Roku devices organize streaming content through a channel system, and marking channels as favorites is the fastest way to return to the services you use most. This guide explains how to add and remove favorites, rearrange their order on your home screen, use folders, and fix common issues. The instructions apply to most Roku players and TVs running the current Roku OS, with menu labels and steps that remain consistent across models. Follow these evergreen steps to keep your lineup predictable and easy to navigate.
What Are Roku Favorite Channels
Roku favorite channels are a user-controlled shortcut system that places your chosen streaming services on the home screen for quick access. When you mark a channel as a favorite, it moves to the favorites section or row on the main interface and typically stays there until you remove it. This contrasts with the full channel store, where every installed but unfavorited channel still appears. Favorites help reduce scrolling, limit clutter, and ensure you see only the services you stream regularly.
How to Add Channels to Favorites
Adding channels to favorites places them on your home screen for faster launching. The process is consistent across most Roku devices, with small UI differences in remote menus and on-screen prompts.
Using the Home Screen Grid
From the home screen, highlight any channel tile and press the star button on your remote to favorite it. If you do not see a star button on your remote, open the Roku Channel Store, go to the channel, and use the More Options menu to mark it as a favorite.
From the Channel Store
In the Roku Channel Store, open a channel’s detail page and choose Add Channel or follow prompts to add it to your favorites row without necessarily installing it immediately.
Voice and Mobile Remote Options
On voice remotes, say Add channel or Go to [channel name] to open and then favorite the service. With the Roku mobile app, tap the star next to a channel in the remote control view to favorite it from your phone.
How to Remove Channels From Favorites
Removing a channel from favorites hides it from your home screen without uninstalling it, so you can re-add it later without redownloading. This is useful when you want fewer tiles or prefer to access a service only on demand.
Home Screen Method
Navigate to the channel on your home screen, highlight it, and press the star button or Remove option to hide it from favorites. You can also hold the OK button or press * on the remote to open a quick menu and choose Remove from home screen.
Channel Store Management
Visit the My Channels section in the channel store and select Manage favorites to view and hide any favorited channels from your home layout.
Hidden But Not Uninstalled
Removing from favorites does not delete the channel. To fully uninstall a channel, go to Settings, Apps, manage applications, and select Remove. Reinstalling later will restore it, but favoriting is faster for repeated use.
Reordering and Organizing Favorites
Reordering your favorite channels ensures that the services you open most often are easiest to reach. Roku lets you change the sequence manually, so you can group live TV, entertainment, news, and niche services exactly where you prefer.
Change the Order on the Home Screen
Press the star button to open Options for a favorited channel and choose Move channel. Use the remote arrows to position it where you want and confirm with Select. Channels you move appear in the favorites row in your new order.
Using Folders for Groups of Channels
Create folders to organize related channels, such as Sports, News, or Kids. Highlight a favorited channel, press the star button, and choose Create folder or Add to folder. Name the folder and add or remove channels later from the folder settings.
Remove Channels From Folders
Open the folder, highlight a channel, and press the star button or use the Move option to remove it from the folder without deleting it from your account or home screen.
Troubleshooting Favorite Channel Issues
If favorites are not appearing as expected, refresh the layout, check for updates, and verify that channels are still favorited in your account settings. These quick checks usually resolve display or missing tile issues without deeper technical steps.
Favorites Not Showing on Home Screen
Make sure the channels are favorited in Settings and Apps, check for system updates, and reset the remote if needed. If issues persist, relaunch the app or restart the device to refresh the home screen layout.
Buttons or Settings Not Working
If the star, Move, or Remove buttons do not respond, replace the remote batteries, pair the remote again, or use the on-screen keyboard as an alternative input method. Update remote firmware through the device settings if available.
Channel Updates and Compatibility
After a Roku OS update, some channel tiles may shift or require relaunch. Verify that each channel is updated in the channel store, and re-favorite any that disappear from the favorites row after an update.
Quick Reference: Managing Roku Favorites
| Action | Steps | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Add to favorites | Home screen: highlight channel, press star. Or from store: open channel, choose Add Channel. | Channel appears in favorites row on home screen |
| Remove from favorites | Home screen: highlight, press star and select Remove. Or Settings → Apps → manage apps → hide from home screen. | Channel hidden from home screen but remains installed if not removed |
| Reorder favorites | Press star → Move channel → use arrows to reposition → Select. | Channels appear in the new order on the favorites row |
| Create a folder | Mark one channel as favorite, press star, choose Create folder, name it, then add other channels. | Group of channels appears as a single tile on the home screen |
| Troubleshoot missing favorites | Check favorited status in Settings, update channels and OS, restart device, re-favorite if needed. | Favorites row restored and up to date |
Best Practices for Long-Term Use
Establish a simple routine for how you add, name, and group channels so your home screen remains predictable. Favoriting only the services you use regularly keeps navigation fast and reduces decision fatigue. Periodically review and remove outdated or rarely used channels, update firmware, and confirm that favorite order still matches your viewing habits.
Summary
Managing Roku favorite channels is straightforward once you learn the star button, Move option, and folder tools. Favoriting keeps your home screen focused on the services you actually watch, while removing and reordering ensures the layout stays efficient. With regular reviews and simple organization habits, your Roku experience remains fast, reliable, and tailored to your needs.