Being a popular choice among streamers, Roku supports a host of streaming apps that users widely leverage to consume various forms of entertainment.
If you have been looking forward to watching something on one of the Roku apps but are seeing Roku stuck on the loading screen, we assure you that other users have seen the issue as well.
In this case, there is no way to use Roku since it is only showing the loading screen. Luckily, there are reasonable explanations for this problem, and there are a handful of easy solutions to deal with it.
Let’s dive into how to fix Roku stuck on the loading screen.
See also: How to fix HDCP error detected on Roku
Verify Stable Internet Connection
At the loading screen, your Roku checks to see if it is connected to the internet, and in most instances, it will state that it isn’t promptly.
This can occasionally cause the loading process to stall, which means the Roku will remain stuck on the loading screen and will not transfer you to the main screen.
You will want to verify that your connection to the internet is active. Then ensure all of the router’s or modem’s lights are turned on as they normally are when the device is in working order.
If you are still not sure, try using your phone or a PC to connect to a website to verify that the connection occurs successfully.
Unplug your router or modem for 30 seconds, then plug it back in if the problem persists.
If the problem persists, you can use DownDetector on a mobile device (outside of Wi-Fi) to see if there is a local outage. Otherwise, you should contact your ISP for assistance.
Unplug All Of the Inputs Into the Roku
Next, try disconnecting all inputs from the Roku. When the Roku TV is unable to recognize its inputs, it may become stuck on the first loading screen.
Remove the inputs and restart the device to check whether it normally turns on. Start by reconnecting the power source first, then subsequently follow with the other input wirings. See if the Roku connects normally.
Restart Your Roku
A device restart takes care of the majority of glitches and problems that the Roku may experience, including a loading issue.
Since you are stuck on the loading screen, you won’t be able to use traditional menu methods to do this.
There are two easy ways around this. Since Roku designers anticipated this type of scenario, they built a button sequence to launch the same action.
You can activate it via the following steps on your Roku remote:
- Press the Home button 5 times
- Press the Up button
- Press the Rewind button two times
- Press the Fast Forward button two times
This sequence, assuming you’ve done it correctly, should turn off the Roku. It will then automatically power back on.
Wait to see if it makes it past its loading screen this time.
If you would rather not change the button combination, you can also unplug your Roku from its power source, then plug it back in 10 to 15 seconds later. This will accomplish essentially the same action.
Put Your Nintendo Switch Into Airplane Mode
There is a known issue with Nintendo Switches, and the Pokemon Sword and Shield game in particular, that tend to interfere with proper Roku functionality.
If you are consistently getting the loading screen and you are charging the Nintendo Switch nearby, try putting the Switch into airplane mode, then restart your Roku device via the steps from earlier.
Check For Firmware Update
Whenever issues like this arise, Roku often addresses them with bug resolutions via firmware patches.
While these generally get checked for and activated on their own regularly, it is always a good idea to periodically check for firmware updates.
Of course, this is of little help when you are already stuck. But once you find your resolution (hopefully with the above steps), try to stay on top of the firmware updates by following these instructions.
- Press Home on your Roku remote.
- Scroll and select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select System update.
- Select Check Now to manually check for updates
Your Roku device will automatically download and install new software or channel updates if available, and once completed, it will reboot.
Factory Reset
If nothing has helped, you can take the Roku back to its factory state when this was not a problem.
Since your loading screen precludes you from accessing menus on the Roku, you can try a supplemental reset method.
Before you do this, be aware that this is a drastic action that will revert your Roku to its original form.
This means that any apps you have removed will return, any apps you added will be gone, and any login credentials you linked in the apps will be reset.
If you still want to proceed, the way to do this without access to a menu is by:
- Finding the reset button on the Roku, which is either a small button in the back or a pinhole
- Press and hold the button for 30 seconds and wait until a light on the Roku flashes rapidly, indicating the completion of the reset.
- If there is a pinhole instead of a button, you will need to depress the true button inside it with something small and sturdy, like a paper clip, to reach it. Hold that for 30 seconds as well, looking for the same indicators.
Wrap-Up: Roku Stuck on Loading Screen
One of the earliest solutions listed here likely resolved your problem, but if none of them did, you may consider contacting Roku support to help diagnose the problem.
Make sure you tell them all of the steps that you performed and have them guide you to any more technical solutions.
Did you find other fixes that we haven’t listed here? Please let us know in the comments!
