Delete a channel in three steps from your home screen
To remove a channel from your Roku, go to your home screen, highlight the channel you want to delete, press the Options button (the star icon on most remotes), and select "Remove channel" from the menu that appears. The channel disappears when ready, though you can reinstall it later from the Roku Channel Store if you change your mind.
This process works the same way on all Roku devices — streaming sticks, boxes, and TVs with built-in Roku software. The channel is deleted from your device only, not from your Roku account, so you won't lose any saved preferences or watch history if you add it back later.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a channel takes about 30 seconds and removes it from your home screen without affecting your account or saved data.
- You can reinstall any channel you delete by searching for it in the Roku Channel Store, which is free and takes a few minutes.
- Removing unused channels frees up storage space on your device and makes your home screen easier to navigate.
- Deleting a channel does not cancel any paid subscriptions tied to that app — you must cancel those separately through the channel itself or your account settings.
Why you might want to delete a channel
Channels take up storage space on your Roku device, and older devices with limited memory can slow down when you have too many installed. Removing channels you no longer watch makes your home screen less cluttered and can improve how quickly your Roku responds when you navigate between apps.
Deleting a channel is also a straightforward way to remove an app you no longer use without affecting anything else on your device. Unlike uninstalling software on a computer, removing a Roku channel does not delete any system files or cause problems with other apps.
What happens to your data and subscriptions when you delete
Your watch history, saved shows, and account information stay on Roku's servers, not on the channel itself. If you reinstall the channel later and log back in with the same account, you will see your saved preferences and watch history exactly as you left them.
However, if you have a paid subscription through that channel — such as a premium tier or a direct payment to the app — deleting the channel does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel any paid services separately, either through the channel's settings menu or through your Roku account payment settings. Check your subscriptions before deleting a channel if you are unsure whether you have an active paid plan.
How to find and reinstall a deleted channel
Open the Roku Channel Store from your home screen, use the search function to find the channel by name, and select "Add channel" when you find it. The channel reinstalls in a few minutes and appears on your home screen or in your apps list, depending on your Roku model and settings.
You can also browse the Channel Store by category if you remember the type of app but not the exact name — for example, "Streaming" for video apps or "Music" for audio services. Most channels are free to add, though some may require a subscription or payment once you open them.
Organizing your home screen instead of deleting
If you want to keep a channel but do not want it cluttering your home screen, you can move it to a folder or further down your app list instead of deleting it. Press the Options button on any channel and select "Move" to reposition it, or create a custom folder to group similar apps together.
This approach is useful if you use a channel occasionally but not often enough to keep it visible at the top of your screen. You can still access it quickly by scrolling down or opening the folder, without losing any saved data or having to reinstall it later.
Freeing up storage space on your Roku
Roku devices have limited built-in storage, and channels compete for that space along with system software and cached data. If your device is running slowly or you see a message about low storage, deleting channels you do not use regularly is one of the fastest ways to free up room.
You can also clear the cache for individual channels without deleting them. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage, and look for options to clear cache or remove temporary files. This removes data that apps have stored locally without removing the app itself, and it often improves performance without requiring you to reinstall anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting a channel remove my saved passwords and login information?
No. Your login credentials are stored on Roku's servers, not on the channel itself. When you reinstall the channel, you can log back in with the same username and password, and you will have access to your account when ready.
Can I delete a channel if I have an active subscription?
Yes, you can delete the channel at any time, but the subscription will continue to charge you. You must cancel the subscription separately through the channel's settings or your Roku account payment page before deleting the app to stop the charges.
What if I accidentally delete a channel I need?
You can reinstall it from the Roku Channel Store in a few minutes. Search for the channel by name, select it, and choose "Add channel." Your saved data and account information will be waiting for you when you log back in.
Does deleting a channel affect other devices on my Roku account?
No. Deleting a channel only removes it from the specific device you are using. Other Roku devices on your account are not affected, and you can delete or keep the channel on each device independently.
How much storage space does a typical channel use?
Most channels use between 50 megabytes and 500 megabytes of storage, depending on the app. Larger apps like Netflix or YouTube tend to use more space, while smaller apps use less. You can check how much space each channel is using in your Roku's storage settings.