Roku Keeps Disconnecting From WiFi & How To Fix It
If you are experiencing Roku keeps disconnecting from WiFi, don’t worry because every problem has a solution.
This problem is common among Roku users, and the reason is mainly due to the WiFi signal, the router, or the Roku software.
To help you troubleshoot, I will dive into each cause and show you how to fix it in detail. Let’s check!
Why Does My Roku Keep Disconnecting From WiFi?
When Roku keeps disconnecting from the Internet, many reasons lead to this problem.
It could be a WiFi problem or about Roku itself, specifically:
- Distance from the router: If your Roku is far from the WiFi router or blocked by walls, it might not get a good signal, causing disconnects.
- WiFi signal issues: The core reason for your Roku’s disconnects is often related to your WiFi network.
Weak signals, network congestion, or temporary outages can lead to this issue. - Interference: Electronic devices like cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors can interfere with WiFi signals, leading to disconnections.
- Outdated firmware: Your Roku device and router must have up-to-date firmware for optimal performance.
Old software can make them not work well together. - Router issues: Sometimes, the router itself might be the culprit.
Overloaded routers, outdated hardware, or configuration problems can result in inconsistent connections. - Power Saving settings: They conserve energy by putting your Roku into sleep mode when not in use.
Yet, this can sometimes result in a disconnecting issue if it goes to sleep too quickly.
Finding out the cause of this problem is essential to finding a solution.
Thus, check out the factors I mentioned. Then, learn how to fix it in the next section!
How To Fix Roku Keeps Disconnecting From WiFi?
Fix Roku Disconnecting From WiFi
To fix Roku disconnecting from WiFi, you can replace the router, strengthen the WiFi signal, fix interference, update Roku firmware, fix router issues, or turn off Power Saving settings.
Method 1: Optimal Router Placement
When this problem occurs, the first thing you need to do is determine if the distance between the Roku device and the WiFi router is too far.
Thus, you should move your router closer to your Roku device to improve your WiFi connection.
Also, here are some of my tips for optimal router placement:
- Put your WiFi router in the middle of your home.
Thus, the signal can reach all the rooms more evenly and prevent some areas from losing the signal. - Don’t keep the router on the ground. Instead, put it on a shelf or a table or hang it on the wall.
- Keep the router away from walls, big furniture, and metal stuff.
These things can stop the WiFi signal. Try to put it where nothing’s in the way. - If your home has more than one floor, try putting the router on the top floor.
This way, the signal can reach both upstairs and downstairs better. - If your router has antennas you can move, try pointing them a bit to cover different places.
After moving the router, see if your Roku works better in different spots.
Check the signal strength on your Roku to find the best place.
Method 2: Strengthen the WiFi Signal
If the distance between your Roku device and the router is close, but this problem keeps happening, I recommend using a WiFi extender or a signal booster.
- A WiFi extender can amplify the existing WiFi signal and extend its reach to areas with weak coverage.
- External signal boosters, such as those with directional antennas, can amplify the WiFi signal and direct it toward specific areas in your home.
If your router has detachable antennas, consider upgrading to high-gain antennas.
Otherwise, you can invest in a mesh WiFi system.
This setup involves multiple access points strategically placed throughout your home.
As a result, it provides seamless coverage and eliminates dead zones.
If WiFi coverage is still an issue, you can use powerline adapters.
These devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit the internet signal, providing a wired connection to areas with poor WiFi reception.
Method 3: Fix Interference Issues
Fix Interference Issues
Getting your Roku to stay connected can be easier if you tackle interference issues.
Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Identify interfering devices
Find out which devices in your home could be causing WiFi interference.
Cordless phones and microwaves are common culprits.
Step 2: Move away
Keep your Roku and router away from these interfering devices.
The farther they are, the less likely they disrupt your WiFi.
Step 3: Use the 5GHz band
If your router has a 5GHz option, use it.
It’s usually less crowded than the 2.4GHz band and can help reduce interference.
Note: the 5GHz band has a shorter range than the 2.4GHz band, so it’s best for devices closer to the router.
Method 4: Update Firmware
Besides directly impacting the WiFi connection and resolving disconnection issues, updating the Roku firmware can improve performance, stability, and compatibility.
Thus, I recommend keeping your Roku firmware updated to ensure you have the latest improvements and fixes.
Here’s how to do this:
Step 1: Ensure your Roku is connected to the internet.
Step 2: Using your Roku remote, navigate to the home screen.
Step 3: Scroll up or down to select “Settings.”
Step 4: From the Settings menu, choose “System.” Then select “System Update.”
Step 5: Select “Check Now” to see if there’s an available update.
If there’s an update, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
After the update process, your Roku will restart, applying the changes.
Method 5: Fix Router Issues
A WiFi Router
If the problem is not from the WiFi signal or the Roku software, it’s likely caused by the router.
Usually, I just need to reboot, and it’ll be back to normal.
If the problem persists, you might need to perform a factory reset on your router with these steps:
Step 1: Find the Reset button
Locate the reset button on your router.
It’s usually a small button on the router’s back or bottom.
It might be labeled as “Reset” or have a small hole with the word “Reset” next to it.
Step 2: Press and hold the Reset button (10-15 seconds)
Step 3: Power cycling
After holding the reset button, the router’s lights might flash or change.
Once this happens, release the button.
The router will then reboot, which might take a minute or two.
Step 4: Reconfigure your router
Once the router has finished resetting, you’ll need to reconfigure it.
This process includes setting up your WiFi network name (SSID), password, and any other custom settings you had before the reset.
If your router is old or isn’t performing well despite your efforts, you must upgrade to a newer model with better features and improved performance.
Method 6: Turn Off Power Saving Settings
Power Settings
Adjusting this setting is very simple, and you just need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Access Roku Settings
- Navigate to the home screen.
- Scroll up or down to select “Settings” and press the OK button.
Step 2: Navigate to Power Settings
- In the Settings menu, choose “System.”
- Scroll down and select “Power.”
Step 3: Adjust Power Saving Settings
Depending on your Roku model, you might see different power-saving options:
- “Auto power off”
- “Fast TV start”
- Or “Bandwidth saver”
Disable any options that might be affecting your WiFi connection.
Step 4: Confirm Changes
After adjusting the settings, navigate to the “OK” button on the remote to confirm your changes.
Remember that the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your Roku model.
Contact The Internet Service Provider If This Still Happens
If your Roku keeps having this issue even after trying the above solutions, you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
They can check if there’s a problem with your internet connection.
Sometimes the issue might be on their side, like when the internet is down or not working well.
FAQs
How To Check The WiFi Strength?
To check it, look at the signal bars on your device, like your phone or laptop.
More bars mean stronger WiFi. Alternatively, use a WiFi analyzer app to see the signal quality in different areas of your home.
Will Restarting The TV And Router Solve The disconnecting Problem?
Yes, restarting both the TV and router can help.
I often do this to remove any temporary glitches and improve connectivity because it reestablishes a fresh connection.
Does Roku Damage WiFi?
The answer is no.
It uses WiFi to connect to the internet, like other devices.
So proper usage won’t harm your WiFi network.
Is Roku A Heavy WiFi User?
Roku is a moderate WiFi user.
While streaming videos, it consumes data over WiFi.
Compared to other devices like laptops, it’s not as heavy.
The usage varies with streaming quality; higher quality consumes more data.
Is Ethernet Or Wi-Fi Faster For Roku?
Ethernet is usually faster and more stable than WiFi for Roku.
It provides a direct wired connection and is better for high-quality streaming and reducing disconnections.
Conclusion
When Roku keeps disconnecting from WiFi, there are many reasons related to the WiFi signal, the Roku firmware, and the router.
You can fix it by following my above guides: Adjust and optimize the router, the WiFi signal, the firmware, and the settings.
I recommend contacting the ISP in cases where troubleshooting doesn’t work.
Thank you for reading!
Related Articles
Home Automation Expert
David
Hi! I’m David — a writer, blogger, and proud owner of Smarterve. I’ve been using smart home gadgets and in the home industry for about a decade. I love to solve problems, give suggestions, and create ease for people to enjoy life. This blog is where I can share tips and provide solutions to everyone using smart gadgets.
