Why Is My Roku Blinking Blue Light? 9 Quick Fixes Inside!

a roku blinking blue light

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What To Know

  • Change the power source to counteract potential boot loops, reboot the device, and ensure a stable HDMI connection.
  • Try different HDMI ports, remove any intermediary devices, and replace faulty power cables or adapters to ensure a direct and stable connection.
  • Try lowering your Roku’s resolution, and improving your internet connection, if these steps fail, contact Roku’s support team with detailed information about your issue.

When a Roku player blinks a blue light, it typically indicates interaction with the remote control or that the Roku is in the process of starting up.

However, if you notice your Roku blinking a blue light while displaying a black screen and nothing else, the issue may not necessarily be with the Roku device itself.

In this article, I’ll guide you through simple yet effective troubleshooting steps against those cases, ensuring your entertainment experience is uninterrupted and enjoyable.

1. Roku Blinks Twice In Two-Second Increments – Bootloop

If your Roku device flashes a blue light in two-second intervals, it’s likely an indication that your Roku is stuck in a boot loop, continuously rebooting itself.

This situation typically calls for a change in the power supply, as the one you’re currently using might be unstable.

If your Roku is connected to a power strip, consider plugging it directly into a wall outlet instead. If the Roku is already connected to an outlet, try switching to a different one, if feasible.

This simple switch in power sources can often resolve the issue and get your Roku back to functioning normally.

2. Reboot Your Roku & Click a Random Button

As mentioned earlier, a blinking blue light on your Roku typically signifies startup activity, but sometimes the process gets interrupted, potentially due to software glitches.

A simple reboot can often resolve these issues. Here’s how to restart your Roku:

Step 1: Press the Reset button on your Roku. Alternatively, you can unplug your Roku from power for at least 30 seconds and replug it.

reset button is highlighted on a roku

Step 2: Once your Roku stops displaying the blinking blue light, indicating that it’s no longer in the startup phase, press any button on your Roku remote to wake it up.

a hand holding a roku remote in front of a roku ultra

Note: Ensure that your Roku remains connected to your TV’s HDMI port throughout the entire process for optimal results.

3. Secure the HDMI Connection

Sometimes, the issue might not be with your Roku device itself but with the HDMI connection between your Roku and TV.

A loose HDMI cable can lead you to think that the blinking blue light of startup is the problem just like this user.

a hand plugging an hdmi cable into a roku

Therefore, double-check that the HDMI cable is securely inserted into both your TV and Roku device.

Also, examine the cable for any signs of damage or wear, and consider replacing it if you find any issues.

4. Try Other HDMI Ports

If securing the HDMI connection doesn’t solve the problem, the issue might lie with the TV’s HDMI port rather than your Roku device.

Trying different HDMI ports on the same TV, or even connecting your Roku to a different TV, can help you pinpoint the source of the problem.

an hdmi cable is plugged into a tv's hdmi port

This isn’t merely speculative advice; it’s based on real user experiences.

For instance, one Roku user reported a black screen when connecting their device to an older TV’s HDMI port.

The problem was resolved when they switched to a different TV’s HDMI port. This approach can help you determine whether the issue is with your Roku, the HDMI cable, or the TV’s port itself.

5. Remove Any Intermediary Devices (Adapters, Switches, Receivers, etc.)

Indeed, before switching to a different TV’s HDMI port, the user in the previous example initially attempted to use an HDMI-to-AV adapter, which unfortunately didn’t resolve the issue.

This serves as a reminder that introducing intermediary devices into your setup can sometimes complicate matters.

a hand throwing an hdmi adapter into a garbage

Also, the more devices involved in the setup, the more likely it is to encounter some kind of trouble.

Therefore, try connecting your Roku directly to your TV’s HDMI port, eliminating any adapters, switches, or receivers from the setup.

If you’re concerned about occupying an HDMI port exclusively for your Roku, you can always consider utilizing an HDMI switch for other available HDMI ports.

This device allows you to connect multiple HDMI inputs to a single port on your TV, enabling you to switch between different inputs as needed. Here’s an HDMI switch I recommend

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6. Replace Faulty Power Cable/Adapter

A faulty power cable or adapter can indeed be a hidden culprit behind issues with your Roku device, just as one user discovered.

They pinpointed the problem to the power adapter that came with the USB cord, and replacing it promptly resolved the issue.

a roku adapter is on a table

Before jumping to a replacement:

  • Test the power adapter in different electrical outlets to ensure the issue isn’t with the power source itself.
  • If the problem persists, try using an alternative 5V adapter that’s compatible with your Roku. This step helps confirm whether the original adapter is faulty.

7. Reduce Your Roku Resolution

Incompatibility in resolution settings between devices can often lead to a black screen, and your Roku is no exception.

If you suspect a resolution mismatch might be the problem, here’s how to adjust your Roku’s resolution:

Step 1: Connect your Roku to a high-resolution TV. This setup will allow you to access and change the Roku’s resolution settings.

Step 2: On your Roku, go to Settings, and select Display type.

display type setting is highlighted on a roku

Step 3: Choose the 720p TV option. This setting is more universally compatible and might solve the issue if it’s related to resolution mismatch.

720p tv option is chosen on a roku

Step 4: After adjusting the resolution, reconnect your Roku to the original TV and check if the problem has been resolved.

8. Check the Internet Connection

Addressing issues with your internet connection may also resolve problems with your Roku device. Here are a few straightforward yet effective steps you can take:

  • Perform a soft reset on your router by unplugging it from the power source for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
  • Alter your wireless settings from g/n to b/g/n. Some Roku models only support “b” configurations. For a comprehensive guide on adjusting these settings, refer to this dedicated article.
  • Connect your Roku to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. It’s worth noting that some Roku models are not compatible with 5GHz networks.

9. Contact the Roku Support Team

If the aforementioned fixes fail you, we recommend you seek assistance from Roku’s technical support team.

You can contact the team through the website live chat, email support, or their social media pages.

If your device is still under warranty, you might be eligible for a free replacement or covered repair costs.

To streamline the support process, consider preparing a video demonstrating your Roku’s issue. Additionally, list all the troubleshooting steps you’ve already attempted. This information can help the support team provide more effective assistance.

Note: Please have your Roku device’s model and serial number handy; also note down any error messages you may have received before contacting Roku’s technical team.

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2 Comments

  1. By far the most comprehensive article about the subject. I bought the Roku Express 4K+ from Amazon. I have faithfully followed your every step including with another working TV. Still blinking blue, double blink, pause, double blink. I guess it is time to return the unit.

    1. Thank you, Bob. We’re sorry that our current solutions did not help you, but we’re to review and enhance our fixes based on your feedback

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