How to Reset a Roku TV: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Hi everyone, Jessica here. If your Roku TV has been acting up—freezing, lagging, apps not working, or Wi-Fi dropping—you’re not alone. I’ve used Roku TVs for years, and while they are incredibly reliable, sometimes they need a fresh start. The good news is that resetting your Roku TV is simple, and you can do it with or without the remote.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every method to reset a Roku TV and explain when each option is best. Let’s get started.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Roku TV

Before jumping into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why resetting helps. You may need a reset if:

• The TV is frozen or unresponsive
• Streaming apps crash or don’t load
• Your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting
• You changed network settings and lost connection
• Screen mirroring stops working
• You’re selling or giving away the TV
• You installed a new update and things feel glitchy

Sometimes a quick restart fixes the issue. Other times, a full factory reset is needed to wipe everything and start fresh.

Types of Roku TV Resets

There are two main reset types:

1. Soft Reset (Restart)

This restarts the TV without erasing data. Useful for:

• Freezing
• Lag
• Temporary bugs
• Network hiccups

2. Factory Reset

This wipes everything—like new out of the box. Best for:

• Selling or gifting the TV
• Persistent system problems
• Major software issues
• Parental control removal

Be sure to back up your login details and settings before a factory reset.

How to Soft Reset (Restart) a Roku TV

Method 1: Using Remote

1. Press Home
2. Go to Settings
3. Select System
4. Tap Power (if available)
5. Select System restart > Restart

Your Roku TV will turn off and restart automatically.

Method 2: Restart Using Remote Shortcut

If the TV is frozen, use this combination:

Press in order:
Home x5
Up x1
Rewind x2
Fast Forward x2

The system will reboot after a few seconds.

Method 3: Unplug the TV

If the screen won’t respond at all:

1. Unplug TV from power
2. Wait 60 seconds
3. Plug it back in

Don’t rush—waiting helps drain residual power and reset memory.

How to Factory Reset a Roku TV

Method 1: Factory Reset from Settings

Use this when your TV is responsive.

1. Press Home
2. Go to Settings
3. Select System
4. Go to Advanced system settings
5. Select Factory reset
6. Choose Factory reset everything
7. Enter on-screen code to confirm

This will erase:

• Wi-Fi settings
• Roku account link
• Apps & login info
• Personal settings

After reset, you’ll set it up just like new.

How to Reset Roku TV Without Remote

If you lost your remote or the TV won’t respond, try these methods.

Method 1: Use Roku Mobile App

1. Install the Roku App on your phone
2. Connect phone to same Wi-Fi network
3. Open app > Devices
4. Select your Roku TV
5. Use the remote function to navigate
6. Go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory reset

If the TV isn’t connected to Wi-Fi, try the next option.

Method 2: Use Physical Reset Button

Most Roku TVs have a reset button on the back or bottom panel.

Look for a pin-hole labeled RESET.

1. Turn TV on
2. Press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds
3. Release when the TV restarts

Use a paperclip for small reset holes.

Method 3: Power Cycle Without Buttons

If your TV has no reset button and you can’t use the app:

1. Unplug TV
2. Hold Power button on TV (not remote) for 10 seconds
3. Plug back in

This won’t factory reset but may recover frozen software.

How to Reset Network Settings Only

Sometimes you don’t want a full reset—just network settings reset.

1. Press Home
2. Go to Settings
3. Select System
4. Choose Advanced system settings
5. Tap Network connection reset
6. Select Reset connection

Your Wi-Fi credentials will clear, and you’ll reconnect freshly.

After Reset: Setting Up Your Roku TV Again

Once the reset is complete, you’ll go through:

• Language selection
• Wi-Fi setup
• Roku account login
• Channel selection
• Software update download
• Display calibration (if prompted)

Keep your Wi-Fi password handy.

Troubleshooting Tips

If Roku TV still freezes or misbehaves:

• Check for system updates
• Restart your modem/router
• Remove and re-add problem apps
• Reset picture mode settings
• Check HDMI cables if using consoles/devices

If remote doesn’t work:

• Replace batteries
• Re-pair the remote
• Clean IR sensor

If Wi-Fi won’t connect:

• Move router closer
• Use 2.4 GHz network for older models
• Reset network settings

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t unplug too quickly—wait full 60 seconds
• Write down app logins before resetting
• Don’t reset the TV while updating firmware
• Avoid factory reset unless necessary
• Ensure your Roku account email is accessible

When a Reset Won’t Help

If the issue is hardware-related, resetting can’t fix:

• Broken screen
• Faulty motherboard
• Damaged Wi-Fi module
• Power supply issues

That’s when warranty or service comes into play.

Final Thoughts

Resetting a Roku TV is one of the simplest ways to fix freezing, app glitches, Wi-Fi problems, and performance issues. Start with a soft reset, and only do a factory reset when absolutely necessary. And if you ever lose a remote, don’t panic—you still have options.

Whether you’re troubleshooting or giving your TV a clean slate, these steps have you covered.

If you’d like, I can also help you with:

• Screen mirroring not working
• Remote pairing
• Roku Wi-Fi issues
• Channel update problems
• Best settings for picture quality

Just tell me what’s happening, and we’ll fix it together.