Roku Streaming Stick and some Roku streaming players can be powered by connecting them to a USB port directly to the TV.
However, if your device is showing the “Roku low power” or “Insufficient power” error message you will need to change the power supply and power the device using its power adapter, and plug the Roku directly into a wall outlet.
Here are some easy fixes for this Low Power issue:
Connect Roku using the Power Cord / Adapter
The most straightforward and easy way of fixing the Low Power error is to change the way you power the Roku device. If you get the error while the Roku device is plugged into a TV USB port you will have to connect it to a Power cord or adapter. By doing this your Roku will get sufficient energy and the error should disappear.
When you buy a Roku Streaming Stick you will receive a Roku Adapter for free, but if you misplaced it or the cord you have is no longer working you can always order a replacement online.
You can also try to use a different USB port on the back of your TV, as some ports have different power outputs.
One thing to consider when ordering a replacement is to buy one that matches the original power specifications for the device you have or it will not work. Roku is providing a guide for power adapters with the correct values for power output.
Make sure to match the original values if you’re getting an adaptor that is not manufactured by Roku. Getting the cheapest option available is not a good idea because not matching the power requirements can get you back to square one with the Low Power error. You can find the guide here.
Make sure to check all power and compatibility information before you order your replacement online. You can find replacements on Amazon, check the price here.
If you’re not using the original USB cable that came with your Roku you should be aware that counterfeit cables can malfunction and provide insufficient power to your Roku device.
You should always try to use the original cables or get one that is 100% compatible with the device you are using.
How to tell if your Roku device has insufficient power
One way of telling if your Roku device doesn’t get sufficient power is when you see the Low Power or Insufficient power errors.
But most of the Roku players also have a light that will flash red when insufficient power is provided to the device. Under normal conditions, the light is eight off or white, and it may flash when you press buttons on the remote control.
If the red light is solid and not blinking it means your Roku player is overheating. You should remove it from power and let it cool down.
How much power does a Roku consume?
Roku devices consume between 2W and 4.5W while streaming. The typical usage for Roku Express when streaming is 2W, Roku Streaming Stick usually consumes 3W and Roku Premiere, Premiere+ and Ultra use around 4.5W when streaming.
These devices also use a small amount when idle and plugged directly into a wall outlet, but will not consume anything when plugged into a TV and the TV is off.
So why do we see the Low Power error when the device is plugged into a TV USB port? That is because TV USB ports will provide between 2.5W and 7.5W depending on the manufacturer. So if your TV USB port is only providing 2.5W, but your device is requiring 4.5W you will see the Low Power error.
Some TV models have different powers for each of the USB ports, so you should try to plug your Roku device into each of the ports available and see if the power output is sufficient for proper functionality.
Restart your Roku TV
One of the easiest ways of fixing any issues with electronic devices is to do a restart. If your Roku device is still acting strange after you change the power adapter you should do a restart, which also clears the device cache.
To do a restart go to Settings > System > System Restart and confirm the restart.
You can also unplug your Roku from the socket and plug it back in to reboot and restart it.
TCL Roku TV reset
When you’re having these Roku low power issues it’s always a good idea to clear the cache on your TV, which is basically a reset of your TV.
Resetting your Roku TV is likely to solve the Roky low power issue.
Use your Roku remote to reset your TCL Roku tv by pressing the Home button 5 times, the Up button 1 time, pressing Rewind 2 times, and the Fast Forward button 2 times.
This will perform a soft reset on your Roku TV, and it’s also known as clearing the cache.
If you can’t use the remote to reset your TV you can still do a factory reset by using the reset button placed on your TV.
This is placed on the back panel, near the HDMI port for some models. The reset button can be really small, so make sure you check the back of the TV thoroughly to make sure you find it.
Once you find it press and hold it with a paper clip until the TV turns off and back on, then you can let go.
The bottom line
If your Roku device is showing Low Power or Insufficient Power errors it’s likely because you plugged it into a USV port from your TV that is not providing the device with enough power.
USB ports have different power outputs so you can try different USB ports on your TV if you have other free ones that are not used.
You will need to switch the USB port or use the power cord/adapter and plug it directly into a power outlet.
You can tell if your device is suffering from low power issues in 2 ways: the error message is displayed on the screen or the light present on the device is blinking red.
If your power cord/adapter is not working you can order one online, but you have to make sure the power output matches the power requirement for your device.