Roku streaming devices offer a great way to bring the world of streaming entertainment into your living room. But just like any electronics, your Roku may occasionally suffer from issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help when your Roku isn’t working.
1 General Fixes
Before we examine specific issues, here are some general fixes for your Roku.
Update Your Roku
Just like with most electronics, it’s always good to keep any Roku device up-to-date with the most recent software. That can help take care of some issues. Any Roku is designed to update its software automatically, but you can also manually check for an update:
- Press the Home icon on your Roku remote.
- Select Settings > System.
- Choose Software update and then Check Now to check for an update manually.
If an update is available, it will automatically download and install.
Restart a Roku
A simpler option when troubleshooting a Roku is to restart the device. The easiest way to do that is to remove the power cord for 60 seconds and then plug it back into the device, but you can also restart the device without unplugging it.
To do that, once again, press the Home button on the remote. Choose Settings > System. Next, select Settings and then System Restart.
Factory Reset a Roku
A more drastic action is a factory reset. That will reset the device, erase all of your presets, unlink your device from your Roku account, and reset all the settings into an initial setup mode.
- Press the Home icon on the Roku remote.
- Choose Settings > System > Advance system settings.
- Select Factory reset.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions.
2 No Audio Output
If you’re not hearing audio from your Roku, there are a few steps to try. If the streaming device is connected directly to your TV, make sure that all the cables are secure on both the Roku and the TV. Next, try the cable at a different input on your TV. You can also try replacing the cable itself.
If the Roku is connected to a soundbar or other sound system, check all the cable connections and confirm the system is set to the correct input for the Roku. Then, try a different input to determine if the problem is the Roku or your audio equipment. Replacing the cables with new versions is also another option.
With continuing issues, try this:
- Press the Home icon on the Roku remote.
- Choose Settings > Audio > Digital output format.
- Select Stereo.
3 Remote Control Won’t Work
The Roku remote control is the heart of the streaming device. With a single tap, you can quickly access everything you need. There are a few different fixes to try if your Roku remote isn’t working.
One of the most common issues is that the remote becomes unpaired from the Roku itself. To re-pair the remote, unplug the Roku box from the power supply and wait 60 seconds. Wait until the Home page loads and find the pairing button on your remote. Hold down the pairing button for at least five seconds until the Roku remote starts blinking.
4 Wi-Fi Issues
If you have wireless connection issues, you have a few options. First, try restarting your Roku device, modem, and router to see if that helps.
If the problems continue, head to Settings > Network > About to see the most recent connection check done by the Roku device. Take a look at both the Signal strength and Internet download speed numbers. If those are low, you might consider moving your router closer to the Roku device or purchasing a wireless mesh networking system to improve the connection.
5 Audio and Video Are Out of Sync
It’s obvious and annoying when audio and video are out of sync on your Roku. First, restart your TV, Roku, and other audio equipment. Next, you can go to Settings > Audio > Audio Mode. If it’s set to Auto, try switching to Stereo.
6 Low Power Warning
Many smaller Roku devices can be plugged directly into a free USB port on your TV and receive enough power to operate. That helps you save space, especially if you have a wall-mounted TV without worrying about finding a free electrical outlet. However, an older TV might not provide enough power from the USB port to use the Roku.
If the Roku doesn’t have enough power to start, the status light on the device will slowly flash red. You might also see an error message that says insufficient power.
To fix the Roku Low Power warning, try switching out your USB cable with a new option. Next, try plugging the Roku into another USB port on your TV to see if it will provide more power. If neither of those fixes works, you’ll need to power the Roku from an electrical outlet.
7 Roku App Doesn’t Work
The Roku app for iOS or Android is a great companion for the streaming device. It can act as an additional remote control, cast media files to your television, and launch channels on your Roku device, and more.
If the app isn’t working with your streaming device, there are a few things to try. First, restart the Roku and your smartphone or tablet. Then, make sure that both your Roku and smartphone use the same Wi-Fi network. Next, make sure that Wi-Fi access is enabled on your Roku by going to Settings > Systems > Advanced system settings. Then select Control by mobile apps > Network access. Make sure it is set to Default.
8 External USB Drive Not Recognized
Some Roku devices have an additional USB port to connect an external USB drive. This allows you to play photos, audio, and video stored on the drive, as well as pause live television.
If you’re having issues accessing content on the drive, there is likely an issue with low power or how the drive is formatted. Make sure that the drive uses an external power adapter if provided. If you don’t have one, try using a powered USB hub.
To be used on a Roku, the drive needs to be formatted in FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, Ext2, Ext3, exFAT, and HFS+.
With just a little work, you can easily troubleshoot most issues with your Roku device and get back to streaming all the content you can imagine.
