Apple TV Not Working on Roku? Here’s Your Simple Fix Guide

If you are watching your favorite show and suddenly an error appears on an app, I think there is nothing more frustrating than that. Similarly, when the Apple TV Roku streaming app stops working or shows an error, it also becomes a big headache.

It’s frustrating when the Apple TV app on Roku spins without loading, shows an error, or just won’t play. You’re not alone—many Roku users face this. In this guide, I’ll share real-world examples, easy-to-follow fixes, and tips to get your Apple TV working smoothly on Roku again.

What Users Are Seeing on Roku

Infinite loading wheel
A user from Apple’s forum said: “after logging out, the app shows only a grey screen with the loading wheel every time”.

“Video unavailable” error
In a Roku community thread, a user tried many fixes, then discovered changing router DNS helped.

Audio/HDMI glitch
On Reddit, a user shared that switching HDMI audio from “auto” to Dolby Digital finally fixed a persistent “video not available” bug.

Sign‑in hanging
Another Reddit user reported that after hitting “sign in,” the app freezes on a spinning wheel

Apple TV Not Working on Roku -Step‑by‑Step Fixes

Try these steps in order—from simplest to more advanced:

1. Restart Roku & Your Network

A classic move: restart your Roku and router

• On Roku: Settings → System → System restart
• Or unplug Roku for 30 seconds (drain power first)
• Then restart your modem/router (recommended by Roku and Lifewire)

This clears cache, resolves temporary issues, and refreshes network connections.

2. Clear Apple TV App or Reinstall

If the app itself is glitching:

• Remove Apple TV: go to the app, press * on your remote, select “Remove channel.”
• Reboot device, then add the Apple TV app again

Many users report this clears stuck-loading and login errors.

Apple TV Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide

3. Change HDMI Audio Settings

This clever fix has saved many users:

• Open Settings → Audio → HDMI
• Change from Auto-detect to Dolby Digital
  Real-world feedback:

“I FOUND A SOLUTION… change to Dolby Digital. Et voila!”

If you see “video not available,” try this first.

4. Reset Network Configuration

When sign-in is stuck:

• Go to Settings → System → Advanced system settings → Network connection reset
• After reboot, reconnect Wi‑Fi, then open Apple TV and log in

This often fixes login freezes.

5. Update Roku & Apple TV App

Older software can cause issues:

• On Roku: Settings → System → Software update → Check now
• For Apple TV, ensure updates are applied automatically

Having fresh versions prevents many bugs.

6. Try Alternate DNS (Google DNS)

This unusual trick worked for one user:

• In router settings, set DNS to:
  • Primary: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary: 8.8.1.1

If the app spins before sign-in—this could help.

7. Check Your Internet & Apple Subscription

Ensure your connection is stable:

• Roku recommends at least 3 Mbps for SD, 9 Mbps for HD
  Use Roku’s Check connection tool (Settings → Network → Check connection).

Also, confirm your Apple TV+ subscription is active:

• Open Apple TV → Settings → Accounts → Subscriptions

8. Factory Reset Roku

If nothing else works, you can start over:

• Go to Settings → System → Advanced → Factory reset
  Note: This erases all settings and apps

Re-install Apple TV afterward to test if it resolves the issue.

Real-World Outcome Table

Final Steps (Your Fix Checklist)

Restart Roku & router

Delete Apple TV app, then reinstall

Set HDMI audio to Dolby Digital

Run Network Connection Reset

Update Roku + app software

(If stuck) Swap router DNS to Google DNS

Confirm your internet speed & subscription

(Last resort) Factory reset your Roku

When Apple TV isn’t working on Roku, don’t panic. Start with the simple fixes—like restarting the device or reinstalling the app. If issues persist (like streaming errors), set HDMI audio to Dolby Digital—that has solved cases that resisted other solutions. Many users also benefit from resetting network settings or changing router DNS. And don’t skip the basics: keep your Roku up to date, check your internet, and verify payment.

With this step-by-step guide, you should be back to watching your favorite Apple TV shows on Roku in no time. Happy streaming!

FAQ’s

Any Question? Please ask on following comment box.