Top 9 Ways to Fix Roku Not Adding Channels

Roku Store has thousands of streaming apps to cut the cord at home or office. It houses all the popular options like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV+, and more. Since Roku doesn’t allow sideloading apps via unofficial sources, the default store remains your go-to place to access essential apps. Roku not adding channels can ruin your ideal weekend.

You can always switch to your laptop, tablet, or phone to stream your favorite TV shows, movies, or sports content. Before you settle with a below-average streaming setup, use the tricks below to start adding channels to your Roku device.

1. Restart Roku

Before you try advanced tricks, reboot your Roku device and try again. At times, the glitch is with the interface so a simple restart could help. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Go to Roku Home and choose Settings from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Scroll to System and open the Power menu.

Step 3: Select System restart and click Restart.

After your Roku device reboots, go to Streaming Channels and try adding apps to your device.

2. Check Network Connection on Roku

If your Roku device has network glitches, you can’t add channels to it. You need to confirm an active internet connection on your Roku device.

Step 1: Go to Roku Home and choose Settings from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Go to Network from the left sidebar and select Check connection. Roku runs several tests to check internet connectivity.  

Step 3: After the test is complete, go to the About menu and check signal strength and internet download speeds.

If your Roku device still has Wi-Fi connectivity issues, check our troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.

3. Channel Is Geo-Blocked

Some of the Roku channels are geo-blocked. You can’t access and add them from another region. For example, channels like YouTube TV, Hulu, Paramount+, Showtime, and more are available in the US region only.

If you are outside the US and try to access such apps, you will continue to run into errors.  

4. Add Channels From Roku Mobile Apps

If you are not able to add channels from a Roku streaming device, use the mobile app. Ensure your phone and Roku device are connected to the same network, and follow the steps below.

Step 1: Download Roku on your Android or iPhone. Launch the app and connect it to your Roku device.

Step 2: Tap Apps on Roku.

Step 3: Move to the Store tab and select a channel. Hit Add.

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5. Remove Unnecessary Channels

Roku doesn’t offer a native way to check storage on your device. There is no way to confirm if your Roku device is running low on storage. You can try removing unnecessary channels from your device and adding new ones.

Step 1: Open Roku home and select a channel.

Step 2: Press the star button on your Roku remote to open the options menu.

Step 3: Select remove channel.

Repeat the same for other irrelevant apps, and try your luck with adding channels.

6. Disable Virtual VPN

Roku doesn’t support any native VPN apps. However, you can install a VPN app on your phone or desktop and use the internet hotspot to enable a private network on Roku. If you use any such virtual VPN on Roku, disable it and try again.

7. Reset Network Connection

It is another effective way to fix glitches like Roku not adding channels. You can reset network connection on your Roku device and try again.

Step 1: Go to Roku Home and choose Settings from the left sidebar.

Step 2: Scroll to System and choose Advanced system settings from the right sidebar.

Step 3: Click Network connection reset and select Reset connection.

Resetting the network connection doesn’t delete any data on your Roku device. It only erases your wireless network (SSID) settings.

8. Update Roku

Roku frequently releases software updates to add new features and fix bugs. Channel install failed error on Roku can be due to an outdated Roku OS build on your streaming device. It’s time to install the latest update.

Step 1: Go to Roku Settings and open the System menu.

Step 2: Select Software update and download the newest Roku OS on your device.

Now, head to the Streaming Channels menu and start downloading apps.

9. Reset Roku

Do you still face issues with adding channels on Roku? You should reset Roku and try everything from scratch. Here’s what you need to do.

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

Step 2: Open Advanced system settings.

Step 3: Select Factory reset.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.  

Unlock Your Roku’s Full Potential

Your Roku streaming device or box is practically useless when it fails to add channels from the store. Before you switch to Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Google TV, use the tricks above to troubleshoot the problem. Which trick worked for you? Share your findings with us in the comments below.