the button. This should connect the remote to your device.

Did it work for you? How do you find the Roku mobile app? Tell us about it below!