A recent update to the official Roku mobile app has left some users of older Roku players and Roku TVs unable to use key features of the application, including Bluetooth private listening and the ability to control their device using the app as a remote. Roku has confirmed the issue and says a fix is currently in development.
The problem appears to stem from a software update pushed to the Roku app last week. Following that update, a subset of customers found that their older Roku hardware was no longer recognized or properly supported by the app, effectively cutting them off from two of its most popular features. Bluetooth listening, which allows users to plug headphones into their phone and stream audio privately through the Roku app, was among the functionality affected. The ability to use the app as a full remote control for navigating the Roku interface was also disrupted for impacted users.
Roku confirmed to Cord Cutters News that they are aware of the problem, acknowledging that the rollout introduced a bug affecting compatibility with certain older Roku players and Roku-branded televisions. The company did not specify exactly which models are impacted, though users of older hardware appear to be disproportionately affected.
For many cord-cutters, the Roku app serves as an essential part of their daily viewing experience. The private listening feature in particular has become a staple for households where one person wants to watch television late at night without disturbing others, or for those who are hard of hearing and prefer direct audio through headphones. Losing access to that feature, even temporarily, can be a significant inconvenience.
Similarly, the app-as-remote functionality is heavily relied upon by users whose physical Roku remote has been lost, damaged, or simply left across the room. For those affected by this bug, navigating their Roku device has become considerably more cumbersome until the issue is resolved.
The good news is that Roku has not left users in the dark. The company has acknowledged the bug is a direct result of last week’s update and has stated that a fix is on the way. No specific timeline was provided for when the corrective update would be released to users, but the fact that Roku has already identified the root cause is an encouraging sign that a resolution may arrive relatively quickly.
In the meantime, affected users are advised to check the Roku support website for any workarounds and to ensure their Roku app and device firmware are otherwise up to date. Users experiencing the issue can also report it directly through the app’s feedback feature to help Roku prioritize the fix.
Cord Cutters News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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