The process of force-closing and reopening the Netflix application on a Roku device can resolve numerous playback issues, buffering problems, or general malfunctions within the application. It essentially provides a fresh start for the application’s processes, potentially clearing corrupted data or resolving conflicts that may be hindering its proper function. For example, if a show freezes repeatedly or the Netflix menu becomes unresponsive, a restart is often the first and simplest troubleshooting step.
This action is important because it addresses temporary software glitches without requiring a full system reset of the Roku device or contact with Netflix support. It saves time and effort, offering a quick solution to common issues. Historically, application restarts have been a standard method for resolving software problems across various platforms, and Roku’s implementation of this solution aligns with established best practices.