Summarize this article with:
Your most-used streaming apps should not be buried three rows down on your Roku home screen.
Learning how to move apps on Roku takes about 30 seconds and puts Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, or any channel exactly where you want it.
The process works on every Roku streaming device, including Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, and Roku TV models.
This guide walks you through the exact steps to rearrange channel tiles using your Roku remote or the Roku Mobile App.
You will also find troubleshooting fixes for common issues like apps that keep moving back to their original positions.
How to Move Apps on Roku
Moving apps on Roku is the process of rearranging channel tiles on your Roku home screen using the Roku remote.
You need this when your favorite streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney Plus get buried beneath channels you rarely use.
This guide covers 5 steps requiring under 60 seconds and zero technical skill.
Prerequisites
Before you start, confirm you have the following:
- Roku streaming device (Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, or Roku TV)
- Roku remote with asterisk () button
- Roku OS 9.0 or later
- Time needed: 30-60 seconds per app
No Roku account login required for this process.
Lost your remote? Download the Roku Mobile App from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store instead.
Step One: How Do You Access the Roku Home Screen?
Press the Home button on your Roku remote to open the main interface where all your channel tiles appear in a grid on the right side.
The home button has a house icon. Located at the top of the directional pad.
Action:
- Roku remote > Home button (house icon)
- Result: Home screen displays with app grid visible
Purpose: The Roku home screen is your starting point for all channel management tasks, including when you need to add new apps to your Roku or reorganize existing ones.
Step Two: How Do You Select the App You Want to Move?
Use the directional pad (up, down, left, right arrows) to highlight the channel tile you want to relocate without pressing OK.
Pressing OK opens the app. You just want to hover over it.
Action:
- Directional pad > Navigate to target app tile
- Do NOT press OK
- Result: Selection border appears around the channel icon
Purpose: Highlighting identifies which streaming app you want to reposition in your home screen grid.
Step Three: How Do You Open the Options Menu on Roku?
Press the asterisk button () on your Roku remote while the app is highlighted to launch the options menu.
The asterisk button sits below the directional pad, left of the back button.
Action:
- Roku remote > Asterisk () button
- Result: Options menu appears showing app name, version, and management choices
This same menu lets you check for app updates on Roku or remove apps you no longer need.
Purpose: The Roku options menu contains all tile arrangement controls including Move channel, Move to top, and Remove app functions.
Step Four: How Do You Move the App to a New Position?
Select “Move channel” or “Move app” from the options menu to activate repositioning mode.
Want it at the very top? Select “Move channel to top” instead. Jumps it to the first row instantly.
Action:
- Options menu > Move channel (or Move app)
- Alternative: Move channel to top
- Result: Arrows appear around the selected tile
Purpose: Activates the drag mode so you can reposition the channel tile anywhere on your home screen grid.
Step Five: How Do You Place the App in Its New Location?
Use the directional pad arrows to drag the app tile to your preferred spot, then press OK to lock it in place.
The tile swaps positions with other apps as you move it. No overwriting.
Action:
- Directional pad > Move tile to desired position
- OK button > Confirm new location
- Result: App tile locks into new position on home screen
Purpose: Completes the rearrangement and saves your custom app order to the Roku device.
Verification
Press the Home button again after moving. Your app should appear in its new location.
If the position did not save:
- Settings > System > System Restart
- Check Settings > Home screen > App order is set to “Manual”
Changes only affect the specific Roku streaming device you are using. Other Roku devices in your home keep their own layouts.
Alternative Method: Using the Roku Mobile App
No physical remote? The Roku Mobile App works as a replacement.
Setup:
- Download from iOS App Store or Google Play Store
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku
- Tap Remote in the app interface
Process:
- Press Home button on app
- Navigate to target channel
- Tap asterisk () button
- Select Move channel
- Use arrows to reposition, tap OK
Bonus: The mobile app has a channel shortcut feature. Heart your favorite apps and they appear in a quick-access list.
Troubleshooting
App Returns to Original Position
Issue: Channel moves back after restarting the device.
Solution: Settings > Home screen > App order > Select “Manual” instead of “Recency” or “Most used”.
Options Menu Missing Move Function
Issue: No Move channel option appears.
Solution: Update your Roku software via Settings > System > Software update > Check now. Older Roku OS versions may lack this feature.
Remote Not Responding
Issue: Button presses do nothing.
Solution: Replace batteries or re-pair via Settings > Remotes & devices > Pair remote. Try the Roku Mobile App as backup.
Apps Rearranging Automatically
Issue: Roku keeps changing your channel order without permission.
Solution: Disable auto-arrangement at Settings > Home screen > App order > Manual.
Related Processes
Once you have organized your Roku home screen, you might want to:
- Remove apps from Roku that you never use
- Install new apps on your Roku TV from the Channel Store
- Restart a frozen app on Roku without rebooting the whole device
- Sign out of Netflix on Roku to switch accounts
- Cancel a Roku subscription you no longer need
Customizing your streaming device layout takes seconds but saves time every day. Put Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube, and your other go-to apps right at the top where they belong.
FAQ on How To Move Apps On Roku
Can You Rearrange Apps on Roku?
Yes. Every Roku streaming device lets you rearrange channel tiles on the home screen.
Highlight any app, press the asterisk () button, select Move channel, use the directional pad to reposition, then press OK to confirm.
How Do I Move Apps to the Top of My Roku Home Screen?
Highlight the app, press the asterisk button, then select “Move channel to top” from the options menu.
The channel tile jumps to the first row instantly without manual dragging.
Why Can’t I Move Apps on My Roku?
Outdated Roku OS versions may lack the Move channel function.
Go to Settings > System > Software update > Check now. After updating, the option should appear in the asterisk menu.
How Do I Stop Roku From Automatically Rearranging My Apps?
Navigate to Settings > Home screen > App order and select “Manual” instead of “Recency” or “Most used.”
This prevents the system from changing your custom channel order based on viewing habits.
Can I Organize Apps Into Folders on Roku?
No. Roku does not support folders or grouping for channel tiles.
Your only organization option is rearranging the app grid layout by moving individual tiles to preferred positions on the home screen.
How Do I Move Apps on Roku Without a Remote?
Download the Roku Mobile App from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device, then use the app’s remote function to access the options menu.
Does Moving Apps Affect Other Roku Devices?
No. Each Roku streaming device maintains its own home screen layout independently.
Rearranging apps on your Roku Ultra does not change the tile positions on a Roku TV or Roku Express in another room.
How Do I Move Apps on Roku TV?
The process is identical to standalone devices.
Press Home, highlight the channel, press asterisk (), select Move channel, reposition with arrows, press OK. Works on all Roku TV models from TCL, Hisense, and other brands.
What Is the Asterisk Button on Roku Remote?
The asterisk () button opens the options menu for any highlighted item.
Located below the directional pad, it provides access to Move channel, Remove channel, Check for updates, and other channel management functions.
Can I Rearrange Apps on Roku Express?
Yes. Roku Express supports the same app arrangement features as higher-end models.
The budget device runs identical Roku OS software, so moving channels works exactly the same way using the asterisk menu.
Conclusion
Knowing how to move apps on Roku gives you full control over your streaming interface.
The entire process takes under a minute. Press the asterisk button, select Move channel, drag with the directional pad, confirm with OK.
Put Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube, Paramount Plus, or any frequently used channel right at the top of your app grid**.
Set your app order to Manual in settings to prevent automatic rearrangement.
No remote? The mobile app handles channel management just as well over Wi-Fi.
A few seconds of screen organization means faster access to your favorite channels every time you turn on your streaming device.
Your Roku, your layout.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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