If you’re wondering why Roku Express keeps updating and restarting, keep reading further!
The reason why your Roku Express keeps restarting and updating could be due to network or cable installation problems.
This guide will provide all the necessary information you need to know to update the Roku Express error-free and stop the constant restarting problems.
To fix when Roku Express keeps failing the updates, reconnect the device from Wi-Fi and replug the streaming player from the TV. If the problem persists, prevent overheating or factory resetting your streaming player.
Let’s proceed with the essential details!
Why Does My Roku Keeps Updating and Restarting?
Typically, Roku Express streaming devices automatically reboot multiple times throughout the update to load the new data.
This is normal to a certain degree, but if your Roku unit keeps restarting and updating for more than 30 minutes, then something fails to work correctly.
The Roku Express’s firmware update procedure can fail primarily due to connection issues or power supply fluctuations.
Here are all the factors involved:
After discovering what could potentially cause the fault, let’s explore reliable solutions!
Roku Express Keeps Updating And Restarting – Instant Fix
Here’s how easy it is to solve the issue:
1. Run the Roku Update Manually
The Roku Express checks for new software updates each time it is launched and randomly every 24 to 36 hours (typically during the night).
If it is possible to interact with the streaming player, it is recommended to initiate the firmware update manually to evade the problem.
Here’s how to start an available firmware update on the Roku Express:
- Press the “Home” button on the Roku Express remote.
- Go to the Settings menu on the left side of the screen.
- Choose “System” and enter the “System Update” tab.
- Optional: Select “Start Update” if the button is available.
Note: The Roku requires a stable internet connection to download firmware!
2. Soft-Reset the Roku Express
If the Roku Express does not respond to any remote presses and you are unable to access the system settings, you should conduct a power cycle of the player.
A potential failure within the system files’ integrity or potentially improper power supply can cause the Roku to power off.
How to Soft-Restart Roku Express?
Here’s how to reboot the Roku Express through the settings:
- Access your Roku “Settings.”
- Navigate to “Power Settings.”
- Then, select “System Restart.”
- Lastly, select the “Restart” tile.
How to Power Cycle Roku Express?
- Press the “Power” button on the remote control.
- Locate the power cord on the back of the device.
- Unplug the power cord from the TV or the outlet.
- Reconnect the supplying cable back into power.
- Wait until the Roku Express powers on and test.
Note: Also, unplug the HDMI cable!
3. Reconnect Roku to the Wi-Fi
An unstable Wi-Fi is one of the most significant causes causing the update procedure to fail or not load properly, causing the restarts.
So, the next step is to unpair the Roku device from the local Wi-Fi network and re-establish a connection to improve the data transfer and connectivity.
How to Unpair Roku Express from Wi-Fi?
- First, on the Home page of the Roku, go to “Settings.”
- Advance to “System” > “Advanced System Settings.”
- Then, select the “Reset the Network Settings” option.
- Choose the “Reset Connection” button on the screen.
How to Reconnect Roku Express to Wi-Fi?
- Press the “Home” button on your remote.
- Then, scroll and Select the “Settings” menu.
- Click on the “Network” option on the screen.
- Choose “Set Up Connection” in the section.
- Next, choose between “Wired” or “Wireless.”
- Finally, wait for the Roku Express to connect.
- To set up Roku Express wirelessly, verify that your router is turned on and in range.
- To set up Roku via Ethernet, you must install an Ethernet or USB hub.
Tip: If the Roku Express keeps unpairing, test the device on your mobile phone’s hotspot.
4. Switch the Roku’s Power Source
Sometimes, powering the Roku Express solely through the TV’s USB ports could be insufficient in delivering electricity.
The Roku Express 4K or 4K+ especially can consume larger amounts of electricity and require a reliable power source to function correctly and not crash or power off.
How to Power Roku Express Via A/C Outlet?
To power Roku Express through an A/C outlet, you will need the following:
- The Roku Express’s micro-USB to USB 2.0 cable.
- A standard A/C adapter between 5 and 12 volts.
Here’s how to install the Roku Express into an A/C outlet easily:
- Unplug the USB end of the Express’s cable from the TV.
- Connect the USB end of the cable to the power adapter.
- Next, plug the adapter into a nearby A/C electrical outlet.
- Finally, verify that the Roku Express is securely plugged in.
Remember that not allowing the Roku Express to withdraw sufficient power supply could cause potential hardware issues with the streaming sticks that can heavily reflect on the functionality.
5. Inspect the Roku’s Equipment
If Roku keeps updating and restarting, the culprit may be potential equipment faults, causing the device to shut down amidst the firmware update procedure.
So, the next step is to verify that all external components of the Roku Express’s equipment are appropriately installed and are in proper and functional condition.
Inspect the following equipment in your Roku Express’s setup:
- The micro-USB to USB 2.0 power supply cable.
- The HDMI cable connects your Roku to the TV.
- The physical Express player and its condition.
Important: If any of the Roku equipment does not seem reliable, contact support!
6. Prevent the Roku From Overheating
Every device has an in-built overheating limit (thermal margin), and once it is reached, the device will enter “emergency” mode to protect the internal components.
The overheating on your Roku Express can be primarily caused by unclean ventilation vents or high utilization.
So let’s learn a few ways to deal with this problem:
- Turn off the Roku Express and wait for ~15 minutes.
- Clean the space around the Roku for dust or debris.
- Clean the ventilation openings of the Roku Express.
- Restrict all demanding processes utilized on the Roku.
How to Position Roku Express Like a PRO?
To avoid excessive dust accumulation of the Roku’s external components, position the player in a dust-free and well-ventilated spot.
Also, use a cardboard box (smaller than the player) and position it underneath the Roku Express to keep the device off the surface for better ventilation.
Tip: If you have a fan, turn it against your Roku!
7. Reduce Roku’s Occupied Storage
The Roku’s update procedure could be unsuccessful if no available storage space is allocated for the new software files.
While most firmware update packages are lightweight, there could be a more significant update pending in the queue that requires more storage space than there is.
The most efficient way to solve the problem is by uninstalling apps you no longer use to free up some storage on your Roku Express.
Here’s how to uninstall an application from Roku Express:
- Grab the remote control and turn on Roku.
- Then, locate the channel you wish to uninstall.
- Press the star button to open the quick menu.
- Scroll down and press on “Remove Channel.”
- Optional: Repeat for all unnecessary channels.
Tip: You can re-acquire lost or uninstalled channels at Roku’s Channel Store anytime!
8. Test on a Different Internet
Your internet could be the reason why your Roku Express is not updating and keeps restarting all along, so it’s important to justify this before proceeding.
The quickest way to do so is by enabling the hotspot on your mobile device and connecting your Roku Express to your personal Wi-Fi.
This will entirely bypass your current connection and will reveal whether the issue is with your internet or not.
Info: To enable your personal hotspot, go to “Settings” and locate “Personal Hotspot.”
9. Factory Reset Roku Express
The factory reset is one of the most potent resolutions whenever Roku keeps failing the update and restarts repeatedly…
However, this type of reset will reinstall the operating system of your Roku Express, deleting all the settings, channels, and personalization.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset on Roku:
- Click the “Home” button on the remote.
- After that, tap on the “Settings” interface.
- Go down and select the “System” option.
- Advance to “Advanced System Settings.”
- Then, click on the “Factory Reset” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish.
Reminder: You must complete the initial setup on the Roku Express after the reset.
Quick Recap:
When Roku Express keeps updating and restarting, check the Wi-Fi connection and reduce the storage occupation.
Also, inspect Roku’s physical equipment, test on a different internet, and factory reset the software.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.