A Roku TV is a popular choice for streaming a wide range of content but it requires a stable internet connection. One of the most common reasons for a Roku TV not functioning is a loss of WiFi connection. So, how do you identify and resolve the issue?
Your Roku TV is not connecting to the WiFi due to a loss of network connection, low signal strength, a recently updated WiFi router, or an outdated or faulty TV. Luckily, these issues are normally easy to resolve.
If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely experienced a loss of WiFi connection for your Roku TV. This article will discuss the most common reasons for a Roku TV not connecting to WiFi, and what you can do about it.
Why Your Roku TV Isn’t Connecting to WiFi
Roku TVs rely on a stable internet connection to play your visual content. Below are the most common reasons your Roku TV is not connecting to WiFi:
Loss of Network Connection
The most common reason your Roku TV isn’t connecting to WiFi and streaming content properly is a loss of network connection. This is true for any smart TV or streaming device.
Common causes of a loss of internet connection include:
- A temporary internet outage in your area
- The WiFi router not being plugged in correctly
- Obstructions between the WiFi router and your Roku TV
- Termination of internet services (usually due to not paying your internet service account)
Low Signal Strength
Your Roku might not be connected to the WiFi because of low signal strength. When streaming content, your TV needs a strong and stable WiFi connection. If not, your chosen content may not download, intermittently lose its connection to the WiFi router, and buffer.
Recently Updated Router
Another lesser-known cause of your Roku TV losing its WiFi connection is if your router has recently been updated. Routers sometimes receive automatic updates that you may be unaware of, causing your TV to temporarily lose its WiFi connection.
Outdated or Faulty Roku TV
If you haven’t updated your Roku TV’s software in a while, or there is a problem with one of the parts, it might not be able to sustain a WiFi connection. This is more likely to happen in older model Roku TVs, or if your TV has recently been damaged.
Easy Fixes for WiFi Connection Problems in a Roku TV
Now that I’ve discussed the most common causes of Roku TVs not connecting to the WiFi, I can provide some useful solutions:
Power Cycle Your Roku TV
The age-old, catch-all solution is simply turning your TV on and off again. Doing so is often all you need to get things up and running again. A more effective way to do this is to turn off your Roku TV and disconnect it from the power supply for around ten minutes.
Disconnecting the TV from the mains socket drains the TV of all power and works to smooth out any “bugs” causing the device to malfunction.
Reset Your WiFi Router
If you suspect that the problem may be due to a problem with your WiFi router, the first step is to reset it. You can do this by pressing the router’s on/off button, and unplugging it from the wall. Wait a few minutes, power it up again, and check if your Roku TV has a stable WiFi connection.
Ensure You Have a Valid WiFi Subscription
If you cannot connect your Roku TV to the internet at all, you may have been cut off from your internet service provider. This normally happens when you have forgotten to pay your bill. Make sure you’re up to date on your payments, and if you’re behind, pay up, and they’ll reestablish your connection.
Check Your Router’s Signal Strength
Most internet service companies provide decent WiFi strength to their customers so that they can stream content on their TVs and other devices. If your router’s signal strength is low, it coud be because your TV is too far away from it, or there are obstructions between them.
You can resolve this by moving your router closer to the TV, moving obstructions (such as furniture), or using an ethernet cable.
You can also check your Roku TV to see what it says about the connection. Head to “Settings,” then select “Network,” and then “Check Connection.” After this, select “About”, and read the information about your signal strength. For optimal use, it should say the following:
- Signal Strength: Good or Excellent
- Internet Download Speed: Good or Excellent
If that doesn’t work, the low signal strength could be due to interference from other devices, in which case you should move them away from your Roku TV.
Disconnect and Reconnect Your Roku TV to the WiFi
If the above step yielded no luck, check if reconnecting your TV to the network helps. From the settings menu, head to “System.” Then, select “Advanced System Settings” and “Network Connection Reset.”
Doing this will delete all your saved network information and restart the TV. Once it is back up and running, input your WiFi name and password afresh to see if that works.
Check If Your Router Has Recently Been Updated
Roku has identified an issue occurring when routers receive automatic updates. Sometimes these updates switch the router settings, which causes a loss of connection to your Roku TV.
Gizmo Geek Guide posted this on January 23, 2023 as the original owner of this article.
To check if your router has recently been updated, follow these steps:
- Go into your router’s configuration menu and check if the connection settings say b/g/n or g/n. If it says g/n, change it to the other b/g/n setting.
- Also, check which GHz band is switched on. Many Roku devices don’t recognize 5GHz, so if you find your router is set to this option, you must change it back to 2.4GHz
Update Your Roku TV’s software
If you haven’t updated your Roku TV’s software in a while, now is a good time to do so. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn your TV on, and navigate to Settings with your remote control
- Select System, and then System Update.
- Press Check Now to learn if any software updates are available.
- If so, update the software on your TV. This can take a few minutes.
Have Your Roku TV Repaired or Replaced
If you’ve tried absolutely everything, it could simply be that your Roku TV is outdated or broken. In this case, you should have your TV repaired by a technician.
If it’s still under warranty, you can have Roku or the device manufacturer replace it for free. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase a new device.
Fortunately, there are many cost-effective options on the market, so you won’t be without your favorite shows for long.
Gizmo Geek Guide uploaded this as an original article on January 23, 2023.
Conclusion
Losing the WiFi connection for your Roku TV is frustrating, especially if you’re trying to enjoy your evening and catch up on the latest season. The best way to rectify the problem is to take it step-by-step by using the guide above. Eventually, you’ll hit upon the issue and be well-equipped to solve it easily.
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Gizmo Geek Guide published this original article on January 23, 2023.