As a long-time Roku user, I’ve accumulated my fair share of apps throughout the years. While some channels like Netflix and Hulu have remained staples on my home screen, others have fallen out of use. With new apps constantly being added, space on my Roku can quickly become limited. When it’s time to clear out old or unwanted apps, it’s important to know the proper steps for removing channels from your Roku.
In my experience, there are a few ways to delete apps from a Roku device. The methods vary slightly depending on if you want to remove channels from the Roku itself or deauthorize the Roku from your streaming app accounts. With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to free up space on your home screen and remove access to streaming services you no longer use.
Ways to Delete/Remove Apps from Roku
Deleting Apps Directly on Roku
The most straightforward way to remove apps is directly through the Roku interface. With just your remote, you can easily delete channels right from your home screen. Here’s how:
First, use the directional pad on your Roku remote to navigate to the channel you want to remove. Scroll through the grids of apps until you arrive at the one you wish to delete.
Next, click on the asterisk button (*) on your remote to bring up a quick options menu. Select “Remove Channel” and confirm that you want to delete the app from your Roku.
After a few seconds, the channel will vanish from your home screen, freeing up room for new apps and channels. Repeat this process to remove multiple unwanted apps at once.
If you don’t have the actual remote and are using the Roku mobile app instead, the process is very similar:
- Open up the Roku app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Use the on-screen remote to navigate to the channel you wish to remove.
- Press the asterisk button on the on-screen remote to bring up the options menu.
- Choose the “Remove Channel” option and confirm deletion.
Using the mobile app, I’m able to quickly remove several channels at a time without having to get up and grab the physical remote. It makes clearing old apps from my Roku a breeze.
Removing Apps from Roku Account
Deleting apps directly from your Roku is great for removing unwanted channels and freeing up space. However, it doesn’t fully deactivate your app subscription or account access. To do that, you need to remove the channel from your main Roku account.
Removing a channel from your account essentially deauthorizes your Roku from having access to that streaming service. Follow these steps to revoke access:
- On your computer, tablet or smartphone, open up the Roku website and log into your account.
- Under “My Account,” select “Manage account.”
- Choose “Channel subscriptions” from the side menu.
- Find the streaming channel you wish to remove. Select “Cancel subscription” next to the appropriate app.
- Confirm that you want to deactivate your subscription to that channel.
Once completed, your Roku will no longer have access to stream content from that platform, even if the channel still appears on your home screen. You’ll have to repeat the deletion process mentioned earlier to fully remove the now-defunct app.
If you ever wish to reactivate a cancelled channel subscription, simply log back into your Roku account on the website and click “Reactivate” next to the streaming service. The app will once again function normally on your device.
Use Roku Folders
The Roku OS allows you to group apps into folders to reduce clutter. To create a folder:
- From the home screen, highlight an app you want to folderize.
- Press * on your remote.
- Choose “Create folder” and name it something like “Kid Shows” or “Sports Apps.”
- Highlight any other apps you want to add to the folder and press * again to add them.
Folders neatly sort your apps and keep your home screen tidy.
Fixing an App that Won’t Delete from Roku
On rare occasions, you may encounter a stubborn app that refuses to be removed from your Roku, no matter how many times you try deleting it. This apparent glitch can happen after cancelling a channel subscription directly from the provider’s website rather than the Roku account portal.
If you find yourself unable to remove an app from your Roku, don’t panic. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to finally erase the troublesome channel:
- Double check that you fully cancelled the channel subscription on the Roku website first before attempting to delete the app on your device. The channel must be deactivated from your account for it to be fully removed.
- If the app appears greyed out but won’t delete, try restarting your Roku device. Press the restart button on the Roku remote or unplug the power cord for 30 seconds. Once the device reboots, try removing the channel again.
- From your smartphone, open the Roku app and navigate to the problematic app. This time, use the on-screen remote to delete the channel. Something about using the mobile app instead can force the removal to work properly.
- As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Roku. This will wipe all apps and settings, allowing you to start fresh. Make sure to back up any other channels you wish to keep first.
With a little time and troubleshooting, you should be able to force even the most stubborn app to finally be erased from your Roku home screen. A device reset gives you the peace of mind of a fresh start.
Keeping Your Roku Organized
Taking the time to periodically declutter your Roku and remove unused apps is worth the minor hassle. Not only does it free up valuable space on your home screen, but also eliminates video services you no longer watch from your account. With just your remote or mobile app, you can easily clean up your channel lineup and cancel any unwanted subscriptions.
Remember to always deactivate the app from your Roku account first before attempting to delete it from your device. And should an app refuse to budge, a few simple troubleshooting techniques should do the trick to force its removal. Keeping only your favourite streaming services makes for a much more organized and personalized Roku experience.
So don’t let old channels clutter up your Roku indefinitely. By learning these tips and tricks to remove apps from your device, you can keep only the streaming services that matter most to you.
FAQs about Removing Apps from Roku
How do I delete an app on my Roku TV?
To delete an individual app on your Roku TV, use the directional pad on your Roku remote to highlight the app you want to remove. Press the asterisk button to bring up options and select “Remove Channel.” Confirm that you want to delete the app from your home screen.
How do I delete multiple apps at once on Roku?
An easy way to delete multiple Roku apps at the same time is by using the Roku mobile app. Open the app, tap on the on-screen remote, and select the apps you wish to remove. Press the asterisk button next to each app and confirm the deletions.
Why are some apps stuck on my Roku home screen?
If an app appears stuck on your Roku home screen but won’t delete, it’s likely because the channel subscription wasn’t fully cancelled from your Roku account online first. Cancel the app from your account and then delete the greyed-out version on your device.
How do I delete channels I don’t subscribe to?
Free Roku channels added from the Channel Store can be removed right from your home screen. Navigate to the channel, click the asterisk for options, and select “Remove Channel” to delete it. This only works for free channels.
How do I delete apps without a Roku remote?
You can delete Roku apps without a remote by using the free Roku mobile app. Download it to your smartphone or tablet, connect to your Roku, and use the on-screen remote to easily remove unwanted channels.
Why can’t I remove an app that I cancelled the subscription to?
If you cancelled a Roku channel subscription directly from the provider instead of your Roku account, your device may still think the app is active. Fully cancel the subscription under your Roku account online first.
What happens when I delete a channel from my Roku?
Deleting a channel removes the app from your Roku home screen and account. It cancels your subscription and deauthorizes that streaming service from your device. Your app data may be deleted.
How do I re-add channels I’ve deleted?
To re-add a previously deleted channel, visit the Roku Channel Store and search for the app you want to re-install. Free apps let you add them again easily while paid ones will prompt you to reactivate your subscription.
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