It could be such a nuisance when you notice that your Roku keeps going back to home screen. But what’s causing this to happen? And, more importantly, what is the process of fixing or resolving it?
If your Roku device keeps on returning to the home screen, ensure that the device is properly connected to the TV. Then, disable the bandwidth saver function of your Roku device. After that, remove the channel/s causing the dilemma, and then re-add them to your system.
So, how do you fix it when your Roku TV keeps going back to the home screen? Before we give this one a try, let us first try unraveling the real reasons behind this.
Why Does My Roky Box Keep Going Back to Home Screen?
Whether you’re using a Roku TV, a stick, or even a regular Roku box, this could be extremely annoying.
Apparently, many Roku users and subscribers have experienced this at least once. And, according to some experts, the usual causes of this error coming to life include:
- Bugs in the software/firmware of the Roku device
- Glitches or errors in the bandwidth saver feature
- Remote control problems
- Loose cables/connections
- Bad internet connection
Worry not! If you find that your Roku stick keeps going back to the home screen, we have the proper and appropriate solution for you!
We’ll be addressing the problem from all different angles, giving you a complete approach!
Fixing Roku Keeps Going Back to Home Screen
Identifying the primary or the main cause of this problem is hard and rather impossible to start with. As per the people that experienced this, they weren’t able to have an answer to why it happened.
So, for us to solve this completely and comprehensively, we need to approach it in such a way where we’ll be able to touch all the points and factors that are involved.
Step #1: Check All Connections of the Roku Device
The first thing you want to do is to check the connection of your Roku device.
Whether you’re using a Roku streaming box, a Roku streaming stick, or even a Roku TV, it is imperative to check its connection to your device.
What you can do is unplug the stick or the box, and then plug the device back into the TV. Ensure that the connections are tight and intact, and your goal is to not have any loose ends.
This is also the perfect time to check your remote to see if the [HOME] button is pressed. If it is, then that is what’s causing the problem.
Request for a new remote or purchase one online!
Step #2: Disable the Bandwidth Saver Function
After that, disable the bandwidth saver function on your Roku device. This is a functionality that makes your Roku device cease performance at a usual interval of hours (usually four).
It’s often used to prevent your Roku device from stopping activities to prevent the overuse of data or the internet.
However, there could be certain glitches where the ceasing could occur more than once, or worse, every single time you go to a channel.
To disable this, follow these steps:
- Access your Roku device on your TV.
- Click [HOME] on your Roku remote and navigate to Settings.
- From Settings, select Network.
- In Network, you’ll see tabs and buttons, locate Bandwidth Saver.
- By default, it’ll be turned on, so, turn it off or deactivate it.
Step #3: Power Cycle Your Modem/Gateway or Router
The next step involves your device’s connectivity to the internet. Considered the root of all problems, the culprit could be your internet connection.
The connection could have dropped midway while you’re trying to access a channel or during the time you select a title to stream.
Here’s a quick and simple summary of how to power cycle your modem/gateway or your router:
- Go to your gateway or router and locate the power button.
- Turn it off for about 15 to 30 seconds before turning it back on again.
As an alternative, you could also unplug it from its main power source without clicking the power button. You can do this either from the wall outlet or from the back of the modem or router for about 30 seconds to a minute before plugging it back in again.
Step #4: Remove and Re-Add the Channels
It is worth mentioning that the problem could be not with your Roku device, but with the channel/program that you’re trying to access.
To remove the problematic channel:
- On your remote, press the [HOME] button.
- Move your cursor to the right side and highlight the channel you want to remove.
- Once there, press the [STAR (*)] button on the remote to open options.
- Select Remove Channel from the list and hit Confirm when it prompts.
Once removed, restart your Roku device, together with your TV, and then add it by doing the following:
- Hit on the [HOME] button of your remote control.
- From there, scroll until you see Select Streaming Channels.
- Locate the channel you removed/deleted and add it to the lineup again.
Step #5: Restart Your Roku Device and TV
The next thing to do is to perform a power cycle or a restart of your Roku device. You can do this by going into Settings > System > System Restart.
Wait for the restart to finish, and then turn your TV off. Wait for two (2) full minutes before turning them back on again beginning with the TV.
After you do this, the problem of your Roku device going back to the home screen should be gone!
Step #6: Reset Your Roku Device
To finish the process off, perform a factory reset of your streamer. Whether you’re using a Roku stick, a Roku TV, or a Roku streaming box, resetting it is easy.
Follow the steps below to reset your Roku device properly:
- On your Roku remote, press the [HOME] button.
- Locate and navigate to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings.
- From there, choose the option that says Factory Reset.
- Wait for the system to recognize this command and let it reinitialize.
For Roku TVs
If you’re using a Roku TV, navigate to Settings by clicking on [HOME]. Then, go to System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset Everything.
NOTE: This command is the finality of the process as it deletes and removes all saved content and data on your Roku device.
It’s like purging your device of all the things that came after you received it from the factory.
Roku Still Going Back to the Home Screen, What Should I Do?
Should you have followed these steps carefully and the problem is persistent, contact Roku’s customer support team immediately.
They’d ask for the Roku Device, the Model Number, and the exact problem you’re experiencing. Give it to them in detail and also, let them know about the steps you’ve already accomplished.
If your Roku keeps on coming back to the home screen, check the device and all of its connections. Then, deactivate or disable the bandwidth saver feature, and power cycle your modem/gateway or router. Remove and re-add the channels to your device and restart your Roku.
Read Next: How to Restart Roku TV Correctly?
Bottom Line
Many of us have experienced it and it can be the worst, especially if you’re excited about watching your favorite shows and movies.
But, with this guide on how you can solve the problem of your Roku that keeps going back to home screen, we got you covered!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.