If your Roku is not working, start with the symptom: check the TV input and HDMI connection for a blank screen, verify power before resetting, and compare Wi-Fi on another device before changing network settings. The right fix also depends on whether you have a Roku TV, streaming player, or Streaming Stick—and whether your remote is infrared or a voice remote.
First identify your Roku device and the problem
A Roku TV is a television with Roku built in. A Roku streaming player or Streaming Stick connects to a separate TV, usually through HDMI. Power and picture checks differ between them. For model-specific instructions, Roku’s support hub organizes help for players, TVs, remotes, restarts, resets, and updates.
- No picture or “no signal”: check the TV input and HDMI connection.
- No power: check the outlet or power supply.
- No internet: test the home network and restart the Roku and router.
- Remote trouble: identify the remote type before pairing or replacing it.
- One app failing: troubleshoot that app before resetting the whole Roku.
Roku has no picture or says “no signal”
- Turn on the TV and select the HDMI input where the Roku is connected. Use the TV remote’s Input or Source button if needed.
- Check that both ends of the HDMI cable are firmly connected. For a Streaming Stick, remove and reseat it in the TV’s HDMI port.
- If the screen is still blank, try another HDMI port or cable, if available. Roku’s setup guidance distinguishes High Speed HDMI cables for 720p/1080p from Premium High Speed cables for 4K/HDR; a replacement cable is relevant only if connection or cable testing points to it.
- Temporarily connect the player directly to the TV, bypassing an AVR or soundbar. If possible, test the Roku on another TV to help isolate whether the issue follows the player or the original display setup.
For a Streaming Stick, Roku notes that a short HDMI extender may be useful in some setups. It is not a general fix for every blank screen.
Roku TV or streaming player will not power on
For a Roku TV
Disconnect any power strip or extension cord for the test and plug the TV into a different wall outlet. If the outlet is GFCI-protected, check whether it has tripped and needs resetting. Roku’s power troubleshooting recommends checking the power source before moving on to more disruptive steps.
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#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
For a Roku player or Streaming Stick
Use the supplied USB power cable and adapter when possible. Some TV USB ports do not provide enough power for a Roku device. If power problems persist, consult Roku Support or the TV manufacturer as appropriate; a factory reset is not a power-source check.
Roku will not connect to Wi-Fi or the internet
- Confirm the Roku is selecting the intended Wi-Fi network and that the password is correct.
- Test a phone, tablet, or computer on the same network. If that device also cannot connect or reach the internet, the issue may be with the router, home network, or internet provider rather than the Roku.
- Restart the Roku and the router/modem. Wait for the network equipment to come back online before checking the Roku connection again.
- If the signal is weak, move the Roku closer to the router or reduce obstructions between them.
Roku’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide associates error codes with possible causes: 14.40 and 14.41 indicate a wrong password; 14.20, 14.62, and 14.64 indicate a weak signal; 012 and 013 relate to Ethernet cable issues; and 018 indicates slow internet. These codes point to troubleshooting paths, not guaranteed diagnoses.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Roku remote does not respond or pair
First determine whether the remote is a basic infrared (IR) model, a voice remote with replaceable batteries, or a rechargeable voice remote. The correct power and pairing steps depend on the type.
- For a battery-powered remote, remove and reseat the batteries or try fresh ones. Recharge a rechargeable model if needed.
- Restart the Roku. If the remote still does not work, follow Roku’s remote-specific restart and pairing instructions.
- For voice remotes with a pairing button, use that button to enter pairing mode. For models without a pairing button, press and hold Back + Home. Keep the remote near the Roku while pairing and check for distance or interference if it does not connect.
Roku’s remote troubleshooting instructions cover pairing-button and button-free voice remotes. If navigation works but TV power or volume does not, the remote may need TV-control setup rather than Roku pairing. Roku explains that IR requires line of sight; HDMI-CEC requires compatible equipment and may need to be enabled in the TV’s settings. Some TVs support CEC for power but not volume. Rerun Roku’s TV-control setup and check the TV maker’s instructions for its CEC setting.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Use the mobile app only when the Roku is already on your network
The Roku mobile app can serve as a remote if the Roku is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the phone or tablet. It cannot find a Roku that is disconnected, being set up for the first time, or not yet connected to that network. If replacement is necessary, check Roku’s remote guidance and verify that a compatible replacement remote is listed for your exact device before buying; compatibility varies by model.
Roku update fails or gets stuck
- Confirm the Roku is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that another device can access the internet.
- Improve the connection by moving the Roku nearer the router or reducing obstructions. Restart the Roku and router if the connection remains unreliable.
- On the Roku, go to Settings > System > System update > Check now.
- If your model supports Ethernet, try a wired connection for a more reliable update connection. If the update service is temporarily unavailable, wait and try again later.
These steps follow Roku’s system update troubleshooting guidance.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
An app crashes, will not open, or reports insufficient memory
If one app is failing
Restart the Roku first. If the problem continues with just one app, check the network connection, then remove and reinstall the app where that option is available. Roku’s playback troubleshooting guidance recommends app-level troubleshooting rather than resetting the entire device as the first response.
If Roku reports insufficient memory
Remove apps you no longer use to free space. Roku also notes that some streaming devices have a microSD slot; availability depends on the model. A network problem can also affect app playback, so verify connectivity before concluding that the device has failed.
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Restarting Roku is not the same as factory resetting it
A system restart is the lower-impact step: it does not erase your settings. Use the restart option in Settings, or briefly unplug the device if you cannot access the menus. Roku’s restart and reset instructions describe the available paths.
A factory reset returns the Roku to its factory configuration, removing account and app information and personal preferences. Guided setup will be required again, so have your Wi-Fi password and Roku account credentials ready; you will also need to sign back in to streaming apps. Save a factory reset for when targeted troubleshooting has failed or support advises it. Roku’s reset guidance is published for the UK, so menu labels and setup details may differ by region or model.
Quick Recap
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