Forum Discussion

DeVoSr's avatar
DeVoSr
Newbie
2 years ago
Solved

Roku Ultra is Overheating consistently

The last few nights I've been getting the message that my Roku, model 4670x, is overheating. Usually, I ignore it because it doesn't repeat, but the last few nights I've gotten several messages. The device lives on an open shelf next to a switch and a Tivo box, there is at least 4 inches between these devices. I've tried to blow the device out with canned air but there are no vents or openings. The supposed solution is to stop using the device which in my opinion is a non-answer. The device works fine even when overheating. I've taken to laying an gel ice pack on the Roku to cool it down. Any other ideas?

app playback
  • RokuJharra-Q's avatar
    RokuJharra-Q
    2 years ago

    Hello JDrok,

    Thank you for your post in the Roku Community!

    If your Roku streaming player is placed in a confined space, especially alongside other electronics, it may overheat.

    Here are some troubleshooting steps to follow:

    1. Carefully unplug the power cable from your Roku player and allow it to cool down.
    2. Make sure to place your Roku player in a cooler spot and avoid placing it:
      - Inside a cabinet or closed space
      - On top of other electronic devices like cable boxes, routers, or receivers
      - In direct sunlight
    3. Wait for your Roku player to cool down for at least 10 minutes. Once it's cooled, plug the power cable back in and wait for the Roku player to turn on. If you still see the overheating message or the Roku player shows a solid red light, immediately unplug the power cable.
    4. Repeat step 3 one more time.

    Please follow these steps and let us know if this resolves the issue you're experiencing.

    Thanks,
    Jharra

  • RokuJharra-Q's avatar
    RokuJharra-Q
    2 years ago

    Hi robert8876s,

    Thank you for posting here in the Roku Community!

    It is pretty common for your device to generate heat during operation. Still, if you receive a notification about overheating on the display, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue.

    For more information, visit our Support page here: 
    'What should I do if the red light is on or I see a "Your device is overheating” warning?'

    We would recommend trying to see if that resolves your issue. Please keep us posted.

    Thanks,
    Jharra

  • RokuJharra-Q's avatar
    RokuJharra-Q
    2 years ago

    Hi, Community Users,

    Welcome to the Roku Community!

    We really appreciate you reaching out to us about your experience with your Roku device. We want to help you out, so let's try to figure out how you're powering your device, as this could be causing the issue. It's possible that insufficient power might be the issue. If you're currently using the TV USB port to power the device, please try plugging it directly into a wall outlet and giving it another go. Let's see if that helps!

    For more troubleshooting please visit our support page here: What to do if the red light is on or you see a “Your device is overheating” message.

    Note: If this has been happening too often, please report back here and share the device's serial number, which can be found by navigating to Settings > System > About.

    Thanks,
    Jharra

78 Replies

Replies have been turned off for this discussion
  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    None that don't involve leaving a fan blowing on it or taking it apart.  My 3920 that used to overheat is now just a naked circuit board hanging from its cables.  Hasn't overheated since.

  • JDrok's avatar
    JDrok
    Channel Surfer
    2 years ago

    My Roku ultra overheats regularly now, too.  I keep it propped up so it has air flow all around and underneath but I still need to put a fan on it almost daily.

    • RokuJharra-Q's avatar
      RokuJharra-Q
      Retired Moderator
      2 years ago

      Hello JDrok,

      Thank you for your post in the Roku Community!

      If your Roku streaming player is placed in a confined space, especially alongside other electronics, it may overheat.

      Here are some troubleshooting steps to follow:

      1. Carefully unplug the power cable from your Roku player and allow it to cool down.
      2. Make sure to place your Roku player in a cooler spot and avoid placing it:
        - Inside a cabinet or closed space
        - On top of other electronic devices like cable boxes, routers, or receivers
        - In direct sunlight
      3. Wait for your Roku player to cool down for at least 10 minutes. Once it's cooled, plug the power cable back in and wait for the Roku player to turn on. If you still see the overheating message or the Roku player shows a solid red light, immediately unplug the power cable.
      4. Repeat step 3 one more time.

      Please follow these steps and let us know if this resolves the issue you're experiencing.

      Thanks,
      Jharra

      • JDrok's avatar
        JDrok
        Channel Surfer
        2 years ago
        • For clarity, the device has never been in a warm space, in a closed cabinet, on other electronic devices, in the sun or heated externally.
        • The recommended steps did not make the issue go away.
        • I continue to keep it propped up so it does not lie flat allowing air circulation on all sides AND I keep an external fan on it to try to suppress the overheating message.  The fan noise is annoying but necessary until the fix can be determined.
        • Even in this configuration, I have seen the overheating message.  When that happens, I turn it off and revert to Chromecast or antenna.
  • AMradiohost's avatar
    AMradiohost
    Reel Rookie
    2 years ago

    I'm in the same family as those who have had the ROKU for years now, the Ultra unit.
    Watching the "overheat" notice on my screen come and go throughout normal use tonight.

    The unit performs well.  
    The unit is NOT on top of any operating electronics.
    The unit is powered by it's original supply, not a TV USB jack or aftermarket.
    The unit is raised for air movement under by (2) small rubber feet depth in each corner to assist cooling.

    I'm using it for TABLO TV app right now, but have seen it with other ones as well, and I have a hard time believing that the "content" app changes the operating temperature much, if at all. The CPU should handle any app approved for use on the TabloTV.

    With this many complaints from this many people in this forum, can we all come to the conclusion we have a product that DEVELOPS an issue over time, and that ROKU needs to fix this.  The instructions for how to "fix this" (my phrase) are insulting to any person who knows technology.  It's the same instructions you'd give for any modern piece of electronics. Basically unplug, cool, reboot.  We deserve better than this for our investment in these supposedly "BEST" streaming boxes.  

    I was one of the original users of the "Netflix Streaming box" when the very first one came out. I believe in the product, but...something is happening to more than just MY unit after reading this.  I don't believe we've been presented with an answer beyond our own experimentation and we deserve better from ROKU.

  • MrEd's avatar
    MrEd
    Channel Surfer
    2 years ago

    The thermal heatsink pad disintegrates over time. Remove the bottom plate by pulling back the rubber at the corners and removing the exposed screws. Now use a guitar pick or spudger to gently separate the bottom cover by moving around the perimeter. The heatsink is mounted to the cover and a thermal pad is squeezed between a razed square on the heatsink and the processor shield. Remove and discard the old thermal pad. Clean any stuck remnants with isopropyl alcohol and a Q-Tip. Replace with a new thermal pad cut to cover the razed square of the heatsink or use a thermal compound applied to both surfaces. I used Wakefield on mine, but any good thermal compound should work.

    • mikew_nt's avatar
      mikew_nt
      Roku Guru
      2 years ago

      MrEd see my post above.  I did extensive re-padding of the thermal pads, as well as addition of a significant heat sink that extends out of a hole in the case.  Even with all that, I still get the warning once per night.

      Based on the relatively cool temp of the heatsink, my suspicion is the warning threshold is probably set too low in the Roku software. 

      But, without access to the code, the change logs and the thermal characterization measurements on the 4670, there's no way for me to tell.

      But this should be relatively simple for Roku to investigate and determine the issue, I'm not sure what the holdup is here.

      • Montclairat's avatar
        Montclairat
        Reel Rookie
        2 years ago

        I'm really grateful for the insights & advice from this community on how to improve the Ruku. Two of my Ultra units tend to overheat regularly- its becoming more frequent. I’m a bit concerned about the liability of opening & modifying them. What happens if they start a fire?  

  • mikew_nt's avatar
    mikew_nt
    Roku Guru
    2 years ago

    DeVoSr could you please mark this not solved since it's clearly not solved?  I believe you are only one that can reject the solution since you are the OP.

  • Mguy's avatar
    Mguy
    Binge Watcher
    2 years ago

    My ROKU was also overheating. The ROKU was plugged into the wall and sitting on a TV stand next to the LED TV. The ROKU was hot to the touch and so was the TV stand where the ROKU was sitting. The house was 77 degrees. I used 2 drink coasters (under the ROKU at each end) to raise the ROKU. This gives a cushion of air under the ROKU. So far the message has not reappeared and the ROKU is cooler to the touch. Maybe ROKU should add feet/lifters to give more cooling area.

    • RokuTakashi's avatar
      RokuTakashi
      Community Moderator
      2 years ago

      Hi, Mguy 

      Thanks for the post.

      We understand that you are having the same issue as reported by other users in this thread. For us to help, we'd like to collect for further details regarding your concern.

      Can you please provide the details requested by RokuEmmanuel-D above this thread? The information we collect is critical in reviewing the issue you have experienced.

      Your response would be valuable to us.

      Best wishes,
      Kash

      • Mguy's avatar
        Mguy
        Binge Watcher
        2 years ago

        Replying with information requested.

        Model 3920X - ROKU Premiere

        Serial YH00GG254490

        Software 13.1.4 Build 1512-91

  • NVKG's avatar
    NVKG
    Channel Surfer
    2 years ago

    I have had similar issues for some time. I finally solved them by taking off the rubber pad on bottom of the Roku device. The rubber pad causes the heat to build up in the ROKU. I also set my ROKU on a small wire grate to allow air circulation underneath it. I haven't had an overheating message for at least 10 months.

    • Mozzilla's avatar
      Mozzilla
      Reel Rookie
      2 years ago

      Thank you for the tip to take the rubber pad off. I might try that 

  • John117Spartan's avatar
    John117Spartan
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    We have a 4802X ultra that hasn't shown any sign of overheating and is used daily for upwards or 12 hours a day consistently.  It's also almost 2 and a half years old at this point, don't know what the difference in hardware is, but that could be the issue is that yours may just be at it's end of life for the hardware.  It does seem to me that roku's are made quite cheaply and with very little thought towards long term survivability of the hardware... Something that has been obviously lacking in any of it's promotional material since it's inception as far as I can tell.  They should at least be honest about what their predicted life cycle of their products is so that their consumers know what they are actually buying and spending in the long term.