Forum Discussion

Emissary35's avatar
Emissary35
Roku Guru
2 years ago

Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2022) Freezing

I am having a fairly constant issue with my two Roku Streaming Stick 4K devices. I don't keep them plugged in when I am not using them, when I am ready to use them I plug the power cord into my power strip, not the USB port on the TV. As soon as it boots up I'll click on youtube and click on a video to play. The player freezes and gets stuck for almost two minutes then crashes and the entire Roku reboots.

Sometimes it happens on the youtube home screen other times not until I click on a video to play. The same thing happens sometimes on the Plex app, I'll click on a video and it will get stuck at 99% loading and then freeze for two minutes, then the player crashes and reboots. I either have to get up and unplug the Roku and plug it back in, or simply wait for it to crash on its own and reboot itself.

This is extremely annoying and this should not be happening since I had the Rokus unplugged for hours when not being used, I just plugged them in and they booted up fresh, so why does this device crash so often when trying to load an app or play a video? This usually happens after plugging the Roku in and it boots up, but I have also experienced this issue after using the player for several hours. What is causing these devices to freeze up and reboot? I have two of these Streaming Sticks and they are the same model, the issue occurs on both so it must be a device specific flaw.

tv & player wifi

20 Replies

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

    Emissary35-

    Since the Rokus are unplugged when not in use, they are not receiving any updates that may have become available while they are unplugged.

    YouTube is notorious for mucking around with their code and issuing frequent updates.  They often create new problems when fixing old ones.  Google owns YouTube and is not real good about making sure their app works well on non-Google platforms.

    When running into problems when first plugging your Rokus back in I'd suggest the first thing I would do is check for updates.  Roku menu path Settings > System > Software update > Check now,

    If the problem persists, I'd try removing and reinstalling your YouTube app.  Remove/reinstall procedure:

    1. Highlight channel on home screen.

    2. Press * key on the Roku remote and choose Remove channel option.
      This will remove the channel from your Roku account, and thus from ALL Rokus linked to that same Roku account.

    3. IMPORTANT- IF YOU SKIP THIS STEP YOU MAY NOT GET A CLEAN RE-INSTALL:
      Restart the Roku to clear its memory. Depending on your Roku model you'll find the System restart option under Settings > System > Power or if you have no Power option, under Settings > System. 

      [Note: For Roku TVs (i.e. ones with Roku capability built in) with "Fast TV start" enabled, turning the TV off/on just puts it in/out of a standby state and does not give you a full restart. Use the menu options listed above.]

    4. Reinstall the channel to your Roku account via the Roku Home page Streaming Channels menu option. This will install the channel on all Rokus linked to this Roku account.

    Notes:

    • The channel will be added to the END of each Roku's channel grid.
    • The Roku on which you performed the reinstall should get the installation immediately. Other Rokus linked to this Roku account may not get the channel until their next automatic update check. You can force an immediate update on any unit via Settings > System > System update.
    • If channel requires a login, you may need to log in anew.

    If the problem persists at this point, it typically means the current version of the channel app has a problem that must be addressed by the channel itself as they are the ones that create the Roku-compatible version of their app and provide it to Roku.

    • Emissary35's avatar
      Emissary35
      Roku Guru
      2 years ago

      I always manually check for updates as soon as I plug my Rokus in before I click on any apps to use them, so that isn't the issue. Over 90% of the time I check it says it's up to date anyway. Removing the channel and adding it again doesn't do anything either because the next time I use the device the same thing happens and it freezes, it's happening on two devices. And it's not just youtube that freezes it's Plex also so this isn't an app problem it's a problem with this particular Roku model in my opinion. Something that needs fixing with a software update hopefully.

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

        A Streaming Stick 4K purchased in 2022 is a model 3820 (or a 3821 - same stick with the Voice Remote Pro rechargeable remote).

        I have no such problems with my 3821.

        How are you powering your sticks?  It's convenient to plug them into the USB ports on the TVs, but many TV USB ports can't supply the 1 amp minimum current the Roku needs to work reliably.  Try plugging into house power via a USB 5v power adapter and see if it makes any difference.  Most of us have a few of these from old discarded devices, just be sure the fine print on it says it outputs at least 1 amp.

    • RokuEuniceL's avatar
      RokuEuniceL
      Retired Moderator
      2 years ago

      Hi Emissary35,

      Thank you for keeping us posted here in the Roku Community!

      We understand you are having problems streaming with your Roku device, and we appreciate your posting about this. We would be delighted to help you further. For us to better understand the issue you are experiencing, please provide us with additional information:

      • When did the issue occur?
      • Have you tried updating your software to the latest version?
      • How far is your device from your network router?
      • Have you tried restarting your network router?
      • Do you have cellular data, so we can try connecting your device to your hotspot?

      Please elaborate on the issue that you are experiencing so we can further assist you. We'll be waiting for your response.

      Best regards,
      Eunice

      • MacyZ's avatar
        MacyZ
        Reel Rookie
        2 years ago

        I am having a similar issue with the Streaming Stick 4K. Turns on fine, then after 15 minutes the screen freezes and an error pops up saying No internet connection. I turn off the tv completely and turn back on and start watching again. Then 15 mins later same thing happens. Any suggestions?