It's been an absolute blast to use my Samsung 55” QLED 4K TV in tandem with my Roku Ultra to fetch my most treasured shows and movies.
But I found myself in a pickle a couple of days back when the pairing just didn't seem to work as intended.
Vexed at this ill-timed annoyance, I scoured the internet for all the possible reasons for a Roku device to cease working on a Samsung TV. This is what I came up with as probable fixes:
If Roku is not working on a Samsung TV, first, check for connection issues and restart both devices. Issues with cables, the internet, or the device settings can all disrupt the optimal working of these devices. Factory resetting the devices may prove to be the answer to this issue.
Let's now take a look at the many instances in which Roku can cease to work on a Samsung TV:
Scenario | Causes and Fixes |
---|---|
Roku unresponsive on Samsung TV | Software issue, restart both the devices. Check for issues with the remote. |
Can't see Roku interface on Samsung TV | Faulty connection; check the connections and the condition of the cables. |
Roku not loading content | Network issue; refresh the network. Switch to the 5 GHz band. |
Other scenarios | Factory Reset the devices; contact customer support. |
Let's now dive right into the many requirements and fixes to get your Roku to work on a Samsung TV:
Basic Requirements for Roku to Work with Samsung Smart TV
If Roku seems to not work on a Samsung TV, it is always a good idea to run a preliminary check of the most basic of requirements for these two devices to work together.
Here are the many prerequisites associated with pairing up these two devices:
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 later 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 facilitate streaming, especially a lag-free one.
Without a stable internet connection, you may experience buffering issues, authentication errors, or an outright inability to stream.
Ensure that your network speed is above 3 Mbps, which is the bare minimum speed required to stream content in SD quality.
Some Roku devices like the Roku Ultra support a wired connection.
Connecting through an Ethernet cable can reduce interference and maintain speed, unlike a wireless connection.
3. 4K and 4K HDR streaming
If you are planning to stream your movies/shows in 720p (HD) or 1080p (Full HD) resolutions, you can skip this step.
The only requirement for such streams is to use a high-quality HDMI cable.
But with 4K or 4K HDR streams, there are a couple of more things to take care of before you can actually facilitate such streaming qualities.
First, you have to ensure your Samsung Smart TV supports these resolutions.
Roku recommends using a premium high-speed HDMI cable that supports atlast HDMI 2.0.
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.
Ensure your TV supports HDCP 2.2 by looking for the label on your HDMI ports.
If you can't find any such labels on the ports, search online or in the provided owner's manual for the same.
If you try to connect to a TV with no HDCP support, Roku will show corresponding error messages and will advise you to use it in HD or Full HD settings.
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.
How to Fix Roku not Working on Samsung TV
From routine connectivity issues to full-on freeze screens, it can be hard to find the reasons for Rpoku to stop working on a Samsung TV.
Fortunately though, finding a probable cause and fixing it up is quite easy with these devices.
Let's look at the most common causes and the associated fixes for this issue now:
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 if Roku is connected to a network, you may not readily be able to access the internet.
Bugs associated with network connectivity can be pointed to as the culprits.
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.
★Refresh 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.
★Change 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 tends to become a bit slow.
Changing the bandwidth of the network can solve the problem.
If your Router supports multiple bandwidths like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, switch your connection to the 5 GHz connection.
This is because the 5 GHz band offers very low latency, meaning a faster connection.
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 bug 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.
To get rid of such inconsistencies, simply unplug the HDMI cable from 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.
On the off chance the issue persists, opt for a new HDMI cable. If that doesn't work either, consider the chances of physical damage on your TV/Roku.
★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, contact Samsung customer service for more assistance.
★Change 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 OFF.
You may also experience black screens every now and then. If so, you might want to get your display checked by an authorized technician.
And then again the black screen may only be associated with Roku devices.
If that's the case, changing the Display type seems to be a very viable answer.
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 can also prove to be helpful.
3. Roku Hardware Issues
Oft times, hardware issues can directly culminate in Roku not working on a Samsung TV. If that's the case, here are some quick pointers that may help you deal with such issues:
★Overheat issues. If your Roku is showing overheating warning messages, you may want to relocate the device to a more ventilated location.
Positioning your Roku next to the TV can cause your Roku to overheat from the TV’s heat dissipation and also its own ventilation.
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 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.
Some USB ports on your TV may be underpowered or even not capable of output. Always connect Roku with its supplied Power adapter.
★Remote issues. Roku remote can sometimes fail to function as intended.
From connectivity issues to not being able to control your device, most problems may be associated with failure to achieve 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.
4. Factory Reset the Devices
The ultimate fix for most issues on modern gadgets is to factory reset it.
Factory resetting a device will cause all of its configs to get reverted to the factory defaults, essentially wiping out all user-defined configs, errors, and bugs in due process.
To factory reset a Roku device, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings tab and select System.
2. Click open the Advanced Systems Settings tab.
3. Select Factory Reset and enter the special code as displayed.
To factory reset newer Samsung TVs, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings tab and select All Settings.
2. Navigate to the General and Privacy tab and select Reset.
3. Enter the pre-set code to initiate a reset.
With older Samsung TV models, navigate to Settings> Support> Self Diagnosis> Reset> and enter the TV pin to initiate a reset.
Once the devices have been reset, set them up once again like new and check for the issue now.
Final Thoughts
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.
But when things take a turn for the worse, there are a few remedies to tackle them, especially with the issue at hand.
Equipped with the many checks and troubleshooting fixes mentioned here, you're sure to get out of this issue in no time.
If you still can't get over this issue, contact the customer services of either Roku or Samsung for any further assistance.
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.
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