How to Restart a Roku TV: Simple Guide for Smooth Performance

Hi friends, Jessica here! If you’re like me and rely on your Roku TV for everyday entertainment, you know how frustrating it can be when the screen freezes, apps start glitching, or the TV runs slower than usual. I’ve been using Roku TVs for years, and trust me—sometimes all they need is a quick restart to get things working smoothly again.

Restarting a Roku TV is simple, but the method you use depends on whether the TV is responsive, frozen, or you’ve misplaced the remote (happened to me way more times than I’d like to admit). In this guide, I’ll walk you through every way to restart your Roku TV safely.

Let’s dive in!

Why Restarting Your Roku TV Helps

Just like a computer or smartphone, your Roku TV stores temporary data while running apps and streaming video. Over time, this cache can cause:

• Lag or slow performance
• Freezing or stuck screens
• Apps crashing or not opening
• Wi-Fi drops or buffering
• Delayed remote response
• Audio/video sync issues

A restart clears temporary files, refreshes the operating system, and gives your TV a clean slate—without erasing any personal settings or apps.

How to Restart Roku TV Using Remote (Menu Method)

If your Roku TV is responsive, this is the easiest and cleanest way to restart it.

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote
2. Scroll and select Settings
3. Go to System
4. Select Power (some Roku TVs may skip this option)
5. Choose System restart
6. Select Restart

The TV will turn off and automatically reboot.

I personally use this method when my apps feel sluggish or when I’ve installed a new update and want things to settle in.

Restart Roku TV Using Remote Shortcut (TV Frozen)

When the TV is frozen and the menu doesn’t work, use this button combination on your Roku remote:

Press in this exact order:

• Home button 5 times
• Up arrow 1 time
• Rewind button 2 times
• Fast Forward button 2 times

After a few seconds your Roku should reboot. This trick has saved me many nights when a streaming app misbehaved and froze the screen!

How to Restart Roku TV Without Remote

We’ve all lost our remotes in couch cushions (or a kid’s toy bin!) at some point. Luckily, you can still restart your Roku TV.

Method 1: Restart with Roku Mobile App

1. Download the Roku app (iOS or Android)
2. Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as your TV
3. Open the app and tap Devices
4. Select your Roku TV
5. Tap Remote
6. Navigate to Settings > System > System restart > Restart

If the TV is connected to Wi-Fi, this works perfectly.

Method 2: Power Button on TV

Many Roku TVs have a physical Power button (often located under or behind the screen).

Steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button for 5–10 seconds
2. Release when the screen turns off
3. Turn it back on

This forces a restart without affecting your settings.

Method 3: Power Cycle (Manual Restart)

This is the easiest emergency reset method.

1. Unplug the TV’s power cord
2. Wait 60 seconds (not 10—one full minute matters!)
3. Plug it back in

Waiting fully drains power and memory, helping eliminate glitches.

Restart Roku TV from Secret Menu (Advanced Users)

Roku has a special hidden menu. Only use this if you’re comfortable navigating technical menus.

Access secret restart menu:

1. Press Home 5 times
2. Press Fast Forward 3 times
3. Press Rewind 2 times

Choose System restart if available.

When to Restart Your Roku TV

Restarting isn’t only for emergencies. Here’s when you should do it:

• After installing app/OS updates
• If streaming feels sluggish
• If Wi-Fi randomly disconnects
• When remote commands delay
• Apps freeze or crash
• Audio and video go out of sync

I personally restart once every week or two just to keep things smooth.

Restart vs Factory Reset — What’s the Difference?

A restart is safe and quick—no data loss. A factory reset is only for severe issues.

Troubleshooting Tips if Restart Doesn’t Help

If restarting didn’t solve your issue, try these:

Slow Internet/Buffering

• Restart router
• Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi if available
• Move router closer

App Problems

• Remove and reinstall app
• Update Roku software

Remote Not Working

• Replace batteries
• Re-pair remote
• Check for obstructions

Frequent Freezing

• Check for software update
• Remove unused channels
• Clear network connection and reconnect

Final Thoughts

Restarting your Roku TV is one of the simplest and most effective ways to fix common streaming and performance issues. Whether it’s freezing, lagging, buffering, or apps not responding, a quick reboot usually does the trick.

From remote shortcuts to manual unplug methods, you now have every tool to refresh your Roku system anytime you need.

I hope this guide made things easier for you—I’ve personally relied on these tricks many times! And if you’re facing other Roku issues like Wi-Fi dropping, remote not pairing, or audio problems, just ask me and I’ll help you through it step-by-step.

Happy streaming!