Roku Error Code 035 — Fix Streaming / Playback Failure

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error code 035 means your Roku encountered an error when trying to load or play a video stream. This is a content playback error, not a network connection error. It can be caused by an issue with the streaming channel, your internet speed, or the Roku's local cache.

Affected Models

Roku Express
Roku Streaming Stick
Roku Ultra
Roku Premiere
Roku TV

Common Causes

The streaming service's servers are experiencing an outage or high load
Your internet connection is too slow to maintain the stream quality
The Roku channel app has a cached error that needs to be cleared
The specific content you are trying to watch has licensing or regional restrictions
Your Roku's software is outdated and incompatible with the current channel version

How to Fix It

Try a different title or channel to see if the error is content-specific. If other content plays fine, the problem is with that specific show or channel.

If only one channel shows error 035, the issue is likely on the channel's server side, not with your Roku or network.
Restart the Roku. Go to Settings > System > System restart. A restart clears memory and cached data that may be causing playback failures.

Error 035 is often caused by a corrupted temporary file or a stale session. A restart fixes this instantly.
Check your internet speed. On a phone or laptop, run a speed test at fast.com. For HD streaming you need at least 5 Mbps. For 4K you need 25 Mbps.

If your speed is lower than needed, try pausing other devices that are using the internet while you watch.
Remove and reinstall the affected channel. Highlight the channel on the Roku home screen, press the * (asterisk) button on your remote, and choose 'Remove channel.' Then reinstall it from the Roku Channel Store.

Reinstalling clears the channel's local data and downloads a fresh copy of the app.
Update your Roku software. Go to Settings > System > System update > Check now. Install any available updates.

Older Roku firmware versions may be incompatible with updated channel apps, causing playback errors like 035.

When to Call a Professional

If no streaming channels work at all on your Roku, and other devices on your network stream fine, the Roku unit itself may be faulty. Contact Roku support at support.roku.com to discuss a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does error 035 only happen in the evenings?

Evening hours (7 PM to 11 PM) are peak streaming times when millions of people watch simultaneously. Streaming services sometimes struggle to handle peak demand, leading to server errors. This is called 'internet rush hour.' If error 035 only appears in the evening, try watching earlier or later.

Can a VPN cause Roku error 035?

Yes. Roku devices do not natively support VPNs. If you have a VPN running on your router and it is routing Roku traffic through a server in another country, the streaming service may block access due to regional licensing. Try disabling the VPN or setting up a VPN split-tunnel to exclude your Roku.

Does error 035 mean my Roku is broken?

Almost never. Error 035 is a playback error, not a hardware error. It means the stream could not load for a software, network, or server reason. A broken Roku would typically show different symptoms like not turning on or not connecting to Wi-Fi at all.