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Fix a TV that has Roku that will not work

We'll check input, power, Wi-Fi, and remote—or factory reset when needed.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Roku remote (or Roku mobile app)
  • TV remote
Step 1 of 9

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check input and power, then rule out remote and Wi-Fi issues.

  • Confirm Roku does not show a picture, does not respond to the remote, or will not stream.
  • Good: You have confirmed the symptom. Proceed to Check input and power.
  • Bad: Roku works sometimes—may be remote or Wi-Fi.

Check input and power

Goal: Confirm the correct input is selected and Roku has power.

  • Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input for the Roku, or the Roku input for built-in.
  • Confirm the Roku has power—USB or power adapter for streaming devices; TV on for built-in.
  • Good: Correct input selected and Roku has power. The home screen appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no picture—proceed to Check Wi-Fi and remote.

Check Wi-Fi and remote

Goal: Rule out remote and Wi-Fi issues.

  • Replace the batteries in the Roku remote. Use the Roku mobile app if the remote does not respond.
  • Go to Settings > Network and confirm the Roku is connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Good: Remote works and Wi-Fi is connected. Roku streams. Done.
  • Bad: Still does not work—proceed to Power-cycle.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset Roku and TV.

  • Unplug the Roku from power (or unplug the TV if built-in). Unplug the TV. Wait 30 seconds. Plug back in.
  • Good: Power-cycle fixes it. Roku responds. Done.
  • Bad: Still does not work—restart from Settings or factory reset.

When to get help

Replace the Roku if:

  • Factory reset and all checks do not fix it. The device may be faulty.

Call a pro if:

  • The TV has no picture on any input—the TV may need repair.

Verification

  • The Roku home screen appears on the correct input.
  • The remote or Roku app controls the Roku.
  • The Roku is connected to Wi-Fi in Settings > Network.
  • Streaming apps load and play content.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Input and power Select correct input; confirm Roku has power.
  2. Remote Replace batteries or use Roku mobile app.
  3. Wi-Fi Check connection in Settings > Network.
  4. Power-cycle and restart Power-cycle Roku and TV; restart from Settings.
  5. Call a pro or replace TV has no picture on any input—call a technician. Roku faulty—replace device or use different streaming device.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Roku type (streaming device or built-in)
  • TV model
  • Whether Roku connects to Wi-Fi
  • Steps already tried

Is the correct input selected?

Wrong input shows no picture.

Use the TV remote. Select the HDMI input for the Roku, or Roku input for built-in. Correct input: check power. Wrong input: select correct one, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Select correct input

Select the input where Roku is connected. Confirm Roku has power. If home screen appears, done. If not, check power and remote.

Done

Does Roku have power?

Streaming devices need USB or power adapter; built-in needs TV on.

Check power cable. Powered: check remote and Wi-Fi. No power: connect power, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Connect power and test

Connect power cable. Confirm Roku boots. If it works, done. If not, check remote and Wi-Fi.

Done

Does the remote or app control Roku?

Dead batteries or pairing can prevent control.

Replace remote batteries. Use Roku mobile app if remote fails. Works: check Wi-Fi. No: power-cycle Roku and TV, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Replace batteries and power-cycle

Replace remote batteries. Power-cycle Roku and TV. If remote or app works, done. If not, factory reset.

Done

Is Roku connected to Wi-Fi?

Check Settings > Network.

Go to Settings > Network. Confirm connected. Power-cycle if disconnected. Connected: restart from Settings or factory reset. Not connected: connect to Wi-Fi, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Connect Wi-Fi and test

Select your Wi-Fi in Settings > Network. Enter password. If it works, done. If not, factory reset.

Done

Restart or factory reset

Settings > System > Power > System restart. If still broken, factory reset from Settings > System > Advanced system settings. Still no: replace Roku.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Roku stop working?
Wrong input selected, power loss, Wi-Fi disconnected, remote batteries dead, or a firmware glitch. Less often: faulty HDMI cable or port.
Can I fix Roku that will not work myself?
Yes. Check input, power, and Wi-Fi. Replace remote batteries. Power-cycle the Roku and TV. Factory reset from Settings if needed.
When should I replace Roku?
If factory reset and all checks do not fix it, the device may be faulty. Replace the Roku or use a different streaming device.

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