If the Roku device is frozen or unresponsive, you must check whether the behavior is intermittent or persistent. As a quick measure, you can restart the Roku TV to fix the freezing and buffering problems. If you have a remote, you can restart the Roku TV by going to its system settings. In case the remote is unavailable, you can still reboot the Roku TV using the alternative ways discussed here.
Use the Physical Power Button to Restart Roku TV Without Remote
Like all TVs, Roku-powered TVs have a physical Power button to turn the device on and off. This button can be used to restart your Roku TV when you don’t have a remote control. The Power key will be located at the bottom of the TV logo. For some Roku TV models, the Power button will be present on the TV’s backside.
Once you identify the Power button on your Roku TV, press it once to turn the TV off. Then, press the Power button on the TV panel again to restart your Roku TV.
Install Remote Apps to Restart the Roku TV
If your Roku TV has a Power button at its backside, it will be difficult to press when mounted on the wall. In that case, you can use your phone as a remote to operate your TV with the help of IR apps. Even though the Roku TV has its own remote app, you cannot restart your Roku TV using it. You can only operate and turn off your TV. This is because when you use the Power button on the paired Roku app to turn off your TV, the WiFi connection on your TV will be disconnected. So, you cannot use this app to turn the Roku TV on.
Hence, install any IR remote apps to control and restart your Roku TV. Since these IR remote apps use infrared signals, they do not require WiFi. If your handheld device has a built-in IR blaster, you can install the app to restart it. Unfortunately, if you are an iPhone user, you cannot use this app as it lacks an IR blaster. Some of the best IR remote apps that control your Roku TV are as follows.
Once you install any IR remote apps, launch it and press the Power button to turn off the TV. Then, click the Power button in the app to restart the Roku TV.
Restart Roku TV by Updating its Firmware
Whenever you update the firmware of any TV, the system will restart to complete the installation process. So, if you have not updated your firmware recently, you can update it to restart your Roku TV. Since you don’t have a remote, you can use the Roku app to update your TV. You can get the app from the Play Store or the App Store. After the installation, pair your phone and Roku TV to the same WiFi. The steps to update your Roku TV using the remote app are as follows.
1. Head to the Settings option from the home page of Roku TV.
2. Tap System and scroll down to the System Update option.
3. Select Check Now, and your TV will check for any newly available software updates.
4. If any update is available, the Roku TV will automatically download the update.
Once the download is over, your Roku TV will restart automatically without a remote to complete the update process.
Restart Roku TV by Resetting the TV
If your TV is already running on its latest version, you cannot update it to restart your TV. So you can perform a factory reset on your Roku TV to restart it. All Roku TVs come with an exclusive Reset button on their TV panel. The Reset button may be either tactile or pinhole.
If the Reset button is tactile, press it using your fingers. If your Roku TV reset button lies within the hole, you need to press it with a sharp object like a toothpick. Hold the Reset key for a few seconds. If the reset process is completed, your TV will automatically begin to restart. Remember that doing so will clear all the custom settings and stored data.
FAQ
Usually, a Roku TV will take about 1 – 2 minutes to restart its system.
Grab the Roku remote, go to Settings → select System → click Power → select System Restart → select Restart.
