Adam Birney / Android Authority
The answer to the question 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 this, which helps with downloading updates and quick boot times. Here’s how to actually turn off Roku devices for real, including special instructions for Roku TVs and the Roku 4.
Read more: Roku buyer’s guide
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Most add-on Roku devices require you to unplug them, but Streaming Sticks will power down with your TV if they’re using USB power instead of a wall outlet. If you’re using a Roku TV, it should normally shut down when you hit the power button, except if you have Fast TV Start enabled in Settings. You can shut off the Roku 4 at any time by selecting Settings > System > Power > Power off.
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How to turn off Roku 4
Since the Roku 4 has a fan, it’s the only device with specific software options to turn it off — the sound of it whirring in the background could get annoying, after all. This is what to do:
- From the home screen, select Settings > System > Power.
- Click Power off if you want to switch your Roku 4 off right away.
- 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
Roku OS will shut down entirely if you hit a Roku TV’s power button (on the remote or otherwise), but only if Fast TV Start is left off. That feature enables a low-power mode similar to Roku’s dedicated streamers. Usually, you should have the option on — a cold boot can take a while, and you lose quick access to voice commands or Google Cast. If you have Roku wireless speakers, your TV will have to reconnect.
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 ready for use 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 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, that you’ll have to turn them back on with your TV remote before you can switch to Roku control.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a way to turn off Roku devices automatically?
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 completely shut things down.
Can I use smart home technology to turn off a Roku device?
While direct Roku control is supported by platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, this doesn’t offer any extra power options — that is, if you can’t completely turn off a device otherwise, 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 back on after work, for example, you can make that happen with app-based automations.
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