Can't update software on setup

Hi robmorleyuk,

Welcome to the Roku Community!

Thanks for reporting the issue with your Roku Express not updating software, particularly the error 003. Don't worry, we're here to help.

Let's see if this will work for you. Kindly follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Restart your Roku device:
Remove the power cord from your Roku device for at least 10 seconds before plugging it back in.

Restart your modem:
Unplug the modem from the power source for 10 seconds, and wait until the modem is completely loaded before reconnecting the Roku Express to the internet.

Connect to a mobile hotspot:
Follow the hotspot setup instructions for your phone and then follow the steps in the section above to find and connect to your phone's hotspot network.

• If you have an iOS device, refer to Apple's documentation on setting up a personal hotspot.
• If you have an Android device, refer to Google's documentation on sharing a mobile connection by hotspot.

Hotspot capability is dependent on your mobile device and mobile service provider. Downloading updates for your streaming device can consume large amounts of data.

For more details, you can visit our Roku Support article: How to fix Roku streaming device update problems

Please keep us posted.

Regards,
Riamie

Thank you.

The tethering route was my least favourite option due to low signal and instability in my location but it worked.

I still think the mandatory install of updates at startup is an error.

Denying access to system info and potentially working Apps [and if no hotspot, delivering a bricked system] strikes me as the wrong route, but that's not the responsibility of the Community

Your help and pushing me to the hotspot is very much appreciated.