There are a few things you can try to fix it.
The platform isn’t bulletproof, however. Apps or Roku OS itself can still crash, which might almost be more irritating on a smart TV or media streamer than it is on a computer. Conflicts make sense on complex machines but a Roku device exists almost exclusively to stream video, perhaps with a little music thrown in for good measure. It might not feel far from your microwave refusing to make popcorn.
There are several potential reasons for Roku app crashes, most of which can be solved with one of three actions. There are scenarios, however, where more radical tactics might be needed, including even hardware upgrades. We’ll try to steer you away from those.
Why your Roku apps might be crashing, and how to fix it
If updates don’t accomplish anything, try restarting your Roku via Settings > System > Power > System restart (the Power menu might be skipped on your device). This gives background processes and the system cache a fresh start, which might be all you need to deal with less severe glitches. In fact, you should be doing this periodically anyway to keep your device running as smoothly as possible.
It might also be time for general housekeeping, by which we mean deleting unused apps. Although Roku apps aren’t exactly huge, even the 2024 Roku Ultra only has 4GB of storage, and older or cheaper devices may have less. You could be bumping into the swap space the OS needs, and there’s no sense risking that for an app you may never open again.
When extreme measures are called for
If your device is many years old, an unfortunate possibility is that it may no longer be able to keep up with the latest software. While the company maintains surprisingly extensive update support, newer features and graphics can push the limits of RAM and processor power. You may be bumping up against these barriers, and have no choice but to buy new streaming gear.
There’s only so much you can do to hold onto older software releases, unfortunately. Even when Roku has your back, streaming services may decide to cut off older app versions for the sake of security or other plans. You might as well keep updating apps as long as possible.
