After a long hard day, you probably want to sit behind your Roku T.V and get entertained by your favorite show on Netflix as you unwind. With the numerous channels it supports, Roku has become the ideal entertainment hub for many people. Unlike the cable subscription, Roku provides a platform that supports channels such as Netflix, Hulu T.V, Prime Video, Apple T.V, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, and many others. With a Roku device, a good power supply, and a strong internet connection, you are good to get started. So, let’s find out if Roku is connected to wi-fi but not working, then what we should do.
However, just like other electronic gadgets, it doesn’t come without a few of its troubles. Sometimes you may be connected to Wi-Fi, but your Roku still does not work. It can be very frustrating when you have no clue about what might be the cause of the problem and how it can be solved. This article will help you diagnose the problem and provide possible solutions.
Restart your Roku device
This is a common solution to many problems with electronic gadgets. When your device is left running for long, it develops issues resulting from faulty codes that may affect your connectivity to the internet. Restarting your device will clear the running memory and give the system a fresh start. This way, you can solve the problem. To restart your Roku device, press the Home menu on your Roku remote, go to Settings, select Systems, then click on the Systems Update, and your device will update.
Reset your router
Your Wi-Fi router may also be the potential cause of your network troubles. Your router’s settings may be wrongly configured. Resetting your device will reconfigure the settings correctly. Most routers have a reset button located at the back of the router as a button or a pinhole. Long press the reset button until the router resets. If that doesn’t work, hold the reset button for 30 seconds, unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Hold in the reset button for another 30 seconds.
Check for Wi-Fi signal obstructions
Metallic devices between your router and your Roku device can cause obstruction, thus reducing your Wi-Fi signal strength. The more the metals in between, the weaker the signal strength. Ensure you remove any metallic equipment that may be causing an obstruction. Other devices that use 2.4GHz frequencies like microwaves, wireless headphones, walkie-talkies, and Bluetooth devices, have radio waves that interfere with signal strength.
Minimize the number of connected devices to the hotspot
If you’re using a hotspot, too many devices connected to your hotspot can weaken your signal strength resulting in network issues. To correct this and ensure your signal remains strong, minimize the number of connected devices to your network.
Move your Roku device close to the router
The problem may be the weak signal strength of your Wi-Fi connection. Moving your Roku device closer to the router reduces interferences and obstructions, thus boosting signal strength.
Change the Internet band on your Roku device
Wi-Fi networks are available in two frequency bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz covers a wider range but has a weaker signal. On the other hand, the 5GHz frequency has a stronger signal but a smaller range. You can change your frequency band to 5GHz to boost signal strength, but you’ll have to move your device closer to your Wi-Fi router. Many users have confirmed that this solution has helped solve their network problems.
Use an Ethernet cable to connect to your Roku device
I presume you have at one point used an Ethernet cable and established that in comparison to Wi-Fi, an Ethernet cable has a stronger signal on average. Why is this the case? Connecting to an Ethernet reduces all potential obstructions that may interfere with the network strength, thus solving almost all problems with the Wi-Fi network. However, it’s important to note that not all routers come with an Ethernet port, so this solution only applies to those with one.
Contact your internet provider
If none of the above solutions work, the problem may not be coming from your end but rather from your internet provider. The outage may be due to systems maintenance or other issues in the data center. Contacting them will confirm this and help you solve your network problems.
Conclusion
It may be frustrating to encounter network issues, but it’s a great relief to remember these problems are common and can be easily solved.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I reconnect my Roku to the internet?
When you first set up your Roku device, it automatically connects to the internet. If it fails to connect, go to the network settings, forget the network, and start the setup all over again.
- How do I reset my Roku Wi-Fi?
Press the Home button on your remote, select the settings option, choose the Advanced Settings option, select Network Connection Reset, then click Reset the connection. Your Roku device will reset instantly.
- How do I restart my router?
To correctly restart your router, it’s recommended that you completely plug it from the power outlet before plugging it back again after about 15 to 20 seconds. For those routers with a reset button, you can reset by pressing the button.
