• Your Roku automatically checks for updates every day, but you can update it manually in the Settings menu.
  • You can also update your Roku's channels by pressing the star button on the remote.
  • The newest major Roku update, OS 10.5, includes new voice control features.
  • Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

Roku devices are designed to stay connected to the internet 24/7. Because of this, they can check for updates and install them automatically. You might be notified if it installs a major update, but usually the updater just runs in the background without much fanfare.

But if you want to check for updates manually, you can do it with just a few clicks. You might want to do this if you suspect your Roku has a bug, or if you've kept the device unplugged for a long time.

Here's how to manually update your Roku device, along with its channels.

How to update your Roku device

1. On your Roku's homescreen, go to the list of options on the left and select Settings.

2. In your Settings, scroll down and select System.

The Settings page on a Roku, with the System option highlighted.
Head to the System menu.
William Antonelli/Insider

3. Select System Update, and then click Check now.

The System menu on a Roku, with the "System update" option highlighted.
Open the "System update" page.
William Antonelli/Insider

4. Your Roku will check for any updates. If one is available, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to update now or later — select Update Now.

A Roku menu that explains there's an update available.
Install the update now.
William Antonelli/Insider

Give your Roku a few minutes to download and install the update. It'll restart automatically once it's done.

How to update your Roku channels

Just like the Roku itself, your channels need updates too. They usually install updates automatically too, but you can check manually.

1. On your Roku's homescreen, scroll to the channel you want to update.

2. Press the star button on your Roku remote.

3. In the pop-up that opens, select Check for updates.

The information panel for the Netflix Roku app.
Open the channel's information panel to check for updates.
Roku; William Antonelli/Insider

If there's an update available, it'll download and install right away.

Dave Johnson contributed to a previous version of this article.
William Antonelli
Editor & Staff Writer for Tech Reference
William Antonelli is a writer and editor based in New York City. As Editor of Insider's Tech Reference vertical and a founding member of the Reference team, he's helped grow Tech Reference from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com.