How to Fix It When Pluto TV Isn't Working on Roku

Pluto TV is a fun and free way to watch TV on Roku. If you are sometimes experiencing freezing, blank screens or other issues, the app can sometimes freeze up or even kick you out altogether. If Pluto TV isn’t working on your Roku, here’s how to fix it.

Why Does Pluto TV Keep Crashing?

There are generally a few reasons your Pluto app is crashing on your Roku:

• The Pluto app needs to be updated.
• Your Roku needs to have an update run manually or to have its memory expanded.
• The Roku needs to be reset.
• Your connection is either too slow or varies too much in download speed for the app to stream consistently.
• The Pluto service itself is having technical issues.

You may notice problems tend to appear most often when you use Pluto in “live TV” mode. That’s due to the fact Pluto operates much like a traditional TV signal, where the show runs “live” over your internet connection with no ability to pause or any buffering between episodes. That makes stability particularly important for a smooth viewing experience.

How Do I Reset My Pluto TV?

Fortunately, Roku's "plug and play" design combined with the simplicity of Pluto means issues are limited and easy to diagnose. We've ordered these steps to address each of the common Roku and Pluto issues.

1. Check that your Roku’s software and the Pluto app are up to date. Depending on how many channels you have, you may need to delete a few.
   

   Check your Roku’s manual and see if you can expand it with an SD card. This will give you more room for channels.

2. Clear your Roku’s cache by turning off your Roku or restarting it from the menu by following Home > Settings > System > System Restart > Restart.
   

3. Use an independent site, such as Is It Down Right Now, DownDetector, Or ServicesDown, to ensure Pluto is up and there are no technical issues on its end. Use the URL Pluto.tv to check.
   

4. Test your internet speed and run the tests a few times in succession. Look for any changes in upload and download speed, especially large swings in speed.
   
   

Pluto TV and Bandwidth Throttling

If you notice this is more likely to happen at the end of the month or the week, check the terms of service with your internet service provider to determine whether you can be subject to bandwidth throttling. Pluto recommends at least 5MB of download speed in order to work properly. Download speeds any lower may cause crashes of the app or stuttering of the video.

As a result, if your internet is being throttled, Pluto may have more problems. There are two ways to solve this: Upgrade your plan or switch internet providers, or stream Pluto from a device connected to another network, such as an unlimited data plan on your phone.