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You can make a Roku Home screen feel less busy by hiding recommendation rows and Quick Access, then turning off sponsored and seasonal wallpapers. The controls are in separate menus, and availability can vary by Roku device. This guide describes Roku’s documented settings; it does not imply hands-on testing.
Start with Roku’s Home screen controls
On supported devices, open Settings > Home Screen. Roku lists three controls there: Tile size, Recommendation rows, and Quick Access. The first changes the app-tile layout; the other two control Home screen sections. Roku notes that the experience and available options can differ across devices. See Roku’s explanation of why the Home screen looks different.
1. Hide Recommendation rows
In Settings > Home Screen, open Recommendation rows and choose the option to hide them, if it appears on your device. This is the setting to try when you want fewer recommendation sections on the Home screen. The exact choices may vary by model or software version.
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In the same Settings > Home Screen menu, open Quick Access and hide it if that control is available. This removes the Quick Access section, not your installed apps.
Consider Tile size for a tighter app layout
Tile size is the third Home screen control Roku identifies. Adjust it if your main concern is how much space the app tiles occupy. If app-grid space matters more to you than changing wallpaper appearance, this can take the place of one of the two wallpaper changes below.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Turn off the two wallpaper types
Wallpaper settings are separate from the Home screen layout controls. Roku documents sponsored and seasonal wallpapers as enabled by default. Turning them off changes the interface’s background appearance; it does not remove recommendation rows or app tiles. See Roku’s theme and wallpaper instructions.
3. Turn off sponsored wallpapers
- Open Settings > Theme.
- Select Sponsored wallpapers.
- Choose Off.
4. Turn off seasonal wallpapers
- Open Settings > Theme.
- Select Seasonal wallpapers.
- Choose Off.
Keep favorite apps easy to reach
Roku’s updated Home screen layout cannot be switched back to the old version through a setting, according to Roku Support. Apps are in the Apps section. To prioritize the ones you use most, highlight an app and press the remote’s Star button, then choose Move app or Move app to the top. This rearranges your apps without uninstalling them.
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Remove an app only if you no longer want it
Removing apps is not required to hide recommendations or Quick Access. If you do want to uninstall one, Roku’s documented steps are:
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
- Highlight the app on your Roku device.
- Press the remote’s Star button.
- Select Remove app and confirm.
If Remove app is unavailable, an active subscription or current billing cycle may be involved. Manage or cancel auto-renewal where applicable before trying again. Roku explains the process in its app removal instructions.
What Roku’s ad controls can and cannot do
Ad preferences are not a way to remove every ad from Roku. Roku says users can limit selected sensitive categories for non-video display ads; those category preferences require Personalized Ads to be enabled. You can also select an eligible ad on the right side of the Home screen, press Star, and choose Hide this ad. These controls have exceptions, including video ads, ads in partner apps, and certain ads shown to all users, such as themed backgrounds. Read Roku’s ad preference guidance for the scope of those controls.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Choose settings based on what is bothering you
| Setting or action | What it changes | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Recommendation rows | Recommendation sections on the Home screen | Settings > Home Screen, if available |
| Quick Access | The Quick Access section | Settings > Home Screen, if available |
| Tile size | App-tile layout and visual footprint | Settings > Home Screen, if available |
| Sponsored wallpapers | Wallpaper appearance | Settings > Theme |
| Seasonal wallpapers | Wallpaper appearance | Settings > Theme |
| Move an app | App order and priority | Highlight app > Star > Move app or Move app to the top |
| Ad preferences | Some eligible display ads, subject to Roku’s exceptions | Ad preferences, or select an eligible ad and press Star |
If a label or option is missing, check the settings on your own Roku model and software version; Roku says Home screen layouts vary across devices. These are reversible appearance and layout choices, except that removing an app uninstalls it and may involve subscription management.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
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