Forum Discussion

nightwingken's avatar
nightwingken
Binge Watcher
2 years ago

Problem reading USB through Media Player

Hello,
I have used roku for several years now. Today I inserted a usb drive and got this prompt.

"Allow access to external media the external media
you have connected can be read by channels installed on your Roku device please choose to allow or not allow access by installed channels below to reset the settings please reconnect the external media allow do not allow"
If you allow it to be read, a movie will play for about 15 seconds then the screen goes black.
So I pulled the usb out, stuck it back in and got this message when you try to play a video.

"Connecting to a DLNA media server or USB device to play or view content from a network media server 1st make sure that your media server is online to play your view content to play or view content from a USB storage device connect your device to the USB port on your Roku player drive format supported FAAT16/32NTFS, ..."
I was not trying to connect to a DLNA Media server, just use the USB drive,
I have never had this issue before, I uninstalled my Roku Media player and reinstalled it.
So I have tried it with other drives and and getting the same results.
Please help, Has anyone run into this before?
Will reformatting the roku fix this?

 

App playback
  • Gary52's avatar
    Gary52
    Streaming Star
    2 years ago

    Hello, You're not alone with this problem!

    Having the EXACT same issue on my Roku Ultra Model 4670X OS ver. 12.5.0 build 4167-46

    I have 3 Roku Ultras 1 has the new 12.5 OS installed that one has the playback issue.

    The other 2 have 12.0 OS and work perfectly.

    So the problem apparently is with the new 12.5 firmware/OS update!

    I also did a factory reset and went through setting it up again and the problem was still there.

    NEED HELP PLEASE!!

    • nightwingken's avatar
      nightwingken
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      Gary52 

      I am sorry you are having the same issues. But I was thinking I was the only one. Hopefully ,they will change this. I use the roku media player all of the time. 

      I was going to do a factory reset. So you saved me a major headache for now.

      I hope they fix this.

      • Gary52's avatar
        Gary52
        Streaming Star
        2 years ago

        My error report regarding this issue

         

        Model Roku Ultra 4670X  Ver. 12.5.0 build 4167-46

        Serial YJ0057870230 (KW9995870230)

        ID. 30-394-155

        Hopefully someone will follow this up.

        Search for for more info,

        "Roku media player glitches from today update"

        Try to leave this report on  there but marked it as spam! Why?

         

        We need some help here!

    • csky's avatar
      csky
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      Have been watching mp4's on an external hard drive attached to a Roku Ultra box for many months without issue until this upgrade. Hope this gets fixed soon!

  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    What's the software version displayed under Settings->System->About?  I wonder if this is something new with v12.5.  Unfortunately, I don't have a player with a USB port that's updated to 12.5 to test that theory.

    • nightwingken's avatar
      nightwingken
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      Hello, thanks for helping.

      My problem is on the Roku Ultra Model 4670X OS ver. 12.5.0 build 4167-46.

  • csky's avatar
    csky
    Binge Watcher
    2 years ago

    I spent an hour on chat with Roku Support regarding this issue today. Here is the transcript, slightly abbreviated:

    Chat session begin: 13:33:40

    Me: Hello. I purchased a new Roku Ultra Streaming Device in March of this year specifically for the purpose of attaching a hard drive containing my media to view on the TV. (I was previously using a Roku streaming stick. I love Roku!) Everything was working great and I was extremely happy with the new device and the new remote control that allows me to use headphones!

    However, just a couple of nights ago I went to access the content on the attached hard drive with the Roku Media player like I always do, and suddenly a new pop-up displayed, saying something about "Allow access to external media: The external media you have connected can be read by channels installed on your Roku device. Please choose to allow or not allow access by installed channels below" - What??? I don't want "channels" accessing the content on my hard drive! Taken by surprise, I pressed "No" and then -I- was not able to access my own hard drive!!!

    Now I get an error message about "Connecting to a DLNA Media server or USB device."

    HOW DO I GET THAT DIALOGUE TO SHOW AGAIN so I can choose "Yes" this time, and presumably have access to the media on my own hard drive, like I had up until now?

    I tried disconnecting/reconnecting the drive, uninstalling/reinstalling the Roku Media player app/("channel") without success. Help, please!

    Device info:
    Roku Ultra - Model: 4800X
    Serial: ###
    Device ID: ###
    Software version: 12.5.9 - build 4172-C2

    Pallavi: Please confirm whether do you have 16gb USB drive?

    Me: I am using the same hard drive that I have been using since connecting it to the same Roku device back in March. Nothing has changed on my side. The issue is with the recent software update that rolled out: v12.5. Others in the Roku Community are also experiencing the same issue with no longer being able to connect to their USB devices, see:
    https://community.roku.com/t5/Solving-playback-issues/Problem-reading-USB-through-Media-Player/td-p/909415

    Pallavi: Okay, Im really sorry, Just to reconfirm whether Channels were not playing on Roku Ultra (4800X) ?

    Me: My channels are playing fine. I access Plex, Emby, Amazon Prime.

    Pallavi: Okay, May I know which device is connected to Roku?

    Me: It is a 'Western Digital 2TB Elements Portable HDD, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0', formatted with the NTFS file system. Like I said, it has been working perfectly for 8 months, until the recent Roku software update. Roku needs to push out a patch/bugfix.

    Pallavi: Okay, Please give me a moment while I'm checking this for you with my resources. I will get back to you in a couple of minutes (2mins).

    Pallavi: Please go To Home>> Setting>> System>> USB>> Media >> Enable always on.
    Please go through this article:- https://support.roku.com/article/208754908, If any doubts please ask me.

    Me: OK, Under 'USB Media' the only choice is "Auto Launch" on/off. It is already on.
    That is under Home> Settings > System > USB Media > Auto-launch
    The other setting under USB Media is "Launch Channel (Roku Media Player)" - which is enabled.

    Pallavi: Okay, Please remove the Roku device and connect to different HDMI port.

    Me: Why would I need to change ports when it is a Roku software issue? My device was working flawlessly until the software update.

    Pallavi: Please press home buttons for 5 times and press the back button for 5times, you would get the ISSUE id please do share us the issue id to us and attach the same to this chat here.

    Me: ID X6-###

    Pallavi: Can you share the issue id tracker details?
    All the details in the above page?
    You can take the image of the tracker details and share it in the chat.

    Me: [took photo of ID Tracker dialog, emailed it from the phone to the computer where I was having the chat session, downloaded the image and attached it to the chat. Wish I was getting paid by the hour for this!]

    Pallavi: Thank you for sharing the complete details, I'll have this investigated and revert via e-mail with the update at the earliest possible. Until then, your patience is highly appreciated.

    Me: Ok, thanks. I, and many others, look forward to the resolution to this issue so we can access our media on our USB devices. Another software update with the bugfix!

    Pallavi: Sure, Will work on high priority and do needful to you, Is there anything else I could assist you with today, please?"

    Me: Is it OK to turn off the TV now?

    Pallavi: Yes, Please.

    Me: Thank you and goodbye.

    Chat session end: 14:32:57

    Note: Customer Support is now in touch with me via email, and when/if a resolution is found, I will report back here to the Roku Community!

     

     

    • RokuJohnB's avatar
      RokuJohnB
      Community Moderator
      2 years ago

      Hi csky,

      Thank you for keeping us updated about this issue with the Roku media player! 

      Please be aware that we have added your information to the appropriate Roku team so they can investigate this issue on their end.

      In the meantime, your patience and understanding are much appreciated.

      Thanks,

      John

      • csky's avatar
        csky
        Binge Watcher
        2 years ago

        Found a workable solution!

        If you can no longer access your media on your drive, it's because at some point you were presented with rather alarming dialog and you chose to "Do not Allow" access. See screenshot below.

        The goal is to to get that dialogue to appear again so you can choose "Allow." Here's how. (Must be done in this sequence):

        1) Unplug any USB media you may have plugged into your Roku device. (If it's a hard drive, unplug the cable from the Roku device rather than from the hard drive. Weird, but this does seem to make a difference.)

        2) IMPORTANT NOTE: this next step will log you out of your main Roku account, and SIGN YOU OUT of ALL of your subscribed channels!: Go to Settings > Guest Mode > Enter Guest Mode (you will need to enter your PIN)

        3) The Roku device will restart and you will enter Guest Mode.
        You can choose any 'checkout date' as you will be going back to your main account manually in Step 6 below.

        4) Go to the Streaming Store and search for 'Roku Media Player' and add the app (because "guest" won't have it).
            (a) Open the Roku Media Player.
            (b) NOW re-connect the USB drive to the Roku device.
            (c) In the Media Player app, navigate to the USB device and you should be able to see & play your media on the device!

        5) Next, you MUST Press the Home button. THIS is when the "Allow access to external media" dialog will display (see screenshot below). IMPORTANT!: Be sure to select "Allow" (Note that it defaults to "Do not allow" and if you select that, you will have to start all over again with a different guest account. I have tested this multiple times.)

        6) To return to your main Roku account:
            (a) Go to Guest Options > Sign out and clear info
            (b) With the TV still ON, you will need to disable guest mode here: https://my.roku.com/account
        (if you you get an "Invalid PIN" screen, note that it may have timed out and you'll need to sign back in on that webpage.)

        The Roku device will restart and you will be back to your main Roku account.

        7) Launch the Roku Media Player (or add it, if it's not already in your main account). Navigate to your USB device and you should be able to see & play your media on the device now.

        Unfortunately, you will also have to sign back in to ALL of your subscription channels.

    • atxchip's avatar
      atxchip
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      csky Hey, glad to see you making that chat! Thanks.

      Not sure why he asked this (or what it even means): "Please remove the Roku device and connect to different HDMI port" Wut?

      Anyway, maybe his comment of "adding your information to the appropriate Roku team," means a ticket is already underway. Kinda surprised he didn't mention recognizing the issue after going off on his 2 minute consultation with his "resources."

      Your info and request is presumably officially, "in the system,' now., which is a good thing!

  • Blkops22's avatar
    Blkops22
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    I'm having the same issue...but I'm thinking it's a piracy issue...because if it can be read by the channels on the roku...that means if it's connected to the internet and the channels as in the big media apps....runs a hit to it...and it has the movies and shows...they are streaming...might try to get you....let xfinity does now...and Sony used to do back in the day...if you had a copied movie...it would cut the sound out...jus my thoughts

  • WolfBadger's avatar
    WolfBadger
    Reel Rookie
    2 years ago

    I chatted with support about this issue and they told me to unplug my Roku for an hour. So frustrating! Didn't acknowledge the issue existed, and offered no explanation or useful information. I love Roku, but the media player was a big reason I've stuck with them.....looking for alternative streamers that support USB media. Perhaps the Amazon streamer?? My TV is a Roku TV, so I can't even just plug into the usb port on the TV...gives me the same message. Ugh!

  • sicjedi's avatar
    sicjedi
    Streaming Star
    2 years ago

    I’m having a similar problem. I’m using a TCL Roku TV: model 65S555, Hardware ID J106X, Software version 12.5.0 build 4175-DK.

    What I am seeing is that I get that lame dialog message: “Allow access to external media the external media?”

    For one thing, that is totally retarded question. They should fire the developer that put that in—and yes, I am a software developer, so I know what I’m talking about. The USB Drive is there to be used. It should not be accessed at all unless you launch the Roku Media Player—and there should be no dialog message or request for this.

    For other Roku apps that want to access the USB Drive, there could be a dialog message for this, or better, a setting in Settings: but only when you use those apps.

    There should never be a time that Roku is checking the contents of the USB drive and asking about it every time you boot up or use Roku. That is just stoopid.

    What happens to my Roku, is that when I am using the USB drive, ever since a few weeks ago or so, is that the USB data plays for somewhere between 5-25 minutes, and then then Roku just bounces to the home screen. And when I launch the Roku Media Player again, it does not immediately go to the media that I was just using. It launches with the screen that you get when you first launch the Roku Media Player.

    This bug has been too annoying, and too long in being not fixed yet: the person responsible for creating the bug and not fixing is should be fired. There is just no excuse for this type of shoddy work.

    • atc98092's avatar
      atc98092
      Community Streaming Expert
      2 years ago
      sicjedi wrote:

      What happens to my Roku, is that when I am using the USB drive, ever since a few weeks ago or so, is that the USB data plays for somewhere between 5-25 minutes, and then then Roku just bounces to the home screen. And when I launch the Roku Media Player again, it does not immediately go to the media that I was just using. It launches with the screen that you get when you first launch the Roku Media Player.

      This bug has been too annoying, and too long in being not fixed yet: the person responsible for creating the bug and not fixing is should be fired. There is just no excuse for this type of shoddy work.

      There have been no RMP updates for video playback for more than three years. I don't know if they're purposely ignoring it, or they simply feel they have higher priorities in other areas. They used to have a beta group specifically for RMP, but they dropped it close to a year ago, and I can't get anyone that used to be part of it to respond. I hope Roku sees the value of continuing to support it, but for my local media playback I simply use a different device. The Nvidia Shield supports virtually all containers, codecs, and caption types, so I can watch all of my ripped media, including HDR 4K and lossless audio, without worrying about what the player supports. 

    • csky's avatar
      csky
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      sicjedi: Being a UI/UX designer, I totally agree about the lame dialog message. Probably to meet some new compliance requirements, with no concern for usability impact on users. After gaining access to my USB drive again by signing in as "guest" I then downloaded and switched to using the PlayUSB app. I won't go back to Roku's media player.

      • atxchip's avatar
        atxchip
        Binge Watcher
        2 years ago

        csky  Do you suppose that now that there's a device plugged into your Roku's USB port, it's address can be accessed and commands passed as before by "channels?" As before when Roku's code was accessing it with RMP? As I recall during O/S coding, there isn't much hardware protecting port addresses from system access, no matter who's triggering the code to run, but surely there are permission levels within Roku's O/S. Or is that just a big assumption? In other words, can "channels" in general access your USB attached hardware?

  • MetaByte's avatar
    MetaByte
    Channel Surfer
    2 years ago

    Same issues here. I don't want other apps having access to my media. It was one of the reasons I went with Roku in the first place. I may get an nVidia Shield and pull the plug on the Roku.

  • WolfBadger's avatar
    WolfBadger
    Reel Rookie
    2 years ago

    I have the exact same problem, which is frustrating. I don't understand why the Roku team hasn't addressed this issue, or released a new update to fix it. I am starting to look at other options for streaming devices because the media player was one of the big reasons I have multiple Roku devices in my house.

    If anyone has info or found a fix I'd love to know it!

    • sicjedi's avatar
      sicjedi
      Streaming Star
      2 years ago

      Yah, the USB access was the largest deal for me in buying my Roku TV. And this crashing business during the playback of a video from the Roku TV USB drive just keeps on happening, now for many months. I have found a workaround, that will not be available to all, but…

      I have a few old Roku devices, almost all with USB drives. So, after I temporarily disconnected my usual WiFi network, I booted an old Roku up and had it attach to a WiFi network that I almost never use. I allowed the connection for just about one second before I literally pulled the plug on this Roku. Since this WiFi network will no longer be available ever, this Roku will never be able to update, including to the broken version of Roku’s USB Media player. I attached this old Roku to my Roku TV via HDMI. Now, when I want to play a video from a USB, I simply use the USB drive of the old Roku, and watch it through the HDMI on my Roku TV.

      This way, I get no dumb and disturbing USB permission message nor a constant stream of crashing when playing a video from a USB. I hope this helps.

    • csky's avatar
      csky
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      WolfBadger: Here's how I solved this problem, step by step (which I just edited for more clarity):
      https://community.roku.com/t5/Solving-playback-issues/Problem-reading-USB-through-Media-Player/m-p/914442/highlight/true#M54432

      Once you can access your media on your drive again, you may want to try a different Media Player app, available through the streaming store for $2.99. It's a better app, worth the 3 bucks. See info here:
      https://community.roku.com/t5/Solving-playback-issues/Problem-reading-USB-through-Media-Player/m-p/914485/highlight/true#M54438