3 Different Ways to Update Apps on Your Roku in 2023
Reviewed by Huzaifa HaroonRoku is one of the most popular streaming devices in the market. Roku’s ability to gather any streaming subscriptions you have, local or digital channels you’re paying for and Roku’s own streams, all in one place in the form of channels, make it a essential device; especially now with rise of multiple streaming service subscriptions.
Like any other piece of tech, you need to make sure that you have the latest version of apps and OS both on your Roku, so that you get the optimal performance and the latest features. If you’re not sure how to update your Roku apps, read on below.
Table of Contents
Methods of Updating
By default, Roku checks for update for your apps and channels automatically every 24 hours or so. However, sometimes it may not do so; usually when your Roku has been disconnected, either from the Internet or from the TV for quite a while, or when you’ve installed a non-certified channel. In these cases, you’ll have to update your apps/channels manually through the methods mentioned below.
There are a total of 3 methods by which you can update your Roku apps/channels:
- Updating apps/channels manually with the remote
- Updating apps/channels through the mobile app
- Updating the Roku OS
1. Updating apps manually with the remote
To update your apps/channels with your remote, follow the steps below:
- Press the Home button on your remote to go to the home screen.
Press the Home button - Select an app/channel that you want to update.
Select any app/channel you want to update - Now, press the “*” (star) button on your remote.
Press the * button on the remote - Consequently, a list of options should open up. If the app/channel is not running on the latest version, the option “Check for updates” should show. Click on it.
From the menu select Check for Updates - If an update is available, click on “Update” to begin installing the latest version of the app.
- When the update finishes installing, open up the app/channel. You’ll need to sign back in. Finish signing in and you’re good to go.
2. Updating apps with the mobile app
If you’ve lost your remote or are unable to locate it for the time being, you can use the mobile app to check for updates. Download the Roku app on your Android or iOS device and follow the steps below to update your Roku apps and channels:
- First off, download the Roku app on your mobile device (from the links above) and make sure both your mobile and the Roku device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Next, sign-in to your Roku account on the mobile app.
Sign in to your Roku account - Once done, navigate to the “Devices” section from the bottom.
Select the Devices tab - Tap on “Connect Now” and follow the guide and prompts shown to connect your Roku to your app.
Tap on Connect Now and follow the instructions shown - Once they are connected, select “Apps on Roku” from the options shown on the app regarding your Roku.
Select Apps on Roku - A list of your apps/channels should open up. Select the app/channel you want to update.
- Finally, click on “Update”. If an update is present, it will begin downloading it and install it automatically.
All images sourced from GuideRealm.
3. Updating the Roku OS
Some apps/channels will be updated by default when you install a new Roku OS update. Below, we’ll outline how to update your Roku OS:
- First off, press the “Home” button on your remote to open up the Home screen.
Press the Home button on your remote to be directed to the Home screen - Navigate to “Settings” from the sidebar.
Select Settings from the sidebar - Next, choose “System” list of options.
Select System - From the options shown, select “System update”.
Select System update - Click on “Check Now” to see whether a software update is available.
Click Check now - If an update is available, it will ask whether you want to install it now or later. Click on “Update Now” to begin installing it.
Some images sourced from Amzeeel.
Read More: How to Block ADs on Roku TV? (4 Methods to Block ADs)
Why Should I Update My Apps?
Keeping apps/channels updated means that you’ll be getting the optimal performance and be up-to date on the recent features. Updating the apps/channels manually can sometimes cause unexplainable and mysterious bugs and glitches that appear, to be resolved. So, it’s worth a try if any one of your apps/channels is acting up and you can’t seem to find a reason why.
Conclusion
Keeping your Roku and its apps updated is important. We’ve shown you how to do this with your remote, a mobile app, or by updating the whole system. Updating isn’t just for new stuff; it makes sure everything runs smoothly. So, before you start watching, check for updates. It’ll make your Roku experience even better.
FAQs
Yes. Apps and channels on Roku update automatically over a period of 24-36 hours. In case they do not, it might be because your Roku is disconnected, not connected to any network, or the channel is a non-certified one.
If you’ve lost your remote, the best temporary solution would be to use the Roku Mobile App, as it functions as a remote too. Meanwhile, order a replacement from Amazon.
Third-party channels not available on the Roku Store are known as non-certified channels. They are also known as hidden or private channels.
No, you cannot roll back to an older version of an app/channel after updating it on Roku.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
