Why does my Roku app keep disconnecting? This problem is actually easy to solve!
We all know the feeling of just pairing your Roku mobile companion, only to realize seconds later that the app has been disconnected.
So, if you’re facing the same issue, then in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including the causes as well as the best solutions.
When the Roku mobile app keeps disconnecting from the Roku TV, first verify that your internet and WiFi connection is intact. If yes, proceed with disabling the Mobile Data and power cycling your entire Roku setup. As a last resort, you should factory reset Roku.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
Why Does My Roku Remote App Keep Disconnecting?
There are numerous reasons why your Roku mobile app would continue to disconnect from the Roku TV without apparent reason.
Well, to understand the issue better, let’s review the causes:
These are the fundamental reasons why the Roku companion app would keep disconnecting from the Roku TV.
However, all these possibilities are easy to address, so let’s jump in!
Why Does My Roku App Keep Disconnecting? – Fix Steps!
Tip: Follow the solution steps in chronological order!
1. Pair the Phone & Roku to the WiFi!
The first and fundamental reason why your Roku app is disconnecting from the Roku TV is due to fluctuations or inconsistency in your internet or WiFi.
When your WiFi is very weak or goes offline suddenly, the Roku mobile companion app will instantly unpair from the Roku TV.
How to Optimize Internet & WiFi?
There are several ways to refresh, relieve, and optimize your internet and WiFi connection to guarantee better performance.
Here’s exactly what to do:
- First, power off and unplug your WiFi router!
- Then, unplug the router from the wall outlet.
- Reconnect the service and Ethernet cables.
- Also, unpair all connected and unused devices.
- Then, prevent any network utilization tasks.
- Also, keep your mobile closer to the WiFi router.
Tip: You can also perform an internet speed test to determine connection flaws!
Connect to the Same WiFi/Router!
Another fundamental factor in connecting your Roku mobile companion app to your Roku TV is to have both devices connected to the same network.
This means that both devices must be able to communicate with each other, which is only possible when they are on the same router.
2. Disable the Mobile Data (Cellular)
If you’re using a SIM-enabled mobile to host the Roku mobile app, the disconnects could be due to a sudden switch from WiFi to cellular.
Typically, when both the WiFi and the cellular data are enabled on your phone, the device will automatically switch to the stronger internet source.
Hence, if your WiFi becomes slower than your Mobile Data, just for a second, the phone will switch to 4G or 5G automatically.
When this happens, the Roku mobile app will disconnect from the Roku TV and will not reconnect automatically when your phone switches back to the WiFi.
How to Turn OFF Mobile Data on iOS?
On iOS, simply go to Settings, then enter Mobile Data and switch off the toggle!
How to Turn OFF Mobile Data on Android?
On Android, go to Settings, enter the Network & Internet tab, select Internet, and switch off the toggle next to Mobile Data.
Note: Alternatively, you can toggle on and off the Mobile Data from the Quick Menu!
3. Power Cycle Your Roku & Mobile
In case the Roku app disconnecting is so random that it’s impossible to determine any pattern that would suggest the cause, it’s time for a power cycle.
This is an all-in-one method that will address most software and power-related issues with your device, which might just help!
Simply power off your Roku and unplug the TV from the power supply!
In addition, turn off your mobile device with the Roku app using the power button on the side panel.
In case that doesn’t help and the app keeps disconnecting, then keep reading!
4. Clear the Roku App Cache and Data!
When your Roku app is disconnecting from the Roku TV, apparently for no reason, the issue may be related to the application cache and data.
In case of any data corruption or missing files from the applications directory, it’s likely for the user to experience various functionality faults!
How to Clear Roku Cache on Android?
- First, go to Android Settings and enter “Apps.”
- Then, go to “See all options” at the bottom.
- Then, locate and tap on the Roku application.
- Tap on the app and then on Storage & Cache.
- Finally, select “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”
How to Clear Roku App Cache on iOS?
Note: On iOS, you can’t clear the app cache, but you can “offload” an app!
- First, go to the Settings app and enter General.
- Then scroll down and tap on {Device} Storage.
- Then again, scroll down and find the Roku app.
- On the following screen, tap on “Offload App.”
Tip: Then you need to re-download the Roku app on iOS from the App Store app!
5. Update Your Roku TV’s Firmware
Another possibility is that your Roku TV is running on an outdated firmware version, which may lead to application compatibility problems.
If your Roku mobile app keeps disconnecting, one of the most effective solutions would be to update the firmware of your Roku TV.
Here’s how to update your Roku TV in easy steps:
- First, go to the Roku TV’s home screen.
- Then, go to “Settings” from the left side.
- Next, enter System, then System Update.
- If a new version is available, update now.
When your Roku TV is up to date, you can test connecting to the Roku mobile app again and check whether the link will drop again.
If yes, then something else is causing the entire fuss!
6. Uninstall and Reinstall the Roku App
If nothing so far is helping, and the Roku companion app is still disconnecting from the Roku TV, then you need a reinstallation.
This process resembles uninstalling and downloading the app cleanly, which will sign you out from your account and erase any Roku app user preferences.
To uninstall the Roku app on your mobile, follow the instructions:
- On iOS, tap and hold the Roku app icon, and tap “Remove App.”
- On Android, hold the Roku icon and drag the app to the trash bin!
When the application is completely removed from your device, you must enter the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS.
In there, you’ll discover the official Roku app, and you’ll be able to download the software cleanly on your device, which should resolve the issue.
Tip: Only download the Roku mobile companion app from the official sources!
7. Switch to a Wired Internet Connection!
Sometimes, the reason why the Roku app keeps disconnecting is due to your WiFi.
If the network is too slow, your Roku TV might keep dropping the connection.
The solution for the mobile phone would be to move closer to the router, but this would be hard for your Roku TV.
An alternative is to switch to a wired connection on your Roku TV by connecting the player to your router via an Ethernet cable.
This is the most reliable way to receive internet on your Roku TV, which will eliminate factors such as WiFi interference, downtime, and lag.
Here’s how to switch from WiFi to a wired connection on your Roku TV:
- First, connect your router to the Roku TV.
- Then, go into the Settings of your Roku.
- Then, scroll down and select “Network.”
- Next, highlight the “Set up connection.”
- Then, from the right side, select “Wired.”
Note: The Ethernet cable plugs into one of the LAN ports on your router and into the Ethernet ports on your Roku TV.
Quick Recap:
Why does my Roku app keep disconnecting? Well, this happens mainly due to internet or WiFi fluctuations or inconsistency.
On the other hand, such disconnects could be due to missing files or data corruption in the Roku app, so it’s best to perform a reinstallation.
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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.