Skip to main content

How to update your Roku device software

Roku remains at the top of the list in terms of the best streaming devices for accessing all of the movie, TV, and sports streaming services people love -- from Netflix to Hulu to Disney+ to Amazon Prime Video and beyond. Its Roku Channel is also a pretty great resource for additional programming and awesome Roku original productions.

If you have a Roku device, it's in your best interest to keep it running in tip-top shape, and that means making sure that it's got the latest Roku OS installed. These devices are designed to automatically check for software updates every 24 to 36 hours, with the download and install done in the background so you don't have to worry about it.

Related Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Roku streaming device

  • Roku remote

  • Internet connection

However, there may be the odd case where you want to manually check for the latest software update (currently Roku OS 11.5), like if the device has been disconnected for an extended period of time, if you think maybe there's a bug you want to rectify, or if you just want to make sure you have access to the latest features.

Whatever your reason, it's dead simple. Here's how to update your Roku software.

How to update your Roku device's software

Step 1: Using your paired Roku remote, press the Home button to get to your Roku's home screen.

how to update roku software home screen
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 2: On the left-hand side, navigate to the Settings menu and select System.

how to update roku software settings
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 3: Select System update where the version of Roku OS you're currently running will be displayed along with the date of its last update.

how to update roku software system
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 4: Choose Check now to manually check for an update.

how to update roku software check now
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Step 5: Your Roku will run the check. If there is one available, your Roku will download and install it automatically and then reboot itself. That's it!

how to update roku software checking
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Editors' Recommendations

The most common Netflix problems and how to fix them
The Netflix logo is displayed on a TV screen while red lights illuminate the wall behind.

You’re ready to watch the latest must-see show on Netflix. You have some drinks, snacks, and a blanket, and fire up the first episode. But it all stops working. What now? Whether Netflix is having troubles on its end or your device is acting up, we take a look at some of the most common Netflix problems and how to fix them. From quick fixes to more advanced remedies, we’ve got you covered.

Read more
How to check your AirPods battery level
Man wearing Apple AirPods Pro outdoors.

Apple's tiny true wireless earbuds are an important part of your everyday carry, useful for commuting with music and taking Zoom calls without distracting others. The convenient buds offer instant pairing to all of your favorite iOS and Mac devices, a bevy of customizable controls, top-notch sound, and an excellent way to interact with Siri.

Unlike some headphones, though, you won't be able to simply tap on your AirPods a few times to check the battery levels of each bud. That being said, there are a number of other ways you can quickly and easily figure out exactly how much juice your AirPods (and your charging case) have left.

Read more
The first Roku-made televisions are now available at Best Buy
Roku Select Series television.

Roku today announced that its first slate of Roku Select and Roku Plus Series televisions — the first sets to actually be made by Roku — are now available exclusively at Best Buy. The first 11 models are meant to be affordable options not unlike the Roku TVs made by the company's manufacturing partners. (Those partners, so far as we know, will still make their own Roku TVs.)

The Plus Series is the more advanced of the two options, with QLED screens at 55, 65, and 75 inches. Those prices hit $649, $749, and $1,199, respectively.

Read more