Roku sticks are very popular among those who stream TV shows and movies from their smart TVs. Not only are they portable, deliver high definition streaming quality, but you can also use voice control to operate your television. It’s quick and easy to set up and compatible with Amazon Alexa devices and Google Assistant.
Unfortunately, like any man-made object, they are not immune to issues. Most consumers are able to use their Roku Sticks for 3-5 years before they ‘go bad’ and need to be replaced. Issues can range from quick fixes like a software update or restart to a reset or having to get a new remote.
Thankfully, most of these issues have been caught and recorded, so current/future customers don’t have to wonder and worry about what to do.
This article serves to share some of the issues Roku consumers face and their fixes. Whether or not you are having any problems with your Roku stick, this article will explain problems and their solutions before they arise, so keep reading!
Do Roku Sticks Go Bad?
Like many electronic devices, the Roku stick can degrade over time. On average most users notice that the device may slow down after 3-5 years of use. Additionally, older model Roku sticks may not have the hardware capacity to keep up with future software updates.
A few users have reported that they have been using the device for 5-7 years with no issues at all. This mainly comes down to the device’s exposure to “Heat Stress”.
The primary factor that determines how long your device will last is its exposure to heat. Constant exposure to heat will cause your device to degrade faster & have an overall shorter life span.
This comes down to a few factors such as hours of use, use per session, room temperature, humidity, exposure to dust.
If you’re beginning to experience issues with your Roku stick device, all hope is not lost, yet there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your device that may restore it back to its old state.
Troubleshooting Options:
There are many issues that Roku stick users might face. However, before you try any other troubleshooting actions, try restarting, updating, and resetting your device.
How To Restart Your Roku Stick
To restart your Roku Stick, follow these steps:
1. Click the Home button 5 times
2. Click the Up button 1 time
3. Click the Rewind button 2 times
4. Click the Fast Forward button 2 times
After you complete these 4 steps, your Roku Stick should restart. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, try updating your software.
How To Update Your Software
To update your Roko Stick follow these steps:
1. Click the Home button
2. Scroll until you find the Settings tab
3. Click the System Update option
4. Click Check Now so that your Roku device will check to see if any software updates are available.
If an update is available, then your Roku stick will update automatically. Don’t click anything or try to use the device while it’s updating!
If none of the previous tips worked, then you want to try resetting your Roku stick. This typically takes a little bit longer than the other steps.
How to Restart Your Roku Stick
To restart your Roku Stick follow these steps:
1. Click the Home button
2. Go to Settings
3. Select the System option
4. Go to the Advanced System setting
5. Click Factory Reset
6. Select Factory Reset everything and follow the instructions
The above steps will only work if your Roku Stick is responsive. If it isn’t, look for a reset button or reset pinhole.
If the problem hasn’t been resolved after doing the 3 options outlined above, I’ll list some common issues below and their solutions below.
Common Remote Issues ; Solutions:
The type of remote you have will determine how to troubleshoot issues. There are two types of remotes: a simple remote (one that has doesn’t have a voice button and only has a microphone button) and a voice remote (has a microphone button).
Common Roku Simple Remote Issues
If you are pressing buttons on your remote and it isn’t responding, check to make sure that the signal from the remote to the device isn’t blocked. The device you’re trying to control shouldn’t be behind your TV, a chair, or in a closed cabinet. Even these thin barriers can cause the remote to not respond.
Also, make sure you’re not too far away. You might have to use your remote from different anglers to get the best signal. Check your remote to make sure that the batteries are fresh. Replacing the batteries with new ones might fix the problem.
If the remote is hot to the touch, don’t try to remove the batteries right away. Let the remote cool first, and then replace the batteries. A warm remote is a sign that the batteries have corroded.
Common Roku Voice Control Issues
Since these types of remotes are connected to your device over Wi-Fi, you don’t have to worry about anything blocking the signal from your remote. The other difference with these remotes is that they can either have built-in rechargeable batteries or removable batteries.
For these types of remotes, the battery might be the reason the buttons aren’t working, the remote isn’t pairing to the device, or the remote is slow to respond. Plugging the micro-USB and the charging cable into the remote and connecting the other end to a power adapter in the wall might be the solution to your problems.
If your remote is slow to respond, that might be due to a lag in your wireless connection, especially if other devices are connected to the same router. To fix this you can either disconnect those devices from the router or switch the Wi-Fi that your remote is connected to.
Final Thoughts
This is by no means a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting your Roku Stick issues, but hopefully, the information provided here will give you some quick solutions to common problems you might face.
If you have bought your Roku Stick straight from the website, your device is malfunctioning, and none of the aforementioned solutions work, you can request a replacement product within one year of purchase. If you bought your remote within 30 days, then you are eligible for a refund.
Treat your Roku Stick well, and it should treat you well.
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