How to Turn Off “Are You Still Watching” Prompts on Roku Players

Key Takeaways:

• Roku players display “Are you still watching?” prompts after 4 hours of continuous playback
• This is part of Roku’s Bandwidth Saver feature, enabled by default on most devices
• You can disable Bandwidth Saver in the Network settings to prevent the prompts
• Some streaming apps have their own inactivity prompts that can’t be disabled on Roku
• Using the remote during a long streaming session also prevents the prompt from appearing

If you’re a fan of binge-watching your favorite shows on your Roku player, you may have encountered the dreaded “Are you still watching?” prompt that interrupts your viewing experience. This pop-up message appears after four hours of continuous playback without any user interaction, and if you don’t respond, your Roku will automatically exit the channel and return to the home screen.

While this feature, known as Bandwidth Saver, can be useful for conserving data and preventing your Roku from streaming endlessly if you fall asleep or leave the room, it can also be a nuisance for those who enjoy marathon viewing sessions. Fortunately, disabling the “Are you still watching?” prompt on your Roku is a simple process.

Turning Off Bandwidth Saver

To prevent your Roku from interrupting your binge-watching with the “Are you still watching?” message, you’ll need to disable the Bandwidth Saver feature. Here’s how:

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote (it’s the one shaped like a house).
2. Scroll down and select Settings.
3. Navigate to the Network option and press OK.
4. Select Bandwidth Saver and press OK to uncheck the box.

That’s it! Your Roku will no longer display the “Are you still watching?” prompt after extended viewing periods. Keep in mind that this setting applies to all channels on your Roku, so you won’t need to disable it for each app individually.

App-Specific Inactivity Prompts

It’s important to note that some streaming apps, such as Netflix, have their own built-in inactivity prompts that are separate from Roku’s Bandwidth Saver feature. These prompts are designed to prevent unnecessary data usage and cannot be disabled through your Roku settings.

If you encounter an “Are you still watching?” message while using a specific app, check the app’s settings to see if there’s an option to turn off the prompt. However, in most cases, you’ll need to use your Roku remote or mobile app to confirm you’re still watching when the message appears.

Preventing Prompts with Remote Activity

Another way to avoid seeing the “Are you still watching?” prompt is to use your Roku remote occasionally during long streaming sessions. Pressing any button on the remote, such as the OK or volume buttons, will reset the four-hour inactivity timer and prevent the prompt from appearing.

This method can be particularly useful if you’re watching a series of shorter episodes or movies and don’t want to disable Bandwidth Saver entirely. By simply using your remote once every few hours, you can keep your Roku streaming without interruption.

The Benefits of Bandwidth Saver

While the “Are you still watching?” prompt can be annoying for binge-watchers, it’s important to understand the benefits of Roku’s Bandwidth Saver feature. By automatically stopping playback after extended periods of inactivity, your Roku can help:

• Conserve data: If you have a limited data plan, Bandwidth Saver can prevent your Roku from consuming data unnecessarily when you’re not actively watching.
• Reduce energy consumption: When your Roku isn’t streaming content, it uses less power, which can help lower your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
• Extend device lifespan: By giving your Roku a break during long periods of inactivity, you can help prevent overheating and extend the life of your device.

Of course, if you prefer uninterrupted streaming and don’t mind the potential drawbacks, disabling Bandwidth Saver is a perfectly valid choice.

Enjoy Uninterrupted Streaming

With the “Are you still watching?” prompt disabled, you can now enjoy your favorite shows and movies on your Roku player without any unwanted interruptions. Whether you’re settling in for a day-long binge or just want to ensure your Roku keeps playing even if you doze off, turning off Bandwidth Saver is a simple solution.

So grab your favorite snacks, get comfortable, and let the streaming marathon begin!

FAQ

How often does Roku display the “Are you still watching?” prompt?

Roku players will show the “Are you still watching?” message after four hours of continuous playback without any user interaction via the remote or mobile app.

Can I disable the prompt for individual channels on my Roku?

No, the Bandwidth Saver feature applies to all channels on your Roku. Disabling it in the Network settings will prevent the prompt from appearing across all apps.

Will using my Roku remote during a show prevent the prompt from appearing?

Yes, pressing any button on your Roku remote during playback will reset the four-hour inactivity timer, helping to prevent the “Are you still watching?” prompt from appearing.

Do all streaming apps have their own inactivity prompts?

Not all streaming apps have built-in inactivity prompts, but some popular ones, like Netflix, do. These prompts are separate from Roku’s Bandwidth Saver feature and cannot be disabled through your Roku settings.

Can disabling Bandwidth Saver lead to higher data usage and energy consumption?

Yes, with Bandwidth Saver disabled, your Roku may continue streaming content even when you’re not actively watching, potentially leading to higher data usage and energy consumption. However, this can be managed by using your remote periodically during long viewing sessions or turning off your Roku when you’re done watching.