Why Does My Roku Keep Kicking Me Out? (8 Solutions)

Nothing is worse than watching a show, coming to the most important part, and then having the screen freeze or go black. Suddenly, you find yourself back on the homepage of the Roku menu and frustrated.

While this is commonly an internet issue, it could signify another malfunction. This article is here to help you understand why your Roku keeps kicking you out of apps and offer you a few solutions to the problem!

Why Does My Roku Keep Kicking Me Out of Apps?

There are three main reasons why your Roku apps keep crashing, and they are:

• Internet issues
• Outdated operating software
• Malfunctioning systems

Apps crash mostly due to poor internet signal. Streaming can lag when your network is weak, and excessive lag can cause failure. You can test your WiFi strength under the Roku Settings menu. Find the Network submenu and select Signal Strength.

If your apps keep crashing, there’s a chance that they are operating with outdated software. Technology is constantly updating. Bugs can get introduced to your Roku or streaming apps, and developers work to create a new update to combat the issue.

Lastly, there is always the chance that your device is defective or fighting a virus. Most Roku users have success after troubleshooting. However, some users discovered after troubleshooting that the problem had nothing to do with the operating system. Instead, the issue was within Roku’s power cord. In that case, you will want to contact Roku support.

8 Solutions for When Roku Kicks You Out of Apps

1. Strengthen Your Internet Signal

A weak internet signal can cause multiple issues, including apps crashing on your Roku.

Its signal is weaker if your router is on the opposite side of your house from your Roku. Try to move the router closer. 

Here are some other things in your home that can weaken your network signal:

• Other networks
• Radios
• Concrete walls
• Thick timber walls
• TVs

While you want your router within range, you also don’t want it too close to any disturbances. Placing it behind the TV will weaken the signal.

2. Change Where Your Roku is Plugged In

If you are using a Roku streaming device other than a Roku TV, where it is plugged in affects its power capabilities.

If your Roku device is connected directly to the TV via USB for power, it will work with insufficient capacity. Insufficient power leads to crashes, instability, and other issues. It needs more power than that source can offer.

Instead, you should use the power cord and adapter provided to plug your Roku into a working wall outlet. 

Plugging it into the wall also means that your Roku does not have to rely on the TV to get it to run. It will load up quicker and be ready whenever you turn on your TV.

3. Reboot your internet

If you suspect the problem is with your internet, it’s time to try rebooting it.

To reboot your WiFi network, follow these steps:

1. Locate and unplug the power cord and Ethernet cables from the modem.
2. Wait about 2 to 3 minutes to let the modem completely power off. You will know it is completely off when all the lights disappear. This time frame will also tell your other devices that the network is offline.
3. Plug the cables back into the modem.
4. Wait for the internet light to stay solid without flickering.

After performing these steps, turn your TV on to see if that solves the problem.

4. Restart Your Roku

Performing a complete restart on your Roku is a good way to clean its slate of any bugs or glitches that could cause your apps to crash.

Follow these steps to restart your Roku:

1. Press the Home button on the TV and Roku on your remote.
2. Scroll through the Roku menu on the left side until you find Settings.
3. Next, select System from the Settings menu.
4. Select System Restart. For some users, System Restart will be under another submenu titled Power.

You can also perform an easy system reboot using the following method on your remote:

1. Press the Home button five times.
2. Push the Up arrow once.
3. Press the Rewind button twice.
4. Then press the Fast Forward button twice.

The reboot should begin immediately. If you utilize this method, the TV may start scrolling and freeze for a few seconds before restarting- which is completely normal.

5. Unplug the TV and Roku

Unplugging your Roku and TV is a simple solution requiring little effort. It’s very similar to performing a system restart but does not require you to do anything besides pulling the plug.

Unplug your TV and Roku streaming device for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Everything should work better afterward.

This method works for most technology because it forces the computers inside devices to pause and reboot. Many Roku users have had success with this method. Even those who have attempted a full system update had better luck just unplugging their TV and plugging it back in.

6. Check for Updates

Software updates always have the power to improve your tech. Your Roku or streaming apps may be outdated and struggling to keep up with the operating system.

Roku checks for updates automatically at random intervals every 24-36 hours. However, if you recently disconnected your Roku from the network or downloaded a new channel, it’s good to search for updates manually.

Here’s how to manually check for Roku updates:

1. With your TV and Roku on, press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Press the left arrow to access the menu.
3. Scroll down until you find Settings.
4. Select System.
5. Click on System Update and select Check Now.

If particular apps are worse at kicking you out than others, you should check those channels individually to see if they have new updates.

Here’s how to check your channels for updates on Roku:

1. On your home screen, scroll until you are on top of the track you want to update.
2. While on top of that channel, press the star button on your remote.
3. A pop-up will appear. Scroll down and select Check for updates.

Always restart your Roku after updating to start with a clean slate.

7. What to do When Only One App Kicks You Out

For many people, most apps work fine, but one particular app can cause a load of problems anytime they watch it on their Roku.

To solve this problem, you must delete and reinstall the app. 

Follow these steps to delete your app:

1. On the Roku menu, scroll to the app you want to fix.
2. Press the star button on your remote.
3. Select Remove channel and confirm your decision.
4. Next, you will want to restart your Roku. Head to settings and systems to perform a system restart.
5. Once the Roku finishes restarting, you can reinstall the channel.

8. Contact Roku Support

If none of the above methods worked, something is likely defective with your Roku.

Your next step should be to contact Roku support. Roku team members are more than happy to help you solve the problem. You will need to provide specific information about your device, such as the serial number and model.

Be sure to tell the support employee all the methods of troubleshooting you have already tried so that they can narrow down what the issue is easier.

You can contact support via Roku’s support page. You will have the option to post your problem in either a Roku community forum or you can chat with an expert directly.

Final Thoughts

Network signal issues are the common enemy of Roku channels. If you get regularly booted out of your apps on Roku, check your signal strength and try to improve it. If your internet is not the culprit, attempt restarting your Roku or contact support for further help.