GoKawiilElyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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ZDNET's key takeaways
Roku TVs and devices can slow down when cache builds up.
A hidden remote shortcut soft resets my Roku and clears cache.
Clearing cache is a quick first step, as long as I remember to do it.
I have two Roku TVs, one 4K TV with a Roku streaming stick, and a Roku soundbar connected to several Roku speakers. I also have too many Roku streaming devices lying around in old tech drawers that I desperately need to declutter. Speaking of clearing out junk, it's time to clear the cache on my Roku devices again. Why? When I remember to do it, there's a huge performance improvement.
I clearly love Roku devices, but my biggest complaint is that they can get bogged down and start running slowly. Sometimes Netflix takes a few extra seconds to open. Or Disney+ hangs on its logo just long enough for me to wonder whether I should restart my TV. I understand there are worse things in life, but it is super annoying in the moment.
Also: Every Roku user should know these 15+ shortcuts
A while back, I saw ZDNET's guide on how to clear the cache on a Roku. I'd looked for this setting before, but noticed Roku doesn't have a "clear cache" button like Amazon Fire TV devices do. I learned that, on Roku, I have to use a remote shortcut to "soft reset" my device, which will clear out any temporary system clutter, possibly causing things to slow down. So, I tried it, and wow.
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