Home » How to » Roku Keeps Restarting? Here’s Why and How to Fix!
by Herby Jasmin
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When your Roku keeps restarting, it could be due to various connectivity problems, such as outdated firmware or poor network connection. Of course, it could be more than simple connectivity problems.
To fix Roku restarting problems, you need to identify which of these issues you’re dealing with and resolve them.
Fortunately, this can be a relatively easy problem to fix. This guide walks you through several troubleshooting steps to fix your Roku that keeps restarting.
Why Does My Roku Keep Restarting On Its Own?
The most common reason why your Roku keeps restarting is because of outdated firmware. Roku releases software updates periodically that fix bugs that may cause your Roku to keep restarting, freezing, or crashing.
Another common reason your Roku keeps restarting is because of a lack of power. This can occur if you use a low-quality HDMI cable or connect the Roku device to an older television with insufficient power.
As mentioned earlier, a poor network connection can cause your Roku to keep restarting. Streaming devices like Roku require aminimum download speed of 3.0 Mbps for standard definition and up to 9.0 Mbps for HD content for the best view experience.
Roku Keeps Restarting
If your Roku keeps restarting, you need to update your Roku software to the latest version. This will remove any potential bugs that may have caused your Roku connectivity issues. If your Roku still restarts and won’t go past the Roku screen, you may need to perform a factory reset.
But before going to the factory reset route, we’ve got more basic troubleshooting fixes you can try to solve the problem. Let’s get to it.
- Restart Your Roku
- Update Your Roku Software
- Check Your Roku Power Supply
- Test Your HDMI Cable
- Ensure Your WiFi Connection Is Stable
- Check to See if Your Roku Is Overheating
- Uninstall and Reinstall the App or Channel on Your Roku Device
- Check for WiFi Interference With Another Device
- Factory ResetYour Roku
- Contact Roku Support
1. Restart Your Roku
Restarting or rebooting the Roku is the first thing you should always try. Just like when you’re experiencing issues with your computer or phone, you can fix a lot of problems by simply restarting it.
You can restart your Roku in a couple of ways, using the remote control and by unplugging the device.
Restart Roku using the Roku Remote Control
- Push the Home button on your remote control.
- Navigate the menu options with the Up and Down Arrow to the Settings option.
- Select System on the screen menu.
- Select System Restart and select restart.
The Roku will automatically restart, and when it comes back on, check to see if you still have booting issues.
Restart Roku by Unplugging it
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the Roku or the wall.
- Count to 30 (30 seconds) and plug back in.
Check to see if the restarting stops.
2. Update Your Roku Software
Your Roku needs to be updated on a regular basis, and most of the updates are patches that Roku puts out to fix known issues with the device.
If you fall behind on the updates, it can eventually cause some problems for you. This could be the cause of your frequent Roku restarting on its own.
Here’s how to check for firmware updates for your Roku:
- Using the remote control, push the Home button.
- Use the Up and Down arrows from the Settings menu on the screen.
- Scroll through the onscreen options and select System.
- Scroll through the System menu onscreen until you find System Updates.
- Select Update Now from the onscreen menu options.
If any updates are available, they will be installed, and your Roku will restart afterward.
3. Check Roku Power Supply
All electronic devices require a specific amount of power in order to operate optimally. Any deviation from the required amount of power, like when your Roku has low power, can result in inconsistent operation. This includes frequent restarts and stopping for no apparent reason.
The power for your Roku Streaming Box comes from the power adapter that plugs into the wall outlet and plugs into the back of the Roku. If you have the Roku TV Stick, then it gets its power from the HDMI port on your television.
To check the Roku TV Streaming box’s power supply, follow these steps:
- Unplug the power adapter from the wall.
- Select a different outlet and plug the adapter in.
- If this doesn’t correct the issue.
- Contact Roku and request a replacement power adapter (highly recommended that you use only a Roku brand adapter).
To check the Roku TV Stick’s power supply, follow these steps:
- Unplug the Roku from the HDMI port.
- Choose another HDMI port on the TV and see if the same issue happens.
- If switching ports do not work, remove the stick, shut down the TV, and turn it back on. Follow the steps again.
4. Test Your HDMI Cable
The Roku Streaming Box requires an HDMI cable to connect to your television. If there is an issue with the cable, you can experience unstable operation, including your Roku restarting for no apparent reason.
Here’s how to check the HDMI cable:
- Disconnect the HDMI cable from the back of the Roku and the TV.
- Closely inspect both ends of the cable for any breaks or frayed wires.
- If you suspect a problem, simply replace the cable.
- Connect the new cable to the Roku and the TV.
Check to see if your Roku keeps restarting after replacing the HDMI cable.
5. Ensure Your WiFi Connection Is Stable
A weak Internet connection can easily cause your Roku Streaming Box to act erratically. To determine if there is a problem with your Internet speed, you can easily check your internet strength according to your Roku.
There is an internal system that keeps track of the connection quality, and it is really easy to access the information. Using this information, you can narrow down the cause of the restarting.
To check the condition of your WiFi connection, follow the steps below.
- On the remote control, push the Home button.
- Select Settings on the menu on the screen.
- Select the Network option on the menu.
- Select Connection Speed on the menu.
Look for the result on the screen. The displayed result range from:
- Good to Excellent – indicating acceptable speed.
- Fair to Poor – indicating unacceptable speed, which should be investigated and corrected.
6. Check to See if Your Roku Is Overheating
Heat is the biggest danger to electronics, and unfortunately, Roku did not properly account for the build-up of heat inside the Roku Streaming Box or the Roku TV stick.
To prevent excessive damage due to overheating, Roku built-in visual indicators when the internal temperature builds up to a dangerous level.
Immediately shut down your Roku if the overheating sign appears on the screen while watching a movie or streaming a show. For step-by-step instructions, here’s how to cool down your Roku.
The quickest way to power down a Roku Streaming Box is to unplug it from the wall. If you have a Roku TV Stick, just unplug it from the HDMI port and let it cool down for 20 minutes.
7. Uninstall and Reinstall the App or Channel on Your Roku Device
To verify if the restarting issue is associated with just one Channel, you can easily verify it by swapping channels and seeing if it still happens or goes away.
If you are able to determine that it was just one certain channel, you can fix it easily by removing the suspected faulty app.
This fix also works when popular apps like Prime Video and Hulu don’t work on Roku.
In order to remove the channel on your Roku, follow the steps below:
- Remove the suspected bad app from the Roku.
- Select Streaming Channels and click OK.
- Select 4K UHD Content Available.
- Look for the app from the list.
- Select it and install it.
Check to see if you can launch the app and still have rebooting issues.
8. Check for Possible WiFi Interference With Another Device
If your Roku Streaming Box uses a WiFi connection to your Internet router, then there is a possibility that the problem could be external to the Roku.
You could easily have some type of interference with the WiFi router and the Roku. You could also have too many devices connected to the WiFi router, causing problems with a consistent signal.
Try disconnecting the other WiFi devices and see if the problem goes away. If it does, you can begin connecting the other devices back to the router and see which caused it to go back out.
You can also see if the number of devices is too great by figuring out at what point you lose a good connection.
9. Factory ResetYour Roku
If all the other troubleshooting steps fail to correct the problem, then there is only one thing left to do: do a complete factory reset of your Roku.
It is a fairly easy process to follow, but it will wipe out everything that you previously installed or set up. You will need to go through the entire process again.
Follow the steps below to factory reset your Roku.
- Push the Home button on the remote control.
- Scroll through the menu options on the screen to Settings.
- Scroll through the menu options for Systems.
- Scroll through the menu options for the Advanced system.
- Scroll through the menu options for Factory Reset
- Roku will automatically reset and restart.
This should always be the last resort since it means that you will have to go through the entire setup process all over again.
Restoring all the settings back to how they were means all channel apps you installed would have to be reinstalled. All of the settings and preferences will have been reset.
10. Contact Roku Support
It might be time to reach out to the pros if all else fails. The problem might be with the Roku device itself. You can contact support through Roku’s official website. If you still have a warranty, you might get a replacement device.
Final Thoughts: Roku Keeps Restarting
We hope this guide has provided enough information and steps to help you fix the problem that is causing your Roku Streaming Box or Roku TV Stick to restart.
To recap, here’re all steps to follow to fix your Roku that keeps restarting.
- Restart your Roku device.
- Update your Roku software to the latest version.
- Check if your Roku has enough power.
- Ensure your HDMI cable is working properly.
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection.
- Check to see if your Roku is overheating.
- Uninstall and reinstall the app or channel on your Roku device.
- Check for Wi-Fi interference with other devices.
- Factory Resetyour Roku device.
- Contact Roku support.
Hopefully, the steps that we provided were easy enough to follow and you’re enjoying your show without any interruption. If you have any feedback or questions, then please leave a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the blinking LED on the Roku?
The flashing LED light on the outside of the Roku indicates that there is a connection issue between the Roku and your wireless router.
Why does the TV screen go black?
Since the TV screen goes black, it is a video problem. You should first check the HDMI cable and replace it if necessary. Simply replacing the old, failing HDMI cable with a higher speed rating is best.
Does a factory reset get rid of all my downloaded channels?
Unfortunately, yes, if you had to resort to resetting the Roku back to factory settings, you lost everything. Fortunately, you will be able to restore the settings and then put all the channels back and redo all the preferences.
How do you fix a Roku TV that keeps turning on and off?
If your Roku TV keeps turning on and off, you need to restart your TV. Unplug your TV and leave it unplugged for several minutes. Plug it back in after a few minutes. Performing this can cause the entire system to hard reboot, which may resolve any problems the TV is experiencing.
What to do if Roku keeps crashing?
If your Roku keeps crashing, you need to reset it. Press the Home button on your Roku remote > Open Settings > Select System > Advanced system settings > Select Factory reset. This will restore your Roku to factory settings and might fix your crashing issue.
Herby Jasmin
Herby has a healthy obsession with all things technology, especially smartphones. He loves to rip things apart to see how they work. He is responsible for the editorial direction, strategy, and growth of Gotechtor.
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FAQs
What to do if my Roku keeps restarting? ›
- Check the Accessories.
- Check the Power Supply.
- Change the HDMI Cable.
- Install New Updates.
- See If Your Roku Device has Overheated.
- The Affected Apps Need to be Reinstalled.
- Adjust the Network Settings.
- It Needs to be Factory Reset.
- Make sure “Home” is selected from the main menu.
- From the remote control, press the following buttons consecutively: Press Home 5 times. Press Up. Press Rewind 2 times. Press Fast Forward 2 times.
Why Does the Roku Keep Buffering? A slow internet connection, overheating, or an out-of-date operating system can cause a Roku to buffer. Media apps that automatically switch to high-resolution videos while on a slow connection that can't handle larger files can also cause buffering.
Why does my Roku keep shutting off and turning back on? ›Your Roku remote might need troubleshooting; remove the batteries and use the power button on your TV instead. If possible, you might also want to lower the display brightness from Settings > TV picture settings > TV brightness and check that you haven't enabled a sleep timer from Settings > System > Time.
How do I know if my Roku is failing? ›If you see a red flashing light or a “low power” warning, that means your Roku isn't getting enough power. Your Roku may still work, but it can crash or behave differently at any time. A flashing red light or on-screen message indicates that the Roku has insufficient power.
How do you manually clear the cache? ›- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More .
- Click More tools Clear browsing data.
- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
- Next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” check the boxes.
- Click Clear data.
When you use a browser, like Chrome, it saves some information from websites in its cache and cookies. Clearing them fixes certain problems, like loading or formatting issues on sites.
How often should you update Roku? ›Your Roku device should update itself every 24-36 hours. However, there are times when it might not update itself quickly enough. Updating your Roku device manually allows you to get the latest features as soon as they come out.
Can you refresh Roku? ›If you have a Roku TV, it is not the same as pressing the power button on the remote or the physical power button on the TV itself. Instead, a system restart is performed by removing the power cord from your Roku device for at least 10 seconds before plugging it back in.
Can you clear cache on Roku TV? ›You cannot clear the cache on Roku devices because they don't have one, according to the company. Instead of trying to clear a cache, you can try to restart the player and see if that resolves your issues.
How do I stop my Roku from turning off every 4 hours? ›
- The inactivity timeout is most likely the Bandwidth Saver Feature on Roku device. ...
- Turn off screensaver time: You can disable screensaver by going to Settings > Theme > Screensaver start time (under Additional settings section) > Disable screensaver.
Try connecting the power adaptor to a different power outlet. Alternatively, you can try testing another electronic device you know works in the same power outlet. If your streaming player is connected to a power strip, unplug it and connect the power adaptor directly to a wall power outlet.
How do you know when you need a new Roku? ›Many older Roku models only support single-band Wi-Fi, and even some recent ones don't support the latest 802.11ac standard. Consider upgrading if your Roku's streaming quality doesn't seem to match your internet speed and/or your router's capabilities.
How many years does a Roku last? ›The average lifespan of a Roku TV is around seven (7) years for regular-to-heavy usage. You can somehow prolong it up to nine (9) years if you maintain and care for it properly.
How long should a Roku device last? ›Like all devices, the Roku stick starts to wear out after three to five years of use. With proper care and maintenance, most users use their Roku stick for up to five to seven years. If you want to prevent your Roku's hardware from degrading, try to avoid exposure to heat stress, dust, and humidity.
Is it good to clear cache often? ›So if you clear your browser's cache and temporary internet files regularly, this helps your computer or device run optimally—and doing so can help fix certain problems, like a website loading slowly, or formatting issues on a web page.
Does clear cache delete everything? ›Clearing your cache only gets rid of the data your device has stored from the websites and apps you visit—it has no impact on your photos or the files you have saved there. Regardless of the device, your photos are safe when you clear your cache.
Is removing cache OK? ›Cache data can slow down your phone's browsing performance since it takes up storage space in your device, so it's good to clear it out regularly.
Where is the Clear cache button? ›Open your browser. Android browser: Go to Menu > More > Settings or Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security. Chrome: Go to Menu > Settings > Privacy. Android browser: Tap Clear cache, Clear history, and Clear all cookie data as appropriate.
What do I type in to clear cache running? ›Follow the steps given below: Press the Windows logo key + R key simultaneously on your keyboard. It will invoke the Run box. Now, type "cleanmgr.exe" and press Enter.
How do I force a cache to reset? ›
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More .
- Click More tools. Clear browsing data.
- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
- Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
- Click Clear data.
It is normally deleted once the program finishes with it. But it will be recreated the next time the program is used (and deleted when it is done.) You can delete a cache, but it will come back because the program needs that file to be able to run properly.
Can a Roku get too old? ›If you own an affected Roku player, your device will continue to work but you will no longer get new apps or features. So, you can continue to use your older Roku player, but you run the risk of the streaming service ending support for it.
Which Roku devices are outdated? ›| Roku LT | 2400X/EU |
|---|---|
| Roku LT | 2450X |
| Roku HD | 2500X |
| Roku 2 HD | 3000X |
| Roku 2 XD | 3050X |
The only exception here is if you buy a new 4K TV and you want to stream 4K content. At that point, you may want to replace your HD-only Roku 3 with something like a Roku Ultra so you can access 4K HDR videos on your new 4K HDR TV. So, in short, if your current Roku does everything you need, don't upgrade.
Can you manually update Roku? ›Should you wish, you can also manually check for new software updates. If your Roku TV is not connected to the internet, software updates must be done manually by first downloading a file to your computer, copying it to a USB flash drive, and then connecting that flash drive to your Roku TV.
Does it cost to update Roku? ›There's no Roku subscription. You'll only pay extra if you decide to subscribe to a channel or service, or pay a one-off fee for some content. New channels and new content are added frequently, and devices are updated automatically, so you'll never miss out on new Roku streaming options.
What is the Roku secret menu? ›The Wireless secret menu lets you see information about the Wi-Fi connection to your Roku device. You can see information such as signal strength and channel information. To access the Wireless secret menu: Press Home five times.
Do you have to clear a Roku? ›You might want to reset your Roku device if you are experiencing any issues or if you plan on returning it or giving it to someone else. Resetting your Roku device will erase all your settings and unlink your Roku account. Here's how to reset your Roku device to factory conditions in two different ways.
How do I update my Roku? ›- Press Home. on your Roku remote.
- Scroll and select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select System update.
How do I clear cache and cookies on my TV? ›
- Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings. ...
- The next steps will depend on your TV menu options: Select Apps — See all apps. ...
- Select desired app that you want to remove cache.
- Select Clear cache then OK. ...
- Select Clear data then OK.
...
To access the Update and Reset secret menu:
- Press Home five times.
- Immediately press Fast Forward three times.
- Press Rewind twice. The Update and Reset secret menu should open.
- Press Home on your Roku remote.
- Select Streaming Channels to open the Channel Store.
- Locate the channel you wish to remove and press OK on your remote. ...
- Select Remove channel and confirm the selection when prompted.
- If necessary, press the. Home button. on your Stream TV remote to wake up your device.
- From the Stream TV Home screen, select the. Settings menu. (upper-right). ...
- Navigate: Android TV settings. Apps. ...
- Locate then select the appropriate app. If necessary, select. See all apps. ...
- Select. Clear cache. ...
- Select. OK.
- Go to your Roku Home screen and click on “My Channels.”
- With your remote, select the channel you want to remove and then press ” * “ (star button) on the remote.
- Select “Remove channel” and then press “OK” on the remote.
- The Space Opera Channel. Access Code: (soctv) ...
- Nowhere TV. Access Code: (NMJS5) ...
- El Cartel TV. Access Code: (chibchombiatv) ...
- iTunes Podcasts. Access Code: (ITPC) ...
- EuroRoku. Access Code: (296XJKP) ...
- Unofficial Twitch.TV. Access Code: (TwitchTV) ...
- Wilderness Channel. ...
- AOL On.
You can't really jailbreak a Roku due to its closed operating system. It's not illegal to use any of the methods mentioned above. In fact, they're all supported officially by the Roku device, so you should have no problems with any of these options. After all, you're not using any kind of trick to jailbreak Roku.
What is the Roku secret reset code? ›Reset and Update
You can perform a factory reset, run a USB test, and update the Roku software on your device in this secret screen. Code: Home (five times) > Forward (three times) > Rewind (two times).
A factory reset essentially achieves what it says on the box; reverting the state of your Roku streamer back to when you first unboxed it. A reset will remove any and all apps from the device, and clean out cookies such as login details, individual app preferences, and settings.
Do you clear cache on Roku TV? ›You cannot clear the cache on Roku devices because they don't have one, according to the company. Instead of trying to clear a cache, you can try to restart the player and see if that resolves your issues.
Does Roku TV have a cache? ›
Roku devices can be restarted in multiple ways. On the other hand, it might be the filled up cache that is causing your Roku to underperform. Like on any other device, cache basically stores data, in order to load it faster later.
Why do I have to clear my cache all the time? ›So if you clear your browser's cache and temporary internet files regularly, this helps your computer or device run optimally—and doing so can help fix certain problems, like a website loading slowly, or formatting issues on a web page.
Is Roku no longer free? ›Does Roku Charge a Fee? You will need to pay for your Roku device initially. After that, Roku does not charge a fee. There's no monthly subscription.
How do I stop insufficient storage available? ›If you're seeing an "Insufficient storage available" message on your Android, chances are that you've used up most of your device's available memory. To fix this, you'll need to make some space by deleting apps and/or media; you can also add external storage, such as a Micro SD card, to your phone.
How do I get more storage for free? ›- OneDrive. You get 5GB of free online storage with OneDrive. ...
- Dropbox. It seems like everyone has a Dropbox account, but you only get 2GB for free. ...
- Google Drive. ...
- Sync. ...
- pCloud. ...
- Amazon Drive.