Your Roku PIN is a four-digit code you set yourself, and Roku does not store a copy you can retrieve

If you set a PIN on your Roku device and have forgotten it, you cannot recover it through Roku's website or by calling support. The PIN exists only on your device. Your only option is to perform a factory reset, which erases all your settings and returns the device to its original state — then you can set a new PIN.

This design is intentional: Roku does not keep a master list of user PINs, so no one — not even Roku — can bypass the lock you created. The trade-off is that a forgotten PIN means starting over with your device setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku PINs are stored only on your device, not on Roku's servers, so there is no way to retrieve a forgotten PIN through support or online recovery.
  • A factory reset is the only way to regain access to a locked device, and it will erase all your apps, logins, and custom settings.
  • Before you reset, write down which apps you use and which accounts are logged in, so you can set them up again afterward.
  • After the reset, you can set a new PIN when ready, and you should write it down somewhere safe if you think you might forget it again.

How to perform a factory reset on your Roku device

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have a Roku TV or a Roku streaming device (like a Roku Stick or Roku Box). In both cases, you will need physical access to the device itself.

For a Roku streaming device: Locate the small reset button on the back or side of the device — it is usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds until you see lights on the device flash or change. Release the button and wait two to three minutes for the device to restart and show the initial setup screen.

For a Roku TV: Go to Settings on the TV menu, then select System, then Factory Reset. You will be asked to confirm. The TV will restart and return to its original setup state. This takes a few minutes.

Once the device finishes restarting, you will see the initial setup screen as if the device were brand new. You can now set a new PIN during setup, or skip the PIN step entirely if you decide you do not want one.

What happens to your apps and accounts after a factory reset

A factory reset removes all apps you installed and logs you out of every service. This includes streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, as well as any Roku Channel subscriptions or purchases you made through the device.

Your actual accounts with those services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) are not deleted — they still exist on Netflix's servers, Disney's servers, and so on. You will straightforward need to log back in to each app after you reinstall it. If you have a list of which apps you use, reinstalling them takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Your Roku account itself is also not affected. If you use a Roku account to manage your device remotely or to sync settings across multiple Roku devices, that account remains active. You will just need to sign back into it on this device after the reset.

How to set a new PIN after the reset

During the initial setup after a factory reset, Roku will ask whether you want to set a parental control PIN. You can choose to set one at that time, or you can skip it and add one later.

To add or change a PIN after setup is complete, go to Settings, then Parental Controls, then PIN. You will be asked to create a four-digit code. Write it down when ready and store it somewhere you will remember — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note on your phone. Do not rely on memory alone.

Once the PIN is set, anyone who tries to access Parental Controls or change certain settings will need to enter that PIN. The PIN does not lock the entire device — it only protects the settings menu.

Preventing a forgotten PIN in the future

The simplest approach is to use a PIN you already use elsewhere, as long as that PIN is not something others can easily guess. If you use the same four digits for your garage door code or your mailbox lock, write down which device uses which code so you do not mix them up.

Alternatively, use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass to store your Roku PIN along with your other codes. These tools are free or low-cost and let you look up the PIN whenever you need it without having to remember it.

If you live with other people who use the Roku device, consider whether a PIN is necessary at all. A PIN is most useful if you want to prevent children from changing settings or accessing certain content. If that is not a concern, you can skip the PIN and avoid the problem entirely.

What a PIN actually protects on Roku

A Roku PIN does not lock the entire device or prevent someone from watching content. It only locks access to the Parental Controls menu and the ability to change system settings like network, display, and privacy options.

This means someone with physical access to your Roku device can still watch any app or content that is already installed and logged in. They just cannot uninstall apps, change the Wi-Fi network, or adjust parental control settings without entering the PIN.

If you want to prevent someone from using the device at all, a PIN is not the right tool. In that case, you would need to physically find the device or use your Roku account's remote management features to uninstall apps or sign out of accounts from another location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Roku support help me recover my PIN?

No. Roku support cannot retrieve, reset, or recover a PIN because Roku does not store PINs on their servers. A factory reset is the only way to regain access to a locked device.

Will a factory reset delete my Roku account?

No. Your Roku account exists on Roku's servers and is not affected by a factory reset. You will need to sign back into your account on the device after the reset, but the account itself remains intact.

Can I reset the PIN without resetting the whole device?

No. There is no way to change or reset a PIN without performing a full factory reset. This is by design — it prevents someone from bypassing the PIN without physical access to the device.

What if I do not remember which apps I had installed?

Sign into your Roku account on the device after the reset. Your Roku account keeps a record of apps you have installed in the past, and you can reinstall them from your account history. You will need to log back into each app individually.

Is there a way to avoid losing my PIN again?

Write your PIN down and store it in a safe place — a notebook, a password manager, or a note on your phone. Using a PIN you already use for something else (like a door code) also helps, as long as you write down which device uses which code.