Roku setup

[MLOM]

I have a new Roku Express and it gets really hot.  I noticed a strange smell as if something plastic was burning and it was the Roku device.  I unplugged it from the back USB port.  There wasn't any red light warning and it was properly placed and connected. This is something very unexpected and could be a fire hazard!  

[RokuERey · Accepted solution]

Hi @MLOM,

Welcome to the Roku Community!

We see that you're seeing this behavior happening on your Roku Express, and we'd like to know more about this.

Do you see any error messages? How long have you been experiencing this? You also mentioned that it's plugged directly into a USB port, and you should be aware that receiving insufficient power will cause unnecessary behavior on the device. Try plugging it in directly to a source that has enough power and continues to monitor it to see if there are any differences. 

You can also visit our Support page here: What to do if the red light is on or you see a “Your device is overheating” message

Or tell us more about this so that we can further look into it.

Thanks,

Rey

[MLOM]

Hello, the device is new.  I have used it for a week and it is connected to the TV's USB port.  I didn't see any error message.  I unplugged it and have not used it since.

I will try your suggestion to connect it to another source.  Thanks

[RokuTakashi]

Thanks for the response, @MLOM

Could you please send us a private message, since we'll be asking for further information to address the issue? To send a private message, click the name of the user besides the icon, then you will see a "Send this user a private message" once you've visited the user profile.

We look forward to your message.

All the best,
Kash

[Lee_Woods96]

I have three TVs hooked up to Roku Express 4K+ Model 3941X boxes - a Samsung Smart TV ca. 2017, a Panasonic Plasma TV 2011, and another Panasonic Plasma TV 2008.  

All three of the Rokus were purchased around three years ago, which is when I got rid of cable and started streaming.  These little Roku boxes get pretty danged hot.  Around two years ago, I started getting the low power message on the Samsung unit, telling me I needed to make sure the unit was plugged into an outlet directly - the unit is plugged in just that way.  I would unplug and then plug back in, and sometimes this would work, sometimes not.  I finally ordered some replacement power cords for the Roku boxes.  I replaced the one on the Samsung and the issue was resolved.  Until last night - it happened again.  The low power message/plug into an outlet warning appeared.  I unplugged the unit, several times, and finally it started working again.  

Over the last month or so, the unit hooked to the 2011 Panasonic has been acting up.  According to the wife, the message that pops up is not the low power warning.  This message, referring to the Roku box,  just says unplug the cord and plug back in.  The TV will come back on, but not for long, as the same thing will happen again.  

 I enjoy using the Rokus - I'm used to them, so there is that.  But, I'm getting pretty annoyed at this low power issue.  I have considered replacing all three with the newer Ultra 2024 units.  But, I'm curious if the same low power/getting hot issue is present with the 2024s.  If this is the case, I might investigate going in another direction.