How to Fix ESPN Not Working on Roku

ESPN is the one-stop destination for sports lovers to watch their favorite games. If you have been using the ESPN Channel on your Roku device for a long time and you suddenly notice the app is not working, it can be really disappointing. There can be various reasons behind ESPN not working on your Roku, such as slow internet speed, incompatibility, incorrect credentials, minor glitches, such as app cache, and more. Irrespective of the issues, you can resolve them easily by following the troubleshooting methods.

This article will guide you with the necessary troubleshooting steps that need to be followed in resolving the issues on the ESPN Channel.

Why is ESPN Not Working on Roku

Below, we have listed the possible reasons behind the ESPN channel not functioning on Roku.

• Weak internet connection
• ESPN app cache issues on the device
• Problems in the ESPN server
• Incompatible ESPN app
• Outdated Roku OS
• Signing in with incorrect account credentials
• Expired subscription
• Streaming on multiple devices

Fixes to Resolve ESPN Not Working Issues on Roku

You can try the below DIY fixes to get the issue resolved in a short time.

Check the Internet Connection

If the content on the ESPN app is not loading well or stops streaming, it may be due to the internet connectivity issue. At this time, make sure that you have connected Roku to WiFi. Ensure that your internet connection is stable. If not, try connecting Roku to the new internet connection.

Reset Router

When the internet speed is slow, the content begins to buffer. If you find the internet speed is sluggish, you can reboot or reset your router. You have two ways to do the same. They are:

1. Unplug the power cord of your Router and keep it still for 10-15 minutes. Then, reconnect the Power Cord to the router.

2. In some routers, you can find the Reset button or pinhole on the backside. Press the Reset button or take a paperclip and press gently on the pinhole to reset your router.

Note: To stream the videos on ESPN in HD quality efficiently, you need an internet speed of 5 Mbps and above.

Check ESPN Server

If the ESPN app doesn’t load the content or stops working even after a stable internet, there can be possibilities for server issues. To check and confirm the server issue, you can visit third-party sites like Downdetector – https://downdetector.com/status/espn/. You can even check ESPN’s X page (Twitter) for information regarding the issues. If there is a server problem, you need to wait until the issue gets resolved.

Log Out and Log In to the ESPN App

There might be some problems with your Roku account, and therefore, you can’t stream videos on the ESPN app. To fix the issue, log out of the ESPN account and log in. After that, check if the issues on the ESPN app still occur. If it isn’t yet solved, you can try the next troubleshooting method.

Check the Simultaneous Devices

ESPN lets you stream the content simultaneously on up to 3 devices. If you have exceeded the device limit, you can’t watch the videos. Sign out from the devices you have signed in and try again. If it doesn’t resolve, move on to the next step.

Check ESPN Subscription

If the ESPN+ subscription has expired, you won’t be able to stream the live matches and on-demand content. Under these circumstances, we suggest you check the subscription.

1. Visit the official page of ESPN+ (http://plus.espn.com/) on the desktop and mobile browser.

2. Login to your account with the credentials.

3. Click the Profile picture in the top right.

4. Choose ESPN+ Subscriptions under Manage My.

4. Select Manage Subscription and check the status of your subscription.

If it is inactive, renew the subscription and try again.

If you have been using a TV provider subscription, check on it and ensure whether the subscription is active.

Restart Roku Device

Sometimes, you can clear the cache issues of the ESPN app by restarting Roku.

1. Press the Home button on the Roku remote.

2. Move to the Settings option from the menu.

3. Click on the System option and choose System restart.

4. Next, hit the Restart option and restart your Roku.

Once you select the Restart option, your Roku will turn off automatically, and then it will turn on by itself. After that, check if the issues on the ESPN app are fixed or not.

Power Cycle Roku

Power Cycling Roku will help you to fix all the issues and recover ESPN from not working. All you have to do is unplug the cable that is connected to your Roku and wait for 5 minutes. After that, plug back the cable connecting Roku and turn it on. Next, launch the ESPN app and check if the streaming issues are still there. If you can’t find the fix, move on to the following troubleshooting methods.

Update ESPN

You can try updating the ESPN channel to resolve the temporary issues.

1. When you are on the Home screen, press the Right navigation button on the remote.

2. Highlight the ESPN app tile.

3. Press the Star (*) button on the remote.

4. Select Check for Updates.

5. If there is an update, the channel will be upgraded to the latest version.

Uninstall and Reinstall the ESPN App

If the ESPN app is not working still, there can be compatibility issues. So, uninstall the app and then reinstall the ESPN app on Roku from the Channel Store. By doing so, the temporary cache and glitches will be removed. You can activate ESPN and use it afresh.

Update Roku Device

Updating Roku firmware can fix the temporary glitches in the device.

1. Head to Settings on your Roku device.

2. Select System under Settings.

3. Click System Update.

4. Further, select Check Now.

If there is an update, the firmware will be downloaded and the device will begin to reboot.

Contact Customer Support

After trying all these sets of methods, if the ESPN app faces the same problem, you can contact customer support, which will be helpful in fixing the error. You can either contact Roku Customer Support or ESPN Customer Support to fix the issues on the ESPN app.

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