Roku Error Code 160 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error code 160 means the Roku Channel Store cannot be reached or experienced a server-side error. This prevents you from browsing the store, installing new channels, or updating existing ones. Error 160 is usually a temporary server issue on Roku's end, or a network problem on your end that is blocking access to Roku's store servers.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

Roku's Channel Store servers are temporarily down or experiencing a service disruption
Your internet connection is not stable enough to communicate with Roku's store infrastructure
A firewall or parental control system on your router is blocking access to Roku's store domains
Your Roku account has a billing or verification issue that restricts store access
The Roku software is out of date and no longer compatible with the current Channel Store API

How to Fix It

Check if Roku's servers are down. Open a browser on your phone or computer and go to downdetector.com. Search for 'Roku' to see if others are reporting Channel Store issues. If there is a known outage, wait a few hours and try again.

Roku server outages affect all users and there is nothing you can do except wait. Checking downdetector.com first saves you time troubleshooting something that is not your fault.
Restart your Roku and router. Unplug your router for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. After it reconnects, restart your Roku via Settings > System > System restart. Once back online, try the Channel Store again.

Network restarts clear stale connections and refresh IP and DNS assignments. This resolves the majority of error 160 cases that are not caused by an actual Roku server outage.
Set a manual DNS server on your Roku to bypass potential DNS issues. Go to Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless. After connecting to your network, set the Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) and Secondary to 8.8.4.4.

Roku's Channel Store uses specific domain names to connect. If your router's DNS server cannot resolve those domains, the store appears unavailable. Google's DNS is more reliable than many ISP DNS servers.
Update your Roku software. Go to Settings > System > System update > Check now. Install any available updates. Very outdated Roku software may not be compatible with the current Channel Store server infrastructure.

Roku periodically updates its Channel Store server API. Devices running old software versions may receive error 160 when the old API version is no longer supported.
Check your Roku account at my.roku.com for any notices or required actions. If your account has a payment issue, email verification pending, or terms of service update requiring acceptance, store access may be restricted until you complete the action.

Billing issues on accounts with paid channel subscriptions or purchases can temporarily restrict store access. Logging into my.roku.com on a computer shows any account notifications.

When to Call a Professional

If the Channel Store is inaccessible for more than 24 hours on your device but works on other Rokus in your home, there may be a device-specific account issue. Contact Roku Support at support.roku.com with your device serial number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still watch channels I already have installed while getting error 160?

Yes — error 160 only affects the Channel Store and channel installation. Channels you already have installed and their content servers are unaffected. You can continue watching Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and any other installed channel normally. You just cannot browse the store, install new channels, or update existing ones until the error is resolved.

The Channel Store works on my other Roku but not this one. Why?

This suggests the problem is specific to one device rather than a Roku server outage or home network issue. Possible causes include a corrupted channel store cache on that specific Roku, or an account linking issue with that device. Try a factory reset on the affected Roku (Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset) and re-link it to your account. If the problem persists after a reset, contact Roku Support — it may be a hardware issue.

Why does the Channel Store need a Roku account? Can I use Roku without one?

Roku requires an account to access the Channel Store, download channels, and use certain features. The account system is also how Roku manages subscriptions and purchases. You cannot browse or install channels without an account. However, if you already have channels installed, you can watch them without an active account connection — the channels themselves log into their own services (like Netflix) independently of your Roku account.