How to Fix It When Roku Won't Turn On

Figure out why Roku's not turning On and solve the issue

If your Roku TV won't turn on, it can be frustrating, especially if you're sitting down to watch a movie or the next episode of a show, but there are a few things you can try to get it going again.

Why Is My Roku Not Turning On?

Some of the most common issues are:

  • A bad power cable or not enough power getting to the device.
  • Loose connections.
  • A missing update.
  • A firmware issue.
  • Overheating.

Regardless of the cause of the issue, there are some things to try if your Roku device isn't working properly.

How Do I Get My Roku to Turn On?

If your Roku won't turn on, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try in order from easiest, most likely to work to hardest, least likely to work.

  1. Make sure all your connections are secure. It's possible something has bumped a cord or connection and loosened it so there's not enough of a connection for the Roku to work. Try making sure all your connections are tight.

  2. Use a different power outlet. If your Roku is connected to a power outlet, try using a different outlet to see if the issue might be the outlet. Be sure the outlet you are trying is working by plugging something else to it first.

    If your Roku is plugged into a USB port on your TV for power, try plugging it in with an external power cord. Sometimes the USB connection can't pull enough power to operate the Roku.

    Also check the batteries in your Roku remote to be sure that's not the problem.

  3. Make sure you're using the cables that came with your Roku. It might be tempting to use other cables you have laying around, but stick to the Roku cables, as they were designed specifically for that model.

    Similarly, try using different cables with your Roku device (Roku branded if you can) to see if the cables you are using to make the connections to power and with the TV might be bad.

  4. Disconnect and then reconnect the Roku. If everything seems to be in working order, try disconnecting the Roku completely and then reconnect it.

  5. Try updating your Roku. An out-of-date device might not work properly. The Roku should update automatically on its own, but if the device doesn't update, or you just want to be sure you're running the most recent version of the software and firmware for it, you can use these steps to update:

    You'll need to be able to at least get a Roku home screen in order to be able to update the device.

    1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
    2. Select Settings > System Settings > System Update.
    3. Choose Check Now.

    If an update is available for your Roku, it should begin to download and update the device.

    Do not interrupt the Roku while it's updating. Interrupting it could result in a corrupted update making things worse instead of better.

  6. Try resetting your Roku. When all else fails, you can try to reset your Roku to see if that might clear out whatever problem you might be experiencing.

What to Do If Your Roku Is Not Working

If none of the troubleshooting steps above work to get your Roku going again, you should reach out to Roku for support. The company might be able to solve the problem, or if the Roku device is still under warranty, to replace it altogether.

FAQ
  • Why won't my Roku remote turn on my TV?

    If new batteries don't do the trick, fix a Roku remote that isn't working by removing objects that could be blocking the infrared signal between your Roku remote and Roku device. If that doesn't work, your remote likely needs to be re-paired. To reset and re-pair your Roku remote, remove the batteries > unplug your Roku > put the batteries back > and press and hold the pairing button until the indicator light turns green.

  • Why won't my Roku white light turn on?

    If you've run through all of the above suggestions and your Roku indicator light doesn't turn on or stay on, contact Roku support. If you have a Roku TV with this issue, you might want to contact the TV manufacturer for help with your model.

  • Why won't my Roku Streaming Stick turn on?

    If you've plugged it into an HDMI port on your TV and nothing happens, try other available ports. Also, try a USB connection or plug it into the wall if your streaming stick supports it. To figure out whether your Roku device or your TV is the problem, connect the streaming stick to a different TV.

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