Roku Error Code 033 — Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error code 033 means your Roku is connected to the internet but cannot reach the specific streaming channel's servers. Your internet is working, but the service (like Netflix, Hulu, or another channel) is having trouble. This is often a temporary problem on the streaming service's end.

Affected Models

Roku Express
Roku Streaming Stick
Roku Ultra
Roku Premiere
Roku TV

Common Causes

The streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) is temporarily down
The channel app on your Roku is outdated and incompatible with the current service version
Your Roku's date and time settings are incorrect, causing SSL certificate errors
DNS settings on your network are not resolving the channel's server addresses
A geographic content restriction is blocking the channel in your region

How to Fix It

Check if the streaming service is down. Visit downdetector.com and search for the service name (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) to see if others are reporting problems.

If the service is experiencing a widespread outage, there is nothing to fix on your end. Wait 15–30 minutes and try again.
Remove and reinstall the channel app. Highlight the channel on your Roku home screen, press the * button, choose 'Remove channel', then reinstall it from the Roku Channel Store.

An outdated or corrupted channel app is a common cause of error 033. Reinstalling gets you the latest version and a clean installation.
Restart your Roku. Go to Settings > System > System restart. Or unplug it from power for 10 seconds. Then try the channel again.

A Roku restart refreshes all channel connections and clears cached data that may be causing the error.
Check your Roku's date and time settings. Go to Settings > System > Time and make sure the time zone is set correctly and the time is accurate.

Incorrect date and time causes SSL certificate verification to fail, which appears as a server connection error on streaming apps.
Try changing your DNS to Google's public DNS. On your router settings, set the DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Restart your router and Roku after.

Your ISP's DNS servers occasionally have trouble resolving streaming service addresses. Google's DNS servers are reliable and fast.

When to Call a Professional

Roku error 033 rarely requires professional help. If it affects only one channel, the problem is almost always on the channel provider's end or with the channel app itself. If all channels show 033, the issue is likely your network's DNS settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Error 033 only happens on one channel. Is the Roku broken?

No — if the error is specific to one channel, the Roku is fine. The issue is with that channel's app or servers. Try removing and reinstalling just that channel. If it still fails, the channel service itself may be down or may have dropped support for older Roku models.

All my channels show 033. What does that mean?

If every channel fails with 033, the issue is not a single service — it is your internet connection or DNS settings. Your Roku can connect to the network but cannot resolve server addresses. Try changing your router's DNS to 8.8.8.8 and restarting your network.

Can a VPN cause error 033?

Yes. If your router uses a VPN, the streaming service may block your IP address because it is a known VPN server. Many streaming services like Netflix actively block VPN connections. Disabling the VPN on your router may be necessary for streaming to work.