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RokuJharra-Q's avatar
RokuJharra-Q
Retired Moderator
2 months ago
Solved

[Solved] Backdrops and Photostreams - app removed

Hey everyone,

We know some of you are having issues with the Backdrops and Photostreams app or are seeing the message, “This channel is no longer available.”

Status Update 4/18: We’re looking into the issue and actively working on a fix.

In the meantime, we recommend restarting the Roku device, which may temporarily resolve the issue.

We’ll keep you in the loop with any updates.

Roku Community Team

Fixed
  • RokuJharra-Q's avatar
    RokuJharra-Q
    2 months ago

    Hey everyone! 

    Status Update 4.18.25: The Backdrops and Photostreams should now be resolved.

    To effectively resolve it, follow these steps:

    • System update (By going to Settings, System, Software update, Check now.)
    • Restart the Roku device

    If you still can't find the app, we need your help.

    Please provide the Issue Tracker ID (Press Home 5x, Back 5x) and take a photo of the screen so we can investigate. 

    Thanks for your patience and continued support of the Roku Community!

    Happy Streaming! 💜

55 Replies

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  • RaBn's avatar
    RaBn
    Reel Rookie
    2 months ago

    The Backdrops and Photostream Apps are not working. When you click on the app(s), it states that the channel has been removed. Tech support not aware. They escalated the issue to a specialist, also not aware. I explained that others in the Community were reporting the same problem today 4/17/25. Ran through the troubleshooting steps I took: Removing the app(s), restarting the ROKU player, then adding the apps back to my home page, but that the same message appears. Tech Support had me click home button 5 times then Back button 5 times to create a tracking issue ID.  I gave them the information and then I told them I noted that there were at least 15 to 20 replies with the same issue in the ROKU Community forum.  They then wanted to know my internet provider. They also stated that they now have confirmation that there is an issue and were going to escalate the issue further.  This is their reply:

    From Tech support: I've escalated your case to our Engineering team to review, and you can expect that once we've fixed the issue, your device will update on its own, so there's no need to follow up. This may take some time, but rest assured that your issue will be investigated as quickly as possible. We may reach out to you if our Engineers need more information, so please keep an eye on your email.

    • KCQuacker's avatar
      KCQuacker
      Streaming Star
      2 months ago

      I just walked into a room that has a TV left on so the Roku went to screensaver. The screensaver should be my Roku Photo Streams. I went to settings, theme, screensaver and Photo Streams was still selected. When I selected it though and then tried "Go to app" it comes up "This channel is no longer available. Visit the Roku Channel Store to discover more entertainment. For more details, visit go.roku.com/channel removed"

      The Photo Streams screensaver was up and working a couple hours ago so this is very new.  O new updates.or anything on the TV I first noticed this on. Why remove such a great channel? 

      • RavenReserve's avatar
        RavenReserve
        Newbie
        2 months ago

        Same here. I hate it! I do NOT want to see "roku city"!  I want my photo streams slideshow of my chosen photos without having to connect it to a back up cloud.  Fix it roku!

    • FerruzAXP's avatar
      FerruzAXP
      Newbie
      2 months ago

      Was backdrops removed from Roku?

      I can still download the app, but when I try to load it, I get a message that has been removed.

      Anyone else seeing this?

       

      • Serendipity's avatar
        Serendipity
        Reel Rookie
        2 months ago

        I’m getting the same issue, which is sad because it hasn’t been available that long and is apparently already being removed.  I really enjoyed it. 
        it could, however, possibly be an issue with Google which uses photo streams to connect to backdrop… 

        not quite sure yet. Guess we will know in 24 hours or so.

    • JamesT1968's avatar
      JamesT1968
      Newbie
      2 months ago

      I have the same issue on my roku ultra I purchased 2 or 3 years ago, but it works fine on the original roku ultra I have.

  • BobsUrUncle's avatar
    BobsUrUncle
    Reel Rookie
    2 months ago

    Hey everyone,

    I too was having the same problem as others, but this solution worked for me and fixed the problem.

    1.  Go to Settings > Theme > Screensavers

    2. Under "My Screensavers" click on the Roku PhotoStreams App and click on "Remove Screensaver" and uninstall it

    3. After it has been removed, click on "Get Screensaver" to add Photostreams back to your Roku device, and then it should redownload just fine, and you can then hit "Set as screensaver".

    I then also clicked on "Preview Screensaver" just to double check and after it loaded up, all of my pictures were there and the screensaver worked properly again.

    I hope that helps get it to work again for everyone.