Samsung TV-Roku Not Working [2023]-How to Fix

Want to stream movies and shows using your new Roku on your Samsung Smart TV? It's much easier than you think.

It's been an absolute blast to use my Samsung 55” QLED 4K TV to play games on true 4K at higher frame rates ever since I got it.

With its Smart features and built-in apps, I could stream my favorite shows and movies from the various apps and websites without mirroring or sharing them with a mobile device.

But, that was it. The apps were scant and the content became redundant. The updates, even though they did come, were infrequent.

That's when I decided to buy a Roku Ultra to stream movies and shows right onto my TV.

With an almost inexhaustible library and an ever-growing list of channels, you don't have to worry about entertainment.

To use Roku with Samsung Smart TV, plug in your Roku device to your TV through an HDMI cable and follow the on-screen instruction to set up your  Roku and start streaming your favorite shows.

After a lot of time spent with my Roku and my Samsung smart TV, I can help you to set up your Roku properly with your smart TV.

I have also listed fixes for some common problems you may encounter while using these devices.

But first, let's look at how to connect your Roku to your Samsung Smart TV.

Basic Requirements for using Roku with Samsung Smart TV

Before you go on to connect your Roku device to your Samsung Smart TV, take a look at these requirements:

1. Samsung Smart TV Model

If you have bought your smart TV in the past couple of years, you don't have to worry about your TV being incompatible.

Even though not a necessity, Samsung smart TVs running on Tizen OS version 2.3 or higher are preferred. 

This is because, with some older OS versions, you may face some problems with your HDMI connection.

Make sure your TV is operating on the latest version by using your TV's remote to navigate to Settings>Support>Select Software Update>Update Now to update to the latest version.

2. Stable Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is the most essential component to have when you're streaming.

Without proper internet, you may experience buffering issues or authentication errors.

Ensure that your network speed is above 3 Mbps, which is the minimum requirement to stream content in SD quality. 

3. 4K and 4K HDR streaming

If you are planning to stream your movies and shows only up to 720p(HD) or 1080p(Full HD) resolutions, you can skip this step. 

In such a case you only need to make sure you have a high-quality HDMI cable.

If you want to stream in 4K or 4K HDR resolutions, first you have to ensure your Samsung Smart TV supports these options.

Roku recommends using a premium high-speed HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2 above speeds.

It is also recommended that your TV should support HDCP 2.2 for streaming in 4K.

HDCP 2.2 is a content protection standard required by the TV and movie industry.

Some older smart TVs may not support HDCP 2.2.

Make sure your TV supports HDCP 2.2 by looking for the label on your HDMI ports.

If not labeled search online or in the provided owner's manual for the same.

How to Set Up Roku with Samsung Smart TV

Assuming that you have ensured the requirements, let's look at how to set up your Roku device on your Samsung Smart TV.

Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI port and the other to your Roku. 

1. If you are using the Streaming stick models, directly connect to the HDMI port.

2. Switch on your TV and your Roku device.

3. With your TV remote, switch the input to the HDMI source the Roku is connected to.

Now that you have established a connection between your TV and Roku, here's how to set up your Roku.

4. On the Let's get started page, select your preferred language.

5. Connect to the preferred network. If you have selected wired, Roku will automatically connect to the internet. If you have selected wireless, select your WiFi network and enter the password.

6. Once you have connected to the internet, you will have to update your Roku.

7. On the next page, confirm your display setting. Press OK to detect the best resolution. If you are not satisfied with the results, select I've changed something, retry.

Select Yes, the screen looks good if it's OK. If you want to manually set your resolution, select No, I will choose a different setting.

8. Next, you can set up your remote to control your TV functions. Select Check remote settings and press OK to do so. Select Skip to do it later.

9. On the next screen you will be asked to activate your account. Follow the instructions and open your Mobile/PC browser and go to roku.com/link.

Enter the code from your TV screen onto the website and click Submit. Proceed to create or log in to your account.

Add a payment method to purchase or rent movies and shows on demand; you can also skip this step for a later time.

10. Once everything is done, your Roku screen will update. Select Done to complete the setup.

Now that you have completed the installation, you can now start streaming.

Common Problems while using Roku with Samsung Smart TV-How to Fix

From routine connectivity issues to full-on freeze screens, it can be hard to find the reasons for such abrupt happenings.

Let's look at the most common issues that could pop up:

1. Network Connectivity related issues

Whether due to high latency or due to software bugs, your Roku can act up in a patchy sort of way.

A proper internet connection is paramount for the stable working of Roku devices.

Here are a few troubleshooting steps to rectify your connectivity-related problems on your Roku.

• Check your Internet speed. Even Though you may be connected to a network, you may not be able to access the internet.

This may be because of some connectivity-related bug.

To analyze the situation further, open another device like your mobile/PC and check your internet speed through a speed tester.

Check whether the speed is normal.

If not, your Router may be the problem. A simple solution is to give it a quick refresh.

Unplug your router for a few minutes and plug it back in again.

Test the speed again and if it's stable, try using Roku again.

If the problem still exists, try the next steps below.

• Try refreshing your Roku. A quick restart can sometimes clear all the temporal bugs that might be causing you problems.

You can either hard restart your device by simply unplugging the Roku and plugging it back again after a few minutes or you can follow these steps:

Go to Setting>Systems>System Restart>Restart>OK.

• Try changing the WiFi band. Sometimes your Roku can be a bit slow to load and you may face buffering issues.

This is because of high latency which in turn is due to high traffic in your network.

When more people access the same network at the same time it can become a bit slow.

Changing the bandwidth of the network can solve the problem.

To change your WiFi settings, go to Settings>Network>Set up Network>Wireless>5 GHz Band Name.

• Check for updates. Running an older version can cause your Roku to be bugged out

It is recommended to always run your device on the latest version.

To check for updates manually, simply follow these steps:

1. In the Home tab, select Settings.

2. Scroll down and select Systems.

3. Click on System Update.

4. Select Check Now to manually check for updates.

5. Select Download/Install to install the latest update.

2. Audio and Video Related Issues

If you're facing issues with audio and video signals like sync issues and black screens, here are some possible fixes.

• Check your HDMI connection. Improperly connected HDMI cables can cause AV issues on your TV.

Simply unplug your HDMI connection on both devices and reconnect it firmly.

Now switch to the appropriate HDMI source and check whether the problem is resolved or not. 

If the problem still persists, try a different HDMI port on your Smart TV.

If it works fine, the previous port on your TV is the culprit. It may be damaged.

If not, try replacing your HDMI cable with a superior one and try again.

• Bugs from a new update. Sometimes a new update on your Samsung Smart TV can cause your HDMI port to cause problems.

Look out for a follow-up update that can resolve such bugs. 

If you experience such an issue, try contacting Samsung customer service for more assistance.

• Try changing the display settings. If your Roku device is acting all wrong and you are facing audio and video playback issues, you could change a couple of things to solve it.

During the setup procedure, if Roku has not automatically selected the right Display setting, sync issues can arise.

Follow these steps to change the display settings:

1. In the Settings tab, go to the Systems option.

2. Select Advanced system settings.

3. Click on Advanced display settings.

4. Then, select Auto adjust the display refresh rate.

5. Select Disabled.

Some users have reported experiencing black screens every now and then. When they change the input a couple of times, it seems to go.

And then again the black screen comes back after some time. 

Users have pointed out that changing the Display type seems to solve the problem.

To change the display resolution, go to Settings>Display Type>Automatic(if not already set).

Changing the resolution to a lower resolution like from 4K to 1080p or 720p may be one way to solve your problem.

3. Roku hardware issues

If your Roku is blinking red LEDs and you are having issues with your remote, take a look at these fixes.

• Overheat issues. If your Roku is showing overheating warning messages it may be because you have placed your device on top of your Smart TV.

This can cause your Roku to overheat from the TV’s heat dissipation and also due to prolonged use.

Unplug your Roku, relocate it to a better location like on your TV desk and then plug it back in after a few minutes.

• Blinking Red LED. If your Roku’s LED is blinking red, it is because the device is not getting enough power. 

It may also show power warning messages on the screen.

If you have connected your Roku device through the USB port in your TV, unplug it and power via the supplied power adapter.

• Remote issues. Roku remote can sometimes fail to function in its intended way.

From connectivity issues to not being able to control your device, most problems may be associated with the absence of line-of-sight communication.

Most Roku devices, with the exception of Roku Streaming stick+ and Ultra models, come with an IR remote. These have an issue with beeping sounds that might be annoying.

To operate the remote properly, you need to position the Roku device in such a way that there are no obstacles in the way.

If you cannot control the TV functions from your Roku remote, check whether you are connected to the HDMI-CEC port.

HDMI-CEC ports allow two-way communication, meaning you can control both your Roku and TV with the same remote.

In the case of Samsung Smart TVs, it is called Anynet+.

To check whether Anynet+ is turned On or not, On your TV remote, press Home>Settings>General>External Device Management>Abybet6(HDMI-CEC) and then turn it ON.

Now you can control the TV functions like volume and power with your Roku remote.

Conclusion

With a wide variety of channels, Roku products ensure that you have a nice time whenever you want wherever you want.

The crisp and brilliant quality of pictures and colors on the Samsung Smart TV can make you watch your favorite shows and movies all day long.

Coupled together, these products make a fantastic combo for all your entertainment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I put new apps on my Roku?

To add new channels to your Roku, go to Home>Streaming Channels>Search>Enter name> Add Channel.

Can you use Roku on a non smart TV?

You can use your Roku with a non-Smart TV if it has an HDMI port.

Even if your TV doesn't have an HDMI port, Roku Express(2018 model) supports component AV cables.

Can you get ABC, NBC and CBS on Roku?

With thousands and thousands of channels to offer, Roku devices do offer news channels and networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX etc.