How to Update an App on a Roku TV: A Seamless Streaming Experience

Updating your apps on a Roku TV is crucial for maintaining a smooth and enjoyable streaming experience. Outdated apps can lead to glitches, buffering issues, and even security vulnerabilities, so keeping them up-to-date is a simple yet essential task.

The great news is that Roku TVs typically update apps automatically. However, if you suspect an app isn’t running the latest version, or you just want to be proactive, you can manually check for updates. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Roku Home Screen: Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Highlight the App: Use the directional pad to select the app you want to update. Do not launch the app.
3. Press the Options Button: Press the * button on your Roku remote. This will open a menu.
4. Check for Updates: In the menu, look for the “Check for updates” option. If you see it, select it. If you do not, see FAQ #1 below.
5. System Update: If you don’t see a “Check for updates” option for the individual app, the Roku operating system will check for updates for all your apps.
6. Wait for the Update: The Roku system will automatically download and install any available updates. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.
7. Restart (If Necessary): In rare cases, you might need to restart your Roku after the update. You can do this by going to Settings > System > Power > System Restart.

That’s it! You’ve successfully updated (or checked for updates) your app on your Roku TV. The system automatically checks daily for updates but performing the steps above can speed up the process if you’re experiencing issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Roku App Updates

These FAQs will provide even more detailed information about managing your apps on your Roku.

1. Why don’t I see a “Check for Updates” option for every app?

Not all apps on Roku provide individual update options. The Roku operating system is designed to manage most app updates automatically in the background. Therefore, the “Check for updates” option might not appear for every single app. If it’s not available, don’t worry, the system will check all apps for updates when you perform a system update. This means the system will check ALL your installed apps for any available updates.

2. How often does Roku automatically update apps?

Roku devices are programmed to check for updates automatically every 24-36 hours. This process occurs in the background, so you typically won’t notice it unless a significant update requires a system restart. It is designed to be as seamless as possible.

3. What happens if I don’t update my Roku apps?

Failing to update your apps can lead to several problems. You may experience:

• Bugs and Glitches: Outdated apps are more prone to bugs and glitches.
• Buffering Issues: Performance can degrade as older apps struggle to handle newer content.
• Security Vulnerabilities: Unpatched apps can leave your device vulnerable to security threats.
• Compatibility Issues: Older apps may not be compatible with the latest Roku OS updates.
• Missing Features: You might miss out on new features and improvements introduced in updated versions.

4. How do I update the Roku operating system itself?

Updating the Roku OS is essential for overall performance and security. To manually check for a system update:

1. Go to Settings > System > System Update.
2. Select “Check Now”.

Your Roku will search for any available OS updates and install them automatically.

5. Can I set my Roku to automatically install OS updates?

Yes, you can ensure that your Roku automatically installs OS updates. This is typically enabled by default, but you can verify it:

1. Go to Settings > System > System Update.
2. Make sure the “Automatically update” option is checked. If it is not, enable it.

6. How much does it cost to update apps on Roku?

Updating apps on Roku is completely free. You don’t need to pay anything to download and install updates. You are only responsible for the initial purchase price of the Roku device and any subscription fees for the streaming services you use within the apps.

7. What should I do if an app is still not working after updating?

If you’ve updated an app and it’s still not working correctly, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Restart the App: Go back to the Roku home screen and re-launch the app.
• Restart the Roku: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches. Go to Settings > System > Power > System Restart.
• Clear the App’s Cache: (If available – some apps don’t offer this option). Highlight the app, press the * button, and look for a “Clear cache” option.
• Remove and Reinstall the App: Delete the app from your Roku and then re-add it from the Roku Channel Store. This will give you a fresh install.
• Check your Internet Connection: Ensure that your Roku has a stable internet connection.
• Contact the App Developer: If all else fails, contact the app developer for further support.

8. How do I know if an app update is available?

Roku typically handles app updates in the background, so you might not always be explicitly notified when an update is available. However, if you notice that an app is behaving strangely or displaying an older interface, it’s a good indication that an update might be available. Running a system update check (as described earlier) will identify and install any pending updates.

9. Can I roll back to a previous version of an app after updating?

Unfortunately, Roku does not offer a feature to roll back to previous versions of apps. Once an update is installed, it’s permanent. If you encounter problems after an update, you’ll need to rely on troubleshooting steps or contact the app developer for support.

10. Will updating apps use a lot of my internet data?

App updates can use some internet data, especially if they are large updates. However, most updates are relatively small and shouldn’t consume excessive amounts of data. If you have a limited data plan, it’s a good idea to monitor your data usage, especially when performing manual system updates.

11. How do I manually install an app update when Roku doesn’t automatically update?

While Roku is designed to update apps automatically, you can encourage the update process. Even if you don’t see the “Check for Updates” option on the individual app, performing a system update by going to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now will force Roku to check for updates across all installed apps and the Roku OS. This is the closest you’ll get to manually forcing an update.

12. Can I prevent an app from automatically updating?

No, Roku does not offer a feature to prevent individual apps from automatically updating. This is because automatic updates are crucial for maintaining security and ensuring compatibility. The Roku operating system prioritizes keeping all apps on the latest version to deliver the best possible streaming experience. Therefore, blocking individual app updates is not an option.