Top 10 Ways to Fix YouTube Not Working on Roku

One of the top reasons for YouTube’s striking popularity is cross-platform availability. Besides mobile, tablet, and desktop, YouTube native apps are available on all the major smart TV platforms, too. While it works flawlessly on smart TVs and streaming devices, many Roku users have complained about issues with YouTube. If you are among the affected ones, use the steps below to fix YouTube not working on Roku.

Whether you prefer it or not, YouTube is a must-have app on any smart TV. The app not working as expected can frustrate you. Before you switch to a phone, tablet, or laptop to stream your favorite creator’s video, use the steps below to get YouTube up and running on Roku.  

1. Check Network Connection

You need to first check the network connection on your Roku device. If Roku has Wi-Fi connectivity issues, streaming glitches occur in all apps.

Step 1: Head to Roku home and select Settings.

Step 2: Select Network and go to the About menu.

Step 3: Click Check connection.

Check Wi-Fi signal strength and internet speeds. If you frequently stream 4K videos on YouTube, connect to a faster Wi-Fi network or establish an Ethernet connection (more on that later).

2. Restart Roku

Rebooting your Roku device is an effective way to troubleshoot minor glitches. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open Roku Settings (check the steps above).

Step 2: Scroll to System.

Step 3: Select Power.

Step 4: Select System restart.  

3. Use Ethernet Connection

YouTube and other apps may run into streaming errors if your home or office corner is under a Wi-Fi dead zone. You should establish an Ethernet connection and use an adapter to unlock high-speed internet speeds on Roku.

We have created a buying guide on top Ethernet adapters for Chromecast and other streaming devices. Check it out, confirm the compatibility with your Roku, and hit the Buy button.

4. Sign Out From Your Account and Sign In Again

If there is an account authentication problem with your YouTube account, the app may fail to play videos. It’s time to reauthenticate your YouTube account on Roku.

Step 1: Launch YouTube on Roku. Open the side menu and go to your account at the top.

Step 2: Select account settings and press OK.

Step 3: Click Next.

Step 4: Select Remove.

Sign in with your YouTube account details and try again.  

5. Reset YouTube App

You can reset the YouTube app on Roku and try playing videos again.

Step 1: Launch YouTube and open the side menu. Select Settings.

Step 2: Scroll to Reset app.

It clears your settings, including connected devices and accounts.

6. Update YouTube

A buggy YouTube build on your Roku can be the main culprit here. You should update YouTube to the latest version. Here’s how.

Step 1: Find YouTube on Roku Home. Press the star icon on your Roku remote to check channel information.

Step 2: Hit Check for updates and install the latest YouTube app on Roku.

7. Reinstall YouTube

If the YouTube app crashes on Roku, reinstall it and start from scratch.

Step 1: Open Roku Home and go to Streaming Channels.

Step 2: Find YouTube and click on it.

Step 3: Select Remove channels.

Step 4: Wait for some time and select Add channel from the same menu.

Launch YouTube, sign in with your account details and play your favorite videos.

8. Check YouTube Servers

Sometimes, YouTube servers may go down and display errors on your smart TV and other devices. To confirm the server-side outage, head to Downdetector and search for YouTube. High outage graphs and user comments about the same issue can be seen.

9. Update RokuOS

Roku regularly releases updates to add new features and fix bugs. You should update RokuOS to the latest version and try again.

Step 1: Head to the System menu in Roku Settings (check the steps above).

Step 2: Select Software update and install the latest RokuOS build.

10. Reset Roku

You can reset Roku and start everything from scratch.

Step 1: Navigate to the System menu in Roku Settings (check the steps above).

Step 2: Select Advanced system settings.

Step 3: Select Factory reset and follow the on-screen instructions.

Stream YouTube on Roku

In most cases, glitches in network connection lead to YouTube problems on your Roku device. If you face streaming problems on all apps on your Roku, it’s time to ditch it in favor of Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, or Apple TV. There is no shortage of capable streaming sticks out there.

Which trick worked for you? Share your findings with us in the comments below.