Issues playing shows and movies on your Roku device
There may be several reasons that content will not play, is poor quality, or frequently starts and stops on your Roku device. If you encounter these issues, or are having trouble loading an app on your Roku device, follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Determine whether it’s a service interruption
Cannot play a specific video
If a specific movie or TV show does not play, try playing other titles from the same streaming app. If other titles also will not play, visit the streaming service’s website to see if there’s a service interruption or outage.
Streaming app issue with loading
- Try playing a video from another app. For example, try playing a title from The Roku Channel.
- If the app you are trying to watch requires a subscription, such as Netflix, make sure that you have properly signed in or link the app to your account. In some cases, you may need to link to an app using your credentials from your cable or satellite account. Follow the on-screen instructions or contact customer support for that app if you need help signing in.
Check your Wi-Fi connection
An unstable internet connection can cause issues with loading videos and apps on your Roku device.
- Press Home
on your Roku remote - Use the direction pad to select Settings
- Navigate to Network > About to check the Wi-Fi status
- If your Roku device is not connected, select Set up connection and follow the on-screen instructions
- If you’re still having trouble, reconnect your Roku device to the Internet
- After confirming your Roku device is connected, select Check connection to perform a test of your network and internet connection.
For help understanding the results of the connection test and how they can help troubleshoot playback issues, review the article about checking your connection. Review the tips for improving the wireless connection to your Roku device.
Reduce the number of devices connected to the internet
You may not have enough data on your internet plan for loading streaming content while other devices are connected. Try reducing the usage of your Wi-Fi connection by decreasing the number of devices connected, such as other streaming players, computers, game consoles, and mobile devices.
Reset your Wi-Fi or router
You may need to reset your internet connection if you are having trouble streaming content with your Roku device.
- Locate your internet router and reset it by doing the following:
- Unplug it from its power source. Wait 10 seconds, then plug it directly into a power outlet
- Press the Reset button located on the bottom or back of the device and wait for a few minutes, then try loading content on your Roku device again
- If you need help with this step, contact your internet service provider
Restart your Roku device
You may need to restart your Roku device if you are having issues with streaming content or opening apps.
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Scroll down and select Settings
- Select System
- Select Power. If you do not see a Power submenu, skip to the next step
- Select System restart
- You can also reset your Roku device by unplugging it:
- Power off your Roku device
- Unplug it from its power source
- Wait 10 seconds, then plug it directly into a power outlet
- Turn it on and try accessing content again
Remove the app and reinstall it
If an app is not loading, you may need to remove it from your Roku device and reinstall it.
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- Use the directional pad to highlight the app you want to remove
- Press the Star
button on your remote to open the Options menu - Select Remove app and confirm
App not loading or has a black screen
If an app will not open or is crashing when you open it, you may need to update it to the latest version.
- Press Home on your Roku remote
- Use the directional pad to select the app that is not loading and press Star to open the Settings menu
- Select Check for Updates
- Once the app is finished updating, try opening it again.
- Try improving your Wi-Fi connection
Determine whether it’s a service interruption
If a specific movie or TV show does not play, try other titles from the same streaming app. If other titles also don’t play correctly, visit the provider's website to see if there’s a service interruption or outage.
Help accessing exclusive or ad-free content
If you're unable to access content that's exclusive to subscribers—such as original shows, movies, or ad-free content—please check your subscription status by visiting the streaming service's website. If you subscribed to an app with Roku Pay, check your active subscriptions at https://my.roku.com/subscriptions.
Last updated at 2/19/2026 7:11:44 PM
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