Roku Error Code 040 — Fix Account / Sign-In Error

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error code 040 means Roku cannot verify or connect to your Roku account. This happens when the Roku servers cannot validate your account during setup or after a reset. It is usually caused by internet connectivity problems, server issues, or an expired account session.

Affected Models

Roku Express
Roku Streaming Stick
Roku Ultra
Roku Premiere
Roku TV

Common Causes

Your Roku cannot reach Roku's account servers due to a network issue
The Roku account session has expired and needs to be refreshed
Roku's account or activation servers are temporarily down
Your Roku device is not linked to an account or the account link has been broken
A firewall or router setting is blocking Roku's account server communication

How to Fix It

Check your internet connection. Confirm the Roku is connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings > Network > About. Make sure it shows a connected status.

Error 040 requires internet access to validate your Roku account. If the Roku is not online, fix the network first.
Restart your Roku. Go to Settings > System > System restart, or unplug the power cable for 10 seconds and reconnect.

A restart often refreshes the account session and resolves temporary server communication failures.
Check if Roku's servers are down. Visit downdetector.com and search for Roku to see if others are reporting account or activation issues.

Server outages are uncommon but do happen. If confirmed, there is nothing to do except wait for Roku to restore service.
Sign out of your Roku account and sign back in. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset — but only do this as a last resort. Alternatively, visit my.roku.com on a computer to verify your account is active.

Check that your Roku account email and password are still valid by logging in at my.roku.com before attempting a factory reset.
Try activating using a different internet connection, such as a mobile hotspot. If it works on the hotspot, your home router may have a firewall or parental control blocking Roku's servers.

Some parental control or DNS filtering services block Roku's activation and account servers. Check your router settings or DNS filtering service.

When to Call a Professional

If you cannot create or sign into a Roku account at all, and your internet works on other devices, contact Roku support at support.roku.com. They can verify your account status and help re-link your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku account to use my Roku?

Yes. A free Roku account is required to set up and use a Roku device. The account is used to manage your channels, purchases, and device settings. Creating an account is free at my.roku.com — you only need an email address.

Can I use Roku without being signed in?

Some basic functions like local channels may work, but most streaming channels require account authentication. You cannot access the Roku Channel Store or install apps without being signed into a Roku account.

Will a factory reset fix error 040?

A factory reset clears the device and forces you to sign in again, which can resolve a broken account link. However, if the issue is with Roku's servers being down, a factory reset will not help and will just make you re-enter all your settings. Only do a factory reset after confirming your account works at my.roku.com.