How to Turn off Your Roku

It's not quite as easy as it sounds

Updated on October 27, 2020

A Roku TV, set-top box, or streaming stick provides access to thousands of channels that offer subscription, pay-per-view, and free streaming content. With all this functionality, Roku devices, except for Roku TVs, don't have an On-Off switch. Here's a look at how to turn off Roku devices when it's time to power down.

Roku offers accessory voice remotes with a power button. The power button is only for turning a compatible TV on or off.

How Roku Devices Are Powered

If you're puzzled about why your Roku stick (Streaming Stick, Express, Express+, or Premiere) or box (Ultra or Ultra LT) doesn't have an Off button, it's because these devices aren't meant to be turned off.

Roku devices use very little power. These devices are designed to stay connected to the internet to download OS updates and keep other apps and channels up to date.

When you're done watching your streaming entertainment and turn off the TV, the Roku device goes into standby or sleep mode. Still, it draws a small amount of power.

However, if you want your Roku stick or box completely off and removed from power, there are some workarounds.

Turn off an AC-Powered Roku

If you power your Roku device through the included AC power adapter, unplug it from the AC outlet. This completely powers down the device and disconnects it from the internet.

If you plugged your Roku into a power strip or surge protector, flipping the strip's switch powers off the Roku. This also cuts power to other devices plugged into the strip.

If you plug your Roku into a smart power strip, power is cut only to the Roku's outlet after a period of inactivity.

If the Roku is connected to a smart plug, turn off the plug using a smartphone, Google Home, or Amazon Echo.

Turn off a USB-Powered Roku

If you power your Roku stick or box through your TV's USB port, the streaming device powers down automatically when you turn off the TV.

Roku recommends using the AC adapter instead of USB so that the device doesn't reboot or update every time you turn on the TV.

What About the Roku 4 or Roku TV?

The Roku 4 and Roku TV are exceptions to the no-power design of other Roku devices.

Roku TV

Roku TVs turn off easily using the remote's power button. Roku TVs also have additional power-saving features that are accessible in the device's Settings menu. Among other things, set a timer to turn off the Roku TV's LED indicator light, or select Turn off after 4 hours to set some power constraints.

Roku 4

The Roku 4 isn't sold any longer. If you have one of these older devices, there's power-off functionality.

Press the remote's Home button, and then on the TV screen, select Settings > System > Power. Within Power Options, choose Auto Power Off. The Roku 4 powers down after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Alternatively, immediately power off a Roku 4 by choosing Power Off.

Power Down a Roku Device

You may want to completely power down a Roku device if you're concerned about saving power or worry about a streaming stick overheating.

You also may want to power down a Roku stick to move it to another TV in the house. It's safe to disconnect a Roku device from one TV and then reconnect to another in the same house. Also, the Roku Hotel & Dorm Connect feature lets you use your device when you're away from home.

There are some downsides to powering down a Roku device. When the device is powered back on, the Roku OS has to reboot, which prevents you from instantly accessing Roku features or content.

Leaving your Roku device or TV in sleep or standby mode preserves login information and lets the Roku download and install updates. Unless there's a service interruption or power loss, when you log in once to a specific service or channel, such as Netflix, you don't have to log in again each time you want to watch it.