Solving playback issues

[hlguest]

We have two Roku 2s on different TVs and neither of them will turn on completely. They turn on and do the ROKU intro screen, but never go all the way to the main screen. Instead, they shut off and go back to the intro screen...and it's a never ending cycle. I have unplugged them for weeks to see if that would reboot and the same thing happens. Prior to this, one would occasionally leave a show on it's own and return to the main screen...not sure if that helps with any diagnosis. Can I restart the devices from my online account or is there another idea? Thanks!

[makaiguy]

First thing to check ...

If you are powering your Roku by plugging into the USB port on the TV, try powering from house power via the USB power adapter that came with the Roku.

The USB ports on many televisions only supply 0.5 amp or less, which is not enough to power a Roku reliably. Even if a Roku connected this way appears to start up normally, when it runs into an activity that requires more power than the USB port can deliver, something will fail, commonly taking you back to the home screen.

If you don't have the Roku adapter handy, any other you have from another device should work as long as the fine print on it says it outputs at least 1 amp.

[hlguest]

It is plugged directly into the house power with the original cord that came with the Roku - that's the way we have had it and it has worked for 3 years.

[makaiguy]

You may have received a Roku operating system update that has failed to complete.

When the setup fails to complete after the software update runs, here are a couple of things that some people have found to work for them. They may not be universally successful, but they are worth a try.

Easiest to try, so try this first: Restart your router, even if other devices have no trouble connecting. When your router has completed its startup, try repeating your Roku startup.

More involved: Repeat the setup by connecting to a different wifi network - perhaps via a wifi hotspot on your mobile phone or by taking it to a friend's house - and see if it will complete the startup. If successful, then redo the wifi connection to use your intended wifi network via Settings > Network > Set up connection.

[hlguest]

I have tried the "easier option" several times with no avail.

As far as the "more involved" option, I turned our router off to see if it would connect to my hotspot, but it's not changing anything - still goes to the startup then just shuts off...over and over again. I'll try to take it somewhere far away from my home to see if it will finish startup elsewhere. Thank you