Roku TV allows you to stream your favourite channels (Netflix, Peacock, YouTube, etc.) on your devices through the internet. However, YouTube not working on Roku TV can seem frustrating when you suddenly experience this issue.
Some of the reasons why YouTube is not working on Roku TV devices include having too many channels on your Roku TV device, poor internet network, and using outdated software which can lead to glitches and bugs.
In this article, we would briefly discuss how you can fix the issue of YouTube not working on Roku TV.
Why is YouTube Not Working on Roku
YouTube is a great streaming app that allows you to watch several content including movies, TV shows, news, sports, etc. You can download the YouTube app from the Roku Channel Store to stream lots of entertainment programs.
However, there are several reasons why YouTube may fail to work on your Roku TV device. Some of these reasons include:
- Installing too many channels on your Roku TV device.
- Poor internet connection.
- Using outdated software which can lead to glitches and bugs.
YouTube Not Working on Roku
We would briefly dive into the various ways you can follow to efficiently solve the issues of YouTube not working on Roku TV.
Recommended: How to Fix YouTube App Not Working
System Restart Your Roku TV
YouTube not working on Roku TV, can be a temporary issue due to glitches and bugs, a system restart can easily fix this issue.
Follow these steps to system restart your Roku TV:
- Remove the power cord of your Roku Tv from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 10 seconds.
- Plug back the power cord into a power outlet.
- Alternatively, you can use your remote control to system restart your Roku TV.
- Press the home button on your Roku remote.
- Scroll and select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Power. ( Skip to the next step, if you don’t see a Power submenu from the options).
- Select System restart
Reset Network Connection
The issue of YouTube not working on Roku TV may be due to network failure. You should try to reset the network connection of your Roku TV if you are experiencing a poor internet connection when you are streaming YouTube.
Follow these steps below, to reset the network connection on your Roku Tv:
- Press the home button on your Roku remote control.
- Scroll and select Settings.
- Select Advanced system settings
- Select Network connection reset
- Select Reset connection
Reinstall YouTube App on Your Roku TV
This issue could be temporary and can be due to the files saved on your YouTube app. You can reinstall the YouTube app on your Roku TV device.
- Navigate to the YouTube app
- Click the asterisk/ star (*) button on your Roku remote control.
- Select remove channel from the menu
- The channel should be removed, then go to streaming channels from the menu.
- Search and select YouTube channel.
- Click add channel and wait to install.
- Launch the channel to see if the issue is resolved.
Update Your Roku Device
If you are experiencing YouTube not working on Roku TV may be due to a software glitch. Ensuring to regularly update your Tv often fixes software glitches and bugs that can lead to these issues.
Your Roku Smart Tv or stream player is designed to ensure that they run on the latest software version. Your TV device often checks if there is newly available software available for download during its initial setup and whenever your Roku TV device is powered on randomly every 24-36 hours.
Follow the steps below to manually check for software updates on Roku TV:
- Press the home button on your Roku remote control.
- Scroll and select Settings.
- Select System
- Select System update
To manually check For new software updates
If you are not using a Roku smart TV, you can manually check for new software updates. You have to first download a file to your computer, copy it to a USB flash drive, then connect the flash drive to your Roku TV. For this procedure, you will need to get a standard USB 2.0 flash drive that is 256MB or larger. You also need to move between your computer system and Roku TV as detailed below.
Follow the steps below to manually update the software of your Roku TV:
- On your computer system
- Open a web browser and visit tvupdate.roku.com.
- Choose the brand of your Roku TV (e.g., TCL).
- Enter your Roku Model Number and Serial Number. (A model number is a 4-digit number and a letter (e.g., 6104X), while the serial number is a combination of 12 numbers. Go to Settings > System > About on your Roku TV to get this information.
- Then select download software to get the update. Roku installer file downloaded on your computer.
- Go to the downloads folder to locate the update. Roku file on your computer.
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer to copy the update. Roku file to the flash drive. Ensure you don’t put it in a subfolder.
- Once the transfer is completed, remove the USB flash drive from your computer.
- Connect the USB flash drive to the USB port on your Roku TV.
- Press the home button on Roku remote on your Roku TV remote.
- Select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select System update.
- Now return to your computer and enter the 12-digit code.
- Ensure that you enter the code correctly, and a new 6-digit code will appear on your computer screen.
- Go back to your Roku TV to enter the 6-digit code with your Roku TV remote control.
- The software update should now proceed, and your TV restarts once completed. Once your Roku TV restarts, you should remove the USB flash drive.
Factory Reset Your Device
A factory reset would clear almost all data from your Roku device and would be restored to a factory default configuration. This step will erase your personal preferences, unlink your device from your Roku account, reset all settings and return your device to a state ready for initial setup. Therefore be sure you want to take this step before you proceed.
If you are ready to proceed with this process, follow the steps below:
- Press the home button on your Roku remote.
- Scroll and select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Advanced system settings.
- Select Factory reset
Perform a Hard Factory Reset
You can perform a factory reset by locating the physical reset button on your Roku TV device.
Follow these steps to perform a hard factory reset:
- Locate the reset button on the back or bottom of your Roku TV device.
- Use a straightened paperclip to press and hold the button firmly for at least 10 seconds.
- An indicator light or status LED would appear on your Roku TV device once the factory reset is completed.
In conclusion when you are experiencing the issue of YouTube not working on Roku TV. Some other steps you can take include:
- Changing your Theme to the Roku Default. Go to Settings/ Theme /Restore default theme.
- Change your Screensaver to a Roku clock. Navigate to Settings/ Theme/ Screensavers.
- Remove the YouTube app, then Restart Roku: Navigate to Settings/ System/ System restart/ Restart, then add the YouTube app.
YouTube Not Working on TCL Roku TV
There are a few options to consider when YouTube is not working on your smart TCL Roku TV.
- Firsts remove the app
- Go to Home > settings > system > power and restart your device. Before restarting your TV device disable “Fast Start” if it is enabled.
- Then add the YouTube app again.
If this step doesn’t quite fix this issue, you should try a factory reset on your TCL Roku TV. This should fix the bugs and software glitches.
To perform a factory reset:
- Open the main screen using your remote control.
- Then scroll down and select Settings.
- Press the right arrow button, scroll and select System.
- Press the right arrow button, scroll and select Advanced system settings.
- Press the right arrow button, scroll and select Factory reset
- Press the right arrow button, scroll and select Factory reset everything.
- You should enter the code listed on the screen and select OK, to proceed with the full factory reset. A different code will be generated each time you factory reset your TV.