Forum Discussion
62 Replies
- LerryjeeReel Rookie
Do not buy a Roku. Their forums are littered with people with the same issue. I replaced my older express with a 4k device. It had worked just fine for years. This new one disconnects every day from wifi. And in fact I have to sign back in with my credentials. So rodiculous.
Their support keeps moaning about 2.4 wifi versus 5.0 but that has nothing to do with this. They have a significant software glitch. My wifi is exactly the same between the old Roku and new. The older Roku used the 5.0 wifi connection with no issues.
Furthermore my router offers dual band, but this Roku is too stupid to connect to the 2.4. If 2.4 is so vital to work properly, why can't it just go to that bandwidth?
Do not buy until they solve this issue. And sell their stock, because based on their responses and lack of action on this matter, they are clearly a company that is way past it's peak.
- RokuEReyRetired Moderator
Hello, Lerryjee
Welcome to the community for Roku!
We are grateful that you have informed us about the problem you are experiencing with your Roku device.
We would like additional information regarding the problem you are having. If my comprehension is correct, are you observing this behavior on a particular channel or does it occur on the platform across all channels? How can the problem be replicated?
Please provide additional details so that we can investigate this further.
Regards,
Rey
- Bullwinkle68Binge Watcher
It’s June 2024, over a year since your post.. My newly purchased $80 Roku Ultra has the SAME issue. I exchanged it for the same model which also has the same problem. After getting the same response from support, I initiated a chat with support. FINALLY the person admitted that it was a software problem. Said it would be escalated to priority status and I’d receive an email to let me know when it was fixed and thanks for my patience. This problem was reported OVER A YEAR AGO, and still persists. I’m supposed to wait an indefinite period of time until it gets fixed while the Roku made my TV unless. I can’t count the number of times I’ve re booted it.
It’s a shame because I had Roku streamers since they first came out. They were GREAT ! Now, they have become garbage due to glitches in the software that Roku hasn’t properly addressed. Instead, they send form letters by email, and ask for your patience without an end in sight. I don’t blame them for the bad software that caused this but I blame them for not fixing the problem in a timely manner. I’ll keep using the Roku I have that works until it doesn’t, then replace it with another brand streamer. As for the new Ultra that keeps disconnecting, it being returned for refund and I’m getting the Apple or Firestick. I’m very disappointed that Roku customer service leaves a lot to be desired. I’ve used and enjoyed Roku for years with no problems It’s a shame they think they can give bad service as their once monopoly in the market now has many competitors. Goodbye Roku ! - ShawnabwestNewbie
We are having this same issue.
this started around when the update on 5/9/2023 happened. All of a sudden, the three Rokus I have, all disconnect from the wifi informing me the connection was lost, the remote doesn’t work, and I have to unplug the Roku, then plug it back in, and it works fine until it disconnects again.
Never had this problem before.
- Bob_in_CaliStreaming Star
This started for me last week. I have a Sharp RokuTV. It loses the wi-fi connection once every night. I end up turning the TV off and then back on and then the wi-fi signal is back. I am not using anything else at the time. Not my phone, my laptop or my tablet. It used to be the apps would crash, not a wi-fi issue. I live alone, so no one else is using my network at the time. Next TV, I will connect an ethernet cable directly into the TV.
- RokuAnjelieCommunity Moderator
Hi Bob_in_Cali,
Welcome to the Roku Community!
We're sorry to hear about the connectivity issue you're running into. We'd be happy to help take a closer look to see how we can help get you up and running.
A few questions here to better understand what you're experiencing:
- Could you please verify if you getting any error messages/codes when you are trying to connect your Roku device?
- Have you tried changing the wireless broadcast channel on the router to see if this will allow your device to connect?
We would recommend checking out our Support page for troubleshooting issues here: How to check the connection to your home network and the internet | Official Roku Support.
Also, we recommend trying to connect your device to an alternate network, such as a mobile hotspot.
Keep us posted with what you find out.
Thanks,
Anjelie
- Benstrong26Newbie
I’d like to second Shawn here. This exact thing happens to me with my Roku Streaming Stick. I’ve tried everything, I even bought a Wi-Fi pod to put right next to the roku but the issue is still occurring. The roku is the only device in the house that has any problems, it’s clearly a software issue. I’ve owned the Roku since May 2022 and the issue only started occurring in the last few months. I’m about ready to toss it and buy a competing device.
- RokuEReyRetired Moderator
Hi Benstrong26,
Thanks for getting in touch, and welcome to the Roku community!
We understand that this behavior must be going on and affecting a lot of users. We'd love to take a closer look at this.
Let us know...
- What Roku device has an issue connecting to your wireless network?
- How are you powering it? Is it connected directly to a wall outlet or to a USB port on your TV?
- Does connecting to an alternative network, such as a mobile hotspot, result in the same issue?
Please keep us posted!
Regards,
Rey
- RokuEReyRetired Moderator
Hi Shawnabwest,
Hello, and thanks for joining the Roku Community!
We appreciate you reaching out and sharing this behavior. We'd like to take a closer look at this.
Have you tried restarting your router to see if you're still seeing the same issue occur?
Keep us posted!
Warm regards,
Rey
- Anonymous
Hi shajost1984
Thank you for the inquiry!
Roku devices can disconnect from Wi-Fi for a variety of reasons, including:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: If your Roku device is too far away from your Wi-Fi router, the signal may not be strong enough to maintain a stable connection.
- Network congestion: If there are too many devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, it can cause congestion and slow down your internet speed, which may result in your Roku device disconnecting from Wi-Fi.
- Router or modem issues: If your Wi-Fi router or modem is malfunctioning or outdated, it may cause connectivity issues with your Roku device.
- Network settings: If your network settings are not properly configured, it can cause connectivity issues with your Roku device.
- Software issues: Sometimes, there may be bugs or software issues with the Roku device itself that can cause it to disconnect from Wi-Fi.
To troubleshoot the issue, you can try the following steps:
- Move your Roku device closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve the Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Check for any network congestion by disconnecting other devices from your Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your router and modem to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Check your network settings to make sure they are properly configured.
- Ensure your Roku device has the latest software updates installed.
- If the issue persists, try resetting your Roku device to its factory settings, which can sometimes resolve software-related issues.
We hope it helps!
Warm regards,
Lianna- shajost1984Reel Rookie
Device is literally 2 feet from the brand new router that was installed 3 months ago. Maybe the device congestion thing, however we have been using the same amount of devices and the tv has only been dropping signal for about a month now. That’s what leads me to believe it’s something in the software.
- Collinsa6Reel Rookie
Roku randomly disconnects from wifi, yet all other devices work fine, even the Apple TV that is plugged into the same tv. It’s there because I get tired of having to unplug Roku just to get connection back. Roku is plugged directly into the wall not the tv usb, I have reset the Roku and no updates currently available. This is ridiculous. I have owned other Roku sticks and never had this problem, now when Roku decides to quit working, it means every 10-30 minutes I will lose the show I’m watching. Have noticed after I reset the Roku stick I can usually get a day or two out of it before it starts all over again
- guyandjoniNewbie
I have the same problem with my roku ultra. I have tried every solution on the internet including exchanging the roku for another. I use xfinity xFi gateway showing a strong connection. I give up! Going to return the Roku in exchange for something else.
- Bullwinkle68Binge Watcher
I’ve used Roku for many years. Seems like every couple of years they die and I have to replace them. I never had issues with the older models but I think the newer ones have issues. Just replaced one that quit working. Got the Ultra LT model.
Problem 1) Icons on main menu showed as empty boxes without any picture inside. Connected to the channels but couldn’t read the tiny print above them. Exchanged it for same model and had same problem. It resolved itself after a few hours.
Problem 2) Same issue you have with Wi-fi disconnecting. My other devices stay connected so it’s not the router.
When I turn on the tv, it says no signal. Pressing the home button several times seems to reconnect to wi-fi so far. It also drops connection when I pause the program for a few minutes.
Problem 3) Photo Stream works intermittently. When it doesn’t work, I get the Roku name scrolling on the screen as screensaver.
Seems to me that every time they “improve it” they create new problems. The old Roku worked fine.
They need to learn from the old adage.
If it works, DON’T FIX IT !!!!!
- ChasesmcReel Rookie
I've tried all of the trouble shooting suggestions but my roku still disconnects regularly, especially when I'm on certain streaming networks
- SweedioChannel Surfer
I have new router and high speed fiber internet service. Both my Roku devices (Express 4K+) randomly start buffering, freezes, blanks out picture or loses internet connectivity completely. When I perform the suggested connection test, it always passes with excellent or good connection and starts working again. I usually have any other devices active other than the Roku and maybe an iPad or iPhone at the same time. Ooops, the picture just went blank again as I’m writing this. Very difficult to clearly isolate the issue area given the reboot this or that suggestions. I suspect from everything I’m seeing on line looking for a solution that similar problems have continued to be experienced my many users of Roku products for quite a while. Picture just came back and blanked out again after a second or two. I will be looking for an alternative streaming device real soon I expect. Time to reboot stuff again…
- jontalkRoku Guru
What model Roku and which WiFi band are you using? Are you in a complex where WiFi congestion is evident? I suspect that once you connect via Ethernet, you won't have any problems since its FAR more reliable and secure.
- skibudReel Rookie
I have internet connection ROKU worked fine this morning. This afternoon zippo nada no connection at all. Did all the reboot stuff and it's still Doa. Is this problem on your side or mine?
- RokuJechealRRetired Moderator
Hi skibud,
Greetings from the Roku Community!
Thanks for letting us know about this. We are interested in learning more about your problem. Are you encountering any error codes or messages? Are there any recent changes on your Roku device, perhaps in the setup or settings, that might cause the problem? Also, could you specify the troubleshooting steps you have taken to resolve the issue? In addition, who is your internet service provider? (ISP)
With more detailed information, we'll be able to assist you further.
All the best,
Chel
- R0kuNoMoreNewbie
I am so tired of having to factory reset my system every other day. I'm patient, but low sighted and trying to put in the modem pass, and every account, trying to SEE to do it? After three months? I am done. My TCL worked fine until an update screwed everything up. I'm now looking for a different TV because R0ku can't manage to STAY C0NNECTED!
- RokuJharra-QRetired Moderator
Thank you for posting here in the Roku Community, R0kuNoMore!
We genuinely apologize for the inconvenience you are experiencing with your Roku TV. We want to assure you that we are fully aware of the issue, and our dedicated team is currently investigating to resolve it as soon as possible. If you encounter any error codes while trying to access the network, please don't hesitate to let us know.
We're hoping to get everything sorted out soon and appreciate you bearing with us in the meantime.
Best regards,
Jharra