Moving apps on your Roku device is a straightforward process, but understanding the nuances can save you time and help you organize your streaming experience effectively. Whether you want to rearrange your home screen for better accessibility or move apps to optimize performance, knowing the exact steps is essential. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of how to move apps on Roku, covering everything from basic reorganization to advanced management techniques.
Understanding Roku Home Screen Organization
The Roku home screen is composed of rows, with apps and channels displayed as tiles that you can navigate using your remote. By default, Roku places frequently used apps in prominent positions, but you have full control over this layout. Learning how to move apps on Roku begins with understanding that the platform uses a simple point-and-click interface, even if you are using a standard infrared remote without a pointer.
Navigating Your Channels List
To start moving apps, you first need to access the main channels list. This is where all installed apps and channels appear, regardless of their placement on the home screen. Access this list by highlighting the home screen's main menu bar and selecting "All Apps." From here, you can manage every channel installed on your device, which is the first step in reorganizing your interface.
How to Move Apps on Roku Using the Highlight Method
The most common method to move apps on Roku involves highlighting an app and using directional inputs to reposition it. This process is intuitive but requires precise remote control. Follow these steps to physically move an app icon to a new location on your home screen rows.
Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
Navigate to the app you wish to move using the directional pad.
Press the Star (*) button on your remote. This opens the options menu for that specific app.
Select Move channel from the list of options that appears.
Use the directional pad to move the app to your desired location. Press OK or Select to confirm the placement.
Managing Apps Through the Settings Menu
An alternative to the highlight method is managing your apps through the Settings menu. This approach is particularly useful if you are trying to troubleshoot or if the standard move function is not behaving as expected. This menu provides a more detailed look at your installed channels and their storage usage.
Accessing System Settings
To manage apps via settings, press the Home button, scroll down and select Settings. From there, go on System, and then select System > About. While this menu does not offer a direct "move" option like the star menu, it provides vital information about your device's storage. Understanding your storage allocation helps you decide which apps to move or remove to maintain optimal performance.
Optimizing Performance by Moving Apps to USB
On compatible Roku devices, you have the option to move apps from the internal storage to a USB drive. This is highly beneficial if you are running low on internal memory, which can slow down your device. Moving apps to a USB drive frees up space and can improve the overall speed of your streaming stick or box.
