How to Fix Youtube Not Working On Roku?

One of the advantages of having so many entertainment options available is that you can turn any TV with an HDMI input into a smart TV with the help of various services and accessories. These devices are usually small, affordable, and easy-to-use streaming boxes. They plug into your TV’s HDMI port and connect to your home Wi-Fi network, giving you access to a wide range of streaming apps and online content. To name a few, you can find Apple TV, Firestick, Google Chromecast, and Roku which can offer you a wide range of options in terms of entertainment as well as accessibility and smart features.

By using any of these devices, you can simplify the process of turning your regular TV into a smart TV and enjoy tons of great features. You can browse through various genres, categories, and recommendations to find something to watch. You can also use voice search or remote control to navigate through the menus and settings.

And with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can access free entertainment with services like YouTube, where you can watch videos, music, podcasts, and more. However, there are a few issues that arise with these services time after time that may need your attention. In this guide, we will learn how to tackle the YouTube issue that has been bothering a lot of Roku users.

What is Roku?

Roku is one of the most prominent brands of streaming services and devices that allow you to watch online content on your TV.

Roku was released back in 2002 by the inventor of the DVR, Anthony Wood. In 2008, Roku took over and launched its first streaming device, the Roku DVP. Since then, Roku has released many models of streaming players, sticks, and TVs, as well as its own operating system, interface, and channel store. Right now, there are a wide range of services and options that you get with Roku TV such as:

• Roku Channel Store: This is where you can find and add streaming apps and channels to your Roku device. There are more than 10,000 channels available, including popular ones like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. You can also find free channels, live TV channels, news channels, sports channels, music channels, and more.
• Roku Remote: This is the remote control that comes with most Roku devices. It has a few buttons for navigation, playback, volume, power, and voice search. Some remotes also have shortcut buttons for specific channels or apps. You can also use the Roku mobile app as a remote control for your Roku device.
• Roku Voice: This is the voice control feature that lets you use your voice to search for content, launch channels, control playback, and more. You can use the microphone button on your Roku remote or the Roku mobile app to activate Roku Voice. You can also use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to control your Roku device with compatible smart speakers or displays.
• Roku Search: This is the universal search feature that lets you find content across multiple streaming apps and channels. You can search by title, actor, director, genre, or keyword. You can also see the availability and price of the content on different services.
• The Roku Channel: This is Roku’s own streaming channel that offers free and premium content. You can watch thousands of movies and shows for free with ads, or subscribe to premium services like Starz, Showtime, or Epix within the channel. You can also access live TV channels, news channels, sports channels, kids channels, and more.
• Roku Originals: These are original movies and shows produced by Roku or acquired from other sources. They are exclusive to The Roku Channel and available for free with ads. Some of the popular Roku Originals are Die Hart, #FreeRayshawn, Reno 911! , Dummy, and Chrissy’s Court.

Reasons Behind YouTube App Not Working on Roku

Even though Roku service has a pretty good reputation, there are times when Roku users struggle with some common problems.

There can be problems with a certain service such as YouTube on Roku TV even though the rest of the options are working. This is because each service or app on Roku has its own software and settings that may not be compatible with the Roku device or the internet connection. Some of the possible reasons behind the YouTube app not working on Roku are as follows:

YouTube servers are down: Sometimes, the problem is not with your Roku device or your internet connection, but with the YouTube servers themselves. If YouTube is experiencing a service outage or a technical issue, it may affect the YouTube app on Roku and prevent it from loading or playing videos.

YouTube app is outdated: Another possible reason for the YouTube app not working on Roku is that the app is outdated and needs to be updated. Roku usually updates the apps automatically, but sometimes it may fail to do so or you may have disabled the automatic updates.

Internet connection is slow or unstable: Another possible reason for the YouTube app not working on Roku is that your internet connection is too slow or unstable to stream videos. YouTube requires a minimum speed of 7 Mbps for HD videos and 25 Mbps for 4K videos. If your internet speed is lower than that, you may experience buffering, lagging, or freezing issues.

YouTube app is corrupted or incompatible: Another possible reason for the YouTube app not working on Roku is that the app is corrupted or incompatible with your Roku device. This may happen due to a faulty installation, a software bug, or a compatibility issue.

Also Read: YouTube TV Plans And Cost

How to Fix the YouTube App on Roku?

Now that you are aware of what can cause the YouTube app to not work properly on your Roku device, you can try out the solutions provided below to attempt to resolve the problem. These solutions have worked out pretty well for a lot of users and you may also benefit from these options. But, make sure you try out all of the solutions and follow the steps provided without skipping any crucial points.

1. Restart the Device and Check for Updates

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many problems with streaming devices such as Roku and its apps. You can restart your device by going to Settings > System > Power > System restart on your Roku menu.

You can also check for updates by going to Settings > System > System update > Check now. This will ensure that your Roku device and the YouTube app are running on the latest software versions.

2. Check YouTube Server Status

If the YouTube app is not loading or playing videos, it may be because the YouTube servers are down or experiencing issues. You can check the status of YouTube by using Downdetector or searching for “Is YouTube down” in your browser. If YouTube is down for everyone, you will have to wait until the service is restored. However, you probably won’t have to wait for long since such issues are quickly registered by YouTube’s maintenance team and fixed as soon as possible.

3. Verify Internet Status

If your internet connection is slow or unstable, you may have trouble streaming videos on YouTube. You can test your internet speed by using a speed test app or website on your phone, tablet, or computer that is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device. If your internet speed is slow, you may experience problems with the YouTube app. You can try rebooting your router, moving your router closer to your Roku device, or using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi to improve your internet connection.

4. Check YouTube Account Settings

If you are signed in to your YouTube account on your Roku device, you may want to check your account settings and preferences. You can do this by opening the YouTube app on your Roku device and going to Settings > Account. Here, you can check if you have any parental controls, restricted mode, playback quality, or other settings that may affect your YouTube experience. You can also sign out and sign in again to refresh your account information.

5. Clear YouTube Cache

If the YouTube app is crashing, freezing, or showing errors, it may be because the app has accumulated too much cache data over time. Cache data is temporary information that the app stores to improve its performance and functionality. However, too much cache data can also cause problems and slow down the app. You can clear the cache data by uninstalling and reinstalling the YouTube app on your Roku device. To do this:

• Go to Settings > Streaming channels > YouTube > Remove channel on your Roku menu.
• Then, go to Streaming channels > Search channels > YouTube and add the channel again.
  

6. Check for Updates

If none of the above steps work, you may want to check if there are any updates available for your Roku device’s operating system, system software, or other apps. Sometimes, outdated or incompatible software can cause conflicts and errors with the YouTube app. You can check for updates by going to Settings > System > System update > Check now on your Roku menu. This will also update the YouTube app if needed.

7. Disable VPN Service

If you are using a VPN service on your phone, tablet, or computer that is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device, you may want to disable it temporarily. A VPN service can change your IP address and location, which may interfere with the YouTube app’s functionality and content availability. You can disable your VPN service by going to its settings and turning it off.

8. Factory Reset the Roku Device

If nothing else works out, you may want to try factory resetting your Roku device. This will erase all your personal settings, preferences, data, and channels from your device and restore it to its original state. However, this should be done as a last resort as you will lose all your customizations and have to set up everything again from scratch.

To factory reset your Roku device, go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset on your Roku menu. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

9. Contact Roku Support

Lastly, if you are still facing problems with the YouTube app on Roku, you will have to contact Roku Support for further assistance. You can visit their official website or drop a mail to the support email address from the service, and you will be contacted by a professional regarding your problem.

Youtube Not Working On Roku – FAQs

Conclusion

Today, we talked about Roku, a brand of streaming devices that allows you to watch online content on your TV. It is one of the best options today to turn your TV into a smart TV and enjoy tons of different streaming services as well as some of the exclusive content distributed on the Roku platform. We also discussed the common YouTube app problem that users face with Roku TV and how you can easily fix it. If you are not sure about any of the steps or instructions provided on this guide, you can reach us via the comment section below, and we can offer you additional help with your problem.