How to Delete Netflix from Your Roku TV: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to declutter your Roku TV interface and ditch the Netflix app. Maybe you’ve cancelled your subscription, or perhaps you’re just reorganizing your streaming landscape. Whatever the reason, removing Netflix from your Roku is a straightforward process. Here’s exactly how to delete Netflix from your Roku TV:

1. Navigate to the Netflix app on your Roku home screen.
2. Press the * button on your Roku remote. This will bring up an options menu.
3. Select “Remove channel” from the menu.
4. Confirm your decision by selecting “Remove” again when prompted.

And just like that, Netflix is gone! Now, let’s dive deeper into some common questions and scenarios related to managing apps on your Roku device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netflix and Roku

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get the most out of your Roku experience.

1. Will deleting Netflix from Roku cancel my Netflix subscription?

No, removing the app from your Roku does not cancel your Netflix subscription. Your Netflix subscription is managed separately, directly through Netflix, not through your Roku device. To cancel your subscription, you’ll need to log into your Netflix account online, navigate to your account settings, and follow the cancellation process. Think of it like this: deleting the app is like throwing away a physical DVD, the company that sold it will still charge you for the monthly membership.

2. I deleted Netflix, but it reappeared. Why?

There are a couple of reasons why this might happen. First, if you performed a factory reset on your Roku, it will reinstall all previously installed channels, including Netflix. Second, if you have automatic channel updates enabled, Roku might automatically reinstall Netflix if it detects that you previously had it installed. To prevent this, you can disable automatic updates in your Roku settings (Settings > System > Software update > Automatic update check > Manual). Also, if you use a shared Roku account within your household, others might reinstall the application unknowingly.

3. How do I reinstall Netflix on my Roku TV?

Reinstalling Netflix is easy.

1. Go to the Roku Channel Store. You can find this on your Roku home screen.
2. Search for “Netflix.” Use the search function to quickly locate the app.
3. Select “Add channel.” This will download and install Netflix on your Roku.
4. Open Netflix from your home screen and sign in with your credentials.

4. I can’t find the “Remove channel” option. What should I do?

This is unusual, but here are a few things to try:

• Restart your Roku. A simple reboot can often resolve minor glitches. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart. If you don’t have a power option, select System restart.
• Ensure you’re pressing the * button on your remote while the Netflix app is selected on the home screen. The menu will only appear when the app is highlighted.
• Check for Roku system updates. An outdated system might have bugs. Go to Settings > System > Software update > Check now.

If none of these work, contact Roku support directly.

5. Can I hide Netflix instead of deleting it?

Unfortunately, Roku doesn’t offer a direct “hide” feature for channels. You can only remove them. However, you can move the Netflix app to the very end of your channel list, essentially making it less visible on your main screen. This can be a temporary solution if you don’t want to completely delete it. This is achieved by navigating to the application, pressing the * button on your remote, and selecting “Move Channel.” Then, use the navigation buttons on your remote to position it where you like.

6. Does deleting Netflix free up storage space on my Roku?

Yes, removing Netflix will free up a small amount of storage space on your Roku device. While the Netflix app itself isn’t huge, every little bit helps, especially on older Roku models with limited storage. This freed-up space can contribute to a slightly smoother overall performance.

7. How do I manage other channels on my Roku besides Netflix?

Managing other channels is the same as managing Netflix. Simply highlight the channel on your home screen, press the * button on your remote, and you’ll see options to remove, move, or rate the channel. You can also manage your channels through the Roku mobile app or on the Roku website when logged into your account.

8. I deleted Netflix, but my kids still watch it on another device. How can I control this?

Deleting the app from your Roku only removes it from that specific device. To control what your kids watch on other devices, you’ll need to use Netflix’s parental control features. These features allow you to set viewing restrictions based on age, create profiles for each family member, and even set a PIN to prevent kids from accessing certain content. You can access and manage these settings within your Netflix account online.

9. Will deleting Netflix affect my profile settings if I reinstall it later?

No, deleting the app doesn’t delete your profile settings within Netflix. When you reinstall the app and log back in, all your profiles, viewing history, and preferences will be intact. Your Netflix profile is stored on Netflix’s servers, not on your Roku device.

10. Can I delete pre-installed channels on my Roku?

Some channels come pre-installed on your Roku. In most cases, you can remove these pre-installed channels using the same method described earlier. However, some system channels (like The Roku Channel) might not be removable. The option to remove the channel will be greyed out if it is a channel that is not removable.

11. I’m selling my Roku TV. Should I delete Netflix?

Absolutely! Before selling or giving away your Roku TV, you should perform a factory reset. This will remove all your personal information, including your Roku account, all installed channels (including Netflix), and any other stored data. This protects your privacy and ensures the new owner starts with a clean slate. To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset.

12. My Netflix app is frozen. Should I delete and reinstall it?

If your Netflix app is consistently freezing or experiencing other issues, deleting and reinstalling it can often resolve the problem. This is because reinstalling the app will download the latest version and clear any corrupted data that might be causing the issues. Before deleting, try restarting the Roku first, but if that fails, a reinstall is a good next step.