Thousands of Roku users report the sudden disappearance of the YouTube TV app from their home screens. Here’s what happened and how to fix it.
Over the last 24 hours, Roku owners across the U.S. have run into a strange problem. The YouTube TV app has suddenly vanished from many Roku devices. The issue has sparked a flood of complaints on Reddit, Google support forums, and Roku’s own help center.
For many users, the app disappeared without warning. It could not be reopened or even found in the Roku Channel Store. While Roku has not issued an official statement, the issue appears widespread and frustrating for affected users.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix.
What Happened?
Users first began noticing the issue on April 8. They reported that the YouTube TV app had disappeared overnight. Roku owners shared screenshots and complaints across social platforms, especially Reddit threads and support forums.
The problem affects several Roku models, including Roku Ultra, Roku Express, and Roku Streaming Stick.
The issue is limited to the YouTube TV app. The main YouTube app remains available and fully functional. Users say they did not uninstall anything manually.
It’s unclear whether the problem came from a recent Roku system glitch, a Google-related error, or both. So far, neither Roku nor YouTube has confirmed the root cause.
Roku Users Flood Support Forums
Dozens of users posted in frustration on Reddit, with one popular post receiving over 500 upvotes and hundreds of comments. Many users said their Roku devices were fully updated, while others discovered they were running outdated system versions.
One user wrote, “Woke up this morning and the app was gone. I didn’t uninstall it. Can’t find it in the store either. What’s going on?”
Another added, “Thought it was just me, but looks like this is a widespread thing. Hope it gets fixed soon.”
There’s a Fix – Update Your Roku Device
According to a Roku community moderator, the issue may be tied to system software versions. The fix? Update your Roku’s operating system.
Here’s how to do it:
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Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
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Go to Settings > System > System update.
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Select Check Now to search for updates.
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If an update is available, let it install and restart your device.
After updating, many users report that the YouTube TV app reappears on the home screen.
This suggests the problem could be linked to an outdated OS version that no longer supports YouTube TV or fails to sync properly with Roku’s Channel Store.
Why Did This Happen?
So far, neither Roku nor Google has offered a detailed explanation. But tech experts suspect the issue may be due to a backend change in the way Roku devices communicate with certain apps.
One theory is that a recent background update caused a conflict with older Roku software. If true, the problem might be solved by forcing a manual update on the user’s side.
Others believe the glitch may have been tied to a hiccup in the Roku app store that temporarily de-listed the YouTube TV app for some users.
What If the Fix Doesn’t Work?
If updating your Roku system doesn’t fix the problem, try these additional steps:
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Restart your Roku device: Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
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Unplug and replug your Roku from the power source, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect.
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Reset network settings: Occasionally, a Wi-Fi or sync issue can block apps from showing.
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Contact Roku support directly via their help page for device-specific assistance.
You can also try watching YouTube TV through the mobile app or casting it from your phone to your Roku using the Google Cast feature.
YouTube TV Still Works on Other Platforms
The issue appears to be limited to Roku. YouTube TV continues to work normally on other devices, including:
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Android TVs
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Smart TVs from LG and Samsung
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Apple TV
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Amazon Fire Stick
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Web browsers (tv.youtube.com)
If your Roku is affected and the fix doesn’t work, you can still access your favorite shows from another device while waiting for a more permanent solution.
No Official Statement Yet
As of April 9, 2025, Roku and Google have not released any formal comments about the issue. It’s also unclear how many users were affected.
This isn’t the first time the two companies have clashed. In 2021, a contract dispute between Roku and Google briefly removed the YouTube TV app from Roku’s store. While this current glitch doesn’t appear to be a repeat of that battle, users are hoping for more transparency from both sides.
