Forum Discussion

Mannnnnnnnnnnny's avatar
Mannnnnnnnnnnny
Reel Rookie
2 years ago
Solved

Roku ultra keeps crashing and restarting

My Roku ultra keeps crashing and restarting after last Saturdays update. Anyone knows how to fix it?

I’ve tried:

- turn power on off

- factory reset

- turn off power saving

- reconnect to wifi

nothing fixes this. If it keeps happening, I might just return it and use something else. So frustrating. 

  • Portalogem's avatar
    Portalogem
    2 years ago

    Unfortunately, since I'm not experiencing this issue, there's little I can do to troubleshoot this to see what the problem is, so I'll just tell you what I would try to do if this happened to me. 

    I thought of something after seeing renojim's recent post and that's to try to connect the Roku to a different outlet to make sure your outlet isn't the culprit because if the Roku isn't getting enough power, it can cause crashes to occur, which is more usual for the Express model (with a faulty USB/Power supply) than an Ultra.

    Try to keep manually updating your Roku because maybe an update will fix the issue. Are you using your Roku to watch one channel app? Because perhaps it's the channel that's crashing the Roku after the update. You would need to log out of the channel, uninstall the channel, restart the Roku, and re-install the channel. 

    Another thing you can try is to go into Theme in settings and "Restore default theme" as perhaps that somehow became messed up and is causing the crash when the Roku attempts to go to the screensaver. Even after a Factory reset, if you're putting the Roku back on the same wallpaper and/or screensaver, this could cause the crash to reoccur, so try to use a different wallpaper and screensaver to see if that's the culprit. You can also turn off your screensaver for a while to see if your Roku still has this issue. If this is the culprit then a future update should fix that, but let Roku know by posting about it. 

    Before doing a manual update, you can go into "Advanced system settings" and do a "Network connection reset" if there is something with your network connection that causes the Roku to crash. It shouldn't be your WiFi connection, but it wouldn't hurt to connect the Roku directly to the router if you can with an ethernet cord. Also, turn off your router and modem for a few minutes and then turn it on. Then try to manually update the Roku as perhaps doing this could help resolve the issue. 

    You could then try to remove all your channels (write them down so you know which ones you had), restart the Roku, and then re-add them. First, only add the one channel you want to watch and see if your Roku crashes, and if it does then remove that channel and add a different one and try to watch that one. That way you can pinpoint if a channel app became problematic after a bad update as that may be the culprit instead of your Roku.

    If none of this works, one thing you can try, which you would need to do before returning the Roku anyhow, which goes beyond a Factory reset, is to remove the Roku from your account from the Roku website, load the Roku, and then re-add it to your account (like when after you bought it).  

    If nothing solves your issue and it's still under warranty, you can exchange it with another Roku Ultra, which might be the best thing to do since you can easily transfer your account to it. To learn more about how to do this just go to https://support.roku.com/category/4403790058903 and select "Warranty & returns." 

    Anything can cause Roku issues from a bad channel update, to a router issue, to a power surge which is why I use my Roku on a battery backup. When I had a bad OS update with my Roku Express due to my router acting wonky, my Roku device just let me know it failed the update and allowed me to repeatedly try again until the issue was resolved, so Roku is usually good about Roku devices that don't update right. But sometimes the update itself can cause havoc with a Roku device, yet usually, this causes others to also have similar issues that can be specific to your Roku model. This doesn't seem to be what's happening here else others would have commented about having a similar issue, (update) but this update is new and it may take a while for others with your device model to receive it.

    I'm surprised renojim that your Roku hasn't yet been updated to v12.5.5, as I always assumed the newer models got the update first and then it would reach the older Roku's, but my Ultra got the update yesterday (1/16/24). All I can suggest is to keep trying to manually update your Roku Ultra. (Update) But perhaps the reason your Roku isn't updating is because there are issues with newer models with the OS update, which is what may have happened to Mannnnnnnnnnnny, and Roku is trying to work out the kinks before sending this update to your model. If that's the case, then a newer update should fix this crashing issue when it rolls out.

  • I solved this exact problem by not using the TV to power the Roku device and instead plug the USB cable in a block which can be plugged directly into the wall(like for phone chargers). I also used a different HDMI port which could have made a difference.

22 Replies

  • I got an email asking for a reply, but when I clicked on the reply button I saw no obvious way to make that reply.  Partial responses have been the issue all along.  

  • I would take issue with the suggestion to buy an ultra, mine crashes often, and the volume button up works intermittently.  Returning is problematic as Roku support tells you to maileit back with the rma but does not tell you what that rma is.  Maybe Roku support is overloaded with the release of a shaky product.

    • RokuRhea-V's avatar
      RokuRhea-V
      Community Moderator

      Hey notlovingroku​,

      Thanks for posting here!

      I understand your concern about this issue. I'd like to help you with it. Please check your inbox in the Roku Community, as I will send you a private message for further assistance.

      The Roku Community Team

  • Fixed my Roku from freezing and restarting by replacing it with a Firestick 4K max all good now.

  • I solved this exact problem by not using the TV to power the Roku device and instead plug the USB cable in a block which can be plugged directly into the wall(like for phone chargers). I also used a different HDMI port which could have made a difference.

    • RokuJechealR's avatar
      RokuJechealR
      Retired Moderator

      Hi SKIBIDITOILET,

      A warm welcome to the Roku Community!

      We do not have enough details from your original message to make an effective suggestion. Could you tell us more about your concern? What troubleshooting steps have you already taken to try to resolve the issue? How are you powering the Roku device? In addition, have you tried using a different power cord and/or adapter to power your Roku device?

      With more detailed information, we will be able to assist you further.

      All the best,
      Chel

      • MostWokeOne's avatar
        MostWokeOne
        Newbie

        I too am now having this issue having just purchased a new Ultra.  This is my 2nd Ultra and no.1 works flawlessly.

        As an I.T. Dev. I'm wondering if anyone else also has two Ultra's connected to the same home network and if somehow that is creating confusing communication in the servers on the Roku end terminals.

        Initially it was a challenge to get it activated and signed in between loops and now that is is signed in it is frozen on the main menu but produces action sounds for attempted menu selections.

        I'm strongly leaning towards the Roku servers encountering issues communicating with 2 Ultra's on the same network.  This one I have came as a cyber Monday 2 pack deal so I'm judging by the time stamps on others posts that this is their unique circumstance as well.

         

        For reference sake, I own a Premier and an Express 4kHD and this issue doesn't occur when different models are connected.

        However, could just be a bad batch.  Ultra no.1 has never had issues.  Maybe it's an LT though.  Not sure.  Need to double check.

         

        Hopes this helps anyone and if you're having issues with cameras connecting to your router reset the router to default and use the default WiFi password.  Not sure why the cams didn't like my custom wifi name and password but that's what it took for me.

         

        Love being Netgear18 now instead of FreedomWiFi

  • If you have an older Roku Ultra like me, it could be that you have a micro-SD card slot, which the newer models don't have for this reason. See if this is true by detaching the HDMI cord, and if it's there, remove the micro-SD card. Once you format the SD card in a computer (make sure not to format another drive by accident) then re-insert the card into the Roku after it's on the home screen. Hopefully, that fixes your issue.

    I didn't have this issue with my Roku Ultra after the OS update, so this problem you're having isn't a general one for all Roku Ultra devices. 

    • Mannnnnnnnnnnny's avatar
      Mannnnnnnnnnnny
      Reel Rookie

      Thanks! I got mine just last month, and it doesn’t have a micro SD card slot:(

      • Portalogem's avatar
        Portalogem
        Roku Guru

        Unfortunately, since I'm not experiencing this issue, there's little I can do to troubleshoot this to see what the problem is, so I'll just tell you what I would try to do if this happened to me. 

        I thought of something after seeing renojim's recent post and that's to try to connect the Roku to a different outlet to make sure your outlet isn't the culprit because if the Roku isn't getting enough power, it can cause crashes to occur, which is more usual for the Express model (with a faulty USB/Power supply) than an Ultra.

        Try to keep manually updating your Roku because maybe an update will fix the issue. Are you using your Roku to watch one channel app? Because perhaps it's the channel that's crashing the Roku after the update. You would need to log out of the channel, uninstall the channel, restart the Roku, and re-install the channel. 

        Another thing you can try is to go into Theme in settings and "Restore default theme" as perhaps that somehow became messed up and is causing the crash when the Roku attempts to go to the screensaver. Even after a Factory reset, if you're putting the Roku back on the same wallpaper and/or screensaver, this could cause the crash to reoccur, so try to use a different wallpaper and screensaver to see if that's the culprit. You can also turn off your screensaver for a while to see if your Roku still has this issue. If this is the culprit then a future update should fix that, but let Roku know by posting about it. 

        Before doing a manual update, you can go into "Advanced system settings" and do a "Network connection reset" if there is something with your network connection that causes the Roku to crash. It shouldn't be your WiFi connection, but it wouldn't hurt to connect the Roku directly to the router if you can with an ethernet cord. Also, turn off your router and modem for a few minutes and then turn it on. Then try to manually update the Roku as perhaps doing this could help resolve the issue. 

        You could then try to remove all your channels (write them down so you know which ones you had), restart the Roku, and then re-add them. First, only add the one channel you want to watch and see if your Roku crashes, and if it does then remove that channel and add a different one and try to watch that one. That way you can pinpoint if a channel app became problematic after a bad update as that may be the culprit instead of your Roku.

        If none of this works, one thing you can try, which you would need to do before returning the Roku anyhow, which goes beyond a Factory reset, is to remove the Roku from your account from the Roku website, load the Roku, and then re-add it to your account (like when after you bought it).  

        If nothing solves your issue and it's still under warranty, you can exchange it with another Roku Ultra, which might be the best thing to do since you can easily transfer your account to it. To learn more about how to do this just go to https://support.roku.com/category/4403790058903 and select "Warranty & returns." 

        Anything can cause Roku issues from a bad channel update, to a router issue, to a power surge which is why I use my Roku on a battery backup. When I had a bad OS update with my Roku Express due to my router acting wonky, my Roku device just let me know it failed the update and allowed me to repeatedly try again until the issue was resolved, so Roku is usually good about Roku devices that don't update right. But sometimes the update itself can cause havoc with a Roku device, yet usually, this causes others to also have similar issues that can be specific to your Roku model. This doesn't seem to be what's happening here else others would have commented about having a similar issue, (update) but this update is new and it may take a while for others with your device model to receive it.

        I'm surprised renojim that your Roku hasn't yet been updated to v12.5.5, as I always assumed the newer models got the update first and then it would reach the older Roku's, but my Ultra got the update yesterday (1/16/24). All I can suggest is to keep trying to manually update your Roku Ultra. (Update) But perhaps the reason your Roku isn't updating is because there are issues with newer models with the OS update, which is what may have happened to Mannnnnnnnnnnny, and Roku is trying to work out the kinks before sending this update to your model. If that's the case, then a newer update should fix this crashing issue when it rolls out.