Why is Roku Express not connecting to WiFi? Well, this guide will help you resolve this!
Roku devices often encounter connectivity issues due to incorrect network settings or router issues.
This short read will explore all possibilities and the respective solutions for all of them.
When Roku Express can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network, power cycle your Roku Express and your network router. If your Roku is still unable to connect, test the WiFi with another device, clear the cache data of your Roku Express, and perform a factory reset process!
Let’s keep unwrapping the details of the issue!
Why is Roku Express 4K Not Connecting to WiFi?
There are many possibilities as to why Roku Express would refuse to connect to the WiFi.
They involve everything from your Roku to your wireless connection, so let’s review all causes:
How to Test Roku On a Mobile Hotspot?
You must perform some tests to ascertain whether the connectivity failure is associated with the Roku device or the Wi-Fi network.
The best way to test the theory is to connect the Roku Express directly to your mobile device’s hotspot and entirely bypass your home WiFi network.
To enable your mobile device’s hotspot, go to Settings > “Mobile Data” > “Hotspot.”
Here’s how to connect Roku to a hotspot:
- Go to “Network” > “Set up connection” on Roku.
- Pick “Wireless” and keep the mobile device close.
- Select the name of your phone once it appears.
- Then, view the password in the hotspot settings.
- Insert the correct password on the Roku Express.
- Press “Connect” and wait until the Roku connects.
If the Roku device did connect, then the issue is related to your home Wi-Fi network.
If the Roku device doesn’t connect, the problem is related to the Roku Express, so keep reading.
Roku Express Not Connecting to WiFi – Proven Solutions!
Tip: Follow our steps in the order that they are listed.
1. Update the Roku Network Settings
A possible reason why Roku Express can’t connect to your Wi-Fi network is a potential blunder in the network configuration.
To connect the player to a network securely, select the correct connectivity option, choose your home Wi-Fi, and input the valid password error-free.
Follow these instructions to update the network configuration of the Roku Express:
- Press “Home” on the Roku remote control.
- Next, Scroll down and highlight “Settings.”
- Choose “Network” > “Set up connection.”
- Then, select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
- Input the correct Wi-Fi security password.
- Then, press on the “Connect” button below.
- Finally, wait for the Roku Express to connect.
Tips to Improve WiFi Coverage & Strength!
Here are multiple ways to boost the connectivity strength:
- Spread out the router’s antennas.
- Unpair unused connected devices.
- Limit downloading and uploading.
- Upgrade your internet subscription.
Tip: For any internet-related faults, contact your service supplier!
2. Power Cycle Your Wireless Router!
One of the potential reasons why your Roku Express is unable to connect to the WiFi is due to a fault with the network router.
The quickest and most potent solution is to power cycle the router in order to restore the wireless connectivity, which would allow your Roku Express to connect.
Follow these steps to “power cycle” the wireless router of your network:
- Press the “power” button on the wireless router.
- Once the router powers off, unplug it from power.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the router is unplugged.
- Plug the router’s power adapter back into an outlet.
- Wait until the network device starts up and test Roku.
Info: The router may take up to 60 seconds to relaunch all network services!
3. Power Cycle the Roku Device
If you’re still experiencing issues with establishing the Wi-Fi connection of your Roku Express, there could be a temporal functionality issue.
To address the error, it is recommended to power cycle the Roku device by leaving it unplugged continuously.
Follow these steps to properly power cycle the Roku Express 4K:
- Unplug the USB cable of the Roku from the power.
- Disconnect the Roku stick’s HDMI cable from the TV.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the Roku is unplugged.
- Reconnect the USB cable of the Roku device first.
- Connect the HDMI cable back into the viewing TV.
- Turn on the Roku Express using the remote control.
- Attempt to connect the Roku Express to Wi-Fi again.
Tip: The power cycle is also effective against overheating!
4. Relocate Roku Express & Wi-Fi Router
One of the most common reasons why Roku Express won’t connect to WiFi, is being too far away from the network router.
If your home is big and you’re attempting to connect your Roku to the WiFi router from a distant room, the signal might be too weak.
The best way to improve the connection is to place the devices closer to each other.
One of the options is to relocate the Roku Express closer to the router by moving all of the equipment, only to verify whether that’s the culprit.
Does Roku Support 5GHz Wi-Fi Networks?
Absolutely! The Roku Express 4K and the 4K+ version can connect with both Wi-Fi networks and support high-band with streamlines.
So, if you’re far away from the router, we recommend connecting to the 2.4 GHz WiFi, and if you’re in the same room, use the faster 5 GHz thread.
Here are the recommended distance values for 2.4GHz and 5GHz:
- For a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, the Roku device can be as far as 250-foot range!
- For a 5G GHz Wi-Fi network, the Roku device must be within a 60-foot range.
Info: The 5GHz Wi-Fi network uses heavier and bulkier signals; the connection device must be closer since solid walls and furniture are typically signal obstructions.
5. Factory Reset the Roku Express
In case all else fails, there is a way to revert the default factory settings of the Roku Express by holding a button.
All Roku Express devices have an in-built physical reset button that can be found on the top panel of the streaming player
Alert: Keep in mind that the factory reset is going to erase all content from the Roku device!
Follow these instructions to perform a factory reset on the Roku Express:
- Verify that the Roku device is connected to power.
- Locate the reset button on the Roku Express unit.
- Then, hold the reset button for up to 30 seconds.
- Release the reset button after the Roku reboots.
- Wait until the streaming stick initializes all content.
- Follow the following on-screen setup instructions.
How to Setup Roku Express After Factory Reset?
Once the factory reset is complete, the Roku Express 4K will reboot and display the initial setup screen.
From there, you must follow the on-screen setup instructions to configure the default settings of the streaming device, connect to the WiFi, and get into streaming again.
Reminder: Double-check whether your WiFi is accessible by using a secondary device!
6. Switch to a Wired Internet Connection!
Unfortunately, only the Roku Ultra can connect to Ethernet independently and has an in-built Ethernet port.
All other Roku streaming needs an Ethernet adapter with a support micro-USB connector, a connector for the power supply, and an Ethernet port.
Compatible Ethernet adapters for Roku Express can be purchased from Amazon!
Before purchasing a compatible Ethernet adapter, you will need a separate Ethernet cable for the router connection.
This cable will connect your Roku Express with the WiFi modem/router directly by plugging into the adapter and one of the yellow ports on the back of your router.
How to Set Up Roku for Wired Connection?
After the Ethernet cable is connected to the Roku Express, press “Home” on the remote control and navigate to “Settings “ > “Network” > “Set up internet connection” > “Wired.”
Then, your Roku will connect with your router directly, and you’ll bypass all of the wireless connection limits!
Alert: If the Ethernet recognition fails, inspect the connection of the cable with the router.
Quick Recap:
Hence, the quickest solution when Roku Express not connecting to WiFi is to power cycle the streaming player and then reboot the network router.
In addition, reduce the overall network usage and conduct a factory reset on your Roku Express unit! device.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.