039
Roku Streaming Device
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Roku error 039 means a streaming service or content provider is temporarily unavailable or unreachable. The Roku is connected to the internet, but the specific channel or service you are trying to use cannot be reached. This is usually a temporary server issue on the streaming service's side.
Affected Models
- Roku Streaming Stick
- Roku Express
- Roku Ultra
- Roku Streambar
- Roku TV (all models)
Common Causes
- The streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) is experiencing a temporary server outage
- The Roku channel app is outdated and incompatible with the current version of the streaming service
- Your internet connection is too slow for the video quality selected by the app
- The streaming service's content delivery network (CDN) has a temporary issue routing traffic to your area
- Parental controls or content restrictions on your account are blocking the content
How to Fix It
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Exit the current channel and try a different streaming service to see if the problem is specific to one channel or all of them.
If Netflix works but Hulu shows error 039, the issue is with Hulu's servers or the Hulu channel app, not your Roku or internet.
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Check the streaming service's status page or their social media for any reports of outages.
Sites like downdetector.com show real-time reports of outages for major streaming services. An outage means just waiting it out.
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Remove and reinstall the problematic channel: press the asterisk (*) button on the remote while highlighting the channel, then select Remove Channel. Then reinstall it from the Channel Store.
Reinstalling forces a fresh download of the channel app, which resolves errors caused by a corrupted or outdated channel installation.
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Check your internet speed using the Roku's built-in speed test: Settings > Network > Check Connection.
For HD streaming, you need at least 5 Mbps. For 4K, you need 25 Mbps. Speeds consistently below these thresholds cause streaming errors.
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Restart the Roku: Settings > System > System Restart. Also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
A combined Roku and router restart clears any cached network state on both devices and often resolves lingering error 039 issues.
When to Call a Professional
Error 039 is always a software or network issue — no professional service is required. If the error only occurs on one specific channel, the issue is with that channel's servers. If it occurs on all channels, investigate your internet connection speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does error 039 only happen with one streaming channel?
Each Roku channel connects to its own servers. If only one channel shows error 039, that channel's servers are the issue — not your Roku, internet, or router. The channel is either down for maintenance, experiencing high traffic, or has a regional issue. It usually resolves within a few hours.
How do I improve my internet speed for Roku?
Move the Roku closer to your router to improve Wi-Fi signal strength. If your Roku model has an Ethernet port, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Also limit the number of devices streaming simultaneously — each device competes for the same bandwidth.
Can outdated Roku software cause error 039?
Yes. An outdated Roku OS can cause compatibility issues with streaming channels that have updated their apps. Check for Roku updates: Settings > System > System Update > Check Now. Keeping Roku updated prevents many channel-related errors.