How to Fix Roku not Working Problems?

In the area of home streaming, Roku is a well-known name. What do you do if your Roku isn't working? The company sells many streaming sticks and smart TVs, but what do you do if your Roku isn't working? While we cannot teach you how to create your favorite apps for the platform, we can provide you with a wealth of troubleshooting information. The most common Roku not working problems and how to fix them are listed below.

In an ideal world, your Roku should never experience any of these problems. However, having a few tricks up your sleeve is essential. If none of these ways seem to be working, it might be time to look at our best streaming device deals.

How to Restart, Update, and Reset your Roku-

The majority of Roku problems may be resolved quickly with a restart, a software update, or a factory reset in the worst-case scenario. Try these first before moving on to any additional troubleshooting steps.

1. How to Restart Your Roku

  • On your Roku remote, press the Home button.
  • Select Settings by scrolling up or down.
  • Select System.
  • Choose System Restart.
  • Highlight the Restart button on the remote's directional pad and hit OK.
  • The Roku device will restart now.

Your Roku streaming device may occasionally freeze, and the control may appear to be unresponsive. You can usually reset the device without using the on-screen menus if this happens.

To do so, press the following buttons on your Roku remote in the next order:

  • Five times press the Home button.
  • One time, press the Up arrow.
  • Two times press the Rewind button.
  • Two times press the Fast Forward button.
  • Your Roku should restart after a few seconds of finishing this sequence.

2. How to Update Roku Software

If a restart doesn't work, the issue could be with your program. Roku software upgrades are normally done automatically in the background, so you don't have to do anything. This procedure, however, does not always work.

So before proceeding, it's always a good idea to verify the status of your Roku software if you're having issues.

  • On your Roku remote, press the Home button.
  • Select Settings by scrolling up or down.
  • Select System.
  • Select System Update.
  • The current software and build version, as well as the date and time it was installed on your Roku, are displayed on this screen.
  • To manually check for updates, select Check Now.
  • If an update for your software or installed channels is available, it will be automatically downloaded and installed, followed by a reset of your Roku. This process must be allowed to run its purpose without being interrupted.

3. How to Factory Reset Your Roku

A factory reset is a nuclear option for troubleshooting. It restores your Roku to the state it was in when you first took it out of the box, as the name implies. This means you'll lose all of your settings, including downloaded channels and network preferences. As a result, you should have this one in your back pocket for when all else fails.

  • On your Roku remote, press the Home button.
  • Select Settings by scrolling up or down.
  • Select System.
  • Select Advanced system settings.
  • Select Factory reset.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts after selecting factory reset everything.

The methods above assume that your Roku is still responsive and that you can use the on-screen menus. If it doesn't, use the physical reset button on your device to go to plan B.

The reset button on select Roku products, such as the Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick+, may be pressed with your finger. However, it's usually a recessed button on set-top devices like the Roku Ultra that requires a paperclip or other small, pointed object to press.

Once you've discovered it, turn on your Roku device and press and hold the reset button firmly for around 10 seconds. When the factory reset is complete, the indicator light on most Roku devices will blink rapidly.

Roku Remote Control Problems

Two types of remote controls come with Roku devices. An infrared (IR) remote is one type, while an upgraded “point-anywhere” remote is another. It would help if you discovered the Roku remote you have before trying to fix problems with it.

Remove the back of the remote's battery cover. A little button may be seen just beneath the batteries. If you do, you'll have a more powerful "point-anywhere" remote. If you don't, you're using an infrared remote control.

You can also try installing the Roku Remote app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The program turns your phone into a Roku remote, which could be useful if your remote is damaged beyond repair.

1.  For IR Remotes

To control a Roku device, IR remotes must be able to “see” it. IR remote issues are almost always caused by the remote not having a direct line of sight to your Roku device. IR signals usually bounce off walls and ceilings to reach their desired target, but if your Roku device is blocked behind another item, those IR signals won't get through.

If you can see the full front side of your Roku device from wherever you regularly watch TV, you should be good. If you can't, move the Roku to another position until you can. Never put an IR-controlled Roku device behind your TV or inside a cabinet.

The batteries in the remote can potentially be a problem. If the remote works some of the time but not all of the time, consider removing and changing the batteries. That could help with a poor connection.

2.  For Enhanced “Point-Anywhere” Remotes

Because these remotes are a little more advanced, there are a few different approaches to troubleshoot their operation. The first step is to try the same battery techniques as before, such as removing and replacing them or simply replacing them with new ones.

Roku Wi-Fi Problems          

You're probably dealing with Wi-Fi troubles if your video or audio quality is reduced, your Roku is slow to respond to commands, or you see "not connected" in the top right corner of your home screen. The best place to start is by checking the Wi-Fi signal strength. Go to Settings > Network to check the status of your Internet connection. The signal strength will be indicated as Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor, assuming you're genuinely connected to Wi-Fi. You should try to improve it if it's Fair or Poor.

Moving your TV isn't an option very often, but shifting the Roku itself may be beneficial. First, reposition it to see if that helps. Because Roku Sticks are normally plugged directly onto the TV, transferring them is more difficult, but an HDMI extender cable can provide the extra space you need.

If your Roku player has an Ethernet port and can be connected to an Ethernet wire, this is a simple approach to see if the problem is with your Wi-Fi.

You're either fully outside of your Wi-Fi network's range, or you've entered the wrong Wi-Fi password for your router if you see a "not connected" warning on the home screen. If your phone, tablet, or laptop is connected to Wi-Fi in the same approximate area as your Roku, the password is likely incorrect. Check the network settings on your Roku and try again.

Overheating

Your Roku device can overheat if it is placed on top of other equipment or in a poorly ventilated area. An on-screen warning message will appear in the top right corner of your screen if this happens.

In addition, when overheating, some Roku devices, such as the Ultra and Roku Express, feature a front LED that turns solid red. If your device overheats, switch it off immediately, unhook the power, and unplug all cables. 

  •  Jhon Miller
  •  Last Update: 03 Jan 2024

DISCLAIMER : Customer Supports is an independent Technical Support Provider. We are not affiliated to any 3rd party brand unless specified. Call vendor for direct Support.