Roku is at the top of the class when it comes to streaming platforms. But as with all things internet-related, there are speed and connection issues every now and then. Who wants to hurry and wait when it’s movie night!
If your Roku TV is slow, you can improve the speed by restarting the router or moving it closer to the Roku TV or streaming device. Limit the number of connections on the same network as Roku. Use an ethernet cable instead of a wireless internet connection.
If you are noticing that Roku is slower than usual, this article will discuss some of the reasons why and what you can do to speed things back up again. The suggestions are quick and simple. You will be back on the couch in no time.
Roku Slow To Respond To Remote
The Roku remote makes the whole streaming experience better. You have one remote to control the TV, the Roku app, and all the channels within the app.
If Roku is slow to respond to the remote, the batteries may be too low or not working at all. Replace the batteries with fresh alkaline batteries, not rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries do not have the power or life expectancy to operate the Roku remote.
It may seem like such a simple thing but the majority of issues involving the remote are battery-related. We take for granted how often the remote is used and that it, too, needs help from time to time.
Restart
Restarting the remote is actually a collective reboot, When you restart the remote, you also restart Roku,
Step 1: Remove the batteries from the remote control.
Step 2: Disconnect the Roku TV or Roku streaming device from its power source for 20 seconds.
Step 3: Reconnect Roku back to the power source.
Step 4: When the Roku home screen appears, replace the batteries in the remote control.
Step 5: Wait 30 seconds before using the remote control. The remote is establishing a new connection with Roku during these 30 seconds.
Re-pair Remote
A common reason why the Roku remote is slow to respond is when the connection between the remote and Roku has been affected. A power surge or even a loose connection if using an HDMI or ethernet cable will affect the remote’s ability to communicate with Roku.
Step 1: Remove the batteries from the remote control and disconnect Roku from its power source.
Step 2: After 10 seconds, connect Roku back to power.
Step 3: Once the Roku home screen appears, insert the batteries back into the remote.
Step 4: Press and hold the pairing button for 3 seconds or until the pairing light starts flashing. (The pairing button is located near the battery compartment.)
Step 5: When the pairing light starts flashing, wait 30 seconds for the connection to take place.
Step 6: There will be a prompt on the Roku home screen notifying you the connection is complete.
Roku Slow WiFi/Connection
WiFi connections, for the most part, are reliable but they are not immune to outside interferences. Depending on where you live, the connection may be more unstable than in other areas.
If Roku has a slow WiFi/connection, the internet connection is either not strong enough or is unstable. Check your internet signal strength by going to ‘Home’ > ‘Settings’ > ‘Network’ > ‘About’. Reducing the number of devices on the network will increase signal speed and strength.
For the best Roku experience, Roku recommends a minimum internet speed of 3 Mbps. Ideally, 4 Mbps is better but with some extra help, 3Mbps will get the job done.
Two options that have been successful are either a mesh network or a range extender. Either of these will help to boost the WiFi signal and broadcast it further for a stronger and more stable internet connection.
If you continue to have a poor or unstable internet connection, talk to your internet service provider to see what high-speed options are available in your area to improve your internet.
Roku Slow To Load
We are no strangers to WiFi running slowly at times. But if you are noticing that Roku is unusually slow at loading your channels, there might be something else going on.
If Roku is slow to load, the memory cache may be full. The memory cache is what enables you to access stored information quickly. Over time, this memory bank becomes weighed down with old data. Removing the old data will enable Roku to load faster.
The most efficient way to clear Roku’s memory cache is through a sequence of buttons on the remote.
Step 1: Press the ‘Home’ button 5 times in a row.
Step 2: Press the ‘Up’ arrow 1 time.
Step 3: Press the ‘Rewind’ button 2 times in a row.
Step 4: Press the ‘Fast Forward’ button 2 times in a row.
Step 5: When you see the Roku home screen appear, the cache has been cleared out.
Delete Used Apps
Each app contains stored data. The more data that is stored, the harder it becomes for Roku to work efficiently. Deleting any unused apps will free up memory space and will enable Roku to work faster.
The following steps will walk you through how to delete any unused apps.
Step 1: Go to the Roku home screen.
Step 2: Use the remote to hover over the unused app. Do not open the app.
Step 3: Press the asterisk (*) button on the remote.
Step 4: Select ‘Remove Channel’.
Step 5: After removing all unused apps, unplug the Roku TV or streaming device for at least 60 seconds.
Step 6: After 60 seconds, plug the TV or streaming device back in.
Roku Slow After Update
It is not uncommon for electronic devices to operate slowly after an update. Updates remove the old data and give new ‘information’ to the electronics so they work better and faster.
If Roku is slow after an update, make sure the update was fully installed. Any interruption in the internet connection could have affected the update from being completely installed. Go to the Roku homepage to see if any updates are still pending.
Since updates are providing new information, it’s a good idea to restart any device that has been updated. This will clear out any old data that may be lingering and allow the new data to start fresh.
There are three ways you can restart Roku: a soft restart, a restart using the system menu, and a restart using the remote.
Soft Restart
This restart is the simplest and quickest of them all – unplug the Roku TV or streaming device from its power source for 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, plug it back in. That’s it.
Restart Using System Menu
Step 1: Using the Roku remote, press the ‘Home’ button.
Step 2: Go to ‘Settings’.
Step 3: Select ‘System’.
Step 4: Select ‘System Restart’.
Step 5: Follow any on-screen instructions.
Remote Restart
Step 1: Press the ‘Home’ button 5 times.
Step 2: Press the ‘Up’ arrow 1 time.
Step 3: Press the ‘Rewind’ button 2 times.
Step 4: Press the ‘Fast Forward’ button 2 times.
Step 5: The restart will happen automatically. When the Roku home screen appears, the restart is complete.
Roku Slow Loading Channels
When it comes to watching a movie or television show, slow is never good. When we are ready to be entertained, we are ready to be entertained.
If Roku is slow in loading channels, the problem could lie with the channel itself. Uninstall the channel. Wait 20 seconds. Reinstall the channel. If the channel is still slow in loading, check the signal strength of your network connection.
As we mentioned earlier in this article, updates are crucial for optimal performance. The same is true of Roku channels. If the channel provider such as Netflix or Hulu has any pending updates, the channel will not work until the update is installed.
Go to the homepage of the channel provider to see if an update is pending. Once the update is installed, refresh the Roku home screen and launch the channel again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Roku Update
Another possibility is if Roku itself has a pending software update.
Step 1: Go to the Roku home screen.
Step 2: Go to ‘Settings’.
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Step 3: Scroll down to ‘System’.
Step 4: Select ‘System Update’.
Roku Slow Streaming
Slow streaming is not only frustrating when you are trying to enjoy a movie but it also means there is an issue with the network connection. The connection is either unstable or weak or both.
Here is how you can check the network connection.
Step 1: Go to the Roku home screen.
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Step 2: Go to ‘Settings’.
Step 3: Select ‘Network’.
Step 4: Select ‘Check Connection’.
If you find that your internet connection is weak, you can increase the signal strength by using a wired connection. Using either an HDMI cable or an ethernet will greatly reduce any interference affecting the speed of your internet.
Roku Slow Buffering
Buffering means the app is trying to download more data for quicker playback. If the buffering process is too slow, you run the risk of the app timing out. While buffering is intended to help you stream more fluidly, when it’s too slow that means our internet speed is too slow.
If Roku is slow buffering, you need to increase your internet speed. Reduce the number of devices on the network. Move the router closer to the Roku device. Use a hardwired internet connection to reduce any interference.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 20, 2022.