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How to Fix Roku TV Not Working

Few things are as frustrating as when devices suddenly stop working, or worse, when they don't work out of the box. If your Roku isn't working, this guide will help you.

By stela smithPublished 11 months ago 4 min read
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Roku is arguably the most recognizable name in the world when it comes to streaming devices, and it's one of the best platforms to hook into the world of movie and TV show apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video and much more. The company has a wide range of streaming set-top boxes, streaming sticks, sound bars, Roku-powered TVs from TCL and Hisense, and most recently the company's made-for-Roku TVs that we've just started getting our hands on.

Roku devices are reliable and fairly inexpensive, but that doesn't mean they're invincible. Maybe you've noticed that your Roku device hasn't been running as fast lately, or you've run into a glitch or two with some of your favorite apps. In this guide help you dial 1-888-570-1595, we'll break down some of the most common issues you may experience with your Roku hardware and what you can do to try and fix it.

Common Roku problems

  • Roku won’t turn on
  • Roku is frozen
  • Roku isn’t connecting to the internet
  • Roku is connected but not working
  • Roku audio isn’t playing or is distorted
  • Roku video quality is poor
  • Roku audio and video are not synchronized

How to fix Roku problems

Most common Roku problems can be fixed by restarting, updating, or factory resetting your device.

How to restart your Roku

Restarting your Roku is much easier if your Roku responds to the commands you enter into the remote.

If your Roku remote is working:

  • Press the Home button on the remote
  • Scroll down to Select Settings
  • Select System Reboot
  • Select Restart
  • Confirm by pressing OK
  • The Roku device will reboot

Roku Fast Forward Not Working: How To Fix It

Issues with fast-forwarding media have been longstanding on Roku devices, either due to hardware issues or exclusively associated with a particular channel/app.

Roku's hardware fares quite well compared to the many streaming and other devices in my arsenal, thanks to its exceptional user interface and unparalleled selection of content.

But after using my fair share of Roku devices in my life, I have to say that problems with search are common on Roku devices.

If fast forward isn't working on your Roku, check the batteries and fast forward button on your Roku remote. You can also try restarting your Roku, updating the firmware, and clearing the cache on the device. If none of these work, factory reset the Roku.

I have explained all the possible solutions in detail so that you can fix the fast forward issue on your Roku.

Check out the Roku remote

In times of adversity regarding remotes such as home, check and make sure your Roku remote is working properly.

A damaged fast-forward button or dead battery on your remote can herald problems with your device.

Begin the troubleshooting procedure by checking the condition of the batteries.

On top-tier models like the Roku Ultra and Premiere, you get Voice Pro remotes that also pack some smart features.

All of these extra features can gobble up a lot more juice than your run-of-the-mill infrared remote controls.

Common indications of dead batteries include unresponsive commands, delayed responses, failure to detect button presses, etc.

In such cases, remove the back cover of your Roku remote or Voice PRO remote and replace the batteries.

Once you have taken care of the batteries, now check the remote for physical damage.

One plausible reason to check for problems on your Roku device is an indented button. Check if the fast forward button is being activated in some other way apart from its own will.

A quick check of the pressure resistance by pressing the button can fix these problems.

Signs of wear resulting from a recent drop or any other uncertainties can damage the interior of the remote, ultimately leading to issues like the one at hand.

Reset Roku Remote

Sometimes inadvertent button presses or physical damage may have nothing to do with such a problem. Sometimes all your remote needs are a quick update.

This statement is true, especially when your remote starts to fail abruptly without rhyme or reason.

Incipient bugs and bugs that may have taken over your remote or Roku device may bear the brunt.

And there is no reason to panic in such situations, as the solution is quite simple - reset your connection!

Predominantly used to address issues like Roku remotes beeping, resetting the remote can also prove effective with the issue at hand.

To reset the pairing between your remote and Roku device, turn off your Roku device by first unplugging the power cord.

Then follow these steps to reset the connection:

1. Remove the battery compartment cover and take out the batteries.

2. Plug the power cord back in and turn on your Roku device.

3. Replace the batteries.

4. Press and hold the pairing button on the battery compartment for approximately 5 seconds or until the LED flashes green.

5. Wait for the remote to pair.

How to manually restart Roku

You can manually reset your Roku by accessing the secret Reset Roku menu with your remote. All you need to do is the Roku remote.

Please note that to manually restart your Roku Stick or Roku TV, you need a secret code that will allow you to access the Restart menu. You can also see how to fix Roku remote volume not working in our complete guide.

  • The secret code to reset the Roku secret menu:
  • Press the home button 5 times
  • After that press the up arrow
  • Finally, press Rewind 2x and Fast Forward 2X

The secret menu will allow you to restart your device if you have any trouble navigating to device settings or can't get out of the home screen.

Important: The secret reset code will only work from the home screen of your Roku, even if your Roku is frozen and not during a movie or show.

But what if your Roku isn't working at all? In that case, you can use the "Reset" button at the bottom (or back) of your device.

Press the button for one second and your Roku will automatically perform a soft reset without losing any data.

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