Tech Reference

How to update your Roku device and all its channels

Roku remote
There are a few ways to install updates on a Roku. Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
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Roku devices are designed to stay connected to the internet 24/7. Because of this, they can check for updates and install them automatically. You might be notified if it installs a major update, but usually the updater just runs in the background without much fanfare.

But if you want to check for updates manually, you can do it with just a few clicks. You might want to do this if you suspect your Roku has a bug, or if you've kept the device unplugged for a long time.

Here's how to manually update your Roku device, along with its channels.

How to update your Roku device

1. On your Roku's homescreen, go to the list of options on the left and select Settings.

2. In your Settings, scroll down and select System.

The Settings page on a Roku, with the System option highlighted.
Head to the System menu.  William Antonelli/Insider

3. Select System Update, and then click Check now.

The System menu on a Roku, with the "System update" option highlighted.
Open the "System update" page.  William Antonelli/Insider

4. Your Roku will check for any updates. If one is available, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to update now or later — select Update Now.

A Roku menu that explains there's an update available.
Install the update now.  William Antonelli/Insider

Give your Roku a few minutes to download and install the update. It'll restart automatically once it's done.

How to update your Roku channels

Just like the Roku itself, your channels need updates too. They usually install updates automatically too, but you can check manually.

1. On your Roku's homescreen, scroll to the channel you want to update.

2. Press the star button on your Roku remote.

3. In the pop-up that opens, select Check for updates.

The information panel for the Netflix Roku app.
Open the channel's information panel to check for updates.  Roku; William Antonelli/Insider

If there's an update available, it'll download and install right away.

Dave Johnson contributed to a previous version of this article.

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ExperienceWilliam joined Business Insider in 2019 to help found Tech Reference, a vertical dedicated to answering the internet’s most common questions about the gadgets they buy. In that role, he helped grow the vertical into a powerhouse that attracted over 20 million pageviews a month. He also wrote and edited one of Business Insider’s most successful stories: How to take a screenshot on Windows.William later became one of Business Insider's lead consumer tech reporters, writing roundups and reviews about gadgets ranging from smartphones to gaming PCs. He also established key industry contacts at brands like Apple, Google, Nintendo, and more. He’s also cited on the Wikipedia page for Among Us, an honor above all others.William’s work for Business Insider has included reviewing the best gaming laptops, publishing previews of new Nintendo games and consoles, and comparing Apple’s latest releases so readers know what’s worth their money. Across all assignments, he’s been praised for his depth of knowledge and research skills.In addition to his work at Business Insider, William’s writing has appeared in outlets like The Guardian, Polygon, Thomson Reuters’ Context, and more. He's also a regular guest on TV stations like CBS and NBC, where he provides expert analysis on AI, consumer tech, and Silicon Valley moguls.Why you can trust WilliamWilliam believes the goal of journalism should be to tell the truth, not sell products. In his reviews, William never hesitates to call out a product’s flaws, but he also has no issue complimenting features that genuinely add value.When reviewing a product, William doesn’t test it in a vacuum. He tries to incorporate each product into his daily routine to get a better sense of how it’ll work for the everyday user. And when writing, he focuses on reader comprehension. He’s talented at explaining complicated concepts in ways that all readers can understand, without losing depth or nuance — or his distinctively engaging voice.Expertise
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