Table of contents(13)+
- 01The 30-Second Check
- 02Method 1: Turn Off Backdrops Completely
- 03Method 2: Set a Daily Stop Time
- 04Method 3: Use a Voice Command
- 05Method 4: Turn Off the TV Instead
- 06Backdrops Shut-Off Methods Compared
- 07Frequently Asked Questions
- 08How do I open the Backdrops app on my Roku TV?
- 09Does turning off Backdrops affect my Roku TV's Sleep Timer?
- 10Can I turn off Backdrops with my voice?
- 11Is Backdrops free on Roku TV?
- 12What does holding the Power button do instead of opening Backdrops?
- 13Related Guides
Backdrops is available on Roku TVs, including many third-party brands that run the Roku platform. It looks nice in a showroom. At home, it's one more thing lighting up your living room when you just want the screen off. Here's exactly how to turn it off, straight from Roku's own support page.
The 30-Second Check
Open the Backdrops app from your Roku home screen. Select the gear icon in the corner. If Backdrops (Enabled) already shows Disabled, it's already off — you're done. If it still says Enabled, pick one of the four methods below.
No Backdrops icon on your home screen? Go to Settings, then Home Screen Menu, then Backdrops, and select Open Backdrops app. If you still don't see it, search 'Backdrops' in the Streaming Store and install it from there.
Missing your Roku remote while trying to reach these settings? Our guide to a lost Roku remote can help. Otherwise, the free HiRemote app turns your iPhone into a Roku remote in about 30 seconds over Wi-Fi. That gets you to the gear icon without hunting for the original clicker.
Method 1: Turn Off Backdrops Completely
This is the most direct fix if you want Backdrops off for good. These steps come straight from Roku's official Backdrops support page.
- Open the Backdrops app from your Roku TV's home screen.
- Select the gear icon to open settings.
- Choose Backdrops Preferences.
- Find the Backdrops (Enabled) option.
- Select Disabled.
Backdrops stops showing its static photo collections right away, and it won't turn back on by itself. Menu wording can shift between Roku software updates. The gear icon is still the setting to look for.
Method 2: Set a Daily Stop Time
Don't want to disable Backdrops completely? Set a daily stop time instead.
- Open the Backdrops app and go to Settings.
- Select Daily stop time.
- Choose the time you want Backdrops to turn off each day.
Backdrops then switches itself off automatically, every day, at the time you picked. Roku's support page notes this schedule is separate from your TV's Sleep Timer. The two settings don't affect each other.
Method 3: Use a Voice Command
Prefer not to dig through menus? Use your voice instead.
- Press the microphone button on your Roku remote, or say 'Hey Roku' if your remote supports it.
- Say 'Stop Backdrops.'
This stops Backdrops right away, with no menus and no app to open.
Don't have a spare phone handy either? The free Roku remote online works the same way, right in your browser. Type in your TV's IP address, and you're controlling these settings in about 30 seconds. No app, no pairing code needed.
Method 4: Turn Off the TV Instead
Sometimes the fastest fix is skipping Backdrops altogether.
- Press and hold the Power button on your Roku remote for 3 seconds.
This turns off the TV itself, instead of starting Backdrops. It's not a way to disable the feature — it just avoids triggering it in that moment.
While you're in Settings, it's worth checking our guide to adjusting Roku TV picture settings. It covers the best picture mode for your set.
Backdrops Shut-Off Methods Compared
| Method | Where you do it | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Disable in Preferences | Backdrops app → gear icon → Backdrops Preferences | Backdrops stays off until you re-enable it |
| Daily stop time | Backdrops app → Settings → Daily stop time | Backdrops turns off automatically every day at your chosen time |
| Voice command | Remote microphone, or 'Hey Roku' | Backdrops stops immediately, no menus needed |
| Power button | Hold Power for 3 seconds | TV turns off instead of starting Backdrops |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the Backdrops app on my Roku TV?
Go to Settings, then Home Screen Menu, then Backdrops, and select Open Backdrops app. If you don't see a Backdrops icon at all, search for 'Backdrops' in the Streaming Store. Install it from there. Once it's open, the gear icon in the corner gives you access to Backdrops Preferences, including the Disabled option.
Does turning off Backdrops affect my Roku TV's Sleep Timer?
No, they're separate features. Backdrops' daily stop time only controls when Backdrops itself turns off — it doesn't touch your TV's Sleep Timer. Setting one doesn't change the other. If you want the TV to power down, set the Sleep Timer separately in your TV's own settings.
Can I turn off Backdrops with my voice?
Yes. Press the microphone button on your Roku remote, or say 'Hey Roku' if your remote supports it. Then say 'Stop Backdrops.' This stops Backdrops right away, without opening the app or changing any settings. It's the fastest option if you're already holding the remote.
Is Backdrops free on Roku TV?
Yes, Backdrops is a free app built into the Roku platform. You don't pay anything to use it, disable it, or set a daily stop time. All four methods for turning Backdrops off are free too. They just change settings inside an app you already have.
What does holding the Power button do instead of opening Backdrops?
Holding the Power button on your Roku remote for 3 seconds turns off the TV itself. That happens instead of letting Backdrops open. It's not a way to disable Backdrops for good — it just skips the moment Backdrops would normally appear. Use Method 1 if you want it off permanently.
