Forum Discussion

ap19063's avatar
ap19063
Newbie
11 months ago

Black screen on Youtube app

Ok, so this only happens on YouTube. I have read through some of the other posts regarding YouTube starting with a black screen. No, the problem we're having is that every time YouTube breaks for an add, the screen goes black.. you can hear sound on the back ground, but you lose the picture for a few seconds. I have tried to look for a setting to change this as suggested and we cannot find it. I have tried looking on the roku settings and changed display settings and nope, that didn't fix anything. Btw, we have the latest model of the ultra. Also it should be noted that we do not have that problem with any other app - only with YouTube.  we've Uninstalled and reinstalled the app and this doesn't fix the problem. Lastly, I've tried a different unit and NOPE, same issue.  HELP

app playback
content

7 Replies

  • rdunn3208's avatar
    rdunn3208
    Channel Surfer
    3 months ago

    I can't believe it. Here it is April 2025, I've been following this problem on line for the past 3 years and the problem continues. I have a Roku TV in my winter condo in Florida. I've been having this problem every time I come here and it is still happening. And Roku is STILL saying "thanks for bringing this issue to our attention" and still handing out the same old fixes that don't work. I know, I've tried them all. This TCL has a great picture but that's as far as it goes. It has several connectivity issues. Never buy another. 

    • marauder462's avatar
      marauder462
      Newbie
      2 months ago

      I registered on the Roku forum just to respond and say I've been having the exact same issue on my TCL Roku TV with the YouTube app. It's so **bleep** annoying. That and all the ads they've added each year since I got the TV.

  • RokuJharra-Q's avatar
    RokuJharra-Q
    Retired Moderator
    11 months ago

    Hi ap19063,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Roku Community!

    We appreciate you bringing the issues with your YouTube channel to our attention. We are here to help. To help resolve this issue, please follow the provided steps precisely and check if it makes any difference.

    1. Uninstall the channel:
    - Highlight the channel, press the * button on your remote, and select "remove".

    2. Clear cache and data:
    - From the Roku home screen, navigate to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Network connection reset.
    - Choose "Reset connection" and then restart your Roku device by unplugging your TV and plugging it back in to clear any temporary cache or data-causing issues.

    3. Check your internet connection:
    - Ensure that your Roku device is connected to a stable internet connection.
    - Test your internet connection by going to Settings > Network > Check connection on your Roku device.
    - If your connection is weak or unstable, try restarting your router or seeking assistance from your internet service provider.

    4. Reinstall the channel:
    Press the home button on your Roku remote, scroll to "Store," and add the channel from there.

    Note: If the issue persists with the specific channel, we highly recommend reaching out to YouTube support directly. It's worth noting that many channels and apps on Roku are managed and updated by the channel providers themselves.

    Best regards,
    Jharra

    • jldel's avatar
      jldel
      Newbie
      5 months ago

      Beware: following these instructions has this consequence: “Resetting your network connection will erase both your wired and wireless network (SSID) settings.“ So rather than watching and enjoying your Roku TV, you’ll be playing Mr. FixIt for a while today.

      I love my Roku TV, but there should be some kind of repair app that can fix problems like the one described in this post. I myself have had the same problem with the YouTube app over the years. It probably has happened six or seven times in the last five years., One would think fixing the app, rather than inconveniencing the user would be the way to go. But by default, Roku customer service will just continue to cut and paste the same answer over and over again with no commitment to fix the underlying problem. 

      There should be a way to clear the cache related to the app, rather than having to uninstall the app, reset your network, go to the streaming store, download the app and reinstall it… And then of course, have to go through the process of putting all your credentials back in… followed by praying that the fix works and that this doesn’t happen again. 

    • B91022's avatar
      B91022
      Newbie
      2 months ago

      Don’t waste your time with the recommended fix. I’ve tried all the fixes, and this issue is still is unresolved for well over a year now. The best fix I’ve found is getting a Fire Tv. I’ve had mine for a little over a year now, and have had zero issues, with the same apps I have on my Roku. 

  • Tzarcasm's avatar
    Tzarcasm
    Reel Rookie
    24 days ago

    After a lot of trial and error, I found a temporary fix - if you open a different app (I used Netflix) and play a few seconds of video, then reopen YouTube, you are able to watch videos again. 
    still, not great how long without an actual fix or even an attempt from the devs beyond telling us to delete and reinstall the app. I don’t plan on purchasing another Roku product.

    • Tzarcasm's avatar
      Tzarcasm
      Reel Rookie
      20 days ago

      This no longer works, but fully unplugging the TV from the wall does. What a joke this company has become.