Roku Connected to Wi-Fi But Not Working: Quick Fix
Roku is an excellent media streaming device that is popular among so many users, but in order for it to work, you must be properly connected to the internet. Streaming is the standard these days and devices like Roku are what enable each household to have access to their favorite applications with just a few simple clicks. However, some users have reported issues with their Roku device being connected to their Wi-Fi but the internet not working.
Table of Contents
- Roku Connected to Wi-Fi But Not Working: Quick Fix
- Restart Roku
- Reset Router
- Change Router or Roku Location
- Check Internet Connection
- Change Roku Internet Band
- Use Ethernet Cable
Roku Connected to Wi-Fi But Not Working: Quick Fix
To fix a Roku device connected to Wi-Fi that is not working, try restarting your Roku, resetting your router, changing your router’s location, checking your internet connection, changing your internet band, or using an ethernet cable.
The days of cable TV are ancient history and streaming devices are the reason for it. With a Roku in your home, you can watch whatever you want – whenever you want – given that you can directly stream through third-party applications.
Roku users have access to countless streaming platforms to watch their favorite movies, and shows, and even listen to music. With that being said, for Roku to function, an internet connection is mandatory. This can be particularly frustrating if you see that your Roku device is connected to your Wi-Fi but none of the online features are responding.
To help you understand this further, we are going to take you through our quick fix on how to get your Roku working with your Wi-Fi.
After extensively researching Roku connection issues, I have been able to gather enough information to determine how to get this device back online when connected to Wi-Fi that is not responding.
My research has indicated that there are a number of different factors that could be contributing to this issue and you should consider each one to fix the problem.
Restart Roku
Before you commit to any technical methods for fixing your connection issue, you should start with the simple approach first. More often than not, when a Roku is connected to Wi-Fi that is not working it is due to some kind of a minor glitch.
The best way to resolve the glitch with your Roku’s Wi-Fi connection is to restart your Roku device. Here’s how it’s done:
- Home button (Roku remote)
- Settings
- System
- System Restart
The majority of internet issues that come up with Roku devices can be fixed by performing a quick restart. However, if you are still having connection issues after the restart, the problem may be with your router or network.
Reset Router
Your next approach should be to reset your router. Much like with your Roku, routers are prone to experiencing occasional network issues, which are generally attributed to a glitch. Restarting your router will enable it to reconfigure itself and reconnect to the network.
To restart your router, you can press and hold the power button that is located on the back of the device. With that being said, routers tend to respond better to resets when they are completely unplugged.
Unplug the router from its power source and wait for about 20 to 30 seconds. You can then plug the router back in and check to see if this changed your Roku’s connection status.
Change Router or Roku Location
One of the main reasons behind connection issues with Rokus is that the box is often placed too far away from the router, which prevents it from reaching the Wi-Fi connection. Depending on which device is easier for you to move, you can test this by bringing one of them closer to the other.
If you notice that the connection starts to appear once the proximity is decreased, then you will know that the distance between the router and the Roku was the issue. You will need to create a better setup where the devices are closer to each other to fix this problem.
However, you may find that the main reason behind this issue is not necessarily the distance but the position of your router. If your router has been placed awkwardly, this could also be contributing to the problem.
Play around with the position of your router to see if that changes the connection issue.
This is particularly common with new Roku users who are setting up their device for the first time – given that they have not had a chance to test the connection yet.
However, if you have used your Roku in its current location, then this will probably not be the problem.
Check Internet Connection
The reason that your Roku Wi-Fi is not working may be due to the fact that you have a poor internet connection. Roku recommends that you have an internet speed that is at least 1.5MB for you to be able to stream content.
However, if you have an internet speed that is even lower than this, you may not able to get the device to work at all.
To confirm if your internet connection is fast enough to support Roku, you should check to see its status by using an online service that specializes in testing internet speeds. By running a speed test on your internet connection you can identify if it’s causing the issue.
If your Wi-Fi speed is considerably slower than it should be, you may want to consider contacting your internet provider. Network connections can sometimes drop on a massive scale, which is usually a temporary problem that is resolved quite quickly.
With that being said, if you have been experiencing below-average internet speeds for a while, you should contact your network provider to have them look into the matter, as it could be something more serious that will require their attention.
Change Roku Internet Band
Your internet band could also be causing the issue with your Roku internet connection. Depending on the speed of your internet, as well as the distance of your router from your Roku device, you may find that switching between the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands could resolve the problem – provided that you have a dual-band wireless connection.
If you have a strong internet speed and connection, then you should be able to make use of the 2.4GHz band, as this will allow your Wi-Fi to reach a further distance but at a slightly slower speed. However, if your internet speed and connection are not very strong, you should consider the 5.0GHz and move the Roku and router closer together.
Use Ethernet Cable
When all else fails and you could not get your Roku to connect to your Wi-Fi wirelessly, try using an ethernet cable to see if that fixes the connection issue. Your Roku box should have come with an ethernet cable, which you will have to wire from your router to the Roku device.
Before you do this, you should try to see if your Wi-Fi is working at all by testing it with another device.
Use a laptop, phone, or any mobile device to see if you are able to connect to the internet. If you cannot, your internet is the culprit and an ethernet cable will not be a viable solution.
However, if you can connect with an alternative device, then your internet is working and you will be able to support your Roku with an ethernet cable.
An ethernet cable will give you an optimum connection and you will experience faster loading times with minimal drops.