You can reset your Roku® streaming device if it becomes frozen or stuck. Your device also has an operating system that runs software applications, and although uncommon, it too can become unresponsive. Should you find your Roku device in a frozen state or perhaps it is "stuck at the Roku logo" on startup, this article helps to rule out an environmental issue before progressing to a system restart or network reset.
The instructions below apply to the following Roku devices:
- Roku TV™
- Roku streaming player
- Roku Streaming Stick®
- Roku Streambar® SE, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, or Roku Smart Soundbar
What to check first
If your Roku device is frozen, check if the issue is constant or intermittent. Does the video freeze or cut in and out? Can you control it sometimes? If the problem comes and goes, try troubleshooting the remote, network, or HDMI cable using the steps below.
- Replace batteries: If you are unable to control your Roku device, try installing new matching batteries in the remote. This often-overlooked solution may keep your troubleshooting to a minimum. If you have a rechargeable Roku remote, recharge it.
- Check network: If you are experiencing intermittent playback issues where the image is jerky and pixelated, try streaming video on another device on your network (e.g., smartphone, laptop). If you see the behavior on the other device, check out some tips for improving the Wi-Fi® network connection in your home.
- Inspect HDMI cable: HDMI cables carry large amounts of data delivering video and audio to other devices. If you notice the picture freezes sporadically or see other video irregularities, try testing with a different HDMI cable (at least temporarily). Using quality HDMI cables is important, particularly when setting up a 4K Ultra HD and HDR device with your Roku TV or when connecting your Roku player or Streambar with a 4K TV or an HDR TV.
If after observing the symptoms, you determine the behavior is constant, a reset method described in the next sections may be necessary. If you have a Roku TV, before you begin, check to see if it responds when using the physical buttons on the TV bezel. If these are not easily visible, feel for the buttons by moving your hand along the top, bottom, and side edges.
System restart your device
A system restart is the least invasive reset method and won't affect your settings. If you have a Roku TV, it is not the same as pressing the power button on the remote or the physical power button on the TV itself. 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 reaching the power cord is inconvenient, you can also use the instructions below to perform a system restart from the Settings menu (assuming you can control your Roku device with the remote or the free Roku mobile app for iOS® or Android™).
- Press Home
on your Roku remote - Scroll and select Settings
- Select System
- Select Power. If you do not see a Power submenu, skip to the next step.
- Select System restart
In either case, your Roku device will complete a system restart and should return to normal operation after a moment. If it does not, continue to the next section.
Reset the network connection
A network reset is helpful if you experience issues with multiple streaming channels, or if you are using a Roku voice remote and after replacing the batteries, it fails to respond. In either case, if you have a Roku TV, be sure you have tested the physical buttons on the TV and confirmed they are working. A network reset is done from the Settings menu (assuming you can control your device).
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Scroll and select Settings
- Select Advanced system settings
- Select Network connection reset
- Select Reset connection
After the network reset is done, your Roku device will restart and you will need to return to the Settings menu and set up your wireless network again.
Related Articles
For help with other Roku products visit the articles below