How to Factory Reset and Wipe a Roku Streaming Media Player Device

Introduction

A factory reset allows you to wipe and reset your Roku streaming media player device back to its original out-of-the-box state. This can be useful if you are selling, donating or returning your Roku device. It erases all personal data, accounts, and settings.

Resetting your Roku device is a fairly straightforward process that can be done in just a few minutes. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to factory reset a Roku using both software and hardware methods.

When to Factory Reset a Roku Device

Here are some common reasons you may want to factory reset your Roku:

• Selling or gifting your device: Resetting removes all personal information so the new owner starts fresh.
• Troubleshooting problems: If your Roku is freezing, glitching or having other technical issues, a factory reset may help resolve software problems.
• Removing channels and accounts: Resetting your Roku device removes all installed channels, accounts and login information.

Backup Roku Before Resetting

Before factory resetting your Roku device, it’s a good idea to backup your data:

• Write down any important channel login details you may need later.
• Make note of customized channel order or favorite channels.
• Deactivate your Roku account if you don’t want the new owner to access it.

How to Factory Reset a Roku from Settings Menu

Resetting your Roku from the settings menu is the recommended way to wipe most Roku devices. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Access Roku Settings Menu

Use your Roku remote to:

1. Press the Home button
2. Navigate to Settings
3. Select Settings to open the menu

Step 2: Open System Settings

From the Settings menu:

1. Select System
2. Choose Advanced System Settings

Step 3: Select Factory Reset

In Advanced System Settings:

1. Select Factory Reset
2. Choose reset option:
   • Factory Reset: Resets Roku device only
   • Factory Reset Everything: Resets Roku TV

Step 4: Confirm and Finish Reset

To complete the reset process:

1. Enter displayed confirmation code
2. Select OK
3. Wait for device to reboot

Your Roku device is now reset to factory default settings.

How to Factory Reset Roku Using Reset Button

Most Roku devices have a reset button that can force a factory reset if the device freezes.

To reset using the physical button:

1. Locate pinhole or tactile reset button
2. Press and hold for 10-20 seconds
3. Wait for Roku to reboot

Using the reset button will immediately reset the device without confirmation prompts.

What Happens When You Factory Reset a Roku

Resetting your Roku device back to factory default settings erases all accounts, settings and data.

Here is what happens when a Roku is factory reset:

• Removes Roku accounts: All added Roku accounts are removed from the device.
• Resets settings: All device settings, preferences and customizations are erased.
• Deletes streaming channels: Any added streaming channels, logins or subscriptions are removed.
• Wipes personal data: All saved WiFi passwords, search history and personal info is deleted.
• Restarts guided setup: You must reconnect to WiFi and Roku account after resetting.

Factory Reset Roku Without Remote

If you’ve lost your Roku remote, you can still factory reset using alternative methods:

• Roku mobile app: Use the official Roku app to access device settings and reset your Roku.
• Reset button: The hardware reset button works without a remote to force a factory reset.
• Remote pairing: Sync a new or spare Roku remote to access device settings to factory reset.

Factory Reset Roku Stick

Resetting Roku streaming sticks is the same process as other Roku devices using either the settings menu or reset button:

Reset Roku Stick from Settings

1. Plug Roku stick into TV
2. Use Roku remote to access Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset
3. Enter code and confirm reset

Reset Stick Using Reset Button

1. Locate pinhole reset button on the bottom/side
2. Use a paperclip to press and hold for 10+ seconds
3. Wait for Roku stick to reboot

Follow the on-screen prompts to reactivate and set up your Roku stick after resetting.

Factory Reset Roku TV

You factory reset Roku smart TVs the same way as streaming devices using either the settings menu or physical reset button if available:

Software Reset Roku TV

1. Access Roku TV Settings
2. Go to System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset
3. Choose Factory Reset Everything
4. Enter code and confirm

Hardware Reset Roku Television

1. Find Roku TV reset button on the back panel
2. Press and hold reset button for 15-20 seconds
3. TV will reboot and launch setup wizard

After resetting, you will need to reconnect to WiFi and re-link Roku accounts.

Factory Reset Roku Without Screen

If your Roku device or Roku TV has video issues and you can’t see the screen:

• Try using the reset button on the back/bottom to force a blind factory reset.
• Alternatively, you can factory reset remotely using the Roku mobile app without needing to see the screen.

Factory Reset Roku Ultra/Premiere/Express

The factory reset process is virtually identical across all Roku streaming player models including:

• Roku Ultra
• Roku Premiere
• Roku Express

And other older models like Roku 3 and Roku 2.

To reset, simply access the Settings menu or use the reset button if available on your specific Roku model.

Factory Reset Roku Without Remote or App

If you’ve lost both your Roku remote and mobile app access, you have two options to reset:

• Buy a new Roku remote – Sync the replacement remote to your device to access settings and factory reset.
• Use universal remote – Program a universal remote to navigate Roku menus and reset.

Roku Factory Reset Troubleshooting

If you are having issues factory resetting your Roku device, here is some troubleshooting advice:

• Ensure you hold the reset button long enough – 15-20 seconds is usually needed.
• Try resetting using both the settings menu and reset button. One method may work if the other doesn’t.
• For Roku TVs, check the user manual for the exact reset button location as this varies by model.
• Factory reset can fix issues like freezing, software glitches and channels not loading.
• Power cycle Roku and TV/monitor after any factory reset; unplug then reconnect.

Conclusion

Factory resetting can help troubleshoot technical problems and erase personal data from your Roku player or Roku TV. The process only takes a few minutes and can be done using on-screen settings menus or the physical reset button if your device has one.

Just be sure to backup any important data beforehand! Once reset, you’ll have to reconnect to wireless, relink your Roku account and reinstall any desired streaming channels.