Roku Spectrum app missing channels and you’re wondering why? Keep reading…
In this guide, we’ll learn where the missing channels are and how to bring them back!
When Spectrum Channels are missing out all of a sudden users should first check their Spectrum subscription and then focus on troubleshooting. However, to solve the problem the entire setup has to be restarted and the internet connectivity inspected.
There is much more to do in order to solve the problem so let’s proceed further!
Why is the Spectrum App Not Showing All Channels?
The answer to this question could either be really simple or really complex.
For instance, your “My Spectrum” app on Roku could be missing channels due to inappropriate location settings.
The bug could also have something to do with the firmware version of your Roku or the application itself and this is what users first inspect upon seeing missing channels.
Here is a summary of what could possibly hide Spectrum channels in the Roku app:
- Channel availability limitations could occur when not connected to WiFi
- Outdated firmware of your Roku device or the Spectrum app
- Incorrect location settings on your Roku device
- Missing permissions in regard to the Spectrum app on your Roku device
After a complete overview of this problem, we’ve come up with the best solutions to troubleshoot this issue.
Keep reading to learn how to fix your Spectrum app channel issue!
How to Fix When Roku Spectrum App Missing Channels?
To solve the problem we’re going to undertake a 10 minutes long solution guide during which we’ll target ALL possibilities and help you identify the problem in a matter of minutes!
Let’s jump right in!
Solution #1 Reboot Roku & Relaunch Spectrum
A great quick resolution to this problem is to close the Spectrum application and reboot your Roku device.
This will refresh the software of both instances and resolve any problems that have occurred with the Spectrum services. Hopefully, this will bring back the channels.
Here’s how to properly execute the restarting process on your Roku device:
- If the Spectrum app is still running on your Roku, close it.
- Go to the Power Settings of your Roku and choose “Shut Down”.
- Unplug the power supply of the Roku device or disconnect it if it is a streaming stick.
- Wait for 5 Minutes.
- Reconnect the Roku device or its power adapter.
- Turn on the device.
- Once the device has started, launch the Spectrum App.
- Browse the channel list and identify if all channels are there.
Note: The longer you keep your Roku device turned off, the better the solution will work.
Solution #2 Update the Spectrum App & Roku
Running an outdated version is never a good thing. The same applies to your Roku device and the Spectrum app.
If you’re using an old version, some of the content only available for the latest version may be hidden for you.
- That includes channels, on-demand content, and other broadcasts.
Let’s begin with updating your Roku device to the latest version:
How to Update Roku Device’s Firmware?
- From the home screen of your Roku, open Settings.
- Select the “System” tab.
- Next, navigate to “System Update”.
- Press the “Check Now” button to search for available updates.
- Hit the “Update” button if there are available updates.
How to Update the Spectrum App On Roku?
- From the home screen of your Roku, scroll down and locate Spectrum.
- Press the Star Button on your remote control.
- In the pop-up that will open, press “Check for Updates”.
- If there are available updates, they will begin automatically.
Note: Usually the Roku app player will trigger the updates automatically in a range between 24-36 hours.
Solution #3 Resolve Roku Internet Issues
Since the Spectrum app is an online on-demand and live TV streaming platform, it requires an active and reliable internet connection to display all of your content.
If you’re having connection issues, there’s a good reason for channels not to appear.
Here are some easy ways to resolve internet issues with your Roku device:
- Disconnect your Roku from the WiFi and then pair it again
- Perform a hard reset on your router/modem by disconnecting it for 5 minutes
- Reconnect the internet cable of the router for 60 seconds
Keep in mind that if you’re having internet issues on the other of your devices, this could be the Internet Service Provider’s fault. Make sure to give them a call if the issues persist.
Tip: Test your internet connectivity by using another device!
Solution #4 Disable Spectrum Parental Controls
If your Spectrum account has activated Parental Control settings, you will get channel limitations for the sake of keeping your children’s browsing safe.
Spectrum will automatically hide certain content that was intended for adult viewing on the account that has the parental control settings enabled.
To turn off/disable the Parental Control setting on Spectrum, follow these instructions:
- Make sure that the Spectrum is launched on your Roku Device.
- From the home screen, go to the Settings tab.
- Next, press the Parental Control and hit the OK button.
- On the next page, select the slider and set it to OFF.
- If required, enter your Spectrum account’s password to verify the deactivation.
- Wait for the parental controls to be disabled.
Note: If the parental controls are set to “OFF” by the time you check in the settings, proceed with the next solution.
Solution #5 Disable VPN Services
Having VPN services enabled that alternate your location, will result in Spectrum hiding some of the content.
Since the Spectrum app has certain Regional Viewing Settings, not all of the content that is available by default, will be seen by users viewing from different locations.
In that set of thoughts, your next task is to disable a VPN service!
If you’re using an application, you don’t certainly have to uninstall it just for this solution, but make sure that its services are temporarily disabled.
Once you’ve disabled the VPN causing the trouble, re-launch the Spectrum app and check if the content you were searching for is there.
Then test to find the missing channels!
Note: Make sure to keep the VPN services disabled until the end of this guide!
Solution #6 Reinstall the Spectrum App
If the VPN wasn’t the one responsible for this problem in your Spectrum app, then it is suggested to perform a clean installation on the platform.
Any form of corrupted data could cause some of the channels to disappear or be hidden until the bug is resolved.
Follow these instructions to reinstall the Spectrum app on your Roku:
- Get your Roku device remote.
- Press the Home Button on the remote.
- Head to Streaming Channels.
- Locate the Spectrum App from the section.
- Select the Spectrum application.
- Press “Uninstall”.
- Re-acquire the Spectrum App from Roku’s App Store.
- Sign back into your Account.
- Check if the channel issue is still there.
Note: Be patient until the application is fully downloaded before interacting!
Solution #7 Reset the Roku Device
One thing you should attempt before contacting the Spectrum Support Team is to reset your Roku device.
There’s a chance that this problem is with your Roku device, rather than with the Spectrum app so you can’t be confident before trying the Factory Reset process!
Alert: The factory reset is going to wipe all of the information and installed apps on the Roku device.
Follow these instructions to perform a reset on your Roku device:
- Press the Home Button on your Roku remote.
- Head to Settings.
- Open the System Tab.
- Choose Advanced System Settings.
- Select Factory Reset.
- Choose “Factory Reset Everything”.
- Follow the rest of the instructions to complete the reset.
Now with a refreshed Roku operating system, test whether ALL Spectrum channels will be available.
In case they do not appear, make sure that the desired content is included in your Spectrum plan, or contact the Support Team for more information about your problem!
Quick Recap:
Thus, the Spectrum Channels are missing on your Roku because of an application problem or Spectrum Account Plan. We’ve learned that to solve the problem we need to inspect all possibilities in relation to signal, connectivity and performance.
Read Next: How to Mirror iPhone to Roku TV Without Internet?
Wrapping Up:
Now that we know why the Roku Spectrum app missing channels we can either bring them back using the solution above or understand where they went.
Perhaps our subscription expired or there are not enough funds in our financial account to renew the membership?
We hope that this post was helpful and that you’ve learned something new. Follow us for more!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.