Roku apps loading slow? 9 quick fixes I try before blaming my Wi-Fi

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Restarting or power cycling a Roku can fix many lag issues.
• Updating or reinstalling apps can solve glitches and slowdowns.
• Test the network connection before blaming your Wi-Fi router.

I own several Roku TVs and devices, including Roku soundbars and speakers. I love the platform for many reasons. But even I’ll admit that, sometimes, my Roku acts up. I especially hate it when apps take a moment too long to load. Or a menu lags. When a screen hangs long enough that I start feeling like I want to chuck my remote at 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 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 restarted in a while. So, before I unplug my router and start blaming my internet, I try a few quick fixes.

1. Restart or reboot from settings

This is the first thing I try because, believe it or not, it solves a surprising number of weird Roku problems. A system restart fully reboots the device without deleting apps, sign-ins, or settings. It’s also different from just turning the device or TV off with a remote, because Roku has a quick-start mode that keeps parts of the system running in the background.

Also: I replaced my bedroom TV with this $170 Roku projector

To fully restart or reboot a Roku:

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

If you don’t see a Power menu, go to Settings > System > System restart instead.

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

2. Unplug for a full power cycle

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

To power cycle a Roku:

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

3. Clear cache (soft reset)

When apps take too long to respond, or everything just feels a half-second behind, I’ll clear any built-up cache.

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

Roku stores temporary data, called cache, to make apps load faster, improve performance, and reduce bandwidth usage. But too much built-up cache can create temporary system clutter that may actually slow things down. Roku doesn’t have a single “clear cache” button in the settings menu, but there is a remote shortcut that forces a soft reset and ultimately clears cache.

To clear cache on a Roku:

1. Press the Home button five times.
2. Press Up once.
3. Press Rewind twice.
4. Press Fast Forward twice.
5. Wait. Your Roku may freeze briefly, then restart.

You can do this from the Roku app’s remote or your physical remote.

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

4. Check for a Roku OS update

Roku devices update automatically, but I still manually check whether 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 still 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 Roku restart.

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

5. Remove and reinstall glitchy apps

If only one app is slow, glitchy, crashing, or stuck on a loading screen, maybe it’s just that app and not the entire Roku system. Removing and reinstalling an app can clear bad app data, force a fresh install, and pull down the newest available version.

Also: Google TV or Roku: Which is actually worth your time?

To remove and reinstall an app:

1. Highlight the app you want to remove.
2. Press the Star button on the remote.
3. Select Remove app and confirm.
4. Now, go to the Streaming Store and search for the app.
5. Select Add app once you’ve found it.
6. Open the app and sign back into your account.

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

6. Update apps

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

To update an app:

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

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

7. Delete old apps

Roku devices have limited storage and memory. If you’ve installed years’ worth of random streaming apps, free channels, and one-off trials, your Roku may be bogged down and running low on storage. If that’s the case, it’s time to clean house and get rid of apps.

Also: The best streaming deals: Paramount+, Roku sticks, more

To delete 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 past few months.

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

8. Test and reset the network connection

OK, at this point, if apps are still loading slowly, it could actually be an internet issue. Still, before I unplug my Wi-Fi router, I’ll test my Roku’s network connection under Settings > Network > Check connection. This should be “successful” to verify internet access. I can also see my IP address and download speed under Settings > Network > About. A “good” or “excellent” signal is what I want.

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

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

To reset Roku’s network connection:

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

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

9. Last resort: Factory reset

I only factory reset a Roku when nothing else works.

This wipes the device entirely, removes all my apps and login information, resets my settings, and returns the Roku to its  factory settings. It’s useful if the device is truly unstable, but it’s annoying because I have to set everything up again.

To factory reset:

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

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

When it actually might be a Wi-Fi issue

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

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

I could also, God forbid, contact my ISP.