Roku Live TV Channels Not Working, Know the Causes and Fixes
by V Gomala
Updated May 05, 2023
Roku Live TV Channels Not Working
Roku is a well-liked streaming device that provides users with access to a diverse array of content, ranging from live TV to free streaming channels. Nevertheless, a number of Roku users have encountered problems with the Live TV or free streaming channels. If you're one of those experiencing these issues, take comfort in the fact that you're not alone in having recently faced this problem. As per reports, some Roku subscribers have found that Live TV and free streaming channels are not functioning, and the only available channels are those that require payment to watch.
How to Fix Roku Live TV Channels Not Working?
Here are the fixes for Roku Live TV Channels not working issue.
Check the Internet Connection
To ensure optimal performance of streaming devices and gadgets, it is crucial to check the internet connectivity, especially for Roku TV users who have reported Wi-Fi issues. It's essential to have a stable and adequately speedy connection. You can use speed tester software on your phone or PC to test the internet speed. If the speed is unstable, you can try refreshing the connection by unplugging the router/modem and reconnecting it after a few seconds.
For high latency connections, consider switching to a 5GHz band Wi-Fi connection, which supports higher traffic without compromising latency, unlike the traditional 2.4 GHz connection. For the best connection, using an Ethernet cable via a wired connection is recommended since it eliminates fluctuations and interference issues that wireless connections experience.
Update the Device
Ensuring that your device has the latest firmware version is crucial to avoiding unexpected issues, such as channel malfunctions. It's important to periodically check for updates and install them if they are available, or set the device to automatically update.
To manually update your device, follow these steps:
- Open the Home screen and select the Settings icon.
- Navigate to the Systems option and click to open it.
- Select System Update and then click Check Now to manually search for updates.
If an update is available, install it and then restart your device.
Antenna and Dish TV Problems
To troubleshoot issues with OTA channels on your TCL Roku TV, it's important to consider the weather and surrounding conditions of your antenna or dish receiver. The performance of these platforms is dependent on the surrounding conditions for proper transmission and reception.
To improve reception, consider relocating the antenna or dish to a better location, ideally in the direction of the equator. If you encounter interference or any other antenna-related issues, contact your service provider for further assistance.
Checking the Coaxial Cable
To minimize the interference associated with longer coaxial cables, it is advisable to check the cable length if you encounter severe interference or white noise while watching cable/antenna TV. Ideally, the cable length should not exceed 100 ft as transmission becomes susceptible to interference beyond this limit. If you have a longer cable, consider relocating the TV closer to the source or using amplifying methods to reduce interference.
Restart Your Device and Rescan the Channels
To address the issue when it arises, one solution to try is to restart the device. This can be done either by power cycling the device or using the onboard command.
Power cycling the device involves unplugging the TCL Roku TV momentarily and plugging it back in after a few seconds. This removes any temporary issues and bugs in the system, making it more efficient.
Alternatively, you can restart the device using the onboard command by following these steps:
- Open the Settings tab on the device and select System.
- Choose Power and then the System Restart option.
- Click on Restart to initiate the process.
After restarting the device, rescan the Roku TV for available channels, in the case of antenna or cable TV. To scan the device for channels, follow these steps:
- Hover over the Antenna TV icon on the Home screen. If you could not locate this channel/app, go to Settings > TV inputs > Antenna TV > Set as input (if you wish live TV on the device, click Live TV within the TV inputs section).
- Once you have highlighted the icon, press the * button on the remote and select Scan for Channels. Click OK.
- Click on Start Finding Channels, and select "No, channels 3 & 4 are not needed."
- This will take you to a scanning tab. If you have a cable connection, click on Skip this step.
- Click Done to complete the scan (alternatively, you can choose Set up Live TV pause from this tab).
Hard Reset Your TV
To resolve persistent issues with your TV, you may need to perform a hard reset, which will eliminate any lingering bugs and clear the device's cache memory. This process will also revert all personal preferences to default factory settings and remove any channels you've added.
Performing a hard reset can also help resolve screen issues with your TV. You can reset your device using a few different methods, such as pressing the reset button on the back of the TV or through the interface commands.
To reset the TV through the interface commands, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings tab and select System.
- Click on Advanced System Settings.
- Choose Factory Reset and enter the special code if prompted.
- Click OK to initiate the reset process.
After the reset is complete, you will need to set up the device again as if it were new.
Causes of Roku Live TV Channels Not Working
The reason for channels not working on Roku TV is typically due to outdated software or antenna problems. To resolve this problem, restarting the device is recommended. To do so, select Home > Settings > System > Power > System restart.
If the issue still persists on your TCL Roku TV, a system reset may be necessary to fix it. Additionally, adjusting the settings may help alleviate the problem. It's worth noting that channel issues usually stem from outdated software or antenna problems.
Roku Live TV Channels
The Roku Channel offers over 350+ free live TV channels for all Roku users, providing instant access to an array of content options. From live news and weather to sports, food and home, reality TV, and kids’ entertainment, there’s always something to watch, and it's all streaming for free. To start exploring this feature, simply visit The Roku Channel or the Live TV Zone located on your Home Screen menu.
The Roku Channel provides over 350 live TV channels, while you can also add numerous live TV streaming services like Sling and Fubo to your Home Screen menu. From breaking news on CNN to music videos on MTV and cartoons on Nickelodeon, you'll find a variety of programming streaming on your Roku device.
Roku Live TV channels not working - FAQs
Roku is a well-liked streaming device that provides users with access to a diverse array of content, ranging from live TV to free streaming channels.
The reason for channels not working on Roku TV is typically due to outdated software or antenna problems