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If your Roku suddenly won’t connect to Wi-Fi, first check whether other devices can get online using the same network. If they can, verify the Roku’s network and password, restart the Roku and router, then use Roku’s connection test to tell a weak Wi-Fi link from an internet-service problem. Save network resets—and especially a factory reset—for later.
First determine whether the problem is Roku, Wi-Fi, or internet service
Try opening a public website on a phone, tablet, or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If that device also cannot get online, the problem is more likely with the router, gateway, or internet service provider (ISP) than with the Roku alone. Check for an ISP outage or contact the provider.
If the other device works, confirm that the Roku is connecting to the intended Wi-Fi network and that you entered its current password exactly, including capitalization. A saved password can become incorrect after the router’s password changes.
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Roku’s error codes can help narrow down the cause. Its troubleshooting guide groups codes 14.40, 14.41, 14, and 014 with password problems; 14.20, 14.62, 14.64, 016, and 017 with weak signal; 018 with slow internet; 012 and 013 with Ethernet cable issues; and 003 with an update problem. Follow the action Roku lists for the code shown on your screen, such as checking the password, moving the device closer to the router, or inspecting an Ethernet cable. Roku’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide
#1 Best Overall
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- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
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- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
To check the Roku’s connection details, open Settings > Network > About. From there, view the signal strength and select Check connection. Menu names or availability may vary by model and software version.
- Wireless connection shows a red X: The Roku is not reaching the local Wi-Fi network or router. Check the selected network, password, signal, and router.
- Roku reaches the network but not the internet: Test another device on the same Wi-Fi and check with your ISP if it also cannot reach the internet.
- Roku connects but streaming pauses or drops: Look at signal strength, interference, and how much other activity is using the network.
Roku Support UK describes signal levels as Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor; weaker levels make pauses or disconnections more likely. Roku’s typical download-speed guidance is 3 Mbps for SD, 5 Mbps for HD, and 25 Mbps or more for 4K Ultra HD. These are general figures, not a guarantee of smooth playback: other devices using bandwidth and individual apps’ requirements can affect streaming. Roku’s guide to checking a network connection
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Restart the Roku and network equipment
A restart can clear a temporary connection problem. Where the option is available, use Settings > System > Power > System restart on the Roku. If that menu is not present, unplug the Roku briefly and reconnect it.
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Restart the modem and router as well, or the combined gateway if that is what your household uses. Allow the network equipment to come back online before testing the Roku again. Roku’s support pages specify different wait periods in different instructions, so follow the directions applicable to your equipment. Roku’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide
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- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Improve a weak or unreliable Wi-Fi signal
A Roku may connect intermittently if the wireless signal is obstructed, weak, or competing with other network activity. Roku Support Canada notes that buffering, dropped Wi-Fi, or a weak-signal message usually points to the wireless connection between the Roku and router. Roku’s Wi-Fi improvement guidance
- Move the Roku and router closer together where practical, and reduce the number of walls or large objects between them.
- Keep the Roku out of an enclosed cabinet and raise the router or device if possible. Adjust router antennas if the model has them.
- If a Streaming Stick is installed behind the TV, the television can obstruct its wireless signal. Roku says a free HDMI extender can help move the stick away from the back of the TV; check Roku’s guidance or support for the available option.
- Reduce competing network use while testing. Move the router away from potential sources of interference such as cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors.
Try another band, channel, or connection method
Test a compatible 5 GHz Wi-Fi network
If both your Roku and router support 5 GHz Wi-Fi, try connecting to that network. If the Roku cannot see the 5 GHz network, Roku suggests trying router channels 36–48 or 149–165 for supported devices. Available channels depend on the router, device, and region; consult the equipment documentation or ISP before changing them.
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- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Consider a manual channel change
Roku’s advanced networking guidance says manual channel selection may help with intermittent or slow connectivity. For 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi in North America, Roku identifies channels 1, 6, and 11 as preferred options. Router settings and permitted channels vary by region, so use your router’s documentation or ask your ISP for help rather than assuming the same channel choices apply everywhere. Roku’s advanced networking guide
Use Ethernet if your model supports it
A wired connection can help determine whether the issue is limited to Wi-Fi, but Ethernet is available only on certain Roku models or through supported adapters. Check the instructions for your exact model before connecting a cable. Roku’s connection guide explains the available connection methods. How to connect a Roku device to the internet
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Use a phone hotspot as a diagnostic or temporary option
If your Roku can connect to a phone hotspot, that can help test whether the home Wi-Fi is the issue. It may also serve as a temporary connection, but streaming or downloading updates can use substantial mobile data. Check your mobile plan before relying on a hotspot.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reset the Roku’s network settings only after simpler fixes
If checking the password, restarting equipment, improving placement, and testing another supported connection do not help, Roku provides a network connection reset in its advanced settings. Use the steps for your device and software version in Roku’s connection guidance. Roku’s Wi-Fi improvement guidance
A factory reset is a last resort, not the next routine troubleshooting step. It erases the Roku’s settings, and you will need to set up your apps again. Consider it only after the targeted network reset and other checks have failed. Roku’s guide to checking a network connection
When to investigate the router rather than replace it
If multiple devices have trouble, or the Roku remains unreliable despite a strong signal and correct settings, investigate the router and ISP connection. Roku says routers older than five years may lack the speed or range needed, but age alone does not establish that a router is faulty. Persistent coverage problems may justify looking at equipment suited to the home’s layout and ISP service, such as a dual-band or mesh system; do not assume replacement is required before checking signal, placement, settings, and service status. Roku’s Wi-Fi improvement guidance
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