Deleting an app from Roku takes three steps and removes it completely from your device
To delete an app on Roku, press the Home button on your remote, highlight the app you want to remove, press the Options button (marked with a star), select "Remove channel," and confirm. The app disappears from your home screen and your device storage when ready. You can reinstall it later from the Roku Channel Store if you change your mind.
The process works the same way on all Roku devices — streaming sticks, boxes, and TV models. You do not need to restart your device or go into settings menus. Deleting an app does not affect your Roku account, your other apps, or your internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home, find the app, press the star button (Options), choose "Remove channel," and confirm the deletion.
- Deleting an app frees up storage space on your Roku device but does not delete your account or login information for that service.
- You can reinstall any app you delete by going to the Roku Channel Store and searching for it by name.
- Apps you delete do not come back automatically when you restart your device or update Roku software.
Step-by-step deletion on any Roku device
Start from your Roku home screen. Press the Home button on your remote if you are in an app. Look at the rows of apps displayed — these are your installed channels.
Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight the app you want to delete. Move left or right until the app is selected (it will have a border or highlight around it). Do not press it yet.
Press the star button on your remote. This is the Options button. A small menu will pop up with choices like "Remove channel," "Move channel," or "View details." Select "Remove channel" by pressing the down arrow and then OK.
A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to remove the channel. Press OK to confirm. The app vanishes from your home screen within seconds.
What happens to your data when you delete an app
Deleting an app from Roku removes the app itself and any temporary files it stored on your device. Your login information for that service (like your Netflix password or Hulu account) is not deleted. When you reinstall the app later, you may be able to log back in without re-entering your credentials, depending on how that service handles saved logins.
Your Roku account and your subscription to that streaming service remain active. Deleting the Hulu app does not cancel your Hulu subscription. You can still watch Hulu on your phone, computer, or another device. The deletion only removes the app from this specific Roku device.
Freeing up storage space on your Roku
Roku devices have limited built-in storage. Most models have between 500 MB and 4 GB available for apps, depending on the model. If you have installed many apps, your device may slow down or run out of space for updates.
Deleting apps you no longer use is the fastest way to free up space. Check your device storage by going to Settings > System > About. This shows how much space is used and how much is free. If you are below 100 MB free, delete a few unused apps to restore performance.
Restarting your Roku can also free up temporary storage, but deleting unused apps is more effective for long-term space management. You do not need to delete apps to update Roku software — the system reserves space for updates separately.
Reinstalling an app you deleted
Open the Roku Channel Store from your home screen. Use the search function to find the app by name. When you find it, select it and press OK. Choose "Add channel" (or "Install" depending on your Roku model) and wait for the installation to finish.
The app will reappear on your home screen in the same position it was before, or at the end of your app list depending on your Roku model. You can then move it to a different position using the Options menu and "Move channel" if you prefer.
Apps that cannot be deleted
Roku includes a few built-in apps that cannot be removed: the Roku Channel Store, Settings, and sometimes the Roku Channel (Roku's own streaming service). These apps will not show a "Remove channel" option when you press the star button. You can hide them from your home screen by pressing Options and selecting "Hide channel," but they cannot be fully deleted.
All other apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and any third-party apps you installed, can be deleted. If an app does not show the remove option, it is a system app that Roku requires to stay on the device.
Troubleshooting if deletion does not work
If the "Remove channel" option does not appear, make sure you are pressing the star button (Options) and not another button. Some older Roku remotes use different button layouts. Check your remote model in Settings > Remote to see which buttons do what.
If an app reappears after you delete it, your Roku may have automatically reinstalled it as part of a system update. This happens rarely but can occur with Roku's own apps. Delete it again and it should stay deleted. If the same app keeps reinstalling, restart your Roku by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in, then delete the app again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting an app delete my account with that service?
No. Deleting the Netflix app does not delete your Netflix account or cancel your subscription. Your account remains active on Netflix's servers. You can log back in on another device or reinstall the app on your Roku later.
Can I delete multiple apps at once?
No. Roku requires you to delete apps one at a time. There is no bulk delete or select-multiple option. If you need to free up space quickly, delete your least-used apps one by one using the star button method.
What if I accidentally delete an app I need?
Go to the Roku Channel Store, search for the app by name, and select "Add channel" to reinstall it. The process takes less than a minute. Your login information may still be saved, so you might not need to enter your password again.
Does deleting an app speed up my Roku?
Yes, if your device is running low on storage space. Deleting unused apps frees up room for the system to run smoothly and for other apps to update. If you have plenty of free space, deleting apps will not noticeably improve performance.
Can I delete the Roku Channel Store?
No. The Roku Channel Store is a system app that cannot be removed. You can hide it from your home screen by pressing Options and selecting "Hide channel," but it will remain on your device.