Roku splits power problems by device. For a Roku TV, unplug it, including any power strip or extension cord, and plug it directly into a different wall outlet. If the TV has sound but no picture, turn it off first with the Roku remote or the TV's power button. If it is on a GFCI outlet, power may have cut out during a surge, so press the Reset button on the outlet. If the TV still will not respond, factory reset it: some have a recessed Reset button on the back panel,
The checks in more detail
which you hold with a straightened paper clip for about twelve seconds until the status indicator glows dimly, then release; Roku Pro Series TVs have a Roku-remote-shaped button next to the power button, and holding it and power together for at least five seconds resets the TV; TVs with no reset button reset when you hold the power button ten seconds. For a streaming player, check the status light: no light means no power, white light with no picture means check the TV input, a solid red light means the device is too hot and should be unplugged to cool,
and a flashing red light means it is not getting enough power, so plug it into a wall outlet. Use the original power adapter, reconnect the cable, try another outlet and avoid power strips. If you power the player from the TV's USB port, use the original cable, try another port, and if the TV cannot supply enough power use a 5V 1A adaptor at the wall. Roku's auto power savings setting can turn a player off. For a TV that restarts, unplug all devices and test.
A useful test before any repair is to unplug every cable except power for ten minutes, then plug the Roku in alone. If it starts, add devices back one at a time until it fails; the last one added is the cause. Note the order so you can tell Roku support exactly what you tried. Keep the box and a photo of the label showing the model and serial number, since warranty and service requests ask for both, and the label is hard to read once the TV is on a wall mount.
Differential
Likely causes of “Roku TV line and players keeps restarting or will not stay on”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A dead outlet or tripped GFCI
What separates it There is no power because the outlet is dead or a GFCI outlet has tripped
How to confirm Try another outlet, press Reset on the GFCI
- 2
Not enough power
What separates it The status light flashes red because the device is not getting enough power
How to confirm Use the original adapter plugged into the wall, to give the device steady power
- 3
Overheating
What separates it The status light is solid red because the device has overheated
How to confirm Unplug the device and let it cool down, in a place with airflow around it
- 4
A frozen TV state
What separates it The TV is unresponsive because it has frozen in an odd state
How to confirm Factory reset the TV using the reset button, if it stays frozen
- 5
A weak USB port
What separates it The player restarts because it is powered from a weak USB port
How to confirm Use a wall adaptor for power, and not a USB port on the TV
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The status light on a player
- The type of device and its model, whether a TV or a player
- Where the power for the device comes from
- Whether the outlet works for other devices
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the light
ReversibleCheck the status light on the player, and note its color and whether it flashes.
Use a wall outlet
ReversibleUse a wall outlet, and not a power strip, since Roku recommends a wall outlet.
Use the original adapter
ReversibleUse the original adapter, or a 5V 1A one, so that the device gets enough power.
Let it cool
ReversibleLet the device cool if the light is solid red, before you use it again.
Force a TV reset
ReversibleForce a reset of the TV, using the reset button or by holding the power button down.
Test with only power
ReversibleTest with only power connected, and remove the other devices from the TV, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact Roku
ReversibleContact Roku if the device stays dead after all of these steps, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- TVs and players
- A Roku TV resets with its reset button or power button; a player is diagnosed by its status light.
- Sticks
- Roku Streaming Sticks draw power from the wireless-receiver USB cable or the TV port.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Roku Ultra 4800/4802, Streaming Stick 4K, Express 4K, Roku Express, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, Roku Pro Series TV.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a TV will not power on after a forced factory reset, contact Roku
- !If a player stays dark on a good adapter and outlet, replace it under warranty
- !If overheating repeats, move it to open air
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Outlet, GFCI and factory reset.
Status light meanings and power sources.
Overheating.
Connections, input and power.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does a flashing red light mean?+
A flashing red light means that the device is not getting enough power.
What does white with no picture mean?+
A white light with no picture means that you should check the TV input, and the HDMI cable.
How do I reset a Roku TV?+
Hold the reset button about twelve seconds, or power ten seconds.
Can a GFCI outlet cut power?+
Yes, a GFCI outlet can cut power, so press the Reset button on the outlet.
Can the TV USB port power a player?+
Sometimes, use a wall adaptor if not.
What is auto power savings?+
A setting that can power down a player.
What is a Roku TV?+
A Roku TV is a television with the Roku operating system built in, so it needs no separate streaming stick.
What is CEC on a Roku TV?+
CEC is Consumer Electronics Control, which lets the Roku remote power on and control the volume of the TV.
Where is Settings on a Roku?+
Press the Home button, and then choose Settings from the menu on the left of the screen.
How do I restart a Roku TV?+
Go to Settings, then System, then Power, and choose System restart, to restart the TV without a reset.