How can I connect my Roku to Wi

While there are ways around it, as a rule, you’ll probably be using Wi-Fi to stream media to a Roku device. Find out how to connect any Roku to Wi-Fi, with or without a remote handy.

Table of Contents Show

Reconnecting to a network
How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my Roku to recognize my WiFi?
Why can't I get my Roku to connect to WiFi?
How can I connect my Roku to WiFi without remote?

Reconnecting to a network

Roger Fingas / Android Authority

If you’ve changed network settings, say because you switched to a different router, your Roku will be kicked offline. Fixing this is similar to a first-time setup:

From the Roku homescreen, navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection.
Click Wireless.
Select your Wi-Fi network from the list that appears, or use Private network to enter a custom login.
Enter your Wi-Fi password.
Click Connect.

Read also: How to sync and pair a Roku remote

How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote

While you’ll need a remote if your Roku is fresh and has never connected to Wi-Fi, if it’s already configured, you can switch your device to a new Wi-Fi network using the Roku app for Android or iOS.

Make sure both your phone and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You may have to switch your phone’s network by opening its Settings app. If you no longer have the original router your Roku connected to, you can get around this by starting a mobile hotspot and changing its login to the old router’s ID.
Launch the Roku app, then the Devices tab.
Select the Roku device you’re trying to configure.
Switch to the Remote tab, and use the onscreen buttons to navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection.
Follow displayed steps to switch networks.

Note that once you switch Wi-Fi networks, the Roku app will lose its connection to your streaming device until you switch your phone to the same network.

Read more: What is Wi-Fi 7, and when will it arrive?

Frequently asked questions

Do you need Wi-Fi for Roku?

Usually, but not necessarily. A handful of Roku devices support USB-to-Ethernet adapters for wired internet connections, namely Smart Soundbars, the Express 4K and 4K Plus, and the Streambar and Streambar Pro.

Check here for a list of tested adapters. Others may work, but they need to use a 10/100Mbps connection (not 1,000Mbps) and sport an AX8877X or SMSC95XX chipset.

Can Roku connect to mobile hotspots?

Yes, since Roku devices treat hotspots like any other Wi-Fi network. As mentioned, hotspots can even be used to transition to a new Wi-Fi router. They’re terrible for a permanent connection, however, since they depend on a phone being continually powered, present, and connected to a fast cellular link. You may run into buffering delays or data caps with 1080p video, never mind 4K HDR.

Can Roku connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?

That depends. Some older Roku models and the current Express are limited to 2.4GHz, but any other products sold in 2022 will be dual-band — that is, support both 2.4 and 5GHz. The 5GHz band is preferable for speed, although it does have a shorter range than 2.4GHz.

Why can't I connect my Roku?

In terms of networking, though, make sure your Roku is within range of your Wi-Fi router, and try to eliminate any signal barriers. Your router shouldn’t be sitting in a closet or cabinet, for example. There’s also the chance that your router is oversaturated with connections, in which case disconnecting unused devices might help.

Another troubleshooting step is separating 2.4GHz and 5GHz network IDs if they’re not already split. While a unified ID can simplify networking, and sometimes help devices stay connected, there’s the potential for confusion if a device is expecting one band and detects another first.

How do I get my Roku to recognize my WiFi?

How to begin a connection check.

Press Home on your Roku remote..

Scroll and select Settings..

Select Network..

Select Check connection. Note: If your Roku device is not connected to your network, you need to select Set up connection to connect to your network and the internet before you can continue..

Why can't I get my Roku to connect to WiFi?

If you are unable to connect to the internet, try restarting your router. Improve the strength of your wireless signal. If resetting your router does not improve your connection, the issue may be the strength of the wireless signal. The farther your Roku device is from your router, the weaker your wireless signal.