Every Roku device keeps a detailed record of what you watch, when you pause, rewind, or stop. Understanding this data helps you manage recommendations, family profiles, and device performance.
This guide walks through how Roku viewing history works, how it is displayed, and how you can control it. You will see clear comparisons, checklists, and answers to common user questions.
| Item | Where It Is Stored | Who Can See It | How Long It Is Kept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Played episodes | RooK app account and linked streaming apps | Anyone with the profile PIN or account access | Up to 18 months, depending on app and Roku policies |
| Stopped or partially watched content | Roku viewing history for the device and profile | Profile holder and account managers | Until manually cleared or removed by the account holder |
| Live TV and DVR recordings (on supported players) | Roku OS native DVR and channel-specific storage | Household members with access to the profile or set-top box | Defined by channel rules and local storage space |
| Search and parental control changes | Roku account settings and device logs | Account holder and any added manager profiles | Retained as long as the account is active, with periodic cleanup |
How Roku Viewing History Is Organized
Roku stores a chronological list of playback events tied to your profile. Each entry typically shows title, network, date, and time watched. You can browse this list from the Settings menu on the device or through the official Roku app.
Managing Viewing History on the Device
On the platform itself, you can remove individual titles or clear the entire history for a profile. This action does not cancel subscriptions or purchases, but it does affect personalized recommendations shown on the home screen.
To manage history directly on the device, navigate to Settings, select System, then Advanced System Settings, and choose Viewing History. From there you can toggle automatic history or delete specific entries.
Viewing History Across Streaming Apps
Many channels maintain their own separate logs for continued viewing and resume points. Some apps also store ratings and detailed watch data independent of Roku history. Checking the individual channel gives you finer control over episode-level progress.
Privacy and Account Controls
Your Roku account can include multiple user profiles, each with its own viewing record. You can set a PIN for purchases and sensitive changes, which also applies to history removal. Reviewing sign-in activity and connected apps helps limit who sees your watch data.
Key Takeaways for Roku Viewing History Management
- History is tied to your Roku profile and can be viewed or removed from device settings.
- Removing history affects recommendations but does not affect purchased or subscribed content.
- Streaming apps may keep their own separate watch logs independent of Roku history.
- Using a PIN for purchases and profile access adds a layer of privacy for your watch data.
- Periodically reviewing and clearing history helps keep recommendations relevant and protects shared viewing privacy.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I see a detailed list of what was watched on my Roku last week?
Yes, open Settings, go to System, then Advanced System Settings, and select Viewing History to see a full list with timestamps for each title.
Will removing history from my Roku delete watched episodes from the streaming apps?
No, clearing Roku viewing history only removes the list on the device and account; episodes remain available in the respective streaming apps based on their own resume points.
Can other people on my TV see my Roku viewing history?
They can if they use the same profile or know the profile PIN, since history is tied to the active user profile on the Roku device.
Does Roku keep my viewing history forever?
Roku typically retains history data for up to 18 months, but individual channels may store watch information for different lengths of time depending on their policies.