Roku setup

[jcmartin]

1. Install roku express with TV as power source.

2. enter email and receive activation link

3. follow steps online and add  device to acct.

4. never get a code

5. steps 1-4 loop forever

Troubleshooting steps taken.

• restart device and TV
• hard reset device
• restart router

Additionally the device has restarted at random times on it's own.

I think based on the TOTAL lack of support, I'm getting a Chromecast instead.  

[njgreen]

I am experiencing the same issue activating Roku Express.  I have completed my account set up so many times, yet the screen never "automatically updates when you're done" as it states.  I would like Roku customer service to contact me or I will return the device.

[StreamerUser · Accepted solution]

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@jcmartin wrote:

1. Install roku express with TV as power source.

2. enter email and receive activation link

3. follow steps online and add  device to acct.

4. never get a code

5. steps 1-4 loop forever

Troubleshooting steps taken.

• restart device and TV
• hard reset device
• restart router

Additionally the device has restarted at random times on it's own.

I think based on the TOTAL lack of support, I'm getting a Chromecast instead.  

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Use the supplied USB AC wall adapter instead of your TV's USB ports - otherwise strange behavior (like restarting on its own) will happen.

[StreamerUser]

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@njgreen wrote:

I am experiencing the same issue activating Roku Express.  I have completed my account set up so many times, yet the screen never "automatically updates when you're done" as it states.  I would like Roku customer service to contact me or I will return the device.

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Call Roku CS at (816) 272-8106  choose option 2

[jcmartin]

Perfect! That was it.
DO NOT USE THE TV AS A POWER SOURCE

It's a shame that all the threads that I could find from "Danny" at Roku "Support" just kept repeating the restart/reset mantra used by all support people before addressing the fact that there may be a real issue.

Your help is greatly appreciated, but Roku has really let us down. 

I already ordered the Chromecast, so their lack of support means that the next time I need a streaming device I will already have a Chromecast.

This Roku is supposed to be returned today, and I may still return it, since I know that the company does not deserve our business, the reviews make the lifetime of the Roku sound short and it has tones of latency (delay) when using the remote.  

[StreamerUser]

I recommend a multiplatform streaming strategy (with at least 3 different platforms), to deal with app carriage/compatibility/functionality differences.  You might consider keeping the Express (or at least the Express 4K+, since I cant recommend the basic Express models) to accomplish that.

[jcmartin]

We have been using Chromecast flawlessly for years. Ours broke and we tried Roku...new Chromecast arrives today.

Roku has really dropped the ball not having support, or even docs on a known issue.

[StreamerUser]

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@jcmartin wrote:

We have been using Chromecast flawlessly for years. Ours broke and we tried Roku...new Chromecast arrives today.

Roku has really dropped the ball not having support, or even docs on a known issue.

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For Agent-Assisted supported models:  

chat/email/phone   https://support.roku.com/contactus/contact-options

For billing/account issues, and first time setup/activation issues:   (816) 272-8106

General support:    https://support.roku.com/     Typing "power" into the search box provides many results..

Support article about powering devices:  https://support.roku.com/article/219327988

When first setting up any device (doesnt matter the manufacturer), its always best to do so with the provided power and connection cables - then later switching to other power sources/connection cables once you've verified everything is working properly.