Key Points

  • Like most devices, you may need to reset your Roku TV on occasion if it freezes or errors. Resetting your device obviously doesn’t fix every issue. Depending on what problem you’re having, you may want to try checking your internet connection, changing your remote batteries, or using a different HDMI cable.If you are still having issues with your device after the above fixes, try performing a system restart. If you can control your Roku, you can perform this from the system menu. If your Roku is frozen or unresponsive, you’ll have to turn the TV off and on again by unplugging the power cord for at least 10 seconds before plugging it back in.When all else fails, you can factory reset your device either through the menu or via a reset button on the back or bottom of your device. This will remove any user content on your Roku TV, so it’s best to use this method only as a last resort.

Whether it is for a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you have probably run into a point where your device froze and had to restart it to get it working again. Unfortunately, like these devices, Rokus can also experience freezing or unresponsiveness.

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If you are in this situation with your Roku TV, follow this article, and you will be up and running in no time.

What to Check First

If you discover your Roku device is frozen, it is critical to determine if the behavior is intermittent or remains constant. A couple of things you will want to check are if you can control the Roku at all. External elements such as the remote, the network, or an HDMI cable may contribute if symptoms come and go. Efforts should be made to eliminate these possibilities, especially if you continue to see the same intermittent behavior over time.

  • Replace batteries: If you are having trouble controlling your device, you should first try replacing the batteries in your remote. Although it might seem simple, this step is often overlooked and can make the whole process much more manageable. Check network: If you are having playback issues, first check your internet connection and see if that is causing the problem. An excellent way to do that is to try streaming some content on another device, like a phone or laptop. Try a different HDMI cable: If you are having a problem with video freezing sporadically, try swapping the HDMI cable out. HDMI cables degrade over time, so it is a good idea to replace them often.

System Restart

If the first three steps did not fix your issues, we recommend restarting your device. This is a less intensive way to troubleshoot before continuing to the next step. Unfortunately, this is not as easy for Rokus to turn off the machine and back on. 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. If you still have some control of your Roku, you can also do this through the menus.

Factory Reset Your Device

If none of the other troubleshooting steps have fixed the issue with your Roku, factory resetting your device is the last ditch effort you can make. However, it is worth noting that before you continue, a factory reset will erase your personal preferences, unlink your device from your Roku account, reset all settings, and return your device to a state ready for initial setup.

The factory resetting process is relatively simple if you can control your device. You can perform the following steps with your Roku remote or the Roku mobile app.

But, if you cannot control your device at all, a physical button on Roku devices allows you to force a factory reset. The physical reset button is located on the back or bottom of your device. It is either a tactile button or a pinhole design that requires a straightened paper clip.

After you locate the Reset button and your Roku device is powered on, press and hold the button firmly for about 10 seconds. When the factory reset is complete, an indicator light or status LED will blink rapidly on most Roku devices.

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