Roku player · Status lights
What the status light on a Roku player means
Sources checked · how we check
Roku says that on most of its streaming players the light is either off or white in normal use, and may flash when you press buttons on the remote. Red is the one to act on: solid red is heat, flashing red is power.
What this covers
This covers the light on the front of Roku streaming players. Roku says most of its players have one, and that under normal operation it is off or white.
Source: Roku: what is the red light on my Roku streaming player?
Red light
Solid red
The player is overheating.
What to do: Unplug it carefully, as it may be hot, and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. Move it somewhere cooler: Roku says not inside a cabinet, not on top of other electronics such as a cable box or router, and not in direct sunlight. If the light is still solid red after a second try, Roku says to stop using the player.
Source: Roku: what to do if the red light is on or you see a "Your device is overheating" message
Flashing red
The player is not getting enough power. Roku says this happens when a Streaming Stick, Stick Plus, Stick 4K or Express is powered from a TV's USB port that sometimes cannot supply enough.
What to do: Roku's most reliable fix is to plug the player into a wall outlet with its own USB cable and power adapter (5V, 1A). Otherwise, use the cable that came with it and try a different USB port on the TV.
Source: Roku: what to do if the red light is flashing, or you see a low-power warning
White light, or no light
White, or flashing when you press remote buttons
Normal operation.
What to do: Nothing.
Source: Roku: what is the red light on my Roku streaming player?
White light on, but no picture
The Roku is on.
What to do: The problem is between the player and the screen: check the TV is on the right input.
Source: Roku: what to do if your Roku streaming player will not power on
No light at all
It may not be getting power. Roku also says the light is off in normal operation on some players, so this matters only if the player will not turn on.
What to do: Use the power adapter that came with the player, reconnect the cables, and plug it straight into a wall outlet rather than a power strip. Try another outlet, and if it still has no power, the adapter may be faulty.
Source: Roku: what to do if your Roku streaming player will not power on
If none of these match your light
Roku documents only these states for its streaming players' light. If the player will not turn on and none of the rows matches, work through Roku's power checklist: the original adapter, a direct wall outlet rather than a power strip, and a different outlet.
Source: Roku: what to do if your Roku streaming player will not power on
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Roku showing a solid red light?
It is overheating. Unplug it carefully, let it cool for at least 10 minutes, and move it out of cabinets, off other electronics and out of direct sunlight. If it comes back solid red after a second try, Roku says to stop using it.
What does a flashing red light mean on a Roku?
It is not getting enough power, usually because it is running from a TV's USB port. Roku's most reliable fix is to plug it into a wall outlet with its own cable and adapter.
My Roku light is on but there is no picture. What now?
The player is on, so Roku says to check your TV's input.