Solving playback issues

[snoodles]

I have a Roku Express that is acting up. The internet speed is 8 MBPS and on my Roku TV it's 123 MBPS. At times the remote won't respond as well. I have changed the batteries and that didn't help any. Is it time for a new Roku?

[murl]

very hot

[atc98092]

The Express is the one Roku device I don't recommend. It doesn't support dual band WiFi, and it seems to have more than its share of issues. I've never owned an Express, but I have a number of other Roku players and TVs, all of which work fine. If you do decide to replace it, I recommend at minimum the Express 4K+, which is a completely different player than the Express for only a bit more money. 

[1759]

our Roku is frozen and it will not let us click on Sling

[1759]

Our Roku is frozen and we can not click onto Sling

[Strega2]

I just wanted to mention that 8Mbps is not really a limitation for typical HD streaming, so I wouldn’t replace a player only because of that number.

As for frozen, the first question is whether it’s a player or remote issue.  I would try rebooting the Roku (via a quick press of the reset button or pulling the power plug) and checking the batteries in the remote.  I’m assuming the remote is an IR remote (since this thread is about the Express) but given the way topics can drift, if it’s a RF remote, you might need to re-pair it.  On the other hand, if it is an IR remote, make sure it has a clear line of site to the front of the Roku box.  Those things are so tiny that they sometimes get turned around or hidden.

[atc98092 · Accepted solution]

Another way to confirm if it's a remote issue is to try using the Roku app on a phone or tablet. If you can control it with the app, then you've confirmed the problem is with the remote. Just remember that the device with the app has to be connected to the same network as the Roku device, and there's no security setting in the WiFi that blocks the app from seeing the Roku.