Roku Error Code 048 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error 048 means the device cannot connect to Roku's update servers to download a software update. Unlike error 014 (which means no internet at all), error 048 specifically means the internet is working but the Roku cannot reach Roku's own update servers. This is usually caused by a network configuration issue — such as a firewall, DNS problem, or a router setting — that is blocking the Roku from reaching specific addresses on the internet.

Affected Models

Roku Express
Roku Express 4K
Roku Streaming Stick
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Ultra
Roku TV

Common Causes

A router firewall, parental control, or network filtering feature is blocking Roku's update server addresses
DNS settings on the router are preventing the Roku from resolving Roku server domain names
A VPN or network proxy configured on the router is routing Roku traffic incorrectly
Roku's update servers are temporarily down or experiencing an outage
The Roku is connected to a network that uses content filtering (such as a school, business, or ISP-level filter) that blocks streaming device update traffic

How to Fix It

Check whether other streaming or internet features on your Roku work normally. Try launching Netflix or another app. If streaming works fine, Roku's update servers may be temporarily down.

If your channels stream fine but updates fail, the issue is specific to Roku's update servers. Wait an hour and try the update again — server outages are usually short-lived.
Restart your router and modem. Unplug the modem first, wait 30 seconds, then unplug the router. Wait another 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in, wait 2 minutes, then plug the router back in.

A router restart clears its DNS cache and refreshes its connection to your ISP, which resolves many network-level blocking issues.
Change your router's DNS settings to use Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS. Log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and set the primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and secondary to 8.8.4.4.

Some ISP-provided DNS servers block certain addresses. Switching to a public DNS service like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) bypasses ISP-level filtering.
Disable any VPN, parental controls, or content filtering on your router temporarily, then retry the update. Re-enable your security settings after the update completes.

Features like Circle, OpenDNS FamilyShield, or router-level VPNs can inadvertently block Roku's update servers. Turning them off briefly lets you confirm if they are the cause.
If possible, connect your Roku to a different network — such as a phone hotspot — and attempt the update. If it succeeds on the hotspot, your home router or ISP is blocking Roku's servers.

Using a phone hotspot as a temporary test is very useful for isolating whether the problem is with your Roku or your home network. It takes only a few minutes to test.

When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all the steps below and still cannot reach Roku's update servers, contact your internet service provider. Ask them to confirm that Roku's update server addresses are not being filtered or blocked at the network level. Some ISPs apply blanket content filters to residential connections that can inadvertently block update servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What server addresses does Roku need to update?

Roku devices reach out to several Roku-owned domains during updates, including scenegraph.dl.roku.com and giga.cdn.roku.com. If your router or ISP is blocking these domains, updates will fail. You can add these addresses to your router's allow list if you have content filtering enabled. Contact Roku Support for an up-to-date list of server addresses that need to be unblocked.

Is it OK to skip Roku software updates?

It is not recommended to skip updates for long. Roku updates include security patches, performance improvements, and compatibility fixes for streaming apps. Older firmware can also cause channel loading errors and playback issues as content providers update their apps. However, missing one or two updates is not an emergency — just resolve the error when you can.

What is a phone hotspot and how do I use it with my Roku?

A phone hotspot turns your smartphone into a mini Wi-Fi router, sharing your phone's mobile data connection. To enable it on iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Allow Others to Join. On Android, go to Settings > Network > Hotspot and tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot. Then on your Roku, go to Settings > Network > Set up connection and connect to your phone's hotspot like any other Wi-Fi network.