Roku Keeps Going Back To Home Screen & How To Fix It?
If you’re seeing your Roku keeps going back to the home screen, don’t worry!
I have solutions for you to fix it.
In this guide, I’ll dive into the root causes of the problem, including hardware and software causes.
After that, I will give eight simple and quick solutions that anyone can do.
Let’s dive into this post!
Why Does Roku Keep Going Back To The Home Screen?
The four main causes of this problem are overloaded OS, overheating, remote control issues, and app or channel errors.
I will delve into each cause to help you understand the essence of the problem. From there, you will find a solution.
Overloaded OS
A Roku device uses the OS to run apps and perform tasks like streaming.
It can’t work if the OS becomes overloaded because of too many apps running or out of memory.
Sometimes, old software or apps can also cause problems.
Overheating
Roku devices, like any electronic gadget, generate heat when they’re in use.
If the environment around the Roku is too warm or the device is enclosed without proper ventilation, it can heat up even more.
When the device overheats, it starts struggling to function properly.
This can result in unexpected behavior, like being back on the home screen.
Remote Control Issues
Roku Remote
The remote control plays a crucial role in navigating your Roku device.
If something’s wrong with it, the Roku might act weird and cause this issue.
For example, if the batteries in the remote are weak or not working right, the signals they send to the Roku might not be strong enough.
Sometimes, if things block the remote’s signal, the Roku can get confused and be back on the home screen when it’s not supposed to.
Also, if the buttons on the remote are stuck or not working, the Roku might think you’re pressing the Home button over and over again.
App Or Channel Issues
Sometimes, an app might have a bug or a problem in its programming.
As a result, it can confuse the Roku and cause it to go back to the home screen.
Also, if an app needs an update, but you haven’t done it, it might not work correctly and make the Roku go back home.
Besides, the Roku device has limits to how much it can handle, so if an app uses too many resources, it can force the Roku device to go back to its main screen.
How To Fix Roku Keeps Going Back To Home Screen?
The first step to fix this issue is to reboot the OS. If the problem persists, check if the remote is the cause.
If not, you can update the software, clear the cache, reinstall apps, or do a factory reset.
Then, if the problem persists, what you should do now is contact Roku customer support so they can resolve the issue for you.
Method 1: Reboot The OS
Rebooting the OS is like giving your Roku a fresh start and can often help resolve software glitches.
Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Navigate to the Settings menu
Use your Roku remote to navigate to the home screen.
Then, scroll up or down to highlight and select “Settings.”
Step 2: Choose “System”
Step 3: Select “System Restart” to reboot the OS
Step 4: Confirm Restart
A confirmation message will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to restart the Roku. Confirm your choice.
Step 5: Wait for Restart
Your Roku will now restart. This process might take a minute or two.
You’ll see the Roku logo on the screen as it restarts.
Remember that rebooting the OS is a basic troubleshooting step and might not work for all issues.
If the problem persists, you might need to consider other solutions below.
Method 2: Remove The Remote Battery
If you’re not sure if the problem is with your remote, the easiest way to check is to remove its battery.
If the problem stops, the problem is in the remote.
In this case, check if any buttons are stuck or damaged.
Then make repairs if necessary.
If your remote is too old, replace it with a new one.
If the problem continues, the problem lies in other causes.
In this case, you can refer to other methods in this guide.
Method 3: Update Roku
I recommend updating the Roku software to resolve bugs and glitches causing this problem.
Step 1: Access the Home Screen
Step 2: Navigate to “Settings”
Step 3: Select “System”
Step 4: Choose “Software Update”
Within the System menu, select “Software Update”.
You’ll see the option to update the software if an update is available.
Step 5: Check for Updates
Roku will now check for available updates.
If an update is available, you just need to follow the instructions on the screen to start the update process.
Your Roku device will restart during this process.
Step 6: Verify the Update
After the update is complete and your Roku restarts, use the device, as usual, to see if the issue of returning to the home screen is resolved.
Method 4: Use A Different HDMI Port
Use A Different HDMI Port
Actually, there are very few cases where Roku has problems because of the HDMI port.
But if the above solutions do not solve the problem, change another HDMI port to connect the Roku to the TV by following these steps:
Step 1: Locate HDMI ports
Look at the back or side of your TV to find the HDMI ports.
These are where you connect your Roku device.
Step 2: Connect to a different port
If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, try unplugging the Roku from the current port and connecting it to a different one.
Each port might have a number or label to help you identify them.
Step 3: Turn On the TV and Roku
Power on your TV and Roku device.
Use the TV remote to select the input/source corresponding to the new HDMI port you connected the Roku to.
Method 5: Clear Cache
Clearing the cache can help refresh the system and potentially fix performance-related issues.
Here’s how to do this:
Step 1: Access the Home Screen
Step 2: Press the Home button 5 times
Step 3: Press the Up Arrow
Step 4: Press the Rewind button 2 times and Fast Forward 2 times
Step 5: Wait for Restart
At this point, you have successfully cleared the cache.
This method is always helpful when my Roku keeps going back to the main screen.
Method 6: Reinstall Roku Apps
If the Roku is back on the home screen while using a particular app, that app might be the culprit.
Thus, reinstalling an app clears this data and provides a fresh installation.
Step 1: Access the Home Screen
Step 2: Navigate to the problematic app causing the issue.
Step 3: Press the Star button
Press the star (*) button while the app is highlighted. Then, you’ll see a menu.
Step 4: Select “Remove Channel”
Step 5: Restart Roku
After removal, restart your Roku by unplugging and plugging it back in or using the restart option in the Settings menu.
Step 6: Reinstall the App
Once Roku is back on, go to “Streaming Channels” on the home screen, find the app, and select “Add Channel”.
Follow the prompts to install it again.
Method 7: Factory Reset
Factory Reset
This reset erases all your settings, preferences, and apps, returning the Roku to its original state.
Thus, it can help eliminate deep-seated software issues that might be causing the problem.
Step 1: Access “Settings” on the Roku home screen
Step 2: Choose “System”
Step 3: Select “Advanced System Settings”
Step 4: Choose “Factory Reset”
Step 5: Confirm the reset
Step 6: Enter the code
To prevent accidental resets, Roku will ask you to enter a code shown on the screen.
Once you enter the code, the Roku will start the reset process in a few minutes.
Step 7: Set up again
After the reset, your Roku will restart as if it’s brand new.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Roku, including connecting to your Wi-Fi and linking your account.
Note: A factory reset is the last resort if other troubleshooting steps have failed because it erases all your apps and settings.
Method 8: Contact Customer Support
It’s time to contact Roku’s customer support if you’ve tried all the solutions mentioned above, including troubleshooting steps and even a factory reset, and your Roku still keeps being back on the home screen.
They have specialized expertise and resources to help you resolve complex issues that regular troubleshooting might not address.
Conclusion
In short, when having an issue with the Roku keeps going back to the home screen, check where the root cause is.
It could be due to OS overload or overheating.
Then follow the instructions that I mentioned in this article.
If you have questions about troubleshooting this, leave me a comment!
Thank you for reading!
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Home Automation Expert
David
Hi! I’m David — a writer, blogger, and proud owner of Smarterve. I’ve been using smart home gadgets and in the home industry for about a decade. I love to solve problems, give suggestions, and create ease for people to enjoy life. This blog is where I can share tips and provide solutions to everyone using smart gadgets.
