Roku Software Update Failed? – Fix in Minutes!

The Roku software update failed for the 10th time, and you have no idea why. We do very well.

When the update keeps failing, it’s evident that the issue might be coming from the internet or WiFi connection in your setup.

This is why, in this guide, we’ll explore the possibilities behind the failing update and some of the best-working and selected troubleshooting techniques.

If Roku has failed to update its software multiple times, verify that your internet connection and/or WiFi are working on different devices. If the network is stable but the OS updates keep failing, reboot the setup, clear the cache, and factory reset your Roku.

Let’s continue reading further!

Why Roku TV Software Update Failed?

There are quite a few different reasons why Roku keeps failing to update its software.

Some of them are related to your Roku, others to the internet or WiFi, so it’s best to review them at once:

These are the possible causes why your Roku cannot update its software. Now that we have an idea of the underlying reasons, without any further delay, let’s start troubleshooting!

Roku Software Update Failed – Best Working Solutions!

Info: When the Roku software update fails, you’ll get any of the following error codes: 001, 002, 003, or 005 as an indication.

1. Check the Roku Service Outages!

Before everything else, it is worth checking Roku’s social media, website, and forums to identify whether an outage has occurred. 

For example, go to Roku Support / X (Twitter) to check recent tweets for reported outages and estimated renewal time.

In addition, you can discover information about any currently ongoing firmware updates with Roku by checking Roku community forums.

Tip: If other users are also complaining about Roku firmware updates, likely the problem is not on your side.

2. Check Your Internet Connection!

One prime factor in the software update failure is a weak or disrupted internet connection, indicated by the “Roku software update failed 003”.

So, ensure your Roku is connected to a functional WiFi network with internet access and that your setup is intact.

Here is how to check your internet connection:

Step #1 Test the Internet Connection!

1. Acquire access to a different device.
2. Connect it to Roku’s WiFi network.
3. Open a web browser on the device.
4. Search anything in the web browser.
5. Check to see if the content is loading.

If the content is loading and other apps are working, it means your internet is functional.

If not, there could be two reasons: the WiFi signal is feeble, or the internet is not working.

Step #2 Check Roku Signal Strength:

1. Open the home screen on your Roku.
2. Head over to your Roku TV Settings.
3. Locate and tap on the Network option.
4. Ensure your Roku is connected to WiFi.
5. Check the “Wireless Signal Strength.”

The signal strength will be categorized as Poor, Fair, Good, or Excellent.

Note: If your Roku device is not connected to WiFi, select “Set up a new connection” and then “Wireless” or “Wired.”

Step #3 Optimize Your WiFi Signal:

• Relocate Roku TV or WiFi router closer to each outer.
• Straighten the router antennas to boost the coverage.
• Set up your network router and Roku device higher up.
• Dislocate nearby radio frequency transmitters/receivers.
• Place the WiFi router in an open and centralized location.
• If you use a Roku stick device, move it to the front TV side.

If there is nothing wrong with your Roku internet connection, but it is still not updating software, continue troubleshooting with other steps!

3. Check for Roku Updates Manually!

When connected to the internet, Roku devices automatically initiate the software updates within 24 to 36 hours after the update release.

If your Roku is not automatically updating the software and instead displays an error message, the good news is that you can manually carry this out.

Here is how to manually check for the Roku software update:

1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote control.
2. Navigate to your Roku Settings and enter “System.”
3. Select the System Update under the System menu.
4. Select the “Check Now” button and wait 30 seconds.
5. If an update is available, select it to install it promptly.

Note: If the manual update also fails, reboot your Roku TV and test updating manually again before proceeding further.

4. Restart your Roku and Router

Restarting the devices is a savior and a one-time solution that surprisingly fixes many technical, network, and software glitches.

Here, you need to restart both your WiFi router and your Roku device because, by far, it’s still unclear what exactly is preventing your device from updating. 

Here’s how to restart your Roku TV or streaming stick:

Open the Roku Setting menu, choose System, and select System Restart.

Tip: You should also unplug your Roku device for 60 seconds to discharge the device!

Methods to Restart WiFi Router:

1. First, unplug your WiFi router and/or modem.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the service cable.
3. Optional: Clean the ports using compressed air.
4. Leave the router open for about 5 minutes.
5. Then, plug your WiFi router back into the socket.

Within a few minutes, both your devices will boot up, and your Roku will automatically reconnect to the WiFi and attempt to update the software.

Tip: If your Roku software update process still fails or your Roku device has trouble connecting to the internet, forget and reconnect to your WiFi.

5. Change the Network Security Protocol

Incompatibility issues with the router security protocol are one of the reasons why Roku TV unable to update software.

To resolve the issue, simply access your router settings and try switching to a different security protocol, such as WPA2 or WPA3.

Here is how to change the router network security protocol:

1. Connect your PC to your router’s WiFi or Ethernet.
2. Then, open a web browser and go to “192. 168.1.1”. 
3. Enter your router login details and tap on “Log in.”
4. Try Username: admin and Password: password.
5. Try Username: admin and Password: admin.
6. When you log in, go to the Wireless Security option.
7. Then, tap on the “Authentication Type” drop menu.
8. Set the option to “WPA2-PSK (TKIP)” instead of AES.
9. When done, tap on Save to save the recent changes.

When you finish these steps, try connecting your Roku to the internet and test whether the update works.

In case you’re still facing the same problem, keep reading ahead…

6. Switch to Ethernet – Wired Connection

Note: This step is only applicable to a Roku TV.

If you have previously connected your Roku device wirelessly to the WiFi router, then this time, we recommend you switch to a wired setup using an Ethernet cable.

This way, you can get a more stable and consistent connection, bypassing all WiFi limitations.

With a wired connection, you’ll be hooked up directly to your router or modem and benefit from the actual internet speeds on your Roku.  

Here’s how to set up a wired connection with a Roku TV:

1. First, unplug your WiFi router and Roku device.
2. Acquire a proven and working Ethernet cable.
3. Then, connect one end of the cable to the router.
4. Connect the other end to the back of the Roku TV.
5. Make sure to plug the cable on both ends tightly.
6. Next, turn on the power to Roku and your router.

Info: On your Roku, you must go to “Set up a new connection,” then select “Wired” and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set up your internet.

Need More Help?

If your Roku updates won’t go through no matter what you attempt, it’s time to seek qualified assistance from Roku Support.

With some luck, they’ll identify the reason for your inability to update your Roku TV’s operating system. We hope this guide helped, so best of luck!

Quick Recap:

When your Roku software update failed, verify the internet connection and/or WiFi and attempt to carry out the Roku updates manually.

If that doesn’t help, switch the router or modem to another security protocol or connect your Roku TV via an Ethernet cable.

For more guides on Roku, visit our blog!