When Roku TV apps are not working, won’t open, or are constantly buffering or disappearing, it may be due to a specific problem with the hardware or software.
Although Roku is a reliable streaming device, it is normal for these issues to occur. So, what should you do?
The problem with Roku TV apps not working is that you have to identify the specific issue in order to fix it. In this troubleshooting guide, we have listed all the specific issues you might be facing and provided working solutions.
Here are some problems that arise when using the applications and how to troubleshoot them.
Roku apps are not loading
If apps on your Roku device are not loading, you can troubleshoot this problem in two ways:
1. Restart your device
Press Home button > Select Settings > System > Power > System Restart > Restart > OK.
Once the system restarts, open the app and try again.
2. Reinstall the app
You need to follow a specific procedure when reinstalling the app.
- Highlight the app on the home screen.
- Press the
*or star key. - Press Remove channel.
- Restart your device as outlined above.
After the system restarts, go to the channel store, highlight the app, and install it.
If the Roku apps not working problem continues, check that you have a stable internet connection or reboot your router or modem.
Also, consider connecting using an Ethernet cable instead of a wireless connection or mobile network.
Roku channels won’t open
As your Roku device gets older, it stops supporting new features added to the latest versions of apps or channels.
Even though the app will appear in the channel store and give you the option to install it, it will not work. So, if apps won’t open, you need to update your Roku OS.
Follow these steps:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Go to System
- Select System Update.
If new software or updates are available, Roku will download and install them automatically.
If that does not work, you need to contact Roku or the app developer for further assistance. You can also try to reinstall the application, reboot your device, and check your internet connection.
Roku TV apps keep buffering
The best way of fixing buffering issues on your Roku TV is to improve your wireless connection.
If Roku is connected to the internet but apps are not working or are slow in streaming content, troubleshoot the problem as follows:
- Check your wireless signal strength. Press the Home button > Settings > Network > About.
- Improve your wireless connection by reducing the number of devices connected to the same network and moving your router near the Roku device.
- Plug the Ethernet cable directly and try again.
Buffering can also occur because of an outage. Check with your ISP and inquire about connectivity issues.
Another way of solving buffering issues with Roku apps is to connect to a wireless network using the 5GHz band. That will only work if your router and Roku player support the technology.
You can also try to change your wireless channel, instead of the default “auto” setting. These two options can work if you understand networking or if you contact the hardware manufacturer for assistance.
Roku channel store not working
It is not typical for users to encounter a problem with the Roku Channel Store itself. But if this is the case, try the following Roku troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your device.
- Update the device firmware.
- Check that you have connected your Roku to the internet.
If that does not work, contact Roku. The service could be experiencing outages affecting the channel store.
Roku apps not playing sound
You can troubleshoot sound issues on your device and Roku TV apps by doing the following:
- Check the mute and volume settings from your TV.
- Hit the Pause/Play button three times quickly.
- Check that you have attached the audio connectors snugly at both ends.
- Unplug your TV from the power source for five minutes. Plug it back in and try again.
- Replace the HDMI cable connecting your Roku to your TV. You can also connect your Roku to a different HDMI port on your TV and try again.
If the problem persists, consider adjusting the audio settings. Here is how:
- Disconnect and reconnect all cables on your TV, including the power cord.
- Once done, press the Home button on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select Audio.
- Set Audio Mode to Stereo.
- Set HDMI to PCM-Stereo.
Another option is to ensure that you have selected the correct input on your soundbar or AVR.
Roku apps not in the channel store
Roku certifies all channels before users can download them. If the apps are not in the channel store, then the service has not approved them.
But some people have found a way around this option. In other words, you can install non-certified Roku channels on your device. However, Roku does not recommend it.
Roku not showing pictures
If a Roku not working problem occurs whereby your device is not showing pictures, the following is what you can do to troubleshoot it.
- Restart your wireless network. That also includes restarting your modem or router.
- Restart your Roku TV by navigating to Settings > System > Power > System Restart. You can also unplug the power cord for five minutes, plug it back in, and try again.
You can also remove all applications you are not using to save memory.
Roku account is suspended
If you encounter issues with Roku subscriptions or if you get the account suspended error, try the following:
- Go to my.roku.com.
- Log in to your account.
- Update your payment method.
After updating your payment method, restart your device, and try again. When you update your payment method, you will incur no charges immediately. Charges will occur once you subscribe to premium channels.
Roku channel guide stopped working
If apps won’t start because the channel guide is not working, try to troubleshoot this issue as follows:
- Review or update your ZIP code. Go to Settings > System > ZIP Code.
- Restart your TV by unplugging it from the power source.
- Enable Fast TV Start. Go to Settings > System > Power Settings > Fast TV Start. Enable the option and try again.
- Check whether you have an internet connection.
An extreme option is to factory reset your device. Go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset.
Once done, start afresh by setting up the device and link your TV to a new Roku user account. Ensure you provide the correct ZIP to avoid future glitches.
Whenever you encounter an issue with Roku TV apps not working, check whether you have a stable internet connection. You can also try to uninstall and reinstall the app and try again.
Another simple solution is to restart your devices, including the player, modem, and router. If the problems continue, contact Roku or the app developer for further assistance.
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