Wondering what Virgin Media error code C233 means and why you can’t stream?
This is a network-related error code and it’s popular amongst the Virgin Media community which in turn, helps users solve the problem.
In this guide, we’ve collected everything reported about error C233 and the solutions other users undertook to solve the problem.
Let’s learn more!
To solve error C233 on Virgin Media TV Box, users need to reset and boost their internet connection and reconnect the box wirelessly or via Ethernet cable. The next step is to power cycle the TV Box and in case nothing helps, carry out a Factory Reset.
The solution only takes a few minutes so let’s first learn more about the error C233!
Virgin Media TV Code C233 – Explained
The shown text message of Virgin Media TV Box error C233 is the following:
“C233 – There is a problem with your wireless settings.”
This error message does not necessarily mean that your Virgin TV Box wireless settings are not configured properly.
We can translate the message in a more general term which is that your TV Box is disconnected from the internet.
Here’s what could be causing the error code C233 on Virgin TV Box:
- Weak WiFi Signal
- Internet Connection Issues
- Virgin TV Box is Disconnected
- Interrupted Wired Connection
- Virgin TV Box Software Issues
Throughout this guide, we’ll mainly focus on solving internet connectivity issues with the Virgin Media TV Box.
However, we’ll also address other causes related to the TV Box functionality!
Let’s jump straight into the solution guide!
How To Fix Virgin Media Error Code C233?
To solve the problem, we’ll start with the simplest solutions first and, if necessary, proceed with more complex, but more efficient methods.
What’s most important for the reader is to follow the chronological order of our solutions and not skip anything.
Solution #1 Power Cycle TV Box!
The very first step against error C233 is to reboot the Virgin Media TV Box.
The method of power cycling requires the user to also unplug the TV Box from the power for a short period.
- This will help the device cool down, discharge and refresh the connection!
To perform a power cycle turn OFF the TV Box and unplug the device from the power for at least 3 minutes.
Then you can reconnect your Virgin Media TV Box to the power and test whether error C233 will appear again.
In case the error still prevents you from streaming, let’s improve our internet speed!
Solution #2 Boost the WiFi Strength
Regardless of whether your Virgin Media TV Box is connected to the router via WiFi or Ethernet cable when the internet is weak, error C233 will appear.
In both cases, we can boost our connection speed by following a few simple steps so let’s jump right in!
- Disconnect ALL devices from the WiFi.
- Stop downloading or uploading for the time being.
- Disable any VPN currently connected to your network.
- Relocate the TV Box to a more open area (Wireless).
When you’re ready, on your Virgin Media TV Box go to Home > Help & Settings > Settings > Network and check the WiFi Signal Strength.
In case you see Signal: 50% or less, you’ll need to improve your WiFi connection further to be able to stream without interruptions.
The distance between your router and TV Box is the primary signal strength factor!
Solution #3 Switch To 2.4Ghz WiFi Frequency!
When the wireless channels on your Virgin Media TV Box only bring up the C233 error, we need to make changes to your router.
We’ll disable the Channel Optimisation to separate your router’s broadband signal. This will allow you to have both, the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz WiFi.
Open a browser, insert “192.168.0.1“ and log into your router’s control panel. From there tap on Advanced Settings > Wireless Signal and disable the Disable Channel Optimisation.
How To Create 2.4Ghz WiFi?
To create a 2.4Ghz WiFi in your router’s control panel, follow the steps below:
- Click on Advanced Settings.
- Go to Wireless > Security.
- Set different names for both WiFi frequencies.
- Configure a password (can be the same for both).
- Apply the changes.
When the operation is ready ALL your devices will be disconnected from the WiFi. You can connect the ones with 5Ghz WiFi support to faster broadband.
It’s important to connect your Virgin TV Box to the 2.4Ghz WiFi to improve the signal strength and resolve error C233.
You can use any device with an online browser, to log in to your router’s settings!
Solution #4 Switch To Wired Connection!
When you’re connecting your TV Box to WiFi, it’s highly likely to receive Virgin Media code C233 when the connection drops.
This is common on wireless networks and the best possible way to have a stable internet connection is via Ethernet cable.
- The router and TV Box have to be close to each other for a wired connection!
In case you can afford to have the router and TV Box in the same room, you can connect them using an Ethernet cable.
On your router’s side the Ethernet cable plugs into one of the yellow ports and on your TV Box’ side, there is only one input.
Find an Ethernet cable long enough to suit your case at the bottom of the guide!
Solution #5 Reset Internet Connection
Wireless or wired, your TV Box is unable to connect to the internet if you’re still seeing the error code C233 when you want to stream.
This is why the next step is to reset our home network by performing a reboot on your router/modem.
- In addition, unplug the router from the power for at least 3 minutes!
This method will reset the internet connection so you can start fresh.
When the power cycle is over, you should make sure that your Virgin TV Box is connected to the WiFi (for wireless).
How To Reconnect Virgin TV Box to WiFi?
- Press the Menu button on the remote.
- Scroll down to enter Settings.
- From there go to Home Network Settings.
- Use the OK button to select Set Up Your Home Network.
- Choose Join Network > Select your 2.4Ghz WiFi.
- Insert the Password to connect.
If you’re using an Ethernet (wired connection), simply reconnect the cable on both ends!
Solution #6 Reset Virgin Media TV Box
In case nothing from the previous solution worked out, the final and most powerful method is to perform a Factory Reset on the Virgin Media TV Box.
This will disconnect the device from the WiFi and erase ALL settings and configurations from the device.
This is why it’s extremely important to make sure that your internet connection is not the culprit to this problem, before proceeding.
Otherwise, the reset will only waste your time!
Here’s how to factory reset Virgin Media TV Box:
- Press the Menu on your remote.
- Go down and select Settings.
- From there chose Advanced Settings.
- Choose Virgin TV Box and press the OK button.
- Proceed by selecting Factory Reset.
The reset might take a few minutes, but you will know that the process is completed when your Virgin Media TV Box restarts.
You’ll then see the “Welcome” screen and you’ll have to reconnect the TV Box to the WiFi/Ethernet again. Then the error code C233 should no longer appear!
Is There a Planned Work In Your Area?
In case you’re suspecting that the Virgin Media TV services are currently disabled in your area you can justify by using Check My Service Status.
All you need to do is click on Check Service Status, and enter your Postcode and the name of the account holder.
Then you’ll see whether there is a planned Virgin Media TV outage in your area!
Quick Recap:
Hence, the Virgin Media TV code C233 means that your TV Box has been disconnected from the internet or the signal is too weak. We’ve learned that the solution is to reset the WiFi, boost our internet speed and, if necessary, switch to a wired connection.
Switching to a Wired Connection?
In case you’ve made up your mind and switching from a WiFi to (Wired) Ethernet cable connection, we strongly recommend TBMax Ethernet Cable 20m Long.
The length of the cable will allow you to hook up both devices even when they are in a different room!
Wrapping Up:
Now that we’ve learned everything about Virgin Media error code C233 and how to solve the problem, we’re ready to enjoy our content.
In case you’ve identified that there is an outage in your area, all you need to do is be patient and test every hour.
The services will come back!
Read Next: How to Fix Virgin Media TV Error Code 602?
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.