I keep biting my nails. I’m getting sweaty and antsy.
By the looks of it, you’d think I was watching horror.
You’d be wrong. What I’m looking at is worse than a poltergeist:
It’s a loading spinner…
Because my Roku suddenly disconnected from my Wi-Fi.
But I’ve found a way to reconnect.
Now, let me help with yours.
Keep reading to discover:
- How to reset your Roku’s network settings.
- 9 swift solutions to your Roku that can’t connect to Wi-Fi.
- 2.4 GHz vs. 5.0 GHz: Which is better for your Roku’s internet connection.
- What’s the best position for your router to avoid network issues on your Roku.
- And so much more…
Why won’t my Roku TV connect to WiFi?
Your Roku TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi because it’s outdated or your router is in the wrong position. Bad network settings, 5.0 GHz frequency, and broken hardware can cause this problem. Furthermore, glitches and errors throughout your system can also damage your Wi-Fi module.
Roku TV won’t connect to Wifi: 9 ways to fix it
#1: Check Roku’s internet connection
The most crucial step in fixing your Roku can’t connect to Wi-Fi?
Identifying the problem.
Luckily, you don’t have to rely on trial and error anymore.
Instead, you just have to ask your Roku TV.
Okay…not literally.
However, you can always check its network connection. And this is how:
- Go to your Home screen and press the Left button on the directional pad.
- Head to Settings.
- Under Network, press Network Page.
- Tap About.
- Select Check Connection.
From there, your Roku will redirect you to a page where you can see its:
- Network status.
- Signal strength.
- Connection type.
- Wireless channel.
- IP and MAC address.
- Download and upload speed.
#2: Do a power cycle
Have you ever wondered why a restart can sometimes fix your broken devices?
The reason?
There are stuck processes and glitches on your TV causing the issue.
And the fix for this is to restart your TV.
However, a simple restart wouldn’t suffice.
What that does is only put your device on Standby Mode.
Instead, you’ll have to perform a power cycle…
Which is a restart that removes all charges on your Roku.
Thus, allowing it to shut down completely.
To do a power cycle, you’ll need to follow these 5 quick steps:
- Turn your Roku off.
- Unplug it from the socket.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
- Turn it on.
Voila. You’re done.
Note: It’s also good practice to do the same for your router or modem.
What if you don’t want to get up from your couch? Can you still perform a power cycle on your Roku TV?
Yes. Only, this way, it’s called a System Restart.
For that, grab your remote and then:
- Go to your Home screen and press the Left button on the directional pad.
- Head to Settings.
- Under System, press System Restart.
- Select Restart to confirm.
#3: Reset network settings
What if the reason you can’t connect to Wi-Fi service is…
Because there’s a setting on your Roku preventing you from doing so?
The only problem is:
You don’t know which one.
Well, let me be the bringer of good news…
And tell you that you don’t need to know which setting is the problem…
After all, you can just reset all your network settings.
How? Simply follow these directions:
- Go to your Home screen and press the Left button on the directional pad.
- Head to Settings.
- Under System, press Advanced System Settings.
- Select Network Connection Reset.
Want some visuals to go along with the written instructions? Then this video is for you:
#4: Update your Roku device or Roku TV
Here’s another thing that could cause glitches on your Roku:
Outdated firmware.
Usually, your Roku has auto-update enabled.
But, errors happen.
So, in that case, you’ll have to update your Roku manually. Normally, this is how you’d do it:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to the Settings page.
- Under System, head to System Update.
- Select Check Now to trigger a firmware update.
Easy, right?
However, that method depends on your Roku having internet access…
Which, if you’re still reading this article, it doesn’t have.
What should you do now?
Follow these steps to update your Roku TV without Internet:
Step 1: Secure a flash drive
First, you’ll need a flash drive that:
- Is FAT32 formatted.
- Has 2 Gb of free storage.
Got one? Nice.
You can now proceed to…
Step 2: Download the latest update
- Grab a laptop or any PC.
- Go to this page and enter your Roku device’s model number.
- Click Download Software.
After this, you’ll see a prompt on your PC asking for a 12-digit code. Leave this alone for now.
- Insert the USB into your PC.
- Copy and extract the file to the flash drive.
Step 3: Enter the codes
- Go to your Roku device.
- Grab your remote and follow these directions:
Home > Settings > System > System Update > I Can’t Connect.
Your TV should then flash a 12-digit code and ask for a 6-digit code in its place.
- Copy the 12-digit code to the prompt on your computer.
- Use the 6-digit code on your computer for the prompt on your TV.
After that, your TV will look at your USB drive for an update file.
#5: Choose a proper location for your router
Have you ever been to a concert? Especially ones where all attendees were standing.
Ever notice how it’s difficult to see your favorite artist when there are many people in front of you? Or maybe you’re too far from the stage?
The same concept applies to your Wi-Fi.
Only, instead of your view of the performers…
The Wi-Fi signal has trouble seeing or reaching your Roku TV.
In this case, what should you do?
Roku urges you to consider the following:
Adjust router antenna
Take a look at your Wi-Fi router.
Some router models have an antenna that broadcasts their Wi-Fi signals.
If you have one, try re-orienting the antenna until its signal can reach your TV.
Remove physical obstructions
Look between the TV and your router.
Do you notice any of the following:
- Mirrors.
- Microwaves.
- Baby monitors.
- Walls and ceilings.
- Water-filled containers.
If so, set aside what you can.
These are physical obstructions that can block Wi-Fi signals.
It’s best not to have them around your router to avoid a spotty internet connection.
Close the distance between the router and the Roku
Most Wi-Fi nowadays uses 2.4 GHz by default.
It’s a frequency band that reaches up to 150 ft (46 m) indoors and 300 ft (92 m) outdoors…
While those figures seem big, they don’t account for physical blockers around your router.
So, it’s better to move your router closer to your TV…
Or place it on an elevated location.
And, if you’re using a Roku streaming device…
You can always buy HDMI extenders to place the Roku device next to your modem.
#6: Switch from 5.0 GHz to 2.4 GHz
Like I said earlier, most networks use 2.4 GHz nowadays…
But some can still switch to 5.0 GHz accidentally.
What’s the difference between the 2, you ask?
5.0 GHz Wi-Fi signals are faster.
However, 2.4 GHz provides more coverage…
Meaning that it’s more secure and reliable.
Not to mention that some Roku streaming devices can only connect to 2.4 GHz. These are:
On the other hand, only 4 Roku devices can connect to 5.0 GHz, and they are:
Now that that’s out of the way…
How can you switch from 5.0 GHz to 2.4 GHz?
For that, you’ll need a laptop. Then, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt and enter “ipconfig/all.”
- Copy the number next to Default Gateway and paste it into any web browser.
- Enter the given username and password by your ISP.
- Now, proceed to Advanced Settings.
- Under Wireless, go to the Wireless Signal.
- Untick Channel Optimization.
- Enable 2.4 GHz, then disable 5.0 GHz.
#7: Use an ethernet cable
Do you still have no Wi-Fi on your Roku TV? Unlucky…
But you haven’t exhausted your luck yet.
Because there are more ways to connect your TV to an internet service other than Wi-Fi.
For example…
Have you considered trying an ethernet cable?
They’re not just replacements for your wireless internet…
In fact, ethernet is better than Wi-Fi in every way except portability. Ethernet is:
- Faster in transmitting data.
- Less likely to be disconnected.
- Less stressful on bandwidth stretching.
- More secure in terms of data breaches.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab an ethernet cable…
Or, better yet, buy 1 that’ll maximize your internet plan.
These are the categories of ethernet cables and what they provide:
- Cat 3: 10 Mbps.
- Cat 5: 100 Mbps.
- Cat 5e: 1 Gbps.
- Cat 6 and 6a: 10 Gbps.
- Cat 7 and 7a: 100 Gbps.
- Cat 8: 40 Gbps. (But on a longer cable.)
#8: Perform a factory reset
Ah, yes. Factory reset…
It’s the double-edged sword of TV repair.
Sure, you’ll get rid of all the glitches, errors, and malware on your system.
But you’ll also remove all data and preferences on your Roku.
That’s why this is only a last resort…
Something you should do when nothing else is working.
Now, let me teach you how to reset your Roku TV fully.
To start:
- Go to your Home screen and press the Left button on the directional pad.
- Head to Settings.
- Under System Settings, go to Advanced System Settings.
- Select Factory Reset.
- Enter the 4-digits for confirmation.
- Tap Reset again.
#9: Get a different streaming device
Are you using a Roku streaming device or a Roku TV?
If it’s the latter, this one’s for you.
Here’s the thing:
Your TV can’t connect directly to your network.
So, what can you do?
Connect it indirectly.
What do I mean by that?
Use a streaming device.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
“Isn’t this a waste of money for a smart TV?”
Truthfully, I can see why you might think that.
However, I don’t think it’s a waste of money. After all, streaming devices have:
- Better longevity.
- A wider range of apps.
- More frequent update support.
And, as for what device you should get, I recommend:
You may also be interested in: Does Roku Work On Any TV?
BONUS: Contact Roku
Let me get honest with you real quick:
There’s no shame in asking for help.
In fact, there’s strength in admitting that you can’t do something alone.
That’s why I recommend asking Roku for assistance if nothing else is working.