Table of contents(14)+
- 01The 30-second test: which reset do you actually need?
- 02Method 1: Restart your Roku TV first (soft reset)
- 03Method 2: Factory reset from the Settings menu
- 04Method 3: Factory reset with the physical RESET button (no remote needed)
- 05Method 4: Reset only the network connection (keep your apps)
- 06Roku TV reset types compared
- 07Frequently Asked Questions
- 08How do I reset my Roku TV without a remote?
- 09How do I reset my Roku TV to factory settings?
- 10Where is the reset button on a Roku TV?
- 11Will a factory reset delete my Roku account?
- 12How long does a Roku TV factory reset take?
- 13Why is my Roku TV still not working after a reset?
- 14Related guides
To reset your Roku TV, open Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset, then choose Factory reset everything. Enter the on-screen code to confirm. No remote? Hold the physical RESET button on the TV for about 15 seconds. For minor glitches, a simple restart usually fixes it first.
I've reset more Roku TVs than I'd like to admit—a TCL 43S4, a Hisense R6 series, and a cheap Onn 50-inch that kept freezing on the home screen. Most of the time you don't need a full wipe. A 60-second restart clears the junk. Save the factory reset for real problems or before you sell the TV.
Here's the honest catch: a factory reset erases everything—every app, every login, every setting. You set the TV up from scratch afterward. So try the gentler fixes first, and only nuke it when you have to.
The 30-second test: which reset do you actually need?
Not every problem needs a factory reset. Run through this quick check first:
- App won't open or the screen froze? Start with a restart (Method 1).
- Wi-Fi won't connect, but everything else works? Use a network connection reset (Method 4).
- Selling the TV, or nothing else has worked? Do a full factory reset (Method 2 or 3).
- Lost or dead remote? The physical RESET button doesn't need one (Method 3).
Doing a menu-based reset but can't find the remote? You can navigate Roku's menus from your phone. The free Roku browser remote works for any brand. If you own a Hisense Roku TV, the HiRemote browser remote or the HiRemote app lets you tap through to Settings and run the reset without the clicker.
Method 1: Restart your Roku TV first (soft reset)
A restart fixes most freezes, lag, and black screens. It keeps all your apps and logins. Try this before anything drastic.
From the menu:
- Press Home on your remote.
- Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
- Select Restart and wait about a minute.
No Power menu on your model? Find System restart under Settings > System instead.
Remote shortcut: press Home 5 times, then Up once, Rewind twice, and Fast forward twice. The TV restarts on its own.
When it won't help: if the TV is stuck before the home screen loads, or the remote is dead, skip to Method 3. Remote acting up? See Roku remote not working.
Method 2: Factory reset from the Settings menu
This wipes the TV back to the day you bought it. Use it for stubborn bugs or before selling. You'll re-add every app afterward.
- Press Home and open Settings.
- Go to System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset.
- Select Factory reset everything.
- Type the 4-digit code shown on screen and select OK.
The TV clears itself and reboots into guided setup. Plan for 5-10 minutes plus the time to sign back in. For model-specific wording, check Roku's official support site.
When it won't help: if the menus are frozen or you have no remote, you can't reach this screen. Use the physical button below.
Method 3: Factory reset with the physical RESET button (no remote needed)
Every Roku TV has a RESET button on the back or bottom, usually near the ports. This is your move when the remote is lost or the screen won't respond.
- Turn the TV on and leave it on.
- Find the RESET button. It's either a raised button or a tiny pinhole.
- For a pinhole, use a paperclip. Press and hold for about 15 seconds.
- Let go when the status light blinks. The TV wipes and reboots to setup.
Honest limitation: this button only does a full factory reset. There's no gentle option—it erases everything, same as Method 2. It also can't fix a TV that won't power on at all; for that, read Roku TV won't turn on.
After a factory reset, your Roku TV walks you through setup—and every tap needs a working remote. If yours is missing, control the whole setup from your phone. Any Roku TV pairs with the free Roku phone remote. Hisense Roku TV owners can use the HiRemote app or its browser remote to finish setup and sign back into apps.
Method 4: Reset only the network connection (keep your apps)
Got Wi-Fi trouble but don't want to lose everything? A network connection reset clears only your stored network info. Your apps, logins, and settings stay put.
- Open Settings > System > Advanced system settings.
- Select Network connection reset.
- Confirm, then reconnect to your Wi-Fi.
This is the safest reset. It fixes most connection glitches without a full wipe.
Roku TV reset types compared
| Reset type | What it wipes | When to use | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| System restart | Nothing | Freezes, lag, black screen | ~1 min |
| Factory reset (menu) | Everything—apps, logins, settings | Selling, stubborn bugs | 5-10 min + setup |
| Physical RESET button | Everything (same as factory) | No remote, frozen menus | ~15 sec + setup |
| Network connection reset | Only Wi-Fi/network info | Wi-Fi problems, keep apps | ~1 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my Roku TV without a remote?
Use the physical RESET button on the TV. Turn the TV on, find the RESET button near the ports (a raised button or a pinhole), and hold it for about 15 seconds with a finger or paperclip. The TV factory resets and reboots to setup. This is a full wipe, not a soft restart.
How do I reset my Roku TV to factory settings?
Open Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset, then choose Factory reset everything. Enter the code shown on screen to confirm. The TV erases all apps, logins, and settings, then restarts into guided setup. Expect to spend 5-10 minutes signing back in afterward.
Where is the reset button on a Roku TV?
It's on the back or bottom of the TV, usually next to the HDMI and power ports. Look for a button labeled RESET. On many models it's a small recessed pinhole—use a paperclip to press it. Exact placement varies by brand, including TCL, Hisense, and Onn.
Will a factory reset delete my Roku account?
No. A factory reset only wipes the TV itself—apps, logins, and settings. Your Roku account lives online, tied to your email and password, not the TV. After the reset you sign back into the same account and your channels return. Nothing is charged or lost from the account.
How long does a Roku TV factory reset take?
The reset itself takes about a minute. The reboot and guided setup add 5-10 minutes, depending on your Wi-Fi speed and how many apps you reinstall. Signing back into streaming services is usually the slowest part, so keep your passwords handy.
Why is my Roku TV still not working after a reset?
If problems continue after a factory reset, the cause is likely hardware, not software. Check the power cable, try a different outlet, and inspect the HDMI inputs. A remote that won't respond can also mimic a broken TV—test it or use a phone remote. Persistent black screens may need service.
