Is Your Roku Light Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)
Ah, a Roku device- your one-stop-shop for all things streaming. If your Roku light starts blinking, that throws a pretty big wrench in your Saturday night plans (that may or may not have included leaving the couch).
If your Roku light is blinking, it’s likely because the smart remote is no longer paired to the device. Other causes include low remote batteries, weak WiFi, and a firmware update taking place. If you suspect a power outage in your area, check your ISP’s website for an estimate of its return.
In this article, we’ll go over the many causes resulting in your Roku light blinking. Each one is unique, so pay attention!
Hopefully, we can get your streaming device up and running just in time for you to watch the latest episode of your favorite show.
Do You Need TV or Home Theater Accessory Repair?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Why Is the Light on My Roku Device Blinking?
There are many different Roku devices currently on the market that include a Roku-integrated television, sticks, ethernet boxes, and soundbars. A Roku streaming stick or box has a light on the front that’s typically solid white to indicate that the electronic piece is on.
When this light begins to blink, there’s usually some sort of problem worth looking into that will prevent you from enjoying standard streaming services.
6 Reasons Why My Roku Light Is Blinking
Time to get to the bottom of this.
Here are some common reasons why your Roku might have a blinking light that won’t go away:
- Remote isn’t paired to the Roku device
- WiFi connection is weak
- TV is not plugged in properly
- Remote batteries are low
- There’s a power outage
- Firmware update is taking place
We’ll get more granular below regarding why each issue happens and how to solve it!
Reason #1: Remote Isn’t Paired to the Roku Device
Roku devices come with brand-specific smart remotes. They allow you to navigate the streaming app from one controller.
When these devices go haywire, sometimes they aren’t able to connect. Because this is the only way you can communicate with the Roku, it’s important to fix this problem.
Keep in mind that one of the main (and least conspicuous) reasons this happens is due to interference. Before you begin troubleshooting further, make sure there isn’t something in between the signal receiver on your Roku device and your remote.
Also, ensure that you are pointing the remote directly at the stick or box. If this doesn’t help, keep reading.
How to Fix It
If your smart remote is no longer connected to the Roku, it’s time to re-do the pairing setup procedure.
- Turn your TV on (make sure the Roku is properly plugged in).
- Open the battery cover on the back of your Roku remote.
- Press and hold the pairing button on the bottom right.
- When pairing mode has begun, you will see a green light flashing either inside of the battery cover or on the front of the remote (depending on your Roku model). Now, you can let go of the button.
- A ‘Roku Remote Pairing’ screen will then appear on your television. This signifies that both devices are in the process of pairing, and your TV will notify you when this process is complete.
When the procedure is finished, you should be able to use your remote again to control the Roku. Furthermore, the light should stop blinking and turn solid.
Reason #2: WiFi Connection Is Weak
Weak WiFi is the source of many problems in your home’s technology system. When it isn’t working properly, none of your devices function as they’re supposed to-the Roku is no exception.
Roku devices need Internet access in order to stream platforms and provide access to their robust portfolio of entertainment. Without this
It’s essential that you get your WiFi back up and running.
How to Fix It
If your WiFi is down and your Roku’s light is blinking as a result, there are a couple of different ways to handle this.
First, power cycle both the TV, the Roku, the remote, and the WiFi consoles. To do so:
- Turn the TV off, and unplug the power cord.
- Remove the back cover of your remote and take out the batteries.
- Unplug your modem and router.
- Pull your Roku device out of your TV’s HDMI port.
- Wait 1 full minute.
- Replug your router and modem back in, and wait for both to establish a signal.
- Once this is complete, put the batteries back in your remote.
- Plug your TV back in and turn it on.
- Plug your Roku back in.
- Re-connect your devices to WiFi, and re-pair your remote to the Roku.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, check your Internet provider’s website to see if there is a service outage in your area. If you don’t see one, call customer service to see if they can troubleshoot further.
Reason #3: TV Is Not Plugged In Properly
Power cords problems are some of the least obvious. However, if your TV isn’t properly secured to a working outlet, your Roku may start to blink.
This type of issue can also be related to the cord itself. Power cords have an average lifespan of about 20 years if they’re cared for. However, if they experience abnormal wear and tear, fraying and damage can occur before that.
It’s important to address this head-on.
How to Fix It
To fix a power cord problem, assess the following:
- Make sure your TV is plugged into an outlet that works (if not, move the cord to the nearest working outlet until it can be fixed).
- Limit surge protectors, as they can dilute the power source running into your television.
- Ensure the cord is securely plugged into both your TV and the outlet.
- Check the power cord for damage- look for snags, fraying, and punctures that could render it broken.
If your power cord looks like it has seen better days, purchase a compatible replacement. These steps should solve the Roku light blinking problem!
Reason #4: Remote Batteries Are Low
Remote batteries are another thing that is seldom checked.
These should be swapped out every 6 months or so to ensure your Roku remote has enough juice to get the job done. If not, your Roku’s light may start blinking to indicate that it can’t establish a signal with the remote.
How to Fix It
To fix this, just swap the batteries out.
Most Roku remotes take two AAA batteries. Visit your local convenience store or go on Amazon.com to get some new ones and stop your Roku light from blinking!
Reason #5: There’s a Power Outage
Power outages are never fun. Usually, they involve sitting by whatever candles you have lying around and pretending it’s 1855.
If a power outage occurs in your area, many things like clocks, smoke alarms, and even Roku devices will begin to blink.
How to Fix It
Since downed power lines are usually caused by inclement weather, there’s usually little you can do personally.
Your best option is to check your ISP’s website for an estimate on when power will be restored in your area and play the good, old-fashioned waiting game until the storm has passed.
Reason #6: Firmware Update Is Taking Place
An update to your Roku’s firmware is usually pushed unexpectedly and automatically by the company. If you’re rather unfortunate, you may experience one when you’re trying to use the device.
Firmware updates are designed to keep bugs at bay and arm your Roku with the latest and greatest protection features. This will keep it running smoothly for years to come.
A blinking light might just indicate that a firmware update is in process.
How to Fix It
Like with bad weather conditions, all you can do is wait until this procedure is complete. At that point, your Roku light will change to solid white, and it will be ready for use!
If you’re feeling impatient, you can call Roku customer service to get a feel for how long this might take and if what you suspect is actually happening.
Related Questions
Why is my Roku frozen?
A Roku freezing can happen for so many different reasons.The most common is due to a glitch in the system, and the best approach involves resetting the device. To do this, press and hold the ‘Reset’ button on the back of the box or stick for 20 seconds.Once it finishes rebooting, your Roku should no longer be frozen.
Why is Roku having problems with Netflix?
Netflix is probably one of the most popular apps available on the Roku platform. If it isn’t working, there are likely many unhappy customers.The easiest way to fix this is to delete the Netflix application and re-download it- this should get rid of any bugs. Just make sure to have your login information handy, as this action is going to kick you out.
How much do Rokus cost, and what’s included?
Roku streaming devices that you plug into your TV start at $29.99 and can exceed $400 for a fully integrated Roku television.After that, the platform is completely free! All you need are subscriptions to your favorite apps and/or a cable package if you wish to stream live channels.
Do You Need TV or Home Theater Accessory Repair?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
The Bottom Line
If you’re trying to figure out why your Roku light is blinking, the best place to start is by checking for loose power cords or dead remote batteries.
If that doesn’t work, it’s possible that a firmware update has taken place and all you can do at this point is wait until the process completes.
You can also double-check with Roku customer service to see if they can help further troubleshoot!
Emily is a copywriter with over five years of experience in crafting content for the home renovation and remodeling industry. She loves house projects, whether it be painting a room or tweaking small design elements to transform a space. Her favorite aesthetic is french modern because of its clean lines and airy feeling! When not writing, Emily loves to travel and check out architectural details all over the world.
More by Emily Carr
