Moving apps on Roku takes three steps: find the app you want to move, hold the select button, then drag it to a new spot on your home screen
Your Roku home screen shows apps in whatever order they arrived — usually with streaming services you use least at the bottom. You can rearrange them so the ones you watch most are easiest to reach. The process works the same whether you use the physical remote, the mobile app, or a voice command remote.
Unlike phones or tablets, Roku does not let you create folders or hide apps entirely. You can only move them around on your home screen. If an app is not showing at all, it is probably in your app library rather than on the home screen itself — that is a different action covered below.
Key Takeaways
- Hold the select button (the center circle on your remote) on any app for two to three seconds until a menu appears.
- Choose "Move" from the menu, then use the arrow buttons to slide the app left or right to your preferred spot.
- Press select again to lock the app in its new position.
- Apps you use most should go in the first three or four positions, since those are easiest to reach without scrolling.
- If an app is not on your home screen at all, you need to add it from your app library first before you can move it.
How to move an app using the physical remote
Start by pointing your remote at the TV and highlighting the app you want to move. Use the arrow buttons to navigate until the app is outlined or highlighted on screen.
Once the app is selected, press and hold the select button — the circular button in the middle of the arrow pad — for about two to three seconds. A small menu will pop up with options including "Move," "Remove," and sometimes "Add to Favorites." Tap select once to choose "Move."
The app will now be in edit mode. Use the left and right arrow buttons to slide it across the home screen to wherever you want it. You will see the other apps shift out of the way as you move. When the app is in the right spot, press select again to confirm and lock it in place. The menu will close and your new layout is saved.
Moving apps with the Roku mobile app
If you have the official Roku app installed on your phone, you can move apps from there instead of using the remote. Open the app and make sure you are on the home screen view — not the guide or search screens.
Find the app you want to move and press and hold it with your finger for two to three seconds. A menu will appear with the same options as the remote: Move, Remove, and Add to Favorites. Tap "Move."
Drag the app left or right across the screen to its new position. The other apps will rearrange automatically. Lift your finger to drop it in place. The change takes effect when ready on your TV.
What to do if an app is not on your home screen
If you cannot find an app on your home screen at all, it is stored in your app library but not pinned to the home screen. You need to add it first before you can move it.
Press the home button on your remote to go to the home screen. Look for an option that says "App Library," "My Apps," or sometimes just shows a grid icon. Select it. You will see a list of all apps installed on your Roku, organized by category or by most recent.
Find the app you want and select it. A menu will appear with options to "Add to Home Screen" or sometimes "Add to Favorites." Choose "Add to Home Screen." The app will now appear on your home screen, usually at the end of the list. You can then move it using the steps above.
Removing apps from your home screen
If you want to clean up your home screen without deleting the app entirely, you can remove it from view. Highlight the app, hold select for two to three seconds, and choose "Remove" from the menu. The app stays in your app library but disappears from the home screen.
This is useful for apps you rarely use but might want later. Removing does not uninstall the app from your Roku — it just hides it from the main view. To use it again, go back to your app library and add it to the home screen once more.
Tips for organizing your home screen
Put the apps you use every day in the first three positions. Roku shows the first few apps without scrolling, so frequent services like Netflix, YouTube, or your local news app should be there.
Group similar apps together if you can — all streaming services in one section, all news apps in another. This makes them easier to find when you are browsing. Keep less-used apps toward the right side of the screen, where they require scrolling to reach.
Remember that Roku automatically adds new apps to the end of your home screen when you install them. You will need to move them to your preferred spot right after installation if you want them in a specific order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the Roku home screen itself or change how it looks?
No. You can only rearrange the apps on the home screen, not change the layout, colors, or theme of the screen itself. Roku controls the overall design, and you control only the order of your apps.
What happens if I remove an app by accident?
Go to your app library, find the app, and select "Add to Home Screen" again. It will reappear at the end of your home screen. You can then move it back to where it was. Removing from the home screen does not delete the app.
Do I have to move apps one at a time?
Yes. Roku does not have a bulk-move or batch-edit feature. You move one app at a time using the select-and-drag method. If you have many apps to rearrange, the mobile app is usually faster than the remote.
Will my app order stay the same if I restart my Roku?
Yes. Your home screen layout is saved to your Roku account. If you restart the TV, factory reset it, or sign into your account on a different Roku device, your app order will be the same.
Can I move apps to different rows or create multiple screens?
No. Roku has only one home screen row. All your apps line up horizontally in a single row, and you scroll left or right to see them. You cannot create multiple pages or move apps up and down.