Troubleshoot Channel Playback Issues on the Roku Streaming Player

Channel Playback Issues

Developers of channels such as Netflix and YouTube provide a notable collection of audio and video on the Roku streaming players. Designed to play videos in the highest possible quality, Roku seldom encounters any issues. But streaming depends upon your network speed, the quality of the broadcast itself and last but not the least, your television. If you are experiencing playback issues where you are unable to play videos from a single channel or any channel or are encountering frequent buffering, then it indicates that you are having channel playback issues.

Channel Playback Issues on Roku

Videos in a Channel Not Launched

• When a particular video doesn’t play then you may want to attempt playing some other video from it
• If other videos within the channel are playing well without any problems, and only if one video seems to be playing incorrectly, then the channel is suffering an interruption or outage
• When none of the videos of a particular channel play, then choose another channel to play a video from
• Check sign in and subscription options for a channel that requires a monthly fee
• On-screen instructions have to be followed if you have to link the channel from your satellite account
• For issues where you are not able to play videos at all only from a particular channel, then contacting the channel’s customer support would be the best option

None of the Channels Play Videos

• If you think that no videos are playing from any of the channels on the player, then check the internet or network connection
• Visit SETTINGS and then click on NETWORK; under this, click on ABOUT and check the STATUS field
• This field should indicate CONNECTED and if it says NOT CONNECTED, then try setting up the connection again
• Click on SET UP CONNECTION and go through the instructions visualized on the screen
• Confirm your connectivity by selecting CHECK CONNECTION
• This will help you test your internet connection and network

Issues Continue

• Rebooting the player is the first thing you should do if none of the above remedies work
• Go to SYSTEM RESTART from under the SETTINGS and then the SYSTEM menu
• Plug the Roku back in again after disconnecting it from its power source
• Now, check with the ISP or with the router manufacturer with regard to any specific instructions for rebooting your router
• In some cases, only a button behind the router has to pressed

Video Quality is Poor

• To play high-quality video on the Roku, you need a strong internet connection
• Buffering and poor video qualities are expected if your network is congested
• Check for other device usages over the same network; these could be consoles, other mobile devices, computers, etc. that have to be removed
• Do not connect the Roku to a cellular network because the signals will not be very strong and you will experience fluctuation
• Regular low-quality video playbacks are predominantly as a result of a slow network, problems with the router, low internet service quality or simply a poor wireless signal

Improve your Wireless Signal

• To increase your network signal, try upgrading your router
• You can also change the SETTINGS on the player
• If nothing works, check the expiry on the router device and get a new one

For any issues with the Roku device, get troubleshooting advice from our agents through the toll-free number +1-805-436-5800 or visit Roku.com/link.