YouTube TV not working on Roku? Try these fixes

⚡ Fast fix
- Restart your Roku completely. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
- Check for Roku software updates. Outdated firmware can break streaming apps.
- Remove and reinstall YouTube TV. This clears corrupted app data.
- Still won’t load? Restart your router to rule out a network issue.
You open YouTube TV® on your Roku®, and instead of live TV you get a loading screen that never finishes—or worse, nothing at all. If YouTube TV isn’t working on Roku right now, it’s usually not random. There’s almost always a clear cause.
Most Roku-related YouTube TV issues come down to something simple—software that needs updating, an app that didn’t load correctly, or a connection that dropped for just long enough to cause problems. Once you know where to look, it’s usually a quick fix. Let’s walk through what to check first.
Why is YouTube TV not working on Roku?
When YouTube TV won’t load on Roku, the issue usually falls into one of these categories:
- A Roku software issue
- A corrupted app installation
- A network connection problem
We’ll tackle them in that order.
Is it a Roku software issue?
Yes, sometimes it is. Roku relies on system updates to keep apps running smoothly. If your Roku software hasn’t been updated in a while, YouTube TV may stop loading properly.
Here’s how to check:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Choose Software update.
- Select Check now.
If an update is available, install it and restart your Roku before reopening YouTube TV.
Even if it says your Roku is up to date, a manual restart can still help. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.

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How do I reset or reinstall the YouTube TV app on Roku?
If YouTube TV still isn’t working on Roku after updating, the app itself may be the problem.
To reset it properly:
- Press the Home button.
- Highlight YouTube TV.
- Press the * button on your remote.
- Select Remove channel.
- Confirm removal.
- Restart your Roku under Settings > System > Power > System restart.
- Reinstall YouTube TV from the Roku Channel Store.
Reinstalling YouTube TV clears corrupted app files that can cause endless loading or blank screens.
What if YouTube TV won’t load on Roku TV?
If you’re using a Roku TV (where Roku is built into the TV), the steps are the same—but don’t skip the full power cycle. After removing the app:
- Turn off the TV.
- Unplug it from the wall.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and power it on.
This forces a clean reset of the TV’s memory and network connection.
Check your internet connection
If YouTube TV won’t load on Roku but other apps seem slow too, the issue may be your Wi-Fi. The easiest way to test:
- Grab your phone.
- Connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku.
- Visit a speed test site like speedtest.net.
- Tap “Go” and review the results.
For smooth streaming, you generally want at least 10–15 Mbps download speed for HD.
If speeds are low or unstable:
- Restart your router (unplug it for 60 seconds).
- Move your Roku closer to the router.
- Consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection if your device supports it.
When YouTube TV works on other devices but not Roku
If YouTube TV works on your phone or computer but not on Roku, that strongly suggests:
- A Roku software problem
- A corrupted YouTube TV app
- An outdated Roku device
In that case, updating, restarting, and reinstalling are your best fixes. If YouTube TV won’t load anywhere—including on mobile data—it may be a broader outage. Read more about what to do when YouTube TV is offline or not loading.
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FAQ
How do I reset YouTube TV on Roku?
Remove the channel, restart the Roku under Settings > System > Power > System restart, then reinstall the app.
Why does YouTube TV keep loading on Roku?
Endless loading often means corrupted app data or an unstable internet connection. Reinstalling the app usually fixes it.
Do I need to factory reset my Roku?
In most cases, no. A system restart and app reinstall solve the problem without needing a full factory reset.
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