How to Update Apps on Roku: A 4-Step Guide

Once you know how to update apps on Roku, fixing “this app is glitchy” complaints becomes really simple.

How to update apps on Roku: The quick version

Step 1: Open the Roku home screen

I always start from the Roku home screen since that’s where I can reach both my apps and the Settings menu in seconds. If I’m inside an app, I press the Home button (house icon) on the remote until I see the left-hand menu and my rows of channels.

Here’s my quick start:

• Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
• Wait for the main channel grid and left-hand menu to appear.
• Make sure you’re not still inside an app before moving on.

Step 2: Highlight the app and open options

When one app feels buggy or out of date, I highlight it to check for updates manually. This could be a streaming service that’s slow or a game that released new features.

Here’s how I do it:

• Use the arrow keys to scroll through your rows of channels.
• Stop when the white highlight box sits on the app you want to update.
• Double-check the logo and name.
• With the app highlighted, press the star (*) button on your remote.
• Wait for the options menu to appear on the side or center of the screen.

Step 3: Check for updates or run a full system update

Once the options menu appears, I scroll down to Check for updates and press OK. Roku checks its servers and installs any available update automatically. If several apps are acting up, though, I prefer to run a system-wide update instead of checking each app one at a time.

Try this:

• In the app’s options menu, scroll to “Check for updates.”
• Press OK and let Roku install any available version.
• To update every app at once, go to Settings > System > System update from the home screen.
• Select Check now to search for Roku and channel updates.
• Choose Update now if Roku finds something new and let it finish completely.

Step 4: Restart Roku or fix uncooperative apps

After updates, I always restart my Roku to clear the cache and lock in all changes. If an app still won’t update or keeps crashing, a few extra steps usually solve it.

Here’s my cleanup process:

• Go to Settings > System > Power (or System restart) and select Restart, or unplug Roku for about 30 seconds and plug it back in.
• Once it reboots, test the updated apps.
• If an app still won’t update:
  
  • Check your network connection under Settings > Network to confirm you have a strong signal.
  • Highlight the stubborn app, press star (*), choose Remove channel, then restart Roku.
  • Reinstall the app from the Channel Store, and run Settings > System > System update > Check now again.

Do Roku apps update automatically?

Roku usually checks for updates on its own when the device sits idle and stays connected to the internet, so most days I don’t have to think about it.​

However, if I unplug my Roku often or haven’t used it in a while, I will manually trigger a system update and check for updates on key apps. This is so I’m not stuck on old versions during movie night.​

Why I regularly update apps on my Roku

Every time I stay ahead on app and system updates, my Roku feels more responsive and less crash-prone. I see fewer playback errors and new features show up on major apps without me wondering why my screen looks different than everyone else’s.​

Enjoy Volley Games on Roku

Knowing how to update apps on Roku makes it easier to get the best experience from each of them. Volley Games is one app on Roku worth downloading and keeping updated. It’s the go-to for voice-powered games and shout-out-loud fun!

When I keep my Roku updated and lean, it feels effortless to flip from a show straight into a few quick rounds of trivia or puzzles.

With Volley Games on Roku, you get a whole game-night lineup ready on your updated home screen:

• Jeopardy! turns your Roku into a quiz podium where you answer clues out loud and chase high scores like a real contestant.
• Song Quiz plays rapid-fire music clips and challenges everyone to name the song or artist before the timer runs out.
• Wheel of Fortune drops you into spinning-wheel rounds where you pick letters, fill the board, and solve the final phrase.
• Karaoke switches your TV into a party screen so you can pick a track, follow the lyrics, and belt out songs while your friends or family sing along.

Download Volley Games now and enjoy a 7-day free trial of our full gaming lineup. Get access to every game you'll need to host the best game nights with trivia and music.

FAQs

How do I force a single app to update on Roku?

To force a single app to update on Roku, highlight the app, press the star button, and select “Check for updates.” I use this any time one channel feels glitchy while others work fine.

Does Roku update my apps automatically?

Yes, Roku does update apps automatically when the device stays plugged in and online. But I still run a manual system update if I haven’t used it in a while or notice bugs.

What if updating apps on Roku doesn’t fix the problem?

If updating apps on Roku doesn’t fix the problem, I remove the app, restart Roku, and reinstall it. If issues remain, I run another system update and check my network connection.

How can I install the Volley Games app on Roku?

You can install the Volley Games app on Roku by opening the Channel Store, searching “Volley,” and adding the app. I keep it at the top of my home screen, so starting Jeopardy! or Song Quiz is only a few clicks away.