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Roku Not Working: Every Roku Problem Solved (Full list)

Roku Not Working: Every Roku Problem Solved (Full list)

I’ve discovered a set of troubleshooting steps that can solve the majority of current Roku problems. 

When a Roku is not working it is commonly because the Roku is either not updated to the latest software settings, the power is unintentionally connected to the TV USB port, or the Roku simply requires a system restart via the Roku secret menu. 

  • Refresh Rate issues and display issues are also a common cause of several Roku problems.

Common Overlooked Issue: The power cord should be connected to a wall outlet, not via USB on your Smart TV.

There are both major and minor errors that can be solved through various troubleshooting methods, which may take a few attempts depending on your specific Roku issue.

I have yet to come across a Roku error we were not able to solve, excluding the power light not going on after a power outage (faulty hardware).

Through this research I even discovered several Roku jailbreak hacks.

In this post, I’m going to explain how to fix your Roku not working and solve nearly every Roku problem, both major and minor.

I will also cover secondary methods to solve these issues mentioned in this post. Additionally I’ll explain last resort options as well as a few alternatives to ensure a proper solution.

Roku Problems: How to fix a Roku that is not working

Roku Problems How to fix a Roku that is not working

Most Roku problems can be solved with a soft restart via the settings menu. However what happens when a restart just doesn’t solve the problem for a Roku Ultra, Stick, premier, express or Roku TV?

Before moving forward, make sure your Roku is connected to a wall outlet as a power source and not the USB port on your Smart TV.

If you haven’t restarted your Roku device by unplugging the device for 60 seconds, then plugging it back in, now is the time to do so before you troubleshoot more complicated methods, some that may not be necessary after a simple restart via unplugging.

Related: Why Are Roku Private Channels Not Working Anymore (Can It Be Fixed?)

There are many other steps you can take and we’ll dive further into detail on each of them throughout this guide. 

How to Restart Roku Manually

How to Restart Roku Manually

You can manually restart your Roku by accessing the Rebooting Roku secret menu with your remote. All you need to do that is the Roku remote. 

Related: [Solved] How To Fix Youtube & Youtube TV Not Working on Roku

To check if your Roku has a hardware reset button that you can use to manually restart your device, check the following table:

Roku Device GenerationReset Button
2nd and (Roku 2HD, XD, XS) Yes (back of the device)
3rd Generation (Roku 2, Roku 3)Yes (back or bottom of the device)
4th Generation (Roku 4)No (either use the secret menu or pull the power cord off your device)
5th Generation (Roku Express, Express +, Roku Premiere, Premiere +, Roku Ultra)No (either use the secret menu or pull the power cord off your device)
6th-10th Generation (Roku Express 4K and 4K+, Ultra 4K, Roku Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+)No (either use the secret menu or pull the power cord off your device)

Keep in mind that in order to restart your Roku Stick or Roku TV manually, you need a secret code that will allow you to access the Rebooting menu. You can also see how to fix your Roku remote volume not working in our full guide.

The secret code for Rebooting Roku secret menu:

  • Press the Home button 5x
  • After that, press the Up arrow
  • Finally, press Rewind 2x and Fast Forward 2X

The secret menu will allow you to reboot your device if you have any issues navigating to the device’s settings or can’t get off the home screen.

Important: The secret reboot code will only work from the home screen of your Roku, even if your Roku is frozen and not during a movie or show.

Related: 2100+ Best Roku private channels (Secret codes)

But, what if your Roku isn’t working at all? In that case, you can use the “Reset” button on the bottom (or back) of your device. 

Press the button for one second and your Roku will automatically perform a soft reset without losing any data. 

What is Roku and how does it work? Dive into our guide, it takes you from setup to streaming effortlessly.

Why is my Roku sound cutting out and how do I fix it?

Why is my Roku sound cutting out and how do I fix it

There are 3 reasons why your Roku sound cuts out, which commonly occurs on Roku streaming sticks, Roku Ultra, and Roku TVs. These are due to software issues (both on Roku & apps), faulty cables, and complicated external speaker set ups.

If your Roku sound is not working at all, then we have a full article on this issue.

  1. The sound cutting out on Roku is most commonly due to software issues, such as the stereo settings or dolby audio on the device, which may need to toggle or configure. 
  2. is that the HDMI or optical cables are not plugged in and need to be secured, replaced, or upgraded. 
  3. Lastly, the sound cutting out can also be caused by the soundbar or external speaker system being too far away from the TV or blocked by something, causing some level of interference. 

No matter what the root cause of the issue is when a Roku or Roku TV sound keeps cutting out, you can fix it by following these steps:

  • Turn off all devices, then secure all cables and reboot the device again.
  • Toggle stereo settings and dolby audio on and then off by visiting settings > Audio > mode > Stereo or Dolby Digital via HDMI
  • Cycle “Private listening” on using the Roku remote
  • Restart the device using the Roku secret menu code
  • Enable Auto detect
  • If the sound cuts out on an app like netflix, then re-install the application you’re having sound issues with.
  • Test a different speaker such as a Soundbar, the TV Speaker, or a Receiver and see if the sound still cuts out.
  • If the sound cutting out stays consistent, then factory reset your Roku.

If an external speaker is cutting out, then you’ll want to check a separate device and see if it occurs there or on the TV speakers. If it doesn’t cut out then you need to troubleshoot the sound bar instead of the Roku or Roku TV.

If you believe bluetooth is the issue, then see our guide on How to Connect Roku to Bluetooth Speakers or headphones for more on this.

If you have a home theater setup with Roku and surround sound capability, but you’re only getting stereo sound, then you may want to toggle the stereo settings and also configure the audio settings of the app you’re using as well. 

For example, streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu Disney plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video and even Twitch on Roku, will have an audio section with-in the app itself to enable surround sound. 

If your Roku has no sound at all, then you’ll want to see our full guide: Roku No Sound – Fix Volume Not Working.

Why is YouTube not working on Roku?

Why is YouTube not working on Roku

There are quite a few reasons why YouTube won’t work on Roku devices. Luckily for my readers, I have tested and solved this issue by restarting the Roku device to the power supply and not the settings. 

If Youtube still does not work on your Roku, then you’ll need to reinstall the YouTube app on Roku, check the Roku secret antenna menu, and finally sign out and then sign back in to YouTube.

Here are the full troubleshooting steps that will solve Youtube not working on Roku:

  • Restart the Roku device via the power supply, not the settings.
  • Unplug and plug all related Roku devices back in, including the TV, Router, Modem and/or Gateway.
  • Re-install the Youtube app
    Make sure you’re not accidentally using the Youtube TV app.
  • Check internet connection, try resetting the router as per your service provider guidelines
  • Test a wired connection via the ethernet port. This will rule out whether the root cause is the WiFi or not.
  • Use Roku secret antenna menu to check the actual signal strength numbers.
  • Sign out and then sign into Youtube, sometimes authentication can be an issue. Rare, but possible in many situations.

If your Roku TV is a Hisense, TCL, element, or insignia, then the software update on the TV is required.

If there is not one immediately available, you’ll need to unplug the Roku TV for 30-60 seconds, then plug it back in and check for the update again.

When there is no update to fix the youtube issue, try deleting the application or waiting for the next major software update from your TV manufacturer.

Why is my Netflix not working on my Roku TV?

Why is my netflix not working on my Roku TV

If Netflix isn’t working on a Roku TV, then you’ll need to follow the same steps you would take when fixing a Netflix that isn’t working on Roku Stick, Ultra, or Streaming player. This includes installing the latest software updates via the settings, then toggling the auto detect feature on your Roku TV. Finally, unplug your Roku for 10 to 15 seconds and then wait 1-2 minutes to turn it back on.

Is Netflix still not working on your Roku TV, or simply doesn’t load, then  dive deeper into the Netflix settings within the app itself toggle the video playback settings so that it matches your TV. After this, reboot the Roku TV and internet: now Netflix will work again.

Why is my Disney Plus not working on my Roku TV?

Why is my Disney Plus not working on my Roku TV

When Disney plus is not working on your Roku TV, the first thing you should do is ensure that your Roku TVs update it to its latest software settings. Next, you’ll need to make sure the Disney app itself is updated. 

You can update your Roku to the latest software update by visiting settings, selecting system, and pressing ‘Check now’. It’s possible you were Roku has Wi-Fi issues and the update is not occurring. If this is the case, restart the Roku TV and check for the update again.

Note: An instant fix to make Disney Plus work on your Roku TV again is to delete the app and then install again through the App Store. After this, turn your Roku TV off and wait 60 seconds, then turn the Roku TV back on. Disney plus will work again.

How to fix a Roku that stopped working after unplugging

How to fix a Roku that stopped working after unplugging

If your Roku stopped working after unplugging it, then the solution is to make sure the Roku is plugged into a wall outlet and not via the USB on the TV. 

After this, unplug it once more, wait 60 seconds and then plug it back in. If it still isn’t working and the light is not on, then make sure the latest software update installed on the device (via settings).

If the error “source not connected” is displayed  and the white light is on, this means you need to hold the recessed reset button, which depends on which Roku device you’re using.

Surprisingly, it is not uncommon for the Roku to still not work depending on your Roku device; if this occurs, you need to perform a factory reset along with securing all connected cables such as the HDMI and power supply connections.

You can do this by visiting the Roku secret menu and pressing the home button on your Roku remote 5 times, then fast forward 3 times, then 3 three times. You’ll be brought to a secret menu that will allow you to factory reset the device. Be careful, as this will clear any settings you’ve configured on Roku and bring it back to original factory settings.

This is considered the last troubleshooting option since it clears up many of the settings and you will have to reinstall everything as if you first launched the device.

How to Update Roku Software

How to Update Roku Software

You can easily update the Roku software from the settings menu of your device. Frequently checking the Roku software updates is a smart thing to do as outdated Rokus are usually slower and have issues with accessing apps and streaming videos.

To update the software of your Roku Stick, box or TV, all you need to do is:

  1. Use your remote to go to the Home Screen of your Roku
  2. From the Home Screen, go to the list of options (on the left) and press on settings. In some devices, you have to repress the Home button to access the settings menu
  3. In the Settings tab, scroll down (or right in some models) until you find the System tab
  4. Press on System Update and click on Check Now. Your device will check for any available updates and will let you know if any further actions are required. This usually takes a few minutes
  5. If there’s a new update, all you have to do is click on Update Now. Wait for the update to be downloaded and installed on your Roku and restart your device (your device should restart automatically)

Updating the Roku software of your device will, in most cases, solve any app-related or performance issues. Of course, if your Roku is still not working properly (or if the Roku is already updated), then it is probably not a problem with the software. 

Roku Low Power

Roku Low Power

If you’re getting the Roku low power, or “Roku insufficient power” error notification, then you can instantly solve it by unplugging your Roku’s power cord from the TV USB, then plugging it into a wall outlet. Roku sticks use 0.6 amps of power, however some USB ports, like USB 1.0 and 2.0 can only allow .1 less than this, causing the Roku to go into low power mode. 

If your TV has a USB 3.0 on the back panel to connect your Roku to, then you will not get the low power/insufficient power error on Roku sticks at all.

The reason why the Roku low power error occurs is because the Roku is not getting a sufficient amount of energy transferred from your smart TV. A TV can only transfer a certain amount of electricity to external, third-party devices such as the Roku streaming player or Roku stick.

Many modern Smart TVs, typically those that are larger will find that the USB port will not cause the insufficient power error on Roku. This is hypothesized to be due to modern Smart TVs being able to transfer 0.6 amps of power or more via a 3.0 USB, and is supplying the Roku with a sufficient amount of power.

Why is my Spectrum not working on Roku?

Why is my Spectrum not working on Roku

If you’re sure the internet is not the problem and you know you get fast speeds, then you can fix the spectrum app not working on Roku by removing the app/channel, then reinstalling it. 

Make sure you reboot the device using the Roku secret menu code after you add the channel again. A soft restart is required in this situation, not a factory reset. 

If the problem is still not working, then the issue likely is with the spectrum app. if other applications and channels work such as Netflix or HBO Max, but Spectrum won’t, then perform a software update, which is located under the settings tab. 

For many users the spectrum channel app on Roku gets worse as time goes on, this could indicate there is an issue with the cache or the spectrum app itself ,so try clearing the cache before moving forward with a factory reset

In most cases, Spectrum not working on Roku is not due to a faulty internet connection, but is caused by faulty software, such as an outdated Roku or spectrum channel that needs to be re-installed.

How to fix a Roku stuck on loading screen

How to fix a Roku stuck on loading screen

If your Roku is stuck on the loading screen, you can unfreeze it by restarting or resetting the device. This is a common issue and happens sometimes on the loading screen of apps like Netflix as well. 

I had this issue a few months ago. My Roku device was stuck on the loading screen of Netflix. I was wondering why isn’t my Roku working, even though I have just updated it?

Thankfully, I was able to solve the problem just by restarting my Roku Express. Of course, since the device was stuck, I couldn’t go to the setting tab. I tried to put in the secret code to access the Rebooting secret menu but that didn’t work either as I wasn’t on the Home Screen. 

If you are on the Home Screen, the secret code should work, even if your Roku is frozen (see process above). After a while, I unplugged the power cord and waited for around 40 seconds. After that time frame, I plugged the cord again and the Roku Express restarted.

But, what if that doesn’t work for you? Well, in that case, you probably have to do a hard reset (factory reset). There are two methods for factory resetting the device. The first method is to use the remote control, and the second is to press the Roku device’s reset button for 20 seconds (hardware reset).

Almost always, after the Roku has reset itself, everything should work normally again within a minute or two. If not, we’re afraid you’re left with only one alternative and that is to contact the Roku customer service.

How to Stop a Roku from Glitching (Black, flashing screen)

How to Stop a Roku from Glitching Black flashing screen

If your Roku player or Roku TV is glitching, flashing, flickering or blinking, then you likely see a black screen instead of your movie or dashboard. There are several ways to fix this common Roku glitch.

This can occur on many different Roku devices, even the Roku streaming sticks and Roku Tv’s such as Insignia, Hisense, Element, Sharp, Phillips, and TCLs.

  • Important: A common, yet little known fix for a glitching Roku black screen is to plug in another streaming device (such as a Nvidia Shield or Firestick) into the HDMI port, then swap the Roku device back in shortly after. Your glitched screen should now be resolved because this “HDMI swap” acts as a type of display reboot for Roku and your Smart TV.
  • Important: Using a fast Micro SD card can help you store channels and apps on Roku and make the Roku load these significantly easier, which can help with a glitching Roku (specifically when the display refresh rate isn’t the issue)

To Fix a Roku that keeps glitching, flickering, and is showing a constant black display on the screen by using a Roku remote, first hit the home button and ensure your Roku brings you to a flashing home screen.

You should not be able to utilize any input from the Roku remote at this point. However, you will still be able enter in the following remote button sequence which will restart your Roku Remote which will in turn fix the glitching screen:

  • Hit the Home button 5x on your Roku or Roku TV Remote
  • Then. hit the Up button 1x
  • Next, Rewind 2x
  • Finally, Fast forward 2x
  • Your Roku screen will freeze for 10-15 seconds and then restart
  • Once it has rebooted, check for the flashing/blinking black screen to be gone!

If there is still a glitched screen, locate system settings and navigate to advanced system settings, then enter the advanced display settings. From here, toggle the auto-adjust display refresh rate to ‘off’. Your glitched screen should now be fixed!

If the Roku is flickering constantly, then changing the display settings via the display type settings options will enable you to test out different settings such as 4K HDR TV, 4K TV, 10i0p TV, 720p TV. It is advised to test each out and observe any flickering. This will solve any flickering issues.

Note: TCL Roku TV’s Series 6 may not have a refresh rate screen, be sure to update your software if it does not.

If your Roku is still glitching, then a last resort option is to perform a factory reset. Keep in mind that a glitching screen is much different from a Roku or Roku TV that is slow, delayed, or laggy

According to our recent survey a Roku lasts roughly 4.7 years on average before you need to replace it, which is something to keep in mind if you simply can not fix your Roku after all the tested methods we have provided.

How to fix a Roku TV not working black screen (alternate method)

How to fix a Roku TV not working black screen alternate method

Roku and Roku TVs that get a black screen can be solved by securing all cables from the back panel of the TV. This includes, but is not limited to the video port and the power adapter. 

Note: If you’re using an AVR or more complex home theater setup, then the third party devices are likely the root cause of the issue. 

  • First, disconnect all devices, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. 
  • Secure any cables, and make sure the Roku TV is on the correct input. 
  • Cycle through the input using the Roku TV remote, wait 5 seconds per input change to see if the black screen disappears.

The reason why a black screen occurs is because communication is not being sent to the display of the TV. When you look at the issue from this perspective, it is easy to troubleshoot the black screen with success.

How to fix a Roku (or Roku TV) colors inverted

If you’re experiencing inverted colors when streaming on your Roku TV, particularly from apps like Netflix or Disney+, you’re not alone. Here’s a compilation of potential fixes:

  • The most common solution is to unplug your Roku and plug it back in.
  • If the first method doesn’t work, try going to your RokuTV settings and switch the picture mode. The colours should be fixed by changing it to ‘Vivid’ or ‘Movie’, then toggling back to the preferred mode.
  • Or navigate to the “Accessibility Setting” and ensure the “invert color” option is turned off.
  • If neither of the actions mentioned above worked, then reboot your Roku by going on your Roku remote, press Home five times, then Up once, followed by Rewind twice, and then Fast Forward twice.

Always ensure you keep your Roku TV software as well as streaming apps up to date, as software patches can sometimes address these glitches.

Why Do Roku TVs have this color problem?

Why won’t my Roku (or Roku TV) turn on?

Why wont my Roku or Roku TV wont turn on

If the Roku or Roku TV isn’t working via the display showing, it is reasonable to ask “how do I get my Roku to turn on?”.

 In order to properly troubleshoot a Roku that doesn’t turn on the user will need to first determine whether the TV is the issue or whether the Roku device isn’t receiving power.

A Roku player or Roku TV typically won’t turn on because of a power supply connection present via the USB, faulty HDMI cord, a wrong input on the TV, general overheating, or loose connections.

After extended research, we found out that there are 7 things you can try that will solve this issue if there’s no hardware problem with your Roku device. 

What to do when your Roku TV won’t turn on

What to do when your Roku TV wont turn on

If your Roku TV won’t turn on, the problem is probably related to the connections or the software of your device. 

A Roku TV that isn’t working is either due to a loose connection cable, faulty hardware, or a physical issue with the power cord. This applies to all TCL, Hisense, Insignia and ONN Roku TVs and is a very common issue.

ROKU TV Won't Turn On? Here's What To Do?

So, if your Roku or Roku TV won’t turn on, the following solutions will fix it: 

  1. Reset your Roku: If the soft reset doesn’t work either, you can factory reset/ hard reset your Roku. The process is pretty similar. Just keep pressing the Reset button for at least 20 seconds before you release it. 
  2. Make sure all connections are safe: This is a common issue that applies to all electronic devices. So, check that all cords are correctly connected to your device (no loosened connections)
  3. Use a different power outlet: If all cords are secure, you can try using a different power outlet for your Roku. Make sure to check the outlet by installing another device on it first.
  4. Connect to a power outlet on the wall: Keep in mind that the Roku device may not turn on because of a malfunctioning power outlet. That’s why you should try connecting your Roku to a power outlet on the wall, which is usually more safe and powerful.
  5. Using the original Roku cables: There are sometimes that universal cords don’t work well and may damage your Roku. So, you should use the cables that your Roku came with.
  6. Disconnect the Roku: Another solution you should try is disconnecting the Roku from the power cable and plugging it back in after a few minutes. This will solve any software issues and probably unfreeze your device. 
  7. Update your Roku: If your Roku isn’t turning on, you can’t update its software from the Settings or the hidden menus. Still, you can perform a soft reset by pressing the Reset button on the back of your device for a second.

If you have already checked your connecting cables and the power outlets, then there’s probably something wrong with the Roku software or the remote. The first thing you can do is download the Roku app and turn on your TV from the app. If that doesn’t work either, try updating or resetting your TV.

Related: How to get Dish Anywhere on Roku

To hard (or soft) reset a Roku TV, you have to find the reset button (or pinhole) located at the bottom or the back of your device. Press it for a second to perform a soft reset and if that doesn’t work, hold the button down for at least 20 seconds (factory reset). 

If none of these solutions work for you, there’s probably a hardware issue with your Roku device. In that case, the best thing you can do is contact the Roku support and they will solve the problem on your behalf either by replacing your device (if still in warranty) or by replacing the faulty piece(s).  

Related: Wondering what exactly a Roku does? Our article unveils why Roku has become the preferred choice for cord-cutters worldwide.

Roku won’t turn on (blinking light problem)

Roku wont turn on blinking light problem

To fix this issue, you have to check the color of the light that blinks on your Roku device. Depending on the light (white or red), there are different solutions to the blinking light problem. For example, if there’s a while light that flashes when you try to turn on your Roku, it is probably due to a network issue. On the flip side, red light is usually related to power problems. 

So, if a white light flashes on the Roku player, there are a few things you can try:

  1. Try rebooting your router and Roku player first. 
  2. If that doesn’t work, reposition your Roku closer to the router. Having your Roku far away from the router is usually what causes connection problems.
  3. Another smart thing you can try is changing the connection channel on your router. Make sure that the problem isn’t with your internet provider (power outages due to extreme weather, etc).
  4. When the HDMI cable is damaged, however, some customers have reported seeing a flickering white light. If this is the case, switching cables would be a good idea.
    On the Roku remote, a light flashes.

On the other hand, if the Roku device’s light is blinking red, this is what you can try:

  1. Try plugging your Roku device into a different power outlet.
  2. Some Roku players allow you to charge them by plugging them into a USB port on your TV. If that’s the case, the issue is probably related to insufficient power. Connect the USB cable to a different USB port to see if that solves the issue. 
  3. If that doesn’t work, try a different USB cable.
  4. Plug your Roku player into a wall socket. This will ensure that the device has enough power to turn on.

There are some cases where the red light on a Roku device isn’t blinking (constant red light). That means that your device is overheated. The first thing you should do in that case is disconnect the device from the power and let it cool down (around 10 minutes).

See: What Does Roku Cost Per Month? (Are there subscription fees?)

If the red warning light persists, place it in a cool, well-ventilated, and dry location overnight. Once your Roku is functioning again, check its temperature. If the problem persists, there’s probably a hardware issue (malfunctioning fan, etc) and you should contact the Roku support. 

Roku won’t turn on with remote

If your Roku isn’t working with the remote, then there’s likely an issue with the batteries of the remote or the power cable of your device. These two are the most common reasons why a Roku won’t turn on with the Roku remote.

To avoid that, first remove the batteries from your Roku remote and unplug your Roku from the power. Replace the batteries on your remote and pair it with your Roku once again. To do that, all you have to do is press and hold the pairing button until the indicator light turns green.

Visit our full guide on Roku remote replacement if the Roku remote still isn’t turning on at this point.

If that doesn’t work, make sure that your Roku connections are secure. Check that your power cable is correctly attached and plugged in. If your device still doesn’t work, unplug it for five seconds before plugging it back in.

There can be several reasons why your roku not responding to remote. It’s best to troubleshoot one issue at a time.

Roku won’t turn on after power outage

It’s not uncommon for a Roku to  have a variety of problems after a power outage. In some cases a power outage can damage the Roku devices hardware.

In some cases the Roku or Roku TV will keep blinking on and off, and access to the Home Screen is not possible. In rare cases, it won’t even turn off. 

At this point, you will want to try the following troubleshooting fixes before calling Roku support, utilizing your warranty, or replacing/upgrading your Roku. These will help fix your Roku after a Power outage:

  • First, reset the Roku by unplugging and plugging it back in, but be sure to wait 1-2 minutes in between resets.
  • Test it on a different TV
  • Make sure your electricity panel is not disabling power to your device.

Here are the best ways to prevent a power outage harming your Roku TV in the future:

  • Connect it to an alternate source of power before the outage occurs.
  • Use a surge protector, which is a device plugged into an electrical outlet, it prevents an outage from damaging your Roku TV or Roku streaming player by providing a small amount of power.
  • A surge protector will help keep your TV alive during one’s power outage with this device plugged in the outlet. 

Roku won’t turn off TV

Roku wont turn off TV

A great thing about Roku devices is that you can easily turn off your TV without using two remotes. If your Roku doesn’t turn off the TV, it is probably because you are not using the TV Off function. 

To make sure that your Roku remote will turn off your TV, all you need to do is: 

  1. On your Roku remote, press the Home button
  2. Select Settings from the options menu on the left 
  3. Scroll down until you find the Shortcuts tab
  4. From the Shortcuts menu, click on the TV Off shortcut. If the box isn’t checked, use your remote to check the box and press OK

Just like that, your Roku remote should now turn off your TV as well. If it doesn’t, consider updating or resetting your Roku as the problem may be related to outdated or malfunctioning software.

Roku Won’t connect to WiFi all of a sudden

If your Roku can’t connect to the WiFi after an update or after factory reset, you should try to connect the device manually. 

Usually, Roku won’t automatically connect to WiFi, because there’s an issue with the Roku software. For example, if you update or reset your device, there is a chance for your Roku to forget the WiFi password.

If that’s the case, all you need to do is reconnect your device to the WiFi via the settings menu:

  1. From the Home Screen of your Roku, use your remote to navigate to the options tab (on the left)
  2. Click on the Settings tab and scroll down (or right) until you find the Network menu
  3. Check the About tab for information on your connection (type of connection, download speed, and signal strength) If you are not connected to the internet, you won’t be able to access this information. In that case, click on Setup Connection and select Wireless. Put in your password and you’re good to go
  4. If you’ve verified that you’re connected to the internet but are still having problems, scroll down to Check Connection and click OK
  5. Restart your Roku device

If that doesn’t work either, you should reset your modem or router. Finally, if you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and still can’t connect to WiFi, the problem is most likely with your network. 

Related: How To Connect Roku & Roku TV To WiFi Without Remote

Before you do anything else, try connecting your Roku via an ethernet cable. There is a chance that the issue is only with your WiFi connection. If not, contact your internet service provider to check about possible outages in your area. 

Tcl Roku TV won’t connect to Wifi

Tcl Roku TV wont connect to Wifi

If your TCL TV won’t connect to your wireless network or keeps disconnecting you should first restart your router. Don’t forget that network issues are usually related to the internet provider and not the Roku device itself. If your TCL TV isn’t connecting to WiFi, check to see if the WiFi is operating properly.

To check this, look at the other unique devices in your home to see if they’re all linked to the same WiFi network and if they’re all able to function properly on it.

If all other devices are connected to the network, then you should try restarting or resetting your Roku TV (possible software issue). When you turn on the TCL TV, you should be able to immediately access the many applications that are WiFi enabled. If you can’t do that, you should also restart your TV.

After restarting your router, use your TCL Roku remote to go to Home > Settings > System > Power > System Restart > OK. If your TV isn’t turning on because of a network issue, you can also reset it by holding the Reset button in the back of your TCL TV for 20 seconds.

Roku won’t connect to TV

If your brand new Roku box or stick doesn’t connect to your TV, there is a chance that you have done something wrong when setting it up. To avoid that make sure you follow the setup instructions below. Keep in mind that these instructions are the same, no matter the brand of your TV (Samsung Smart TV, VIzio TV, Sony, Sharp, Philips, etc).

Setting up a Roku Player (step-by-step guide):

  1. Connect your Roku to the HDMI port on your TV.
  2. Connect your Roku player to a power outlet.
  3. Then, turn on your TV and select the Roku’s HDMI channel.
  4. On the Roku setup screen, choose your language.
  5. Choose between a wired and a wireless connection.

If you have followed this process but the Roku still doesn’t connect to your TV, check that your power cable is correctly attached and plugged in. If it still won’t switch on, unplug the power cord for five seconds and plug it back in. The last thing you can try is resetting your Roku by pressing the reset button on your Roku device.

If you’re just starting out with your new device, you might want to check out our guide on how to set Roku up for installation. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions that can help make the process much smoother.

How to fix it when Roku won’t add channels

There are a few occasions where Roku won’t add HBO Max or you will get the message: Roku channel install failed HBO Max. If you are trying to add a Roku channel to smart tv but you can’t, you should update the Roku software on your device. This will, in most cases, automatically solve the issue. 

Keep in mind that Roku won’t be able to add new channels if it isn’t connected to the internet. This is why you should check the WiFi connection and make sure that the Roku is properly connected. 

Also, if you have already added a channel but it stopped working you should check out if there’s is a recent channel update. In that case, you can quickly remove the channel and reinstall it on your Roku.

If none of these solutions work, consider resetting your Roku to its default settings. A factory reset will solve any software related issue. Finally, keep in mind that many Roku channels are only available in specific countries. This could also be a reason why you can’t add a specific channel to your Roku device. 

Why won’t my Roku app connect to tv?

Similar to many other Roku problems, the Roku mobile app not connecting to the TV can be solved by a restart. However for restart is not working then you’ll want to make sure both devices are using the same Wi-Fi network. 

The first thing to  check is your software update status on both your iphone & Android as well as the Roku. 

If there is an update, install it and restart your smartphone. To do this, visit your App store (Apple or Google play), go to Menu > apps> Updates. You might also try clearing the cache and deleting the app, and trying again. The cache is also located under settings on the Roku device (not the Roku app).

Finally if you’re using a Roku TV then you want to allow the network setting(local)  to have access to the local network. This can be found by selecting settings, then navigating to Roku and selecting the local network.

How to fix it when Roku won’t accept your Email address

If your Roku doesn’t accept your email address during the activation phase, the best thing you can do is skip the internet setup until after activation. So, all you need to do is activate your device without connecting it to the internet and then perform a hard (factory) reset. 

Once your Roku finishes the reset, you can try inputting the email address again. If that doesn’t solve the problem, consider using a different email address or contacting the Roku support. 

On the flip side, if you’re experiencing problems logging into your Roku account (existing email), it is probably due to the password. In that case, all you need to do is send a password reset request to the email address linked with your Roku account.

How to fix a Roku that keeps crashing, restarting or freezing

If your Roku keeps crashing or restarting, the problem is related to either an outdated Roku software or network issues. The first thing you should do is unplug your device and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes.

This should solve the overheating issue and reset your device without losing any data. 
Check to see if there are any impediments to heat dissipation surrounding your device, such as a wall, TV, computer, etc.

If your Roku device keeps freezing after this step, you should update the Roku software from the settings of your Roku. Finally, consider reducing the streaming resolution if you’re having buffering or freezing problems while watching a movie.

How to fix it when Roku keeps buffering

Restarting and updating your Roku, will usually fix any buffering issues that aren’t related to the internet connection. Of course, buffering problems usually occur because of a poor connection. 

If you have a strong WiFi (10 Mb/s or more), you should try restarting your Roku and updating the Roku software from the settings. 

If you perform a Roku speed test and you find out that your connection isn’t fast enough, you should either restart your modem (if your connection should be stronger) or lower the video resolution. 

Also see: How To Get Facebook On Roku [with Pictures]

For example, 3.5 Mb/s are more than enough to watch 720p videos without any buffering problems.

How to fix Roku Channels that won’t open

Are your Roku channels not opening or launching? To fix this, you need to immediately restart Roku, but specifically from the Roku Remote rather than the settings. Alternatively you can delete, then load the channel once again. 

The issue with deleting and reinstalling the Roku channel when it won’t open is that you will need to do it daily; this is why a restart is highly recommended.

You’ll want to try running a Roku speed test and ensure your Roku’s internet connection isn’t the issue – even if this means using a Roku Browser (since any speed test apps you have probably won’t load)

If this issue persists, you’ll simply want to either update your Roku software or upgrade/replace your Roku player with an Ultra, premiere, or a Roku TV model. 

If your Roku is having issues playing a specific title, or a movie/show from a single channel. Then it’s likely rebuffering is occurring and you are likely experiencing poor video playback quality – which defeats the purpose of using the Roku in the first place.

To sum up the solutions to fix Roku channels that won’t open, you’ll want to try the following:

  1. First, restart Roku via settings
  2. Next, restart Roku from the Remote
  3. Then, delete, then re-download the Roku Channel App in question
  4. After, seek channel specific updates
  5. Attempt a Roku Speed test via a Roku browser (if possible)
  6. Restart your router
  7. Switch the HDMI port & cable with a new replacement
  8. Troubleshoot issues related to slow, laggy Roku device
  9. Update the software on Roku
  10. Finally, clear your Roku’s cache
  11. Last resort, consider upgrading or replacing your Roku if the issue persists

If your Roku or Roku Tv is lagging or running slow, then you’ll want to make sure you trouble these options in addition to the Roku channel problem solutions mentioned above.

Roku hotel and dorm connect: wireless setup settings

If you are in a hotel or dorm and you need to set up or connect your Roku to the Internet, then a manual action setup is required. This will allow you to connect to the specific connection you were looking for. 

Here’s how to connect to a hotel or dorm on Roku:

  • First, navigate to the Dashboard
  • Next, select Settings, then Network
  • From here select Wireless and search for the dorm, hotel, or public network
  • Once connected, choose “I’m at a hotel or college dorm

One reason this is so complex is because some public Wi-Fi networks require you to log into their Wi-Fi not only through the network, but through a landing page that is visited via a web browser. You can use a Roku Web browser to fix this specific issue or utilize the steps mentioned above.

Whether you need to take a Roku to a hotel or you need to fix a Roku that keeps disconnecting from the hotel’s Wi-Fi, the solutions mentioned above will be of great help.

This is also useful if you can’t connect your Roku at a friend’s house or from a location that is outside your home.

Fix: Why won’t my Roku connect to Wifi?

If your Roku device can’t connect to the WiFi (or keeps disconnecting), it is probably because of a poor internet connection. To solve internet related issues, you can try the following solutions: 

  1. Check your internet connection. Make sure that your Roku isn’t connected to the internet
  2. If your device isn’t connected to the WiFi (but the rest of your devices are) restart your Roku. From the Settings tab, go to the System menu and click on Restart.
  3. Restart your router/modem if none of your devices are connected (smartphones, PCs, etc). Service may be briefly disrupted due to a power or router interruption
  4. If the Roku is the only device that won’t connect to WiFi, you can bring it closer to the network and modem or connect it via an Ethernet cable. Don’t forget that a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause playing to freeze or cause performance issues.

Keep in mind that the troubleshooting steps are the same for all Rokus. In fact, the user interface on all Roku devices is the same. It makes no difference whether you have a Roku built-in TV, a Roku stick, or a Roku Express—they all work the same way.

How Do I Connect My Roku to the Internet?

Your Roku device should automatically connect to the Internet once you turn it on. However, if your Roku fails to connect to the internet, you can try reconnecting it manually.

To manually connect your Roku to the internet: 

  1. From the Home Screen, access the side menu, and click on Settings
  2. Scroll down (or right) to find the Network tab.
  3. Then, click on Setup Connection and choose Wireless
  4. The device will automatically scan and find the nearby networks. From the list, find your network and click OK.
  5. Fill in your wifi network’s password and press OK from the Roku remote. If your password is correct, the Roku device should connect to your network.

But, what if the connection fails? In that case, you’ll need to attempt some other troubleshooting techniques. First of all, restart and update your Roku device to make sure that there’s no problem with your Roku software. If that doesn’t help, you can either move your Roku closer to the modem or connect it via an ethernet cable.

If you’re Roku isn’t connected to the internet it could (sometimes) cause issues with mirroring, we show you in our post what to do when Screen mirroring to Roku from iPhone or android doesn’t work.

Keep in mind that Roku devices rely on an AS-level internet connection, a temporary outage or poor signal can wreak havoc on the device’s performance (source). In fact, the Roku device is just the internet receiver, and for this reason, usually not the problem. If that’s the case, you should contact your internet service provider.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we got rid of any issue related to the question “Why isn’t my Roku working?”. We thoroughly explained how to get rid of Roku TV glitching and what to do if your Roku won’t start. 

In most cases, updating the Roku software and restarting your device will solve the issue. On the flip side, you should always check the power cord you’re using to connect your Roku to the TV, especially if the connection is via USB. 

This is particularly true for the latest Roku Streaming Sticks, the Roku Express 4K, the Roku Premiere and the Roku Ultra. 

But, what can you do if your Roku suddenly stopped working and restarting/rebooting your device won’t do any good?

Other troubleshooting methods that will solve a Roku Stick not working issue include restarting your modem (internet-related problems), checking the HDMI cable (Roku not working with soundbar, sound cut outs) and updating/reinstalling an app like Youtube, Netflix or Disney Plus (app-related problems).

Kim Chowns

Monday 12th of June 2023

Nothing on here about screen size issues! I have an Express and the borders above and below picture are a different size and the picture appears zoomed in. There is no option in settings to adjust picture size e.g. 16:9 etc. Welcome your thoughts.

Annette

Friday 11th of August 2023

@Paul Michael, I have tried it all. I have unplugged and turned off tv from tv, I have used the remote clicking the home button 5 times etc, I have restarted several times and every time it gives the error 003 code. I cannot get past the update. I have every different idea found on the internet; it just will not move past he update. I have been trying for almost 3 hours now and I hate this stupid onn roku tv!!

Paul Michael

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

So far, we've covered fixing a Roku stuck on the loading screen, stopping it from glitching with a black flashing screen, and an alternate method for resolving a Roku TV's black screen issue.

However, you're issue appears to be the Aspect ratio, in this case the issue can be resolved by swapping the HDMI connections between the Roku and the TV (or another device you have it connected to, such as a receiver), followed by rebooting both devices; if this solves the issue, then this suggests that a specific HDMI port or previous configuration may have caused the problem.

If the aspect ratio still isn't fixed (and you keep seeing the black bars at the top), try the following:

Disconnect the HDMI cable from your Roku and TV, swap the ends, and reconnect them.

Replace the HDMI cable connecting your device and TV.

Plug the Roku into a different HDMI port on the TV.

Adjust your TV's picture options, such as picture mode and aspect ratio; consult your TV manufacturer for further advice.

As a final step, perform a factory reset on the Roku through Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset, and set it up again.

Try these steps and inform us of the results.

About the author:

Photo of Paul Michael, Founder of MediaPeanut

Paul Michael

Paul Michael is a media and technology expert whose research reveals how technology and media are being used in the world today. He has expertise on computers, the internet, streaming, Roku, electronics, and education. He also enjoys graphic design & digital art. Paul has his Bachelors of Arts and Science(s) from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ