If your Roku won’t connect to a wireless network, read on to find out how to fix it. When it comes to enjoying uncountable channels on your most preferred streaming media platform, Roku remains your ticket.
Roku as a company has been in this business of entertainment for a long and they’ve different categories of media devices to shares among their numerous fan base.
Hence, it would not be out of place to say that Roku has become one of the favorite ways to stream TV shows and movies. All these functions effectively because of internet presence.
Whenever Roku has an issue connecting to the internet it means you’ll miss out on countless entertainment hours that would have added a smile to your face.
So, to help rectify or avoid this situation, we’ll be outlining some troubleshooting methods on how to fix it.
Table of Contents
Reasons Roku may not connect to the Internet
There might be a couple of reasons why this might happen but the predominant reasons are from Router and Wi-Fi signal strength.
In addition, the Roku device can also cause this issue especially for cache and other related issues. Let’s proceed with how this can be fixed.
How to fix a Roku device that won’t connect to a wireless network?
Bringing your Roku device back online in most cases is easy and quick. When you experience that your Roku cannot connect to a wireless network, the problem is always from the router and not the Roku device, connection settings, or other devices.
The first thing to do before troubleshooting is to take your time and inspect all the physical hardware that comprises cables. They must be connected appropriately.
Perform an internet speed test
If you notice that your Roku is connected to the internet but the connection remains weak, navigate to the settings, network, and the check connection.
This will start a quality test of the internet signal together with its speed. In the end, you’ll get to know if the issue is a result of poor connection or not.
Suppose the speed and the signal strength of the router are satisfactory, detach other connected devices using the same network.
This will help free up more bandwidth for your Roku to use. Furthermore, your Roku needs to be moved closer to the router to expand the strength of the connection.
Restart your Roku
Just like other devices, when you restart your Roku, it helps to enhance the performance. Navigate to Settings, select System, System Restart, and press Reboot. Your router needs to be restarted also.
If the Roku model you use lacks this option, unplug from the cables, wait for few minutes, then connect back again.
Make use of an Ethernet cable for your connection
In as much as an Ethernet cable can’t be plugged into a Roku stick, making use of a cable for the connection to supported Roku devices will help create a strong connection.
Make sure Roku is connected to the precise Wi-Fi SSID
Selecting the wrong one can result in a Wi-Fi connection issue. Hence, you need to be careful as you enter the Wi-Fi SSID credentials. By this I mean, the passphrase characters are usually case-sensitive so take note.
Check the DNS Settings
You’ll struggle with the connection if the DNS setting is wrong. So, the DNS settings need to be optimized. Follow the guide below;
- First, log in to the router by inputting the IP address inside the URL bar. hit the enter button. Remember, you need your username and password.
- Inside the account, from the menu, scroll down to the DNS settings.
- Adjust the internal DNS address to a public DNS address (For DNS1, add 8.8.8.8, For DNS2 add 8.8.4.4)
- Save.
- Next, restart the router and Roku device, Wait for few minutes before connecting them again
- This will connect Roku to the internet.
Network Name
When your Roku still can’t connect to a wireless network, there is every tendency you’re trying to connect a wrong network.
Hence, you need to cross-check the network name including the password. This is important because most local networks do have identical names.
Once again, take your time and go through the listed networks and select the appropriate one.
Connect any smart device to the router
At this point, connect your smartphone or tablet to the router and watch how it browses or opens with the wireless network. When you can’t still connect to the internet, make sure you set up the router correctly before connecting it again.
In Conclusion
Once you’re making use of a Roku device, it’s important to ensure all the cables are well installed. Because incorrect plugging of loose cables can result in an issue that will further impair the connectivity.
So, the other end of the HDMI cable must be connected to the television and the other to Roku. Carefully following the guideline outlined in this write-up will resolve the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason why Roku can’t connect to my wireless network?
This can also happen to other devices. So restart your Roku. Just like other devices, when you restart your Roku, it helps to enhance the performance.
Navigate to Settings and select System, System Restart, and Reboot. Your router needs to be restarted also
Does my Roku display no networks found?
When the router comes back on, restart your Roku device through the Settings, System, and System Restart. For those using Roku TV go to Settings, System, Power, System Restart. This will make the device start on a clean slate.
Can I connect Roku to Wi-Fi manually?
From the Settings options, go to Select Network then tap Set Up Connection, and click on Wireless. Be patient until Roku finds a wireless network. Enter the credentials and wait for it to connect.
