Keeping your Roku apps up-to-date is essential for ensuring optimal performance and access to the latest features on your streaming device. Maybe you have an app acting up, or maybe you just know something should be different and you want to force an update. Either way, it's pretty simple.
To update individual Roku apps, select the app on the Roku home screen and hit the star key on your remote to see if there's an update option. You can use the Roku smartphone app for this too, and try updating your Roku device while you're at it. If all else fails, delete and reinstall the app.
Below, we'll outline simple steps to manually update the software on your Roku, and how to keep all your favorite channels up-to-date. Let's dive right in!
How To Update Individual Roku Apps
You have about 2 good options for doing this. And note that, while we're talking about updating individual apps here, we'll talk about updating the Roku system a bit further down. If the app update doesn't fix your issue, try a system update after that.
Update Apps Using Your Roku Remote (Star Key)
Updating individual apps on your Roku device is a simple process. First, check if your Roku remote has a star key. This key is usually located next to the rewind, fast-forward, and pause/play buttons. If you don't see the star key on your remote, you can use the Roku mobile app to update your apps (more on that below).
To update apps using your remote:
- Navigate to the app you want to update on your Roku device's home screen.
- Press the star key on your remote to open the app options menu.
- If an update is available, you should see an Update option.
- Select this option to download and install the latest version of the app. Note that you may need to sign in again after updating.
Update Apps Using the Roku Mobile App
If you don't have a Roku remote with a star key, you can still update your apps using the Roku mobile app. Download the app on your iOS or Android device and sign in with your Roku account credentials. And remember: the app and the Roku need to be on the same WiFi network for this to work.
Once you're signed in, you'll see an overview of your Roku device and its apps. Navigate to the app you want to update, tap on its icon, and select “Options” to open the app's options menu. If an update is available, you'll see an “Update” option. Tap this option to download and install the latest version of the app. Like with the remote method, you may need to sign in to the app again after updating.
And if you've truly lost the remote, don't worry – you can get a replacement really cheap on Amazon, and if you're already replacing your Roku remote we think you should consider a universal remote option that plays nicely with Roku.
How To Update Your Roku Device
The Roku OS usually updates automatically when it's turned on or every 24-36 hours. And he device is clever enough to install these software updates in the background so as not to interfere with your viewing experience.
However, if you're facing any issues or want to ensure you have the latest updates, you can check for updates manually:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote. If you're in the app, start form the home screen of your Roku app remote.
- Scroll and select Settings from the menu.
- Choose the System option.
- Select System update to check for available updates.
- If there is an update, your Roku will start downloading and installing it.
Keep in mind that this process updates the Roku OS and may also update some channel apps. However, not all channels may receive updates at the same time.
Roku and Roll: Keeping Your Apps Up to Date
Updating apps on your Roku device is important to ensure a smooth streaming experience and access to all the latest features.
Luckily, Roku makes it easy to update both the device and apps, and most updates should run automatically. Now that you understand how to update apps on Roku, you can continue enjoying your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions. Good luck and happy streaming!
