Roku streaming devices have become a popular choice for many households as they offer a wide range of content and channels to choose from. Sometimes there's a need to change the Roku account associated with your TV, whether you've moved, changed households, or simply want to use a different account for any reason. Maybe you just have a friend over and they want to log in (in which case you may prefer using Guest Mode…more on that later).
To change the Roku Account associated with your Roku device, you have to perform a factory reset. If you only want someone else to use it temporarily, consider using Guest Mode. And note that unlinking your account doesn't automatically stop any paid subscriptions you have, to apps or Roku directly.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of changing your Roku account on your TV. It's worth noting that changing your account will require you to consider a few more things depending on your situation. Don't worry, though – we'll provide a step-by-step walkthrough, making the process as simple and efficient as possible. Let's get started!
How To Change Your Roku Account (Factory Reset)
If you want to change the Roku account on your TV, you need to perform a factory reset. This is true for all Roku devices, including Roku TVs. A factory reset is necessary as it disconnects your Roku device from your current account and restores the factory default settings.
Why don't they allow you to simply sign out? We don't know…we just watch TV here (lol). But it may have something to do with another Roku feature called Guest Mode. We'll cover that a bit futher down, but it may get you the behavior you want here without a reset.
We'll also cover setting up your freshly reset Roku device in the next section, but for now, let's discuss how to reset your device in a few simple steps.
First, grab your Roku remote and follow these steps:
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Scroll down to find “Settings” and click it.
- Select “System” and then “Advanced system settings.”
- Click on “Factory reset” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Some Roku devices also have a physical reset button. Check your device for a pinhole reset button or a button labeled “RESET.” If you find one, use a paperclip or another small tool to press the button and hold it for a few seconds to initiate the factory reset process, and be sure to pat your dusty little device on the head and whisper a few words of thanks before disconnecting your digital life from it.
No Remote or Reset Button? Use the App!
If you don't have a remote or can't find a reset button, you can still reset your Roku device by using the Roku app available for both iOS and Android devices. After downloading the app and connecting your smartphone to your Roku (make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network), follow the remote reset steps mentioned above to complete the factory reset process.
How To Set Up The Roku With A New Account
To start the process, first log in to your Roku device. Once you're on the Home screen, follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device to the internet. We recommend using a 5GHz wireless band for a better connection. Here's an external guide on understanding that detail.
Pro-Tip: Isolate both your phone and your Roku on a 5GHz wireless band if you're using the smartphone app, either for remote control of your Roku or screen-mirroring/AirPlay. This will ensure speedy handoffs and minimal disruptions to your content. Especially on crowded networks.
Once connected, you will be provided with an activation code. Visit the Roku link website displayed on your TV on your computer or mobile device and enter this code. You will now be prompted to log in with your existing Roku account or create a new one. If you need to create a new account, take care of that real quick, and we recommend you go ahead and set up a payment method.
This step is optional, but it allows you to make purchases from the Roku Channel Store with ease.This is almost certainly a feature you'll want!
Next, you will be guided through adding streaming channels to your Roku device. Choose your favorite channels, and once complete, your Roku device will automatically update itself. After this is done, your Roku will display the Home screen, and you are ready to use your newly set-up Roku device!
You May Want To Use Guest Mode Instead
If you're looking to let someone else use your Roku temporarily, you might want to consider using Guest Mode instead. This feature allows your guests to sign in with their own Roku accounts, enabling them to access their apps and subscriptions temporarily without altering your main account settings. This can be a more convenient and less time-consuming option than performing a full factory reset for temporary usage purposes.
Guest Mode is easy to enable on your Roku device: Simply navigate to Settings > Guest Mode and follow the on-screen instructions. When activated, your guests can confidently use their own app accounts and subscriptions on your Roku streaming device, without interfering with your personal settings or content.
Furthermore, once the guest's stay is over, their account details will be automatically removed after the set checkout date, ensuring your Roku settings remain secure and intact.
So, if you think you need to log out of your Roku to let someone else use it, you may be able to use guest mode instead to skip the hassle of resetting the device.
Don't Forget About Your Subscriptions ($$)
When changing your Roku account on your TV, it's important to remember that disconnecting your account from a Roku device does not automatically stop any subscription fees associated with Roku apps like Netflix. And it doesn't stop any paid Roku subscription you have. You'll need to manage your subscriptions within the app itself to ensure your payments stop, or on the website of the app.
It's also a good idea to regularly review your app subscriptions within your Roku account to ensure you're only paying for the channels you're actively using. If you come across a subscription you no longer use, you can cancel them to get some instant savings.
But the point is: if your goal is to sell your Roku or otherwise send it to a new home, you almost certainly want to cancel these subscriptions, especially if you have one with Roku directly, or else you're still going to be billed.
What About Logging Out Of Individual Apps?
Fortunately, logging out of individual apps on your Roku is simple. The login to an app, such as Netflix, stays with the app. So, if you just want to log out of Netflix and not your entire Roku account, you can do that from within the app. Keep in mind that, as we explained above, logging out of an app won't automatically stop payments; it will just log the app out.
This flexibility means that others can also log into apps on your Roku with their credentials. For example, if your friend visits and wants to use their Netflix account on your Roku, they can easily log in with their own information. This not only provides a personalized experience, but it also allows multiple users to access their favorite content.
Conclusion
Changing your Roku account on your TV is a straightforward process requiring a factory reset. This is great if you want to swap the owner permanently, but it's a lousy option that requires a lot of work if you only want to let someone else use it temporarily. If that's the case, Guest Mode is a better option for you. The full reset is a bit of a process, but ultimately it's still super easy.
