How to Disable the Screensaver on Roku (Step-by-Step Guide)

Guide: How to Disable the Screensaver on a Roku TV
Operating System(s)

If you want to stop your Roku screensaver from turning on during inactivity, you can easily change or disable it in your device settings. Follow the steps below to turn off the Roku screensaver or set the wait time to “Never.”

Quick Answer

To disable the screensaver on Roku:

Home > Settings > Theme > Screensaver > Wait time > Never

How to Turn Off the Screensaver on Roku

Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the Roku Home Screen

Press the Home button on your Roku remote to access the main menu.

2. Open Settings

Scroll down and select Settings (gear icon).

3. Select Theme

In newer Roku models, choose Theme from the Settings menu.

4. Choose Screensaver

Select Screensaver to open the screensaver settings.

5. Set Wait Time to “Never”

Under Wait time, choose Never to disable the screensaver completely.

6. Save Your Changes

Press OK on your remote to confirm. Your Roku screensaver will no longer activate when the device is idle.

Alternative: Change Instead of Disable

If your Roku device does not allow you to select “Never,” you can:

  • Increase the wait time to the longest available option
  • Choose a different screensaver
  • Select a static theme instead of an animated one

Why Turn Off the Roku Screensaver?

Disabling the Roku screensaver can help:

  • Prevent interruptions when pausing movies or shows
  • Avoid distractions during presentations
  • Keep a paused screen visible for longer periods
  • Reduce unnecessary screen changes

Troubleshooting: Can’t Disable the Screensaver?

If you don’t see the option to turn it off, consider the following:

  • Hotel or dorm Roku TVs: Some settings may be locked by the property.
  • Cable-provided Roku devices: Certain providers restrict screensaver controls.
  • Outdated software: Go to Settings > System > Software Update and check for updates.

If restrictions are in place, you may need to contact your service provider for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely turn off the Roku screensaver?

On most Roku devices, yes — by setting the wait time to “Never.”

Will disabling the screensaver affect performance?

No. It only prevents the idle animation or images from appearing.

Does this work on all Roku models?

Most modern Roku streaming players and Roku TVs support this option, though menu paths may vary slightly by software version.

By following this guide, you can quickly disable the Roku screensaver and enjoy uninterrupted viewing on your device.