Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
How to turn off any Roku device
The answer to turning off a Roku device might initially seem obvious — hit the power button on your remote — but in reality, most Roku devices remain in a low-power state when you do that for the sake of seamless updates and faster boot times. Here’s how to turn off Roku devices completely, including special instructions for Roku TVs and the Roku 4.
Read more: The Roku buyer’s guide
QUICK ANSWER
Most add-on Roku devices require you to unplug them, but Express and Streaming Stick models will shut down with your TV if they use USB power instead of a wall outlet. If you own a Roku TV, it should normally shut down when you hit the power button unless you have Fast TV Start enabled in Settings. You can shut off the Roku 4 by selecting Settings > System > Power > Power off.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to turn off Roku 4
The Roku 4 is the only device with specific software options to turn it off — it has a fan, and the sound of it whirring in the background could get annoying.
- From the home screen, select Settings > System > Power.
- Click Power off if you want to switch your Roku 4 off immediately.
- Click Auto power off if you want your device to shut down whenever there’s 30 minutes of inactivity.
How to turn off Roku TV
A Roku TV typically does a full shutdown if you hit its power button, whether on a remote or otherwise, but only if Fast TV Start is left off. That setting enables a low-power mode similar to Roku’s dedicated streamers. In most cases, it’s best to toggle the option on — a cold boot can take a while, and by extension, you lose quick access to voice commands or Google Cast. Your TV will have to reconnect audio if you have Roku’s wireless speakers.
You can toggle the feature on or off by going to Settings > System > Power > Fast TV Start.
Can I turn off other Roku devices?
Generally speaking, the only way to fully power off other Roku devices is by unplugging them. The company wants them to be convenient at all times, and that’s not possible with long boot cycles, or if they start downloading updates right when you’re about to watch something.
There is a workaround of sorts with Express models and Streaming Sticks. If you power them through a TV’s USB port instead of a wall outlet, they’ll turn off when the TV switches off. That means, of course, you’ll have to turn them back on by turning on your TV.
Next: How to sync and pair a Roku remote
FAQs
Aside from the Roku 4’s auto power-off option, the only other official solution is on Roku TVs. If you go into Settings > System > Power > Auto power savings, you’ll find an option to have your TV turn off after four hours of inactivity (videos count as activity). You’ll have to disable Fast TV Start for this to shut things down entirely.
While Roku is supported by platforms like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, they don’t offer any extra control options — talking to a smart speaker won’t change anything. You can, however, connect a Roku device to a smart plug that switches on and off under particular conditions. If you want your device to shut down overnight but then power on before breakfast, for example, you can make that happen with app-based automations.
For most people, at most times, it’s best to leave a Roku in a standby state (like Fast TV Start) than do a full shutdown. The extra power standby mode consumes is minimal, and it’s worth having a device ready whenever you need it.
It’s not a factory reset, but turning a Roku device all the way off does give it a refresh, similar to unplugging a Wi-Fi router for a few seconds. If Netflix isn’t working on Roku, or you have another problem, this might be a good idea.
Read more: The best media streaming devices