Few things ruin the joy of watching a good show more than suddenly seeing that rotating asterisk symbol or swirly icon that tells you your TV is buffering. Or maybe it's stuttering, or altogether freezing. If this is happening on your Roku TV, don't give up on it just yet.

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Like phones and computers, Rokus have caches that accumulate temporary data, which inevitably slows them down over time. There are simple ways to clear up this hidden clutter and get your Roku TV behaving like its normal, healthy self.

Here are a few methods to clear your Roku's cache, improve its speed, and make shows play smoothly again.

1. Start by unplugging it

This one almost sounds too easy to bother with, but it's commonly the first step tech troubleshooters take when fixing fussy devices. Sometimes it even does the trick. Unplug the unit, walk away for a few minutes to let all those electronic pulses fizzle out, and plug it back in.

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2. Restart via settings

This isn't a factory reset, but you won't want to do it in the middle of watching "Yellow Jackets" because your regularly scheduled program will definitely be interrupted. Follow these steps, and your TV should restart in about 30 seconds.

• From theHomescreen, go toSettings(at the end of the list).
• SelectSystem, thenPower.
• ChooseSystem Restartand confirm by clickingRestart.

3. Restart via remote

If issues persist after that quick fix, try this hidden function by using the Roku remote. 

• Go totheHomemenu, ensuring theHomeoption on the left is highlighted.
• Press theHomebutton five times.
• Press theUparrow once.
• Press theRewindbutton twice.
• Press theFast Forwardbutton twice.
• Wait for your Roku to restart.

4. Uninstall and reinstall apps

If you're having extra trouble with a particular app that you suspect might be causing problems, it's a good idea to uninstall and reinstall it. You can do this for any number of apps, but keep in mind that reinstalling the app will erase all user data and settings, requiring a complete setup afterward.

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• From theHomescreen, highlight the problematic app (do not open it).
• Press the*button on your remote.
• SelectRemove Channelfrom the pop-up menu.
• Reinstall the app, and take the time to set it up again.

5. Reset your network connection

Your Wi-Fi signal may be strong, but there could still be a hiccup in your device-to-network interface. There's no harm in giving it a shot, although the process will reboot your Roku and you'll need to reenter your Wi-Fi password after it's done. This will remove all network details, Wi-Fi passwords, and settings for both wired and wireless connections.

Keep in mind that if you have any other devices connected to your Roku TV (such as a soundbar or streaming stick), you may need to reconnect those devices as well after doing a network connection reset.

• Go to Settingsfrom the main menu.
• SelectSystem, thenAdvanced System Settings.
• ChooseNetwork Connection Reset, thenReset Connection.
• Wait for your Roku to restart.
• Go back toNetwork, thenselectSet Up Connection. 
• SelectWirelessand choose your Wi-Fi network from the list.
• Enter its password using the on-screen keyboard and selectConnect.

6. Reset the whole Roku TV

Doing a factory reset for any device is a lot like treating a back injury with surgery -- a last resort -- and nobody wants to go through with it. It will erase all your personal settings, user profiles, login credentials, and installed apps. If the above steps haven't panned out, here's how to return your Roku to its original state.

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• As above, go toSettings.
• SelectSystem, then Advanced System Settings.
• ChooseFactory Reset. A confirmation code will appear below the number pad on the right.
• Enter that number, then selectStart Factory Reset.
• Your Roku will initiate the hard reset process, and it will take a few minutes to fully reboot.

Hopefully, it won't come to this (the dreaded factory reset), but it will definitely work if needed. By trying some of the prior methods above, you have a good chance of making your Roku fun to watch again.

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