Like any other streaming service, Disney Plus has had its share of errors since it first launched. If you are using Roku, you may have encountered problems whereby Disney Plus fails to load videos, or you end up getting low-quality audio.
In other cases, movies you downloaded do not play, or you get low-quality videos instead of 4K Ultra HD.
Although Disney Plus can stop working on Roku for various reasons, you can break down most of the issues into a few factors.
These may include internet connectivity, device compatibility, app or web player issues, a problem with your Roku device, and technical difficulties with Disney’s servers.
By pinpointing the primary cause of the problem, it will be easy for you to find a solution or a permanent fix.
How to fix Disney+ not working on Roku
If Disney+ is not working on Roku, you can fix the problem using the methods below:
1. Check device compatibility
If Disney Plus isn’t working on Roku, you could be using an incompatible device. You can’t pair an incompatible device with a Roku player and if you do, then you might encounter problems while streaming content.
The service supports up to 4K UHD for Roku depending on the specific capabilities of your device. Here is a list of all supported Roku devices.
2. Check your internet connection
When your device loses internet connection, it will fail to work or stream a video. It is also the reason why there will be a Disney Plus buffering timeout on Roku. Here are some things you can do:
- Check your location and the number of devices connected to your network. If Roku is far away from your wireless router, it will not receive enough signal strength. Move it closer to the TV or streaming player. Also, disconnect other devices that are using the same bandwidth as your Roku.
- Perform a speed test and compare the results with the recommended connection speeds. Ideally, you need 5.0 Mbps for High Definition (HD) content or 25.0 Mbps for 4K UHD videos.
- Restart your router by unplugging it from the power source, wait for 20 seconds, plug it back in, and try again.
- If you are losing your wireless connection, connect your device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable.
You can also restart your Roku to refresh connections and start anew.
3. Uninstall and reinstall the Disney+ channel on Roku
Uninstalling and reinstalling the Disney Plus app will help to clear application data and cache. It will also ensure you have the latest version of the app. Here is how:
- Highlight the Disney+ app using the remote.
- Press the start button.
- Select Remove Channel.
- Power off your Roku device, then turn it back on.
- Go to the Roku channel store to download and install the Disney+ app.
- Once you locate it, select Add Channel.
Once installed, log in to your account and try again.
4. Update your Roku device OS
Your Roku device should have the latest operating system to operate well. Check for updates by going to Menu > Settings > System > System Update. At this point, select Check Now to manually check for updates.
5. Check system components
If you want to enjoy the highest-quality experience when streaming Disney+, all your system components should support high-bandwidth digital content. That includes HDMI cables.
Also, ensure your external displays support HDCP 2.2 for 4K UHD and HDR. If you are searching for a good HDMI cable, the PowerBear braided cable is worth your money.
How to fix Disney Plus audio issues on Roku
Disney+ offers content in 5.1 Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos. That means the audio system in your Roku device must be compatible with Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby Atmos.
Movies and TV shows accessible through Roku streaming players are available in stereo and surround sound.
However, most of these players do not decode surround sound formats like Dolby Digital Plus. They only pass through the signal to an audio/video receiver (AVR), soundbar, or TV that can decode surround sound.
If you have connected your streaming player to an AVR or soundbar using an optical cable, change the audio mode to Dolby Digital.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Scroll up or down and select Settings.
- Select Audio.
- Set HDMI and S/PDIF to Dolby D (Dolby Digital).
If there is still no sound on Disney Plus for Roku, consider setting up your streaming player for surround sound.
Conclusion
If Disney Plus on Roku is not working, troubleshoot the issue by restarting your device and router and trying again. S
econd, ensure your device is compatible with Disney+. Third, check your internet connection and ensure you have at least 25 Mbps to stream 4K UHD.
Other steps you can take include uninstalling and reinstalling the Disney+ app, updating your Roku software, and setting up your streaming player for surround sound.
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