So you’re trying to set up your Roku, and you keep getting the dreaded “Unable to connect to Wireless Internet” message. It’s a bummer when the only thing stopping you from watching your favorite show or movie is the old internet trouble. The good news is that there are several reasonable explanations for your Roku not connecting to the WiFi. Here, we’ll go over the most common reasons why Roku won’t connect to WiFi which occurs mostly in Roku Express, and the necessary fixes for it. Let’s get started.
Why is Roku Not Connecting to the WiFi (Internet)
The following are the reasons why your Roku is not connecting to WiFi.
WiFi Out of Range
Roku is one of many devices that often show a WiFi disconnected status, and there is a prevalent reason for that – the device is too far away from your router. If your Roku is more than a few rooms away from your router, chances are the signal isn’t strong enough for it to connect.
Signal Interference
The second reason your Roku might not connect to WiFi is that there’s too much interference. Things like microwaves, baby monitors, and speakers can interfere with your wireless signal and prevent your Roku from connecting.
Outdated WiFi Router
Your Roku might not be connecting to the WiFi because your WiFi router is outdated. Many older routers don’t support the latest WiFi standards, which can cause problems with streaming devices like Roku.
If you’re using an older router, you may need to upgrade to a newer model to get a good connection. A new router will not only improve your connection speed but also reduce the likelihood of dropouts and other WiFi problems.
Maximum Number of Devices Connected to the WiFi
Another common but overlooked reason for Roku not connecting to the WiFi is that you might have reached the maximum number of devices allowed on your WiFi network. Many routers limit how many devices can be connected at one time, and if that limit is exceeded, some devices may be unable to connect.
Temporary Malfunction
Sometimes WiFi connectivity problems are only due to temporarily malfunctioning devices. The Roku device is trying to connect to a router that has been turned off or experiencing technical difficulty. It does not mean you will have trouble connecting any device to the WiFi. Don’t get confused if your other devices are connected. A temporary problem could also arise if your Roku TV is not correctly disconnected from another WiFi device.
Malfunctioning Roku Device
Although it’s rare, sometimes Rokus can develop hardware or software problems that prevent them from connecting to WiFi. If you suspect this is the case, you need to follow the necessary troubleshooting methods.
How to Fix Roku Won’t Connect to WiFi Issue
There are two scenarios where you couldn’t connect Roku to WiFi. They are:
Fix the WiFi Connectivity Issue During the Set Up Process
You can use the following troubleshooting methods to fix the WiFi connectivity issue on Roku:
1. Turn Off Roku and Turn it On Again
In case you can’t connect to the WiFi when you are setting up the Roku Device for the very first time, do the following:
- Plug out the Roku device connected to your TV and wait for some time.
- Next, plug back your Roku device to the respective source after 5-10 minutes.
- After that, power on both your Roku device and TV.
Then, check if you can connect to the WiFi. If you can’t move on with the next troubleshooting measure.
2. Move the Router Close to your Roku
Maybe your WiFi router is too far away from your Roku, and that’s why your device is not catching up with the WiFi signal. So, try placing your WiFi router close to your Roku. Then, check if your Roku device is catching up with the WiFi signal.
If moving your router doesn’t fix the internet connectivity issue, get to the next troubleshooting method.
3. Remove the Interference
There are possibilities that the magnetic interference is the cause of why your Roku isn’t catching the WiFi signal. The magnetic interferences include speakers, baby monitors, etc. So, remove these interferences, if any, and check if you can connect Roku to WiFi. Always do remember to keep such magnetic interferences away from your Router and Roku.
4. Reset your Router
In case the interference is not the problem, then the problem may be with your Router. So, try resetting your Router and fix the WiFi not connecting issue on Roku. You can reset the Router by:
Note: You need to perform the functions while your Router is turned on.
- You can find the Reset button on the backside of your Router.
- Take a paper clip and insert it into the Reset port.
- Gently press the Reset button for 15-30 seconds.
After this process, your Router will be reset. Then, you can try connecting your Roku to WiFi.
Fix the WiFi Connectivity Issue After Setting Up Roku
In case your Roku is not connecting to WiFi after the Setup process, follow the troubleshooting methods given below:
1. Check the Internet Connection
In case issue like these occurs, the first thing you have to do is check the internet connectivity status on Roku. You can do the same with the steps below:
1. Go to Settings from the Roku home screen.
2. Scroll down and choose the Network option.
3. Select the About option, and you can see the internet connectivity Status.
4. If the signal strength is good and there is still a problem with your internet connection, select the Check Connection button below the Network option.
Now, the diagnosis will begin, and the problem will be rectified. In case the problem is still not fixed, get to the next troubleshooting method.
2. Restart Roku
There can be minor bugs on your Roku that have caused the wifi to not connect to Roku. But it can be fixed simply by restarting your Roku device. You can restart Roku from:
1. From the home screen, select the Settings option.
2. Navigate to and select the System option.
3. Scroll down and choose the System Restart option.
4. Select the Restart button, and your device will turn off automatically and turn on again.
5. After this, check if you can connect Roku back to WiFi.
3. Reset the Internet Connection
If restarting your Roku can’t fix the wifi connectivity issue, reset your internet connection and connect back to WiFi wirelessly.
1. Go to Settings from the home screen.
2.. Next, choose the System option.
3. Scroll down and select Advanced System Settings.
4. Navigate to and select the Network connection reset.
5. Choose the Reset connection option.
Now, your network connection will get reset, and you will now be required to connect to WiFi again from Roku Settings > Network > Set Up Connection.
4. Connect to the Ethernet Cable
In case you can’t connect Roku to wifi wirelessly, you can connect to the internet using the Ethernet cable. To do that, just plug in the ethernet cable to your Roku TV or Roku Player on the Ethernet Port. Then, you can stream your favorites on your Roku seamlessly.
5. Factory Reset Roku
If connecting to the ethernet cable doesn’t fix the wifi connectivity issue on Roku, you need to factory reset Roku to fix the issue.
1. Select the Settings option from the home screen.
2. Choose the System option from Settings.
3. Scroll down and choose Advanced System Settings.
4. Next, select the Factory Reset option.
5. Enter the code displayed on the screen and select the OK button.
5. After that, choose the Start factory reset option.
This resets all the Settings and data stored on your Roku. Then, you have to set up your Roku once again. During the process, you should be able to connect your Roku back to WiFi. In case resetting your Roku doesn’t fix the WiFi connectivity issue, you need to contact Roku Customer Support.