Roku Error Code 240 — Factory Reset Required Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error 240 means the Roku device has encountered a serious internal error — usually software corruption — that prevents it from operating normally. A factory reset is typically the only fix. This clears all settings, installed channels, and login information, returning the Roku to its out-of-the-box state. After the reset, you re-link your Roku account and reinstall your channels. It takes about 10 minutes to get back to normal.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

The Roku's internal software became corrupted during a failed update
A power outage or disconnection during a system update left the firmware in a partial state
Internal storage on the Roku device has developed errors
The device overheated repeatedly, causing data corruption in the system partition
The Roku software has accumulated too many corrupted settings files over time

How to Fix It

Try a soft reset first. Go to Settings > System > System Restart (if you can still navigate menus). If the Roku restarts normally and error 240 does not return, the issue was a one-time glitch.

If you cannot navigate the menus, unplug the Roku for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If error 240 appears again, proceed to the factory reset.
Perform a factory reset from Settings. Go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset. Confirm when prompted. The Roku will restart and go through initial setup.

Write down or take a photo of your channel list before resetting so you know which channels to reinstall afterward.
If you cannot reach the Settings menu, use the physical factory reset button on the device. Most Roku devices have a small reset button (either a recessed pinhole or a physical button). Hold it for 10-20 seconds until the status light flashes rapidly, then release.

On Roku Streaming Sticks, the reset button is on the side of the stick. On Roku Express models, it is usually on the bottom or back. On Roku TVs, it is typically on the back of the TV.
After the factory reset, go through the initial setup: connect to Wi-Fi, sign into your Roku account (or create one), and reinstall your channels. Your Roku account at my.roku.com keeps a record of channels you previously added, making reinstallation faster.

If you cannot remember your Roku account email or password, use the account recovery options at my.roku.com before starting the setup.
Check that your Roku device is properly ventilated after setup. Place it where air can circulate around it — not in a cabinet, stacked under other devices, or in an enclosed space. Overheating is a common long-term cause of error 240.

Roku devices should have a few inches of clearance on all sides. If the device feels very hot to the touch during normal use, ventilation is inadequate.

When to Call a Professional

Roku error 240 and factory resets are not a job for a technician. If the factory reset fails to complete or the Roku shows the same error after a reset, the device hardware may be failing. Contact Roku support at support.roku.com — devices under warranty can be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my subscriptions if I factory reset my Roku?

No — your subscriptions are tied to your Roku account and to the individual channel accounts (like your Netflix account), not to the device itself. After a factory reset and re-linking your Roku account, all channel subscriptions managed through Roku Pay are automatically restored when you reinstall those channels. For channels you subscribed to directly (not through Roku), simply log back into each channel with your account credentials.

How long does a Roku factory reset take?

The reset process itself takes about 3-5 minutes. Afterward, the initial setup (connecting to Wi-Fi, signing in to your Roku account, reinstalling channels) takes another 5-10 minutes. Channel reinstallation goes faster if you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Overall, plan for about 15-20 minutes from error to fully set up and ready to stream.

Error 240 came back after the factory reset. What does that mean?

If error 240 returns after a full factory reset, the device hardware — specifically its internal flash storage — may be failing. Factory reset cannot fix hardware damage. Check if your Roku is still under warranty (Roku devices typically come with a 1-year warranty). If it is in warranty, contact Roku support at support.roku.com for a replacement. If out of warranty, Roku streaming devices are affordable to replace — entry-level models cost $25-$40.