Roku Won’t Connect to WiFi FIXED (2023)

Roku devices need a stable internet connection to access various media content online. Most of the time, you’ll need to use a wireless connection or WiFi to stream your favorite movies and shows anywhere in your home. However, you can sometimes come across a situation where your Roku is not connecting to WiFi.

How to Fix Roku Won’t Connect to WiFi (2022)

 It can be due to various reasons, such as a slow WiFi connection, poor WiFi signal, router issues, and more. This guide will show you why your Roku won’t connect to WiFi and how to fix your Roku TV when it’s not connecting to WiFi.

Read this guide to know more.

 

Table of Contents

“Why Won’t My Roku Connect to WiFi?”—Most Common Reasons

If you’re wondering why your Roku won’t connect to WiFi after reset, it can be due to these reasons below:

  • Poor WiFi Connection – One of the first things that you must check when facing this issue is your WiFi connection. Whether it’s your WiFi signal or a poor internet speed, you’ll need to address this first before assuming that the problem might be on your Roku device.

Also, you can check your other devices that are connected to the wireless network and see if they are experiencing the same problem.

  • Device Glitch – Your Roku device can sometimes experience glitches and bugs. If it cannot connect to your WiFi, you can try unplugging it first from your device for a few minutes and plug it back in again. Then, check if it solves the problem.
  • Misconfigured DNS Settings – The DNS or Domain Name System is what makes it possible for your device to be connected to the internet. Changing its values to the correct setting can let your Roku connect to the internet again.

Note: If you need to find the IP address of your device but the wifi is not working, please read our article on How to Find Roku IP Address Without WiFi.

Roku Won’t Connect to WiFi Fixes

Connecting your Roku device to WiFi is critical for you to make the most out of its features. Here are some fixes that you can try to enable your Roku device to connect to a stable wireless network. Make sure to follow each one to see which works best for your Roku device.

Fix #1: Restart your Roku Device

If all of your devices can connect to your WiFi except for your Roku device, you can try restarting your Roku device while it’s built-in. Here’s how you can restart your Roku device via the System settings:

  1. Turn on your smart TV with the Roku device plugged in and go to Settings.
  2. Select System and choose System Restart > Restart.
  3. After it restarts, check if it can now connect to the internet.

Fix #2: Power Cycle your WiFi Router

If your Roku device still cannot connect to WiFi, another thing that you can do is to power cycle your WiFi router. It re-initializes its components so your Roku can recognize it when it’s on.

To power cycle your WiFi router, follow the steps below:

  1. Turn off your WiFi router and unplug it from its power source.
  2. Wait for thirty seconds to drain the power from your WiFi router.
  3. Plug its power adapter back into the socket and turn on your router.
  4. On your Roku, go to Settings > System > Network.
  5. Select Wireless (Wi-Fi) and choose Set up New Wi-Fi connection.
  6. Type in the WiFi password. Your Roku will now be connected to WiFi.

Fix #3: Check your Internet Connection

With your Roku device now connected to the internet but you’re experiencing a slow WiFi connection, you can use Roku’s Check Connection network diagnostic. It analyzes your WiFi connection strength and speed.

To check your internet connection on Roku, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Network.
  2. Choose Check Connection. Once the scan is done, Roku will recommend steps for you to follow to solve this problem.

When you’re experiencing a slow internet connection for all of your devices, try checking your ISP’s status page and see if they’re currently down in your area. You can also try to directly contact your ISP to confirm this issue and to know when it’s going to be up again.

Fix #4: Move your Roku Device Closer to the Router

If you’re using your Roku device a bit away from your WiFi router, try using your Roku device closer to the router and see if it solves the WiFi issue. Although your Roku device is still able to connect to WiFi, it’s better to move it closer so it can receive high WiFi speeds. Also, avoid obstructions—such as walls and mesh screens—and interferences.

Fix #5: Use a 5GHz WiFi Frequency

By default, your WiFi router is set to a 2.4 GHz frequency so it can connect to several devices anywhere in your house. You can temporarily use a 5GHz WiFi frequency for your router when you’re only using it for your Roku device. 

While it’s limited in coverage, a 5 GHz band provides a much faster connection for nearby connections. Just set your WiFi router to 5GHz in its WiFi settings.

Fix #6: Change the DNS Settings on your WiFi Router

The DNS or Domain Name System is a critical setting on your WiFi router. It communicates IP addresses to your WiFi device to let it connect to the internet. When you’re experiencing a slow WiFi connection, you can try changing its DNS settings.

  1. Go to your router’s WiFi settings.
  2. Go to DNS Settings and change it from internal DNS to public DNS.
  3. Then, input the following values:

DNS 1: 8.8.8.8

DNS 2: 8.8.4.4

  1. Restart your WiFi router and check if your Roku device has a faster WiFi connection.

Fix #7: Use a Wired Connection for your Roku

If a WiFi connection tends to be slower on your Roku device, you can try plugging in an Ethernet cable to it and see if it works faster with a wired connection. Although you can connect your Roku device anywhere with a WiFi connection, an Ethernet connection will work much faster and you won’t have to worry about poor signal strength since it’s connected directly to your router.

After connecting both your Roku and WiFi router via Ethernet cable, run the Check Connection diagnostic on your Roku’s settings and check if it has a faster internet connection.

 

Final Thoughts

Your Roku device needs to have a WiFi connection so you can stream various media content anywhere in your home. However, you’ll need a stable and fast connection so you can stream movies and TV shows seamlessly and without delays.

Hence, these fixes can hopefully guide you to solve the Roku WiFi issue. For further help, you can contact Roku Support.