How to turn off ACR on a Roku TV

It depends on the software your model runs. Find it below, or check by model number.

Short answer

Yes, a Roku TV on Roku OS models uses ACR, called "Use info from TV inputs". To turn it off: Press the Home button on the remote, then open Settings, then open Privacy, then open Smart TV experience, then highlight "Use info from TV inputs" and press OK to clear the check box.

Roku sticks and boxes do not use ACR to track what is on screen.

Last checked 23 September 2026. Plain text version

Roku OS

The setting: “Use info from TV inputs”

Applies to Roku TVs, all firmware

HomeWhat to WatchLive TVSearchStreaming StoreSettingsOpen Settings
Roku's menu runs down the left of the home screen. Settings is the last item.

Our drawing of step 1, not a photograph.

What to WatchLive TVSearchStreaming StoreSettingsSettingsNetworkTV picture settingsAudioPrivacySystemOpen Privacy
Roku opens one column at a time, moving right. The list you came from stays on the left.

Our drawing of step 2, not a photograph.

NetworkTV picture settingsAudioPrivacySystemPrivacySmart TV experienceAdvertisingMicrophonePrivacy choicesPrivacy PolicyOpen Smart TV experience
Only Roku televisions have this row. A streaming stick cannot see your other inputs, so it has nothing to fingerprint and nothing here to switch off.

Our drawing of step 3, not a photograph.

Smart TV experienceAdvertisingMicrophonePrivacy choicesSmart TV experienceUse info from TV inputsEnable auto notificationsPress OK to clear it
Both are tick boxes. An empty box is the finished state, and Roku does not confirm it any other way.

Our drawing of step 4, not a photograph.

Other switches worth turning off

Applies to All Roku devices

  1. Settings > Privacy > Advertising: turn off "Personalized Ads". If your Roku shows "Limit Ad Tracking" there instead, check that box.
  2. Settings > Privacy > Microphone: set to "Never allow" or per channel
  3. Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience: uncheck "Enable auto notifications"

Roku sticks and boxes

The setting: “Personalized Ads”

Applies to Roku streaming sticks and boxes

  1. Press the Home button on the remote, then open Settings
  2. Open Privacy, then Advertising
  3. Turn off "Personalized Ads". If yours shows "Limit Ad Tracking" instead, check that box.
Other switches worth turning off

Applies to Roku sticks and boxes

  1. Settings > Privacy > Microphone: set to "Never allow" or per channel

Questions

Does a Roku TV have ACR?
Yes. Roku TVs use automatic content recognition (ACR) to track what is on screen for ads.
How do I turn off ACR on a Roku TV?
Yes, a Roku TV on Roku OS models uses ACR, called "Use info from TV inputs". To turn it off: Press the Home button on the remote, then open Settings, then open Privacy, then open Smart TV experience, then highlight "Use info from TV inputs" and press OK to clear the check box. Roku sticks and boxes do not use ACR to track what is on screen.
Is my Roku TV spying on me?
It tracks what is on screen for ads unless the setting is off. Find your model above.
Will turning it off break anything?
No. Apps, inputs and updates keep working. You may lose personalised recommendations.
Does it stay off?
Menus can change with firmware updates, so check again after a big one.

Keep it off with The Box

Updates can move the switch. The Box blocks the tracking on your network instead. It is not built yet.

We only email when there is news, and we never sell your address. Signing up is not an order.