Roku Operating Systems Plagued by Defective Software Updates, Class Action Lawsuit Claims

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Roku regularly rolls out defective updates for its operating system software, effectively crippling tens of thousands of smart televisions.

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The 43-page false advertising lawsuit claims that although Roku-powered smart TVs and licensed partner models are advertised as consumer-friendly integrated smart televisions equipped with “the #1 selling TV operating system” in the United States, the defendant’s regular Roku OS updates have rendered many televisions “entirely unusable,” or otherwise significantly degraded the devices’ performance.

The complaint alleges that the faulty Roku OS software updates at issue are the result of “a platform which cuts corners,” as Roku has apparently failed to ensure that its software updates are free of defects at both the testing stage and at scale. Further, the suit says that Roku fails to take corrective action once a defective software update is released, including adequately informing consumers, offering compensation, or releasing updates to patch any problems.

“Despite consumers’ persistent complaints of repeated system failures, often leaving their TVs completely inoperable, Defendants offer no recourse,” the case claims.

Roku uniformly promotes the scale and “maturity” of the Roku OS, with reassurances that devices will be “optimized” by the ongoing software updates and well supported for routine and long-term household use, the filing states. Software updates are a necessary component of Roku’s business model as the digital platform would be unable to run without addressing concerns related to security, user experience, and support for the devices’ features, the case relays.

However, the class action lawsuit contends that official software updates for Roku TVs—including devices manufactured by third parties like TCL—are defective in that they can “brick” a television or otherwise substantially degrade its functionality.

Per the case, the loss of functionality can “corrupt” user experience on the Roku devices to the extent that the screen remains blacked out, video capabilities are lost, screens flash on/off repeatedly, and the devices are rendered unusable. Essentially, the software updates deprive consumers of the “fundamental purpose” of the Roku TVs, which is to reliably display audio and video content, the filing says.

Per the suit, Roku has not disclosed to consumers that its TVs are susceptible to faulty software updates, despite a plethora of consumer complaints on Roku’s Community Support Forum. Moreover, when consumers share complaints with Roku or TCL, the companies will merely direct them to a self-guided troubleshooting page, the case explains.

Even with Roku’s troubleshooting instructions, the lawsuit alleges, many consumers are unable to successfully restore their televisions to full functionality without investing additional time and money for repair or replacement.

The Roku TV class action lawsuit seeks to cover all United States residents who, from December 16, 2024 to the present, purchased Roku TV products manufactured by Roku, Inc. or TCL, including but not limited to the following models: Roku Select Series; Roku Plus Series; and TCL 3/4/5/6 Series Roku TVs.

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