What happens when you cancel Roku

Canceling Roku means removing your account from the Roku device itself. Once you do, you lose access to any channels you've added, your watch history, and saved preferences. If you pay for Roku Premium (the $13.99/year subscription for ad-free channels), that charge stops when ready after cancellation. Your Roku device itself still works — you just can't add new channels or use Roku's streaming services until you set up a new account.

The cancellation process takes about five minutes and happens entirely on your device or through your Roku account online. You don't need to contact Roku support or wait for approval. Once you remove the account, any recurring charges tied to that account stop right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Canceling your Roku account removes it from your device but doesn't delete the device itself — you can set up a new account anytime.
  • Roku Premium charges stop when ready when you cancel, but you lose access to ad-free streaming on Roku's owned channels.
  • You can cancel directly from your Roku device in Settings, or log into your account at roku.com and remove the device from there.
  • Channels you added through the Roku store (like Netflix or Hulu) stay on the device but won't work without an active Roku account.

Cancel from your Roku device using Settings

The fastest way to cancel is through your device's menu. Press the Home button on your Roku remote, then scroll up and select Settings. Go to System, then Factory Reset. Choose "Factory reset everything" — this removes your Roku account from the device and erases all your personal data, channels, and preferences. The device returns to its original state, as if it just came out of the box.

If you want to keep your channels and settings but just remove the account, go to Settings > System > System Restart instead. This keeps the device as-is but doesn't remove your account. For a true account removal without a full factory reset, use the online method instead.

Cancel through your Roku account online

Log into your account at roku.com using your email and password. Go to Settings, then Devices & Accessories. Find the device you want to remove and click the three-dot menu next to it. Select "Remove device." This unlinks your Roku account from that specific device without erasing anything on the device itself. You can still use the device with a new account later.

Removing the device this way stops any Roku Premium charges tied to that device. If you have multiple Roku devices on the same account, removing one doesn't affect the others — charges continue for any remaining devices unless you remove those too.

Stop Roku Premium charges before they renew

Roku Premium renews automatically every year. To stop the charge before it renews, log into roku.com and go to Billing. Under Subscriptions, you'll see your Roku Premium renewal date. Click "Cancel subscription" next to it. You can keep using Roku Premium until that date, then it expires and you're no longer charged.

If you've already been charged for a renewal you didn't want, contact Roku support through the roku.com Help Center. They can review refund requests for charges within the last 30 days. Have your account email and the charge date ready when you reach out.

What to do with channels you added separately

Channels like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are separate from your Roku account. Canceling Roku doesn't cancel those subscriptions — they continue charging you through their own billing systems. You need to cancel each one separately through their own websites or apps.

Log into each channel's account (netflix.com, hulu.com, etc.) and find the subscription or billing settings. Look for "Cancel subscription" or "Manage membership." Each service has its own cancellation process and may offer you a discount to stay. If you're not sure which channels you're paying for, check your credit card or bank statement for recurring charges, then cancel the ones you don't want.

Reactivate your Roku account later

If you cancel and change your mind, you can set up a new Roku account on the same device anytime. Press Home, go to Settings > System > About, and select "Link your Roku account." Enter a new email and password, or sign in with an existing Roku account. Your device will be linked again, and you can add channels and subscribe to Roku Premium if you want.

Your old account data (watch history, added channels, preferences) stays tied to the old account and won't transfer to a new one. But the device itself is reusable with any Roku account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose the Roku device when I cancel my account?

No. The device stays yours and continues to work. You just can't use Roku's services or add new channels until you link a new account to it. The device itself has no expiration date.

Will canceling Roku stop charges from Netflix or Hulu?

No. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services bill you separately from Roku. Canceling your Roku account doesn't touch those subscriptions. You must cancel each one through its own website or app.

Can I get a refund if I just paid for Roku Premium?

Roku considers refund requests for charges made within the last 30 days. Contact Roku support through roku.com/help with your account email and the charge date. They review each request individually, but refunds are not may provide.

What's the difference between removing a device and factory resetting it?

Removing a device through roku.com unlinks your account but leaves channels and settings on the device. A factory reset erases everything and returns the device to its original state. Both remove your account, but factory reset is more thorough.

Can I cancel just Roku Premium without canceling my whole account?

Yes. Log into roku.com, go to Billing > Subscriptions, and click "Cancel subscription" next to Roku Premium. Your account stays active, but the yearly charge stops after your current subscription ends.