Roku keeps freezing and restarting: what to do

A Roku device is a great item, but occasionally it crashes, freezes, or restarts for no apparent reason. It may freeze or restart during a streaming session, when scanning channels, or when idle, and may freeze at any time. This tutorial discusses several steps you can take to fix restarting and freezing issues.

Before we “drill down” and discover possible solutions to Roku restarting or freezing issues, it’s important to note one technical detail. Roku Channels ARE NOT channels, but are actually apps that may or may not have channels. An app that has channels could include live TV functionality, like Pluto TV and Sling. However, CBS News and Nick are not technically channels, but rather apps that offer live or on-demand streaming that you could call channels. Good, now we can move on! Here are some helpful tips to prevent your Roku from restarting or freezing.

What causes a Roku device to freeze or restart?

Whether it’s overheating, a poor internet connection, or an error with the device or one of the apps, there are numerous things that can cause your Roku device to malfunction. For the sake of simplicity, it is best to start with the simplest solution and increase the complexity.

Unplug the Roku device and let it cool

One of the main causes of devices behaving strangely is excess heat. As with most devices these days, Roku devices are compact in nature and do not come equipped with internal fans; Fewer moving parts means less chance of failure. As a consequence, they depend on the natural process of heat transfer and circulation, which is why certain parts look a certain way and have heat sinks.

1. Unplug your Roku device and let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes.
2. Make sure there are no obstructions to heat dissipation around your device, i.e. check that your device is not too close to a wall, TV, computer, etc.
3. Plug your device back in and let it reboot.

Update your Roku

You may have already tried this step, but it may be worth trying again. Roku updates quite regularly to add features or fix bugs. Just like the Nintendo Switch Pokemon and headset issues, performing a system update can not only resolve the above issues but also add other solutions.

1. If it’s not there already, select Home on your remote control.
2. Then scroll down and select Settings.
3. Then select System from the new page.
4. Now select Upgrade system and then choose check it now.
5. Allow Roku to update if one is available.

Restart your Roku

Most people tend to leave the Roku plugged in and on standby when not in use. Therefore, it is a good idea to restart it periodically. The procedure updates all files and resets memory, which can prevent freezing or reboot issues.

1. Again, navigate to the Settings menu and then select System.
2. Now select System reboot.
3. Then select Resume.

The reset steps alone may be enough to stop the problems you are having. It’s always a good idea to restart your device from time to time.

Remove the headphones from the remote control

There is a known issue when headphones are connected to the remote control. A fix was released, but some users are still complaining about Roku freezing or restarting when they have headphones connected.

1. Update your Roku.
2. Unplug the Roku for at least 30 seconds.
3. Remove the headphones from the remote control.
4. Remove the batteries from the remote control and wait about 30 seconds, then reinsert them.
5. Restart the Roku.
6. Please check again for updates.

Turn off Wi-Fi on your Nintendo Switch

There has been a known issue with the Nintendo Switch interfering with certain Roku devices, but only when playing Pokémon Sword and Shield.

1. Update your Roku.
2. Unplug the Roku.
3. Turn off the Nintendo Switch or set it to Airplane mode.
4. Restart the Roku.
5. Please check again for updates.

An update released for Roku devices potentially resolved Pokémon’s problems. However, many people still claimed to have freezing or restarting issues, which could occur due to a different issue or because the update never completed successfully. Roku tech support recommended that Roku owners try updating their device again later, often at night, mainly because the issue may be caused by a “nearby” Nintendo Switch. So, if you’re still experiencing reboots or crashes, your Roku device may simply need to get that update.

After trying the two steps above, try these other troubleshooting tips to see if they solve your problem.

Check changes

Have you made any setting changes or added new apps (aka channels) since your Roku started freezing or restarting? While rare, adding apps can interfere with how other apps run, and changing settings can cause Roku to crash and restart.

Consider any changes you made to your Roku when you started having problems. Retrace your steps and undo the changes to see what happens.

Check for channel issues

Does your Roku freeze or restart on a specific app or channel within the app? Do you always do the same thing when it happens? If it appears to be related to a channel or app, delete it and reinstall it. If it’s a menu or navigation issue, delete some channels you no longer watch to reduce memory usage.

Check your network

It is rare, but possible, that a poor network signal will cause your Roku device to freeze or restart. If you use Wi-Fi, check the signal strength on your phone. If other people in your home are using the network, make sure there is enough bandwidth for everyone. If the signal strength or quality is poor, connect your Roku via Ethernet (if possible) and test again. If it remains stable, it could be the wireless signal. Attempt change your Wi-Fi channel. Faulty Wi-Fi signals can affect data received on your Roku device, causing crashes or restarts.

Check the HDMI cable

Most Roku devices use HDMI cables to connect to your TV, so that’s the next thing to check. Change it for another cable and see what happens. Just as there are physical and connection differences in Ethernet and USB cables, there ARE differences in HDMI cables. HDMI cables rarely fail, but since this step only takes a few seconds, it’s worth a try.

Factory reset your Roku

Restarting your Roku is a last resort step. You’ll lose all your channels, your customizations, and everything you’ve done to make it yours. However, if all the previous steps have failed, it is your only option other than replacing the device. Nothing is perfect and there is a chance that you have a faulty Roku device.

1. Select Home on your Roku remote.
2. Now, scroll down and select Settings.
3. Then select System.
4. Then choose Advanced system settings.
5. Now select Factory reset.
6. Then, enter the code shown, select OKand then confirm your choice if prompted.
7. Wait for Roku to clear your configuration settings, download new files, and restart

If a factory reset doesn’t work, nothing will, unless a new “magical” update happens.

Roku Device Troubleshooting

As with most devices, there are many things that can cause the issue of your Roku device freezing and restarting intermittently. All you can do is try to solve the problem, one possible solution at a time.

Do you know of any specific solutions for a Roku that keeps freezing or restarting? Tell us below if you do!