Why Is The White Light On My Roku Flashing?

You must know Roku’s best-class services are offered to the users. But nothing is more frustrating than being welcomed with no streaming and a white flashing light on the Roku device when you are up for a cozy movie night. 

A white light blinking on the Roku device indicates connectivity issues, unsupported resolution, or software and hardware issues. You can fix this by checking the connections, restarting your Roku device and router, or conducting a factory reset. 

That’s not all. If you are tired of the white flashing light on your Roku device, this article is for you. Here, I have shared the causes of the white light flashing and some simple troubleshooting steps to stop the Roku from flashing. 

Roku Device Status Indicators

There are different colored lights on Roku devices. Different lights blinking indicate different types of problems in your device. 

Let’s have a quick look at those light indicators and what they mean:

Red light on the device 

The red light blinking on the Roku device indicates a power problem.

It occurs when you connect the devices with a power strip or surge protector. 

It will further make a layer between the Roku and the wall socket. 

That is why the device cannot draw enough power from the supply needed by the device for the best performance. 

A blue light on the device 

The blue light on the device indicates cable connectivity issues. 

For example, the worn-out HDMI cables that need replacement will trigger the blue light. 

Worn-out cables do not perform at their best. So, the light keeps blinking. 

White light on the device and remote 

White light can flash on both the Roku device and the remote. 

White light blinking on the device means network, connectivity, and software and hardware problems. 

On the contrary, a solid white light indicates everything is fine in the device. 

The white light blinking on the remote means that you have low batteries. 

Replacing the batteries will fix the issue. 

Yellow light on the remote 

This light is visible in the remote. 

If a yellow or reddish-yellow light blinks on your remote, it indicates it cannot pair up with the Roku device. 

You need to disconnect and pair the device again. 

The green light on the remote 

The light flashes on the remote, but the problem is seen rarely. 

It indicates that your remote is defective, for example, worn-out batteries or something else. 

Unless you solve the issue, your remote will not function. 

Solid White Light vs. Flashing White Light

A Roku device will have several light indicators that signify different things. 

White light is one of them. 

But the behavior of this white light is what tells us the problem the device is facing.

Suppose the white light on the Roku device is solid. 

In that case, your device is correctly connected to the internet and power source. 

But when the white light is flashing or blinking, it can signify several issues. And this is what this article is about. 

You need to troubleshoot a flashing white light as soon as possible because you won’t be able to stream any videos unless you fix it. 

Now, let’s look at the reasons behind a blinking white light on Roku devices. 

Roku’s white light flashes

A few weeks back, I was visiting my cousin’s house. 

We were both enjoying a thriller movie on Amazon Prime on the Roku player. 

Everything went fine, but the screen suddenly went black after 30-45 minutes. 

While we were trying to inspect, I found out that the Roku device was constantly flashing the white light. 

We tried pressing the power button and all other buttons, plugging and unplugging, but couldn’t reach the actual cause. 

Then, we researched the problem online and consulted the support team to find a solution. 

We had network connectivity issues, which were solved after we power-cycled the modem and reconnected Roku’s network. 

While researching, I discovered several reasons behind a flashing white light, like power issues, software and hardware problems, HDMI ports, and many more. 

I would like to share all possible problems so that you can quickly solve them and enjoy your shows on the Roku player without any interruption:

Network Connectivity Issues  

The flashing white light on the Roku devices could be because of weak or no network connections. 

The Roku device should stay connected to the internet or Wi-Fi for proper streaming. 

Roku needs around 1 Mbps when it streams in the Standard Definition or SD and 3 Mbps for High Definition or HD. 

You can watch Roku without an internet connection, too, but you cannot stream from the channels. 

So, if the white light starts blinking and your streaming suddenly stops, you have a network issue. 

There are multiple troubleshooting tips to fix network issues in the Roku device. 

But don’t worry, I will share them one by one. 

Let’s begin with checking the network connection. 

To check the Roku device’s connection:

1. Click on the HOME button on the remote. 
2. Go to SETTINGS and then NETWORK. 
3. Click on the CHECK CONNECTION option. 

Once you select this, Roku will search for your Wi-Fi signal strength. 

If it finds a strong signal, it will ask you to connect to that. 

You will then see a message: CONNECTION CHECK WAS SUCCESSFUL. 

You can go ahead and review the result:

1. Press the HOME button on the Roku remote. 
2. Then go to Settings → Network → About. 

You will not see the internet download speed and the strength. If it says FAIL or POOR, you need to reset your modem and the router to fix the issue. 

Power cycle the modem 

To power cycle your modem and router:

1. Disconnect the router and modem from the power source. 
2. Wait for 30-60 seconds.
3. Plug back the devices to the power source. 

Wait for the light indicators to turn on and be steady. 

Your Roku will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi. 

After that, check if you still see the same issue.  

Reset Roku’s network

If power cycling the modem does not work, consider resetting the Roku’s network connection. 

Roku can forget the home Wi-Fi network if you click the Forget option.

In that case, you must reconnect it by entering your login and password. 

To reset the device’s network connection:

1. Press the HOME button on the Roku remote. 
2. Scroll down and go to SETTINGS. 
3. Then select ADVANCED SYSTEM SETTINGS. 
4. Check for the NETWORK CONNECTION RESET and click on it. 
5. Now select RESET CONNECTION. 

This should start the reset process. Once it is done, the Roku device will restart, and you have to reconnect to your home Wi-Fi:

1. On the remote, click on HOME.
2. Go to SETTINGS and select NETWORK. 
3. Click on SETUP CONNECTION. 
4. Select WIRELESS as you will connect it to the Wi-Fi. 
5. Find the home network and select it. 
6. Type your network’s password with the virtual keyboard and click on CONNECT. 

You have now successfully reconnected your device to your home’s Wi-Fi network. 

Use your Ethernet cable

Sometimes, when you connect the device via Wi-Fi instead of the Ethernet, the Wi-Fi connections may create issues, which can further affect your device. 

To resolve the problem:

1. Connect your Roku device to the router with the Ethernet cable. 
2. Turn off the router. 
3. Open a web browser on your desktop. 
4. Type 192.168.0.1 in the address bar and click enter. 
5. Enter your username and password. 
6. Click on NETWORK SETTINGS and ensure that the DHCP is enabled. 
7. Save the changes. 
8. Reconnect your Roku device to the network using the Ethernet cable. Your Roku will now automatically connect to the home network. 

Connect the device directly to the modem

Sometimes, the internet connection will be fine, and the modem will work. But the router might be the problem. 

In such a condition, connect your Roku device directly to the modem via an ethernet cable. 

Some Roku devices with a dedicated Ethernet port are Roku Ultra and Roku Ultra LT. 

If you have a different device, you can use an ethernet adapter. 

Models compatible with Ethernet adapter are Roku Express, Roku Streambar, Roku Express 4K, and Roku Streambar Pro. 

Connecting the device directly to the modem is easy:

1. Plug one end of the ethernet cable to the modem’s internet port. 
2. If your Roku has an ethernet port, connect the other end of the cable to it. 
3. You are done. 

If you use an adapter:

1. Connect the other end of the cable to the adapter. 
2. Connect the ethernet adapter to one of the Roku’s HDMI ports. 
3. Change Roku’s connection setting to WIRED. 
4. For that, press the HOME button on the remote, then Settings → Network → Set up connection → Wired. 

You have successfully connected your device directly to the modem. 

If you suspect that the router is creating an issue with some internal components, call your local technician for help. 

HDMI Connections 

People often fail to realize that faulty connections between the TV and your Roku device lead to white flashes on the device. 

There are three possible issues:

• HDMI port 
• HDMI cable 
• Loose connection 

All the Roku devices use HDMI cables, except for Roku Express+, which uses an RCA cable. 

Check whether the cables are tightly and properly connected to the correct ports. 

You can try unplugging the cable from your TV and the device and replug it. 

Assess the cable for any physical damage while disconnecting the device from your TV. 

If the damage is beyond repair, I suggest replacing it. 

If the problem can be repaired, you can call an expert to repair and fix it. 

There have been reports about the blinking of the white light in the Roku device at the initial setup. 

This indicates that you have received a faulty HDMI or RCA cable. 

The good thing is that the non-Roku HDMI cables can work properly with the device. 

If you have another HDMI or RCA cable that is working, try to use that instead and see if the white light stops blinking. 

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TV ports

Also, consider checking the TV port. 

The cables might be fine, but the port is creating a connection issue, for example, dirt buildup. 

Cleaning the ports can solve the issue, but it is worth checking all the ports of your TV. 

Use an air duster, cotton swabs, a cleaning brush, or a dry and clean cloth to clean the ports. 

If you have a modern TV, it will have several ports, around 2-8 HDMI ports. 

Try connecting your Roku’s HDMI to one of those ports. 

If anyone sets it correctly, keep your Roku connected to that port. 

When you check these ports, switch to the correct TV input settings. 

Unsupported Resolution 

Some Roku resolutions won’t be compatible with all TV screens. 

You will see a blank screen when your TV screen’s current resolution does not match Roku’s recommended settings. 

At the same time, you will also see the white light blinking on the device. 

This occurs when the screen resolution supported by your TV is lower than the Roku TV’s output resolution.

To check the problem, connect your Roku device to another TV screen containing 4K resolution to see if there is a resolution mismatch:

1. Press the HOME button on your remote.
2. Select SETTINGS and then go to DISPLAY TYPE. 
3. Select a display type compatible with the TV you intend to use or set it to AUTO DETECT. 
4. Now reconnect it to the desired TV. 

Change the TV screen display or adjust the screen resolution settings on the Roku device and try again. 

If the Roku is displayed on the second TV, it will also work with the original TV. 

If the method remains, you have a problem with the TV, not the device or connections. 

Software Updates and Installation

Software issues can also make the Roku device blink the white light. 

It can be caused because either you have not updated the software or there is some corrupted update file. 

You can check whether you have to update the Roku software:

1. Press the MENU buttons once
2. Scroll and find SYSTEM INFORMATION and click on the CHECK FOR UPDATES link. 
3. Check for the updates. If there is any update available, download and install it. 

After some time, the software will get updated. Check if the white light is still flashing or not. 

If the problem was really about the software, the light should stop flashing. 

If you suspect any software errors or corrupted update files, contact the support team for help. 

Power Supply 

Power issues are one of the most common problems.

When the device does not get enough power from the power source, it can blink the white light, indicating insufficient power. 

It happens when you do not connect the power cord correctly, or the wall socket is not giving enough power. 

Sometimes, a damaged power cord or adapter is to be blamed.

Check whether you have connected the power cord tightly and correctly to the outlet. 

If you have a damaged cord or adapter, replace it. 

If you suspect the wall socket is not giving enough power, consider hiring an electrician to get the socket checked. 

Hardware Problems

Some people complain that the Roku device has been damaged due to some physical damages or hardware issues while shipping, for example, damaged internal components, defective device, or a loose or damaged cable. 

If you suspect the same thing, consider checking the device once:

1. Remove the cables from the device. 
2. Place it on a flat surface and turn its face downward. 
3. Leave the device like that for 10 seconds. 
4. Flip over your device and check the inside of the box. 
5. If you find any damages, contact the support team immediately. 
6. Connect the device to your TV using the HDMI cable if everything seems fine. 
7. If the Roke still doesn’t work, it has some faulty internal components. You have to take it to the shop. 

Remote Control Connection

Sometimes, the remote’s white light blinks, indicating battery issues. Replace the batteries, and you are done. 

If the white light in the battery compartment flashes after changing the batteries, there is a connectivity problem with the remote and your Roku device. 

To fix the problem:

1. Unplug the Roku device. 
2. Replace or readjust the remote batteries. 
3. Connect it with the Roku device again by pressing and holding the reset button in the battery compartment for 3 seconds. 

If the process is successful, you will see a pairing notice on the screen once the Roku device gets booted. 

If this does not work, try 1-2 times because the connection signal misses from time to time. 

Restart your Roku player 

Occasionally, temporary glitches can make your Roku device constantly flash the white light. 

An easy solution is to restart the Roku device. 

Besides solving the white light blinking, this can solve a wide range of issues simultaneously, like red, blue, or orange light blinking. 

There are three ways to power cycle or restart your Roku device:

• By unplugging the device. 
• Using the Roku remote
• Using the SETTINGS menu. 

All of them are easy. 

Unplugging 

1. Unplug your Roku device from the power source. 
2. Unplug it from the HDMI or RCA port, too.
3. Wait for some minutes and connect everything back. 
4. Now start your TV and Roku and check for the white light. 

Using a remote 

1. Press the HOME button 5 times consecutively. 
2. Now press the UP arrow button once. 
3. Press the REWIND button twice. 
4. Press the FAST FORWARD button twice. 
5. Check for the white light on the device. 

Using the SETTINGS menu

1. Press the HOME button. 
2. Scroll down and go to SETTINGS. 
3. Select SYSTEM. 
4. Check for the POWER option and enter it. 
5. Select SYSTEM RESTART. 
6. Once the restart is over, check for the white light. 

Factory Reset or Hard Reset

Remember that factory resetting the Roku device will remove all your preferences and customized settings. 

After this hard reset, you must set up everything and customize everything according to your preference.

So, use this method as a last resort. Most of your problems in the Roku device related to white light should be solved after this step. 

If it doesn’t, you must find the actual reason and solve it. 

There are two ways to reset the Roku device: 

• Through the SETTINGS menu. 
• Pressing the RESET button. 

Resetting through the SETTINGS menu

1. Press the HOME button on the Roku remote. 
2. Select SETTINGS, and then SYSTEM. 
3. Go to the ADVANCED SETTINGS option and click on it. 
4. Check for the FACTORY RESET option and select it. 
5. Select the FACTORY RESET EVERYTHING option. 

The process will start by now. 

The light indicator will blink very fast when the device is resetting. 

After this, you have to reconnect to the Wi-Fi and customize the settings according to your preference. 

Resetting through the RESET button 

The Roku device will have a reset button at the back. 

In most models, it will be present at the bottom of the device. 

Once you find the button:

1. Press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds. 
2. Release the hold after 10 seconds. 

Your device will start the resetting process. 

Once the reset is complete, you have to reset all the customized settings on the Roku device and cross-check if the light is still blinking. 

Contacting Roku Support

If you fail to fix the white flashing light on your Roku device, there must be some complications beyond the standard fixes. 

For example, your Roku device is defective. Roku devices can go bad from regular wear and tear. 

In this case, you have to contact the Roku support team to let them help you troubleshoot the complications. 

Getting in touch with them can be tricky, but you must contact them if your Roku device is still blinking after all the troubleshooting steps. 

There will be customer support pages with answers to frequently asked questions. 

You can find a solution over there. 

If not, go to the support team page and select an option close to your problem. Choose agent-supported help. 

Follow the on-screen prompts to contact a technician, explain your problems, and receive help from him. 

Or you can also take the device to a local technician shop. 

They can also solve some of your issues. 

Other Troubleshooting Tips

In addition to the above troubleshooting steps I have shared for the specific causes, you can try the following tips:

• If you are struggling to connect your Roku device to the home network, try changing the DNS settings on your router. It will allow your device to find the correct IP address. 
• If you have a wireless connection, switch between the channels and see which is causing the maximum problem. 
• If you have multiple Roku devices, try connecting each separately. 
• If these tips don’t work, contact Roku technical support. 

Preventive Measures

To prevent the issues that can cause your Roku device from blinking the white light, follow the following steps:

• Always keep the software or firmware updated. 
• Use the right cables and ensure secure connections. 
• Clean the ports if you suspect loose connections. 
• Check the power cords and ensure they are correctly connected to the power source. 
• If there are hardware issues, take your device to the technician or contact one from the Roku support team. 
• Make sure that the network connections are enabled and strong. 
• Use the compatible resolution to avoid any interference or black screens. 
• Check the remote batteries and change them every 3-6 months. 
• Restart your device if you find any issues. This can solve maximum problems at once. 
• Keep the device clean and dust-free. Use a surge protector to prevent your device from getting affected by power surges. 

Final thoughts

Do not let the white blinking lights stop you from enjoying your favorite shows and contents. With these simple troubleshooting steps, you can quickly solve the white light blinking problem without hassle. 

Several reasons could cause the white light on the Roku device to flash, for example, network issues, cable connection problems, software or hardware problems, and power supply issues. 

Troubleshoot and rule out the problems one by one and fix the problem. Try restarting and resetting the device as a last resort. You can always contact the Roku support team if you cannot fix it. 

Reference: Roku Wikipedia

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