How to Uninstall an App on Roku: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve decided to declutter your Roku? Excellent choice! Whether you’re shedding unused channels, freeing up storage, or simply tidying up your interface, uninstalling an app (or channel, as Roku calls them) is a breeze. Let’s dive straight into the nuts and bolts.

How to uninstall an app on Roku is straightforward:

1. Navigate to the Roku Home Screen: Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Highlight the App: Use the directional pad (D-pad) on your remote to navigate to the app you want to remove. Do not select or open the app.
3. Press the Options Button: Press the Star (*) button on your remote. This brings up the options menu for the selected app.
4. Select “Remove Channel”: In the options menu, scroll down and select “Remove channel”.
5. Confirm Removal: A confirmation screen will appear asking if you’re sure you want to remove the channel. Select “Remove” to confirm.

That’s it! The app is now uninstalled. Rinse and repeat for any other apps you wish to remove. Now, let’s tackle some common questions you might have about this process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uninstalling Roku Apps

We understand that even the simplest tasks can sometimes raise questions. Here are 12 frequently asked questions designed to cover all your bases when it comes to uninstalling apps on your Roku.

1. What happens when I uninstall a Roku app?

Uninstalling a Roku app, or channel, removes it from your Roku device. This means the app icon disappears from your home screen, and the app’s code is deleted from your Roku’s storage. However, your account information associated with the app (like your Netflix login, for instance) is not deleted. This is stored separately by the service provider, not Roku. You’ll need to log in again if you reinstall the app.

2. Does uninstalling an app cancel my subscription?

Absolutely not! Uninstalling an app from your Roku does not automatically cancel any subscriptions you have with that service. You need to cancel your subscription directly through the app’s website or through your subscription management settings (e.g., in your Roku account if you subscribed through Roku Pay, or in your Google Play or Apple App Store account if you subscribed through the app on a different device). Failing to do so will result in continued billing.

3. How do I reinstall a Roku app I uninstalled?

Reinstalling a Roku app is just as easy as uninstalling it:

1. Go to the Roku Channel Store: From the Roku Home Screen, select “Streaming Channels” (or “Channel Store,” depending on your Roku model).
2. Search for the App: Use the search function (usually represented by a magnifying glass icon) and type in the name of the app you want to reinstall.
3. Select the App: Once you find the app, select it to view its details.
4. Add the App: Select “Add channel” to reinstall the app. It will then be added back to your Roku Home Screen.

4. Why can’t I uninstall certain Roku apps?

Some Roku apps are system apps pre-installed by Roku. These are essential for the functioning of your device and cannot be uninstalled. These are typically apps like the Roku Channel, Roku Search, and other core services. You’ll know you can’t uninstall an app if the “Remove channel” option is greyed out or missing from the options menu.

5. How do I free up space on my Roku?

Uninstalling apps is a great way to free up space, but it’s not the only way. Here are some other tips:

• Remove unused apps: As mentioned earlier, get rid of any channels you no longer use.
• Restart your Roku: A simple restart can sometimes clear temporary files and improve performance. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
• Factory Reset (Last Resort): If your Roku is severely bogged down, a factory reset will wipe everything clean and restore it to its original state. Be warned: this will erase all your settings and require you to set up your Roku again. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset.

6. I accidentally uninstalled an app. How can I get it back quickly?

No worries, accidents happen! Just follow the steps outlined in FAQ #3 to reinstall the app. If you remember the app’s name, searching for it directly in the Channel Store is the fastest way. If not, browse the categories to find it again.

7. Can I uninstall an app from the Roku mobile app?

Unfortunately, no. The Roku mobile app does not offer the functionality to uninstall apps. You must uninstall apps directly from your Roku device using the remote. The mobile app is primarily for controlling the device, searching, and casting media.

8. Why is the “Remove channel” option missing for some apps?

As mentioned in FAQ #4, the “Remove channel” option will be missing for system apps that are essential for the Roku’s operation. These apps are pre-installed and cannot be uninstalled. Double-check that you’re trying to remove a channel you installed, not a built-in one.

9. Does uninstalling an app delete my viewing history?

Potentially, yes, but indirectly. Uninstalling an app itself doesn’t directly delete your viewing history stored by the streaming service within that app (e.g., your Netflix viewing history remains on Netflix’s servers). However, if the app stores local data on your Roku, uninstalling it will clear that local data, which might include some viewing preferences or recently watched lists stored only on the device itself.

10. How can I organize my Roku apps after uninstalling some?

After uninstalling apps, you might want to reorganize the remaining ones. Here’s how:

1. Highlight the App: Use the D-pad on your remote to select the app you want to move.
2. Press the Options Button: Press the Star (*) button.
3. Select “Move channel”: Scroll down and select “Move channel”.
4. Move the App: Use the D-pad to move the app to your desired location on the home screen.
5. Press OK: Press the OK button to lock the app into its new position.

11. Will uninstalling an app improve my Roku’s performance?

Yes, it can! Removing apps you don’t use frees up storage space and reduces the processing load on your Roku device. This can lead to improved performance, especially on older or lower-end Roku models with limited resources. Think of it as decluttering your digital living room – a tidy Roku is a happy Roku.

12. I uninstalled an app, but it still shows up in my Roku account online. Why?

The Roku website shows a list of all the channels you’ve ever added to your account, even if they’re not currently installed on your device. This is for convenience, so you can easily add them back later. Uninstalling the app from your device is the important step to remove it from active use. If you truly want to remove it from your Roku account history online, you may need to contact Roku support, as this option is not readily available to users.