[Updated] YouTube TV users warned against uninstalling app on Roku devices to fix 'Can’t run channel' error, issue still under investigation

You can watch the following video to know the crux of this story:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on September 16, 2021) follows:

Roku and Google have been going through a rough patch lately. To recall, both parties were unable to reach an agreement back in May after which the YouTube TV app was removed from Roku’s Channel Store.

Those who already had the YouTube TV app installed on their Roku devices continued to have access to it. However, an issue with the YouTube TV app has been troubling Roku users for quite some time.

@TeamYouTube having an issue loading YouTube TV and YouTube apps on Roku. Error says can’t run channel, could not be reinstalled from network. My internet connection is fine, running other apps.
Source

Hey @youtube @Roku the YouTube and YouTubetv apps are broken on Roku right now. I turned roku off and back on, uninstalled and reinstalled YouTube and still don’t work… says “Can’t run channel because it could not be reinstalled from the network. Please check your connection.”
Source

As per several reports, users are getting the ‘Can’t run channel’ error on their Roku devices while trying to use the YouTube TV app. Also, the ‘Can’t run channel’ error specifies that the app could not be run as there is not enough space.

Workarounds like uninstalling the YouTube TV app on Roku devices are not helping to fix the ‘Can’t run channel’ error as the app is not available to reinstall on Roku’s Channel Store anymore.

This is why a YouTube TV Community Manager on Reddit has warned users against uninstalling the YouTube TV app on their Roku devices as it is not possible to reinstall the app.

This is already happening to several affected users who uninstalled the YouTube TV app on their Roku device and are unable to get it back. However, some users have pointed out that YouTube TV can be accessed via the standard YouTube app.

While there is indeed an option for YouTube TV in the standard YouTube app menu, those using the standard app to access YouTube TV are also getting the ‘Can’t run channel’ error message.

It is unclear what the exact cause of the issue is but it is inconveniencing multiple Roku users who are desperately trying to get the YouTube TV app to work on their devices.

Can’t load yttv from my Roku express tonight. Deleted app to reinstall and its no longer available on Roku. What else can I use. To access yttv ?
Source

My Roku TV and Roku stick no longer support YouTube TV. I’ve tried to reinstall them and they’re not listed as an option. Does anyone know when this will be resolved?
Source

However, affected users may not have to dwell with this problem for too long as it is already being looked into by Roku. The latest update on the official tracker for this issue indicates that Roku is still investigating it.

Thus it is possible that those who still have the YouTube TV app installed or who access it via the standard YouTube app on their Roku device may soon be able to use it without getting the ‘Can’t run channel’ error.

However, this is still based on speculation as Roku has not provided any ETA for a fix. Hopefully, Roku resolves this problem soon so that users can access YouTube TV without any hassle.

That said, we will keep tracking this for further development and will report back as and when new new information emerges.

11:09 am (IST): Roku has finally fixed the bug that was preventing users from watching certain channels. Users will have to install the latest software update which brings a remedy for the problem. Here’s how to scan for an update manually:

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Scroll up or down and select Settings.
3. Select System.
4. Select System update.
5. Select Check Now to manually check for updates.

12:01 pm (IST): YouTube support has also confirmed that the ‘Can’t run channel’ error should have been fixed via the latest Roku update.

Thanks for tagging us – we’ve seen similar reports about YouTube TV or YouTube app getting “Can’t run channel” on Roku, but this should be fixed already. Have you tried restarting your device? Just don’t delete the YTTV app, as this will lead to losing access to YouTube TV. (Source)

11:57 am (IST): Roku has confirmed that they are indeed aware that a section of users are still facing the ‘Can’t run channel’ error and are investigating it.

Update 9/20/2021 6:00 PM PST
We are investigating a small subset of users who are still seeing this error. (Source)

06:01 pm (IST): TeamYouTube claims that they still do not have an ETA for the fix for the ‘Can’t run channel’ error on Roku devices. It seems that the beef between the two companies has drastically degraded the user experience.

We don’t have an exact timeline yet, but our team’s working to get this fixed the soonest. In the meantime, you can do a system update (Roku>Settings>System>System Update) and check if that will resolve the issue. (Source)

11:40 pm (IST): YouTube support is responding to user complaints about YT TV not working on Roku devices by claiming that they fixed the issue already. Users are advised to check for a system update.

Thanks for the tag – if you’re having issues watching YouTube TV on Roku, note that our team has already fixed this. Make sure that your Roku device is updated by going to Settings > System > System Update. Let us know how it goes. (Source)

Unfortunately, Roku has not confirmed the same on its page that it has been maintaining for the issue.

05:00 pm (IST): YouTube support — in a fresh tweet — once again confirmed that the ‘Can’t run channel’ issue on Roku devices should be fixed. This, however, hasn’t been corroborated by Roku.

Update – this YouTube TV app issue on Roku devices should be fixed now, but let us know if you’re seeing otherwise. (Source)

11:00 am (IST): The feud between Google and Roku is escalating fast and today, Roku and Google are once again failing to reach a deal, and as a result, the YouTube app will be removed from Roku.

NOTE: There are more such stories in our dedicated Roku and YouTube sections so be sure to go through them.

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