this is incredibly frustrating. my roku was working perfectly fine an hour ago, and then it randomly forced me to update, it didn't give me the option to update later. i was forced to update; and now every single time i try, it says "can't update software. please try again later" and error 004. my network is excellent, been working perfectly fine the whole day. i'm watching youtube on my computer while typing this, it's solely a roku issue. and after the update fails, the screen is just blank and zero apps load, rendering the entire device completely useless. this is incredibly frustrating and the first time roku has disappointed me.
Getting an error 004 message.
I am forced to update with no other options-only to clink OK to Update
Gets to 82% and then goes to a blank screen-I cannot get the software level info or anything. I have hard-booted several times over several days-checked the internet connect, etc. (which is fine)-and nothing. Do I need purchase a new Roku device?
Roku Stick
SN # CT38DE088296
I am have this issue i cannot trouble shoot because I can't access any other screen once the error is timed out im left with a empty screen with Roku logo and time. I cannot change WiFi I cannot access the "secret menu" the only think i can do is unplug! Help please !
Has anyone here found a solution?
dave492 -
When the update fails to complete here are some things that some people have found to work for them. They may not be universally successful, but they are at least worth a try
Easiest to try, so try this first: Restart your router, even if other devices on the network are not having problems. When your router has completed its startup, try repeating your Roku setup.
If you are powering your Roku by plugging into the USB port on the TV, try powering from house power via a USB power adapter, as some TV USB ports don't supply enough power to drive a Roku reliably. If your Roku didn't come with an adapter, or if you don't have a Roku adapter handy, another USB power adapter you have from another device should work as long as the fine print on it says it outputs at least vac at a minimum of 1 amp.
Try using a different WiFi network to do the update - perhaps via a WiFi hotspot on your mobile phone or by taking it to a friend's house - and see if it will complete the startup. If successful, then redo the WiFi connection to use your intended WiFi network via Settings > Network > Set up connection. Why this works, when it does, I haven't a clue.
THIS WORKED FOR ME WITH MY Roku 3800R Streaming Stick from 2018:
1) I pulled the USB power cable from my SCEPTRE's (a nice, DUMB TV) USB port, and used the adaptor to plug into an AC outlet. Didn't change anything.
2) From the useless, spare "Roku / Time" screen displayed after failed updates, I was able to access the
UPDATE & RESET SECRET SCREEN:
HOME x 5
>> x 3
<< x 2
Tried "Cycle software update server" gave no feedback, so dunno if it did anything…also did the similar option just above it: "Cycle Streaming Store server" again, no feedback. After that, I selected "Update software"…don't recall whether I had to exit the screen, or if it just began doing its thing…was skeptical anything would work…it began downloading the update just the same as many times before, but THIS TIME, when it got near 85%, the "progress wheel" appeared for maybe one minute, then TV powered off & on, going through the similar system update machinations…often with no feedback & seemingly no change to the message on screen…I resisted the temptation to interrupt the process…and VOILA! It successfully did SOMETHING…couldn't really tell whether it updated the system or not (doesn't display enough decimal places where I looked, and didn't want to press my luck and break something), but at least I got back to the home screen and was able the use the Roku again…
Thanks for letting us know about the update issue! we’re here to help!
For more details on what makaiguy mentioned, check out the detailed guide linked in this support article about How to Fix Roku Streaming Device Update issues. You can also try connecting your Roku device to a mobile hotspot.
If the issue persists, send us the device information, including the model, serial number, and OS version/build, which you can find by going to Settings > System > About.
Looking forward to your response.
Roku Community Team
Having same issue, but can’t give you the device information because it’s a blank screen, and you can’t get to the settings menu or any other menu on the screen. I’ve done all resets and nothing works. Internet is working perfectly fine, no network issues. Does Roku not support older devices after a certain point sending them in an endless un- updatable loop?
I am in need of assistance with this 004 error. I have reset multiple times. I tried the shortcut thing with homex5, then backx5.
Gets me to a report tracker window.
That’s it. Nothing else I can do. I cannot navigate anywhere on the device.
I have hard reset with the reset button, unplug completely, etc
Any advice?
It is worse than that -- check my post re: ROKU Ultra playback issues.
ALL ROKU units may spontaneously go to Update which will fail. Error 003, Error 2.34, etc.
I have two units - streamilng stick and an Ultra that are non-functional for over a week.
ROKU engineering knows this. and a trouble ticket is open
When will they provide a strategy to allow an update to an image that is functional.
Mathieu-LA-CA
When the update fails to complete here are some things that some people have found to work for them. They may not be universally successful, but they are at least worth a try
Easiest to try, so try this first: Restart your router, even if other devices on the network are not having problems. When your router has completed its startup, try repeating your Roku setup.
If you are powering your Roku by plugging into the USB port on the TV, try powering from house power via a USB power adapter, as some TV USB ports don't supply enough power to drive a Roku reliably. If your Roku didn't come with an adapter, or if you don't have a Roku adapter handy, another USB power adapter you have from another device should work as long as the fine print on it says it outputs at least vac at a minimum of 1 amp.
Try using a different WiFi network to do the update - perhaps via a WiFi hotspot on your mobile phone or by taking it to a friend's house - and see if it will complete the startup. If successful, then redo the WiFi connection to use your intended WiFi network via Settings > Network > Set up connection. Why this works, when it does, I haven't a clue.
The most frustrating part is there is no choice to bypass the update and no further information included with the error message. I forces consumers to be frustrated first, then after going here and there before stumbling over an answer. It's terrible customer service to drop an update and leave product consumers to fend for themselves. This is a service. Roku don't you care about your consumers anymore? Three days of interrupting my morning routine is not alright. I don't usually have time to hunt down answers on message boards.
I've been dealing with this for a month now. Failed Update bricks Roku Express.
Roku offers no Agent support. The best you can do is push and HOLD the reset button for 10 seconds. This will wipe the Roku. You'll have to re-reguster the device on your network AND reload the apps you want AND sign in again with all of the apps. This will only work for a couple days, then the Roku will BRICK itself again with the Failed Update.
It's terrible that we have to do it this way. This is one of the prices of Tech Bros getting so much power. Good Luck.
Thanks! My Roku was getting power from the TV and couldn't update. I plugged the USB cable into a charger and it worked. After the update I plugged it back into the TV.
Update: If anyone needs to quickly find my post "how I solved error 004 updating issue on older Express and Plus models" just remember that it's on the top of page 10 of this Issue Tracking Board thread. By following those steps, you shouldn't have to factory reset your Roku device. Hopefully, this workaround helps you because I'm unsure if this will work for all Roku device models.
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XenOsTwo, I found out that if the Roku isn't able to use the Hotel and Dorm Connect feature, plugging the Roku into an outlet (instead of the TV) fixes that issue as well. Also, you may have stumbled on a way toward stopping your Roku from getting a future OS update until you're certain that there aren't any issues and you're ready to update the OS on your own time. If only I could power my Roku from my TV 😞
I am having the exact same issue on TWO Roku devices. Is this a money grab ?
Thanks for letting us know about the update issue! We’d like to take a closer look at what's going on.
Can send us the device info? We need the model, serial number, and OS version/build, which you can find by going to Settings > System > About.
Looking forward to your response.
Roku Community Team
I would like to provide model number, serial number, etc., but I can't access anything after the message ," Can't update software please try again later Error 004" because at this point I have a frozen, static screen. This unit has worked for over a year perfectly until last night (4/04/25.) Can you give me any assistance? Sudden problem with "update failure". Paul dicohic@bresnan.net
Exactly.
Money grab by Tech Bros.
have a Roku stick. Update screen comes up with no option to do later so I have no choice but to click ok. Goes to about 80% then gives error code. I click try again later and takes me to blank home screen where it freezes. I’ve turned it off and back on a half dozen times with same result. I’ve unplugged stick and replugged with same result
When the update fails to complete here are some things that some people have found to work for them. They may not be universally successful, but they are at least worth a try
Easiest to try, so try this first: Restart your router, even if other devices on the network are not having problems. When your router has completed its startup, try repeating your Roku setup.
If you are powering your Roku by plugging into the USB port on the TV, try powering from house power via a USB power adapter, as some TV USB ports don't supply enough power to drive a Roku reliably. If your Roku didn't come with an adapter, or if you don't have a Roku adapter handy, another USB power adapter you have from another device should work as long as the fine print on it says it outputs at least vac at a minimum of 1 amp.
Try using a different WiFi network to do the update - perhaps via a WiFi hotspot on your mobile phone or by taking it to a friend's house - and see if it will complete the startup. If successful, then redo the WiFi connection to use your intended WiFi network via Settings > Network > Set up connection. Why this works, when it does, I haven't a clue.
I've been dealing with this for a month now. Failed Update bricks Roku Express.
Roku offers no Agent support. The best you can do is push and HOLD the reset button for 10 seconds. This will wipe the Roku. You'll have to re-reguster the device on your network AND reload the apps you want AND sign in again with all of the apps. This will only work for a couple days, then the Roku will BRICK itself again with the Failed Update.
It's terrible that we have to do it this way. This is one of the prices of Tech Bros getting so much power. Good Luck.
This may not work on the Stick. I have an Express.
Had same prob. Just had new modem installed and could not do an update. Tried a direct power conn to a wall recpt and adapter and that was no help. Then I connected to another WIFI device which was and extender and success. So, I guess I'll need to reboot that new modem.
I m facing same issue
Did you got any solution
I was able to fix by factory resetting my device. Click the home button 5 times, fast forward button 3 times and rewind button 2 times. Click factory reset. Once I reconnected to the WiFi the update worked!
I was able to fix by factory resetting my device. Click the home button 5 times, fast forward button 3 times and rewind button 2 times. Click factory reset. Once I reconnected to the WiFi the update worked!
this worked!
We will see for how long. Surprising that Roku does not make this knowledge accessible in their "help" section.
Pathetic.
An update cannot finish, an error code 004 appears then screen goes purple. I cannot access settings or any streaming.
