Connect your Roku to WiFi during setup or from the settings menu

When you first turn on a Roku device, it walks you through WiFi connection as part of the initial setup. If you're setting up a new Roku, the on-screen prompts will ask you to select your network and enter your password — this is the fastest route. If your Roku is already set up but you need to change networks or reconnect, you can do this from the Settings menu without starting over.

The steps are nearly identical whether you're using a Roku TV, a Roku streaming stick, or a Roku box. The main difference is that a Roku TV's WiFi menu lives inside the TV's own settings, while standalone Roku devices have their own menus accessed through the remote.

Key Takeaways

  • During initial setup, your Roku will prompt you to select a WiFi network and enter the password before you can use any streaming services.
  • If your Roku is already set up, go to Settings, then Network, then WiFi to change or reconnect to a network.
  • Your Roku needs to see your network name (SSID) to connect, so make sure your router is powered on and broadcasting.
  • If your password contains special characters or spaces, type it exactly as it appears, including capitalization.
  • If your Roku won't connect, restart both the device and your router, then try again.

Connecting during initial setup

When you plug in a new Roku device and turn it on for the first time, the setup screen appears automatically. The device will ask you to select your language, then show you a list of available WiFi networks. Look for your network name (also called the SSID) in the list and select it with your remote.

After you select your network, a keyboard screen appears where you enter your WiFi password. Use the remote to highlight each letter or number, then press the center button to select it. Take your time here — if you make a mistake, use the backspace option to delete and try again. Roku will show you dots instead of the actual characters as you type, which is normal for security. Once you've entered the full password, select the "Connect" button.

Your Roku will then attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once connected, you'll see a confirmation screen, and setup will continue with other options like linking your Roku account and setting up streaming services.

Reconnecting or changing networks on an already-set-up Roku

If your Roku is already set up but you need to switch to a different network or reconnect to the same one, use the Settings menu. On your Roku remote, press the Home button (the house icon), then navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons. Press the center button to open Settings.

From the Settings menu, scroll down to find Network and press the center button. You'll see an option for WiFi. Select it, and your Roku will show you a list of available networks. Choose your network from the list, enter the password using the same keyboard method as before, and select Connect. Your Roku will reconnect within 30 seconds.

If you don't see your network in the list, scroll to the bottom of the network list and select "Other Network." This lets you type in your network name manually if it's hidden or not showing up for some reason.

What to do if your Roku won't find your network

If your WiFi network doesn't appear in the list, the most common reason is that your router is off or too far away. Check that your router is powered on and that the Roku device is in the same room or nearby. Roku devices work best within 30 feet of the router, though walls and interference can reduce this range.

If your router is on and nearby, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the router restarts, also restart your Roku by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Once both devices have restarted, go back to the WiFi menu and look for your network again.

If your network still doesn't appear, check whether your router is set to broadcast the network name. Some routers have a setting to hide the SSID. If yours is hidden, use the "Other Network" option in your Roku's WiFi menu to type in the network name manually. You'll need to know the exact name and password.

Fixing connection problems after entering your password

If your Roku finds your network but won't connect after you enter the password, the password is usually the issue. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different characters. If your password is "MyPassword123," typing "mypassword123" will fail. Check your router or your account to confirm the exact password, including capitalization and any special characters.

If you're certain the password is correct, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Go to Settings, Network, WiFi, select your network, and look for a "Forget" or "Remove" option. Select it, then go back and reconnect to the network by entering the password again. This clears out any corrupted connection data.

If the problem persists, restart both your Roku and your router as described above. If you still can't connect after restarting, your router may have a temporary issue or your Roku may need a software update. Leave both devices unplugged for a full minute, then plug them back in and try again.

Using a guest network or 5GHz band

Most modern routers broadcast two networks: one on the 2.4GHz band and one on the 5GHz band. Roku devices work on both, but 2.4GHz is more reliable over distance and through walls. If you have the option to choose between them, try 2.4GHz first. If your router only shows one network name, it's likely broadcasting on 2.4GHz already.

If your main network won't connect, try connecting to your guest network instead. Guest networks are usually easier to set up and sometimes have fewer connection issues. Check your router's manual or login page to find the guest network name and password, then connect your Roku the same way you would to the main network.

Some routers let you name the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks differently, which makes it easier to choose. If you see two network names that are similar (like "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G"), the one without "5G" in the name is the 2.4GHz band.

Moving your Roku to a different location

If you move your Roku to a different room or a different house, you'll need to reconnect it to WiFi. The process is the same as changing networks: go to Settings, Network, WiFi, select your network, enter the password, and connect. Your Roku will remember your account and all your apps — you only need to reconnect to the new network.

If you're moving to a new house with a different router, your old network won't be available. Your Roku will show you the list of networks it can see at the new location. Select your new network and enter the password. If you want to remove the old network from your Roku's memory, you can forget it from the WiFi menu, though this isn't necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my Roku to WiFi without a remote?

No, you need the Roku remote to navigate the WiFi menu and enter your password. If your remote isn't working, you can use the Roku mobile app on a smartphone to control the device, but you'll still need to navigate to Settings and WiFi through the app's remote interface.

Why does my Roku keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Frequent disconnections usually mean your Roku is too far from the router or there's interference from other devices. Try moving the Roku closer to the router, or move the router away from microwaves and cordless phones. If disconnections continue, restart both devices and check whether your router needs a software update.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can reset your router to see the default password, but this will erase your WiFi settings. A better option is to log into your router's admin page from a computer or phone connected to the network. The router's IP address is usually printed on the device itself. From there you can view or reset your password without losing other settings.

Can I use a hotspot from my phone instead of WiFi?

Yes, you can connect your Roku to a mobile hotspot the same way you connect to any other WiFi network. Select the hotspot network name from the list, enter the password, and connect. Keep in mind that streaming uses a lot of data, so this may quickly use up your phone's data plan.

Do I need to reconnect my Roku every time I restart it?

No, your Roku remembers your WiFi network and password. Once you've connected once, it will automatically reconnect to that network each time you turn on the device, as long as the network is available and the password hasn't changed.