Delete an app by finding it on your home screen

To remove an app from your Roku device, navigate to the app on your home screen, press the Options button (the star icon) on your remote, and select "Remove channel" from the menu that appears. The app will disappear from your home screen when ready. This is the fastest way to clean up apps you no longer use.

The Options button is located on the left side of your Roku remote, below the directional pad. If you cannot find it, look for a button with a star symbol. On some newer Roku remotes, you may need to press the button labeled "Options" or "*" instead.

Removing an app this way does not delete it from Roku's system entirely — it only hides it from your home screen. You can reinstall the same app later from the Roku Channel Store without losing any saved settings or login information.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Options button (star icon) on your remote while an app is highlighted on your home screen, then select "Remove channel" to delete it.
  • Removing an app from your home screen does not erase it from your Roku device's memory — it only hides it from view.
  • You can reinstall a removed app at any time from the Roku Channel Store without losing your login credentials or saved preferences.
  • If the Options button does not work, try pressing and holding the back button for three seconds, which opens the same menu on some Roku models.

What happens when you remove an app

When you remove an app from your Roku home screen, the app itself stays stored on your device. Roku keeps a record of apps you have installed so that if you decide to add it back later, your account information and settings remain intact. This is different from a full uninstall, which would erase the app completely.

Removing apps from your home screen frees up visual clutter and makes it easier to find the apps you actually use. If your Roku home screen feels crowded, removing unused apps is one of the quickest ways to organize it without affecting how your device runs.

Reinstall an app you removed

To add back an app you removed, go to the Roku Channel Store, search for the app by name, and select "Add channel." The app will reappear on your home screen in the same position it was before, or at the end of your app list if you have reorganized your home screen since removing it.

Your login information and saved preferences will still be there. If you had paused a video or bookmarked a show before removing the app, that information will be waiting for you when you open the app again.

Remove multiple apps at once

If you want to clean up several apps, you can remove them one at a time using the Options button method described above. Roku does not have a built-in feature to select and delete multiple apps in a single action, so you will need to repeat the process for each app you want to remove.

A faster approach is to organize your home screen by moving the apps you use most to the top and pushing unused apps to the bottom. This way, you do not have to remove them — they straightforward stay out of sight when you turn on your Roku.

Organize your home screen instead of deleting

Rather than removing apps entirely, you can rearrange them on your home screen to put your most-watched apps at the top. To move an app, highlight it, press the Options button, and select "Move channel." Use the directional pad to place it where you want it, then press OK.

This approach keeps all your apps available without cluttering your view. You can create a layout that matches how you actually watch — streaming services at the top, less-used apps at the bottom.

Free up storage space on your Roku

Removing apps from your home screen does not significantly free up storage space because the app files remain on your device. If your Roku is running slowly or you are seeing storage warnings, removing apps from the home screen alone will not solve the problem.

To actually free up storage, you would need to perform a factory reset, which erases everything on your Roku and returns it to its original state. This is a more drastic step and should only be done if your device is running very slowly or you are selling it. Before doing a factory reset, try restarting your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in — this often improves performance without erasing anything.

Troubleshooting when the Options button does not work

If pressing the Options button does not open a menu, try pressing and holding the back button (the curved arrow) for three seconds. On some Roku models, this opens the same removal menu. If that does not work, make sure your remote has fresh batteries and is pointed directly at your Roku device.

If you are using a Roku TV remote rather than a standalone Roku remote, the button layout may be different. Look for a button labeled "Options," "*," or a three-dot menu icon. Consult your specific remote's manual if you are unsure which button to press.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing an app delete my login information?

No. When you remove an app and later reinstall it, your login credentials and saved preferences remain on your Roku device. You will not need to sign in again or reconfigure your settings.

Can I remove the built-in Roku apps like Roku Home or Settings?

No. Roku's system apps cannot be removed from your home screen. You can only remove third-party apps like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube that you have installed from the Roku Channel Store.

Will removing apps make my Roku faster?

Removing apps from your home screen will not noticeably improve your Roku's speed because the app files remain stored on the device. If your Roku is running slowly, try restarting it by unplugging it for 30 seconds instead.

What is the difference between removing and uninstalling an app?

Removing an app hides it from your home screen but keeps it stored on your device. Uninstalling would erase it completely, but Roku does not offer a standard uninstall option — removing from the home screen is the closest equivalent.

Can I rearrange apps on my home screen without removing them?

Yes. Highlight any app, press the Options button, select "Move channel," and use your remote's directional pad to place it in a new position. This lets you organize your apps without deleting anything.