Issues with powering your Roku from the TV USB port

Bottom line, it’s best to use the power supply that comes with the Roku.

The USB output current for usb2 is limited to a maximum 500ma. For usb3 the maximum output current was increased to 900ma.

The short power cable that Roku provides encourages using the tv USB output.

Never had a problem powering the Roku Express 3930x from the tv USB port. Upgrading to the Roku Express 4K+ exposed an intermittent problem with one tv model. It was right on the edge of a cliff where the Roku would work fine or fail. Using the external Roku power supply cleared up the problem.

1 Like

Roku just announced two new stick models. They say the power requirements are low enough that they can be powered by standard USB ports on TV’s now.