Cleaning up your TV interface makes finding what you want to watch much faster. If your home screen is cluttered with free trials you never use or streaming services you canceled months ago, you can clear them out in seconds. Removing unwanted apps also helps free up internal storage on older Roku streaming sticks and smart TVs.
You can remove apps directly using your Roku remote or through the mobile app on your phone. Here is how to clean up your streaming lineup using either method, along with troubleshooting tips for stubborn channels.
How to Delete Apps Using Your Roku Remote
Using the physical remote that came with your Roku device is the most direct way to get rid of unwanted channels.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote to go to your main screen.
- Use the directional arrow pad to highlight the app you want to delete. Don't press OK, because that will launch the app instead.
- Press the Star (*) button on your remote to open the options menu for that specific app.
- Select Remove app (sometimes listed as Remove channel) from the menu.
- Confirm your choice when the pop-up window appears.
Once confirmed, the app disappears instantly from your home screen. Keep in mind that removing an app from one Roku device tied to your Roku account will remove it from all other Roku devices linked to that same account. More journalism by Bloomberg explores related views on this issue.
How to Delete Apps Using the Roku Mobile App
If you want to clear out multiple apps quickly without clicking through your TV screen one by one, you can use your smartphone.
- Download and open the Roku mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
- Make sure your phone is connected to the same local Wi-Fi network as your Roku device.
- Tap the Devices tab in the bottom navigation bar and select your active Roku device.
- Tap the Apps on Roku tab (or Channels tab depending on app version) to see a complete list of everything installed.
- Tap and hold the app icon you want to delete until a menu pops up. Do not tap quickly, or the app will open on your TV.
- Tap Remove and confirm your decision.
Why Can't I Delete Certain Apps?
Sometimes the option to remove an app is missing or grayed out. This usually happens for a few specific reasons:
- Active Subscriptions: If you pay for a streaming service through Roku billing, Roku won't let you delete the app until you cancel the active subscription or finish your current billing cycle. To fix this, select Manage subscription from the options menu, turn off auto-renew, and try deleting the app again after the billing period ends.
- Pre-installed Partner Apps: Certain sponsored apps or partner channels built into specific Roku TV models cannot be completely uninstalled. If you can't delete them, you can move them to the very bottom of your app grid or hide them if your specific software version supports it.
- Quick Access Bar: On newer Roku home screen layouts, trying to remove an app directly from a quick-access shortcut row sometimes restricts options. Scroll down to your main app grid to access the full menu.
Fixing Common Glitches and Storage Errors
If your Roku device freezes while trying to remove apps or gives you storage error messages when adding new ones, a simple system refresh usually fixes the problem.
Restart your device by going to Settings > System > System restart, or unplug the power cable from the back of your device for 30 seconds. Keeping your device software updated via Settings > System > System update also resolves interface bugs that interfere with channel management.
For more details on managing your account, you can visit Official Roku Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting an app cancel my monthly subscription?
No. Deleting an app from your home screen does not cancel any underlying subscription fees. If you subscribed through a third party like Apple or directly through the provider's website, you must cancel the subscription through them. If Roku handles your billing, you must turn off auto-renew in your Roku account settings before the system will allow you to delete the app.
Can I delete apps from the Roku website?
No. You cannot add or remove streaming apps directly from your computer browser on Roku.com. Channel management must be handled directly through your physical Roku device interface or the official Roku mobile app.
Why do deleted apps sometimes reappear?
If an app reappears after deletion, it is usually because it was automatically synced from another Roku device linked to your master account. If you share a Roku login across multiple TVs, removing a channel on one screen requires removing it on all linked hardware to keep it from syncing back.
How do I get an app back after deleting it?
If you want to reinstall an app you previously deleted, scroll down to the bottom of your home screen apps list and select Add channels, or use the search feature on your Roku home screen to find the app and download it again for free. You will not be charged again for apps you previously purchased.
