How to Factory Reset and Uninstall Roku Software From Your TV

Roku software is the operating system that powers Roku streaming devices and Roku smart TVs. While you cannot completely uninstall Roku software from a Roku TV, you can factory reset the TV to erase all data and settings. You can also disable certain Roku features if desired.

Factory Resetting a Roku TV

Performing a factory reset on your Roku TV clears all personal data and restores it to original factory settings. Here are the steps:

  1. Using your Roku remote, go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset
  2. Select Factory Reset Everything
  3. Confirm that you want to reset your TV
  4. Your TV will reboot and guide you through setting up Roku again

A factory reset erases all of your settings, installed channels, account information, and preferences. It’s useful when selling or returning your Roku TV.

Disabling Roku Features

You cannot completely uninstall Roku software since it’s the underlying operating system. However, when setting up a new Roku TV, you have the option to disable certain Roku features:

  • Disable Smart TV experience: Disables smart features and app store access, turning the TV into a “dumb” display
  • Disable ad tracking: Stops Roku from collecting data for targeted ads
  • Set up later: Skips connecting to a Roku account and wireless network

To disable features:

  1. When first setting up your Roku TV, use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight Disable Smart TV experience, Disable ad tracking, or Set up later
  2. Press OK on each option you want to disable

These features can be turned back on later through the settings if desired.

Using a Streaming Device Instead

If you factory reset a Roku TV and disable the smart features without connecting it to the internet, you can essentially turn it into a regular TV display. You can then connect a separate streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV.

Just plug your streaming stick into an HDMI port and ignore the Roku home screen. Always boot directly into your streaming stick’s input source instead of using the Roku software.

Resetting Roku Streaming Devices

To factory reset a Roku streaming player:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset
  2. Select Factory Reset
  3. Confirm that you want to reset your device

This will erase all data and uninstall any channels you’ve added.

Removing Individual Channels

You can uninstall individual channels from your Roku without fully resetting it:

  1. Highlight the channel tile on your Roku home screen
  2. Press the * button to open options
  3. Select Remove Channel to uninstall

This lets you delete unwanted channels while keeping the rest of your Roku setup intact.

Conclusion

While Roku software cannot be completely uninstalled, you can factory reset Roku devices to erase all personal data and settings. On Roku TVs specifically, you can choose to disable certain smart features and essentially transform it into a basic TV display instead. With a few simple steps, you can reset your Roku device to factory conditions.