Roku Ultra Keeps Restarting? (Here’s the Ultimate Fix!)

Many users reported that their Roku Ultra keeps restarting, often without warning, or any clear pattern helping them identify what’s causing it.

We can easily assume that this happens due to a power issue, a cable fault, or an outdated OS version. 

However, we’ve prepared several effective solutions against any type of problems with the Roku Ultra, which include sudden reboots, loss of power, or frankly, the worst–black screen of death.

Let’s get started!

How to Fix Whenever the Roku Ultra Keeps Restarting?

Note: Have you noticed a pattern in the rebooting, or is it entirely random and unexpected?

1. Troubleshoot Issues with the A/C Supply

Power supply problems can lead to a variety of problems, such as frequent rebooting or issues with the startup.

So, the first and most important step is to identify and resolve potential malfunctions with the Roku Ultra power supply and to ensure stable functionality. 

Use a Wall Outlet Instead of a USB:

The Roku Ultra, similar to other Roku streaming sticks, can use one of your TV’s USB ports as a power supply source.

So, ZontSound recommends plugging the Roku into a wall outlet using a power adapter borrowed from a phone charger (~12V) to check if the functionality improves. 

Switch to a Different Power Outlet:

If you are already using a direct power source, try a different wall outlet to check if the Roku Ultra will stop rebooting.

In a variety of cases, an ineffective power source can continuously disrupt the electrical supply of the connected device and cause it to reboot. 

Avoid External Devices:

We also recommend bypassing any surge protectors or power strips temporarily to eliminate potential equipment-related issues with the Roku Ultra.

Whether you are powering the Roku over USB or an outlet, we strongly advise against using any type of external equipment. 

Note: While in between the steps, disconnect the Roku from the power for at least 60 seconds. 

2. Update the Roku Ultra OS Manually

An outdated or corrupted firmware will not only cause performance issues with the Roku Ultra but also cause it to reboot.

Updating the OS can often address similar issues and ensure the Roku runs on the most recent, error-free, and balanced firmware.

Here’s how to update the Roku Ultra OS in easy steps:

• Turn on your Roku Ultra and go to the home screen.
• Access the Settings using the Roku remote control.
• After that, select System from the Settings section.
• Choose System Update to check for new updates.
• If an update is available, select Update Now to start.
• Wait for the update to complete and reboot the Roku.

Once the update is complete, test each of the installed channels and determine if the Roku powers on randomly or reboots. 

3. Reset the Roku Ultra Network Connection

If the Roku reboots due to a network connection error, there will often be a blank/black screen or one of the network error codes showing up before or after the restart.

So, the next step is to reset the Roku Ultra network connection status manually, via the settings.

Note: The Roku Ultra will temporarily disconnect from the network during this procedure.

Here’s how to reset the Roku Ultra network in easy steps:

• Go to Settings on your Roku Ultra home screen using the remote.
• Next, press on Advanced System Settings from the menu options.
• Now, select Network connection reset to initiate the reset process.
• Confirm the reset when prompted, then wait for the device to reboot.

Although network issues might not be the direct cause for the Roku rebooting, most Roku channels that do require an active internet connection will disconnect or reboot the device.

4. Uninstall All Recently Installed Channels

If you are still puzzled and asking, “Why does my Roku Ultra keep restarting?”, one of the possible culprits might be a recently installed channel.

Uninstalling all potentially corrupted or glitchy channels from the storage prompt of your Roku can effectively resolve the rebooting.

You can uninstall channels via the Roku or the Roku app:

• Via the Roku Ultra: Select the channel, press the star (*) button on the Roku remote control, and choose the Remove Channel option for uninstallation. 
• Via the Roku mobile app: Open the Roku app, go to Devices → Channels, press and hold the channel, then tap Remove Channel for deletion.

To verify that all corrupted channels have been successfully removed, check within the Channel Store on your Roku Ultra, under the installed channels section.

5. Tweak the Roku Theme & Power Saver

Custom themes or screensavers on your Roku Ultra can sometimes result in system crashes, especially if they are resource-heavy or incompatible.

Adjusting these settings individually can stabilize the resource usage of your Roku Ultra and put an end to the reboots.

5.1 Restore the Default Theme:

Go to Settings → Theme → Restore Default Theme to revert to Roku’s original, balanced theme.

This ensures the Roku only uses the system resources and power it is intended to use. 

5.2 Disable the Screensaver:

Navigate to Settings → Theme, and disable the screensaver, as some users have reported crashes caused by specific screensavers.

Those with particularly heavy animations or effects that should be used might overload the system of the Roku Ultra and cause it to crash. 

6. Clear the Roku Ultra System Cache

An overfilled system cache might slow down your Roku Ultra and even cause it to power off if the excessive files become corrupt.

Clearing the cache resets the data of all installed channels, improves the loading performance, and eliminates unknown functionality issues.

• On your remote, go to the Home menu, then press Home (5 times), Up (once), Rewind (2 times), and Fast Forward (2 times).

Now, wait until the Roku reboots and relaunch either of the installed channels to test.

Verify that the Roku Ultra is still connected to the internet after successfully clearing the cache. 

7. Prevent the Roku From Overheating

Roku Ultra overheating causes the device to shut down to preserve the internal hardware components.

During the warm seasons, you should be especially mindful of the Roku Ultra’s operating temperatures and try to keep them below the overheating margin. 

Improve the Ventilation:

Position the Roku Ultra in an open space to ensure the vents are not covered and air enters and exits the hardware consistently. 

Prevent Heat Exposure:

Relocate the Roku Ultra away from any type of heat source, which heats up the hardware and leads to overheating. This involves direct sunlight and all types of heat conductors nearby. 

Clean the Vents:

Use a dry cloth to clean the dust or debris around and on the Roku Ultra box vents. The accumulation of dust or debris can impair the ventilation, which can heat the Roku excessively. 

Note: ZontSound recommends external cooling possibilities, such as a USB fan, if the Roku Ultra is consistently working at high temperatures. 

8. Re-link the Roku Ultra to your Account

You can deregister the Roku Ultra from your Roku customer account if the reboots are still there.

As you probably know, as long as the Roku is connected to the internet, it receives updates automatically, and the reboots might be indicating that the data transfer is incomplete.

By removing and re-adding the device profile of the Roku Ultra from your account, you can “reset” the connection between the Roku and the data servers.

Here’s how to re-link the Roku Ultra from your account:

• Navigate to my.roku.com and sign in to your Roku user account.
• Find your streaming devices listed under the My devices section.
• Next, click on your Roku Ultra to access the Device details page.
• Select Remove device from account, and click “Yes” to confirm.
• Restart your Roku Ultra, then re-link by following the instructions.

Note: You will be unable to view any of the installed channels or access the homepage until the Roku Ultra is re-synchronized with your account. 

9. Reset the Roku Ultra to Default Settings

In case the Roku Ultra keeps restarting after attempting all solutions so far, a factory reset is the only solution left that could benefit our troubleshooting.

However, as a result, all information on your Roku Ultra will be wiped clean, including settings, channels, and custom user details.

If you are confident about losing all data, proceed with these steps:

• Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
• Enter the Settings page from the options tab.
• Go to System → Advanced system settings.
• Now, select Factory reset in the options below.
• Follow the on-screen steps to initiate the reset.

If the problem persists even after the factory reset, consider getting in touch with Roku customer support to sort this problem out!