My Roku apps were slow – thought of 9 quick fixes before blaming my Wi-Fi

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Highlights taken by ZDNET

• Rebooting or cycling the Roku can fix most lag issues.
• Updating or reinstalling apps can solve problems and slowdowns.
• Check the network connection before blaming your Wi-Fi router.

I own many Roku TVs and devices, including Roku sound bars and speakers. I like the platform for many reasons. But even I will admit that, sometimes, my Roku works. I really hate it when apps take too long to load. Or the menu is delayed. If the screen hangs for so long that I start to feel like I want to pull my remote control out of the TV, it’s time to fix the problem.

But first, what’s going on here? Is it my Roku or my Wi-Fi?

Also: Every Roku user should know these 15+ shortcuts

I know that Roku devices can get bogged down by accumulating app data, glitchy apps, software updates, low memory, or the simple fact that they haven’t been rebooted in a while. So, before I pull out my router and start blaming my internet, I’m trying a few quick fixes.

1. Restart or reset to settings

This is the first thing I try because, believe it or not, it solves a surprising number of weird Roku problems. A system reboot fully restarts the device without deleting apps, logins, or settings. It’s also different from turning off the device or TV with the remote, because the Roku has a fast startup mode that keeps system components running in the background.

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To fully restart or reboot Roku:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select Power, if you see that option.
4. Select system restart.
5. Wait for the Roku to restart.

If you don’t see the power menu, go to Settings > System > Restart system instead.

2. Unload for a full power cycle

If the streaming app or my Roku is completely frozen and unusable, I skip the settings menu and just unplug my device or TV. This shuts it down completely and forces the Roku into what’s called a full power cycle.

To rotate Roku:

1. Unplug the Roku device or Roku TV.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and let it reboot fully before opening the app.

3. Clear cache (soft reset)

If apps are taking too long to respond, or everything just beeps after half a second, I’ll clear any cache that’s built up.

Also: How to clear your Roku TV cache (and why it’s important)

Roku stores temporary data, called a cache, to make apps load faster, improve performance, and reduce bandwidth usage. But an overbuilt cache can create system clutter that can slow things down. The Roku doesn’t have a “clear cache” button in the settings menu, but there is a remote shortcut that forces a soft reset and eventually clears the cache.

To clear cache on Roku:

1. Press the Home button five times.
2. Press Up once.
3. Press Undo twice.
4. Press Forward twice.
5. wait Your Roku may freeze for a moment, then restart.

You can do this using the remote for the Roku app or your actual remote.

4. Check for Roku OS update

Roku devices update automatically, but I still manually check if my device or TV is out of date every now and then. That’s because a pending update can include bug fixes, app compatibility changes, security fixes, and performance fixes.

Also: Lost your Roku remote? Here are four ways you can control your TV

To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select Software update.
4. Select Check now.
5. Install any available updates, then let the Roku restart.

5. Uninstall and reinstall glitchy apps

If only one app is slow, flickering, crashing, or stuck on the loading screen, it’s probably that app and not the entire Roku system. Uninstalling and reinstalling an app can wipe the bad app’s data, force a new installation, and drop the latest available version.

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To uninstall and reinstall the app:

1. Highlight the app you want to remove.
2. Press the Star button on the remote control.
3. Select Uninstall app and confirm.
4. Now, go to the Streaming Store and search for the app.
5. Select Add app when you find it.
6. Open the app and sign in to your account again.

6. Update applications

You might have noticed, while following the tip above, that apps also have an update option. Although uninstalling and reinstalling the app will get you the latest version, you’ll need to sign in to your streaming account again afterwards. So, if you want to avoid all that, just try to update the app. If it’s up to date and still struggling, however, you should try deleting it and reinstalling it.

To update the app:

1. Highlight the app you want to update.
2. Press the Star button on the remote control.
3. Select Update app or Check for updates.

7. Remove old applications

Roku devices have limited storage and memory. If you’ve installed random streaming apps, free channels, and just one trial, your Roku might get stressed and run out of storage. If so, it’s time to clean house and get rid of apps.

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To remove old apps:

1. Go to any app you no longer use.
2. Press the Star button.
3. Select Remove app.
4. Repeat for anything you haven’t opened in the last few months.

8. Check and reset the network connection

OK, for now, if apps are still loading slowly, it might be an internet problem. Anyway, before I unplug my Wi-Fi router, I’ll check my Roku’s network connection under Settings > Network > Test connection. This should be “successful” to ensure internet access. I can also see my IP address and download speed under Settings > Network > About. A “good” or “very good” signal is what I’m looking for.

Also: Slow Wi-Fi? I found 10 proven ways to fix your internet

If I don’t have a successful test or a good signal and I’ve tried all of the above, I’ll reset the network connection. This clears my saved network information and forces my Roku to connect from scratch, but I’ll have to reconnect to my Wi-Fi, of course.

To reset the Roku network connection:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select advanced system settings.
4. Choose to reset the network connection.
5. Select Reset connection.
6. After the Roku restarts, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

9. Finally: Factory reset

I only factory reset the Roku when nothing else works.

This completely wipes the device, removes all my apps and login information, resets my settings, and restores the Roku to its factory settings. It’s useful if the device is really unstable, but it’s annoying because I have to reset everything again.

To do a factory reset:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select advanced system settings.
4. Select factory reset.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

There may be a Wi-Fi problem

So, let’s say I restarted my Roku and cleared the cache, updated the software, updated apps reinstalled, uninstalled old apps, and checked and reset the network connection. If I’m still experiencing any lag, it’s time to disconnect and reboot my router.

Also: How to turn your old Android phone into a Wi-Fi extender

I can also, God forbid, contact my ISP.