Forum Discussion

BlueDan's avatar
BlueDan
Channel Surfer
30 days ago
Solved

Roku Express won't Connect to iOS app

Just got a Roku Express model 3960CA. At first, had no problem in connecting the device to the iOS app. But then after an hour or so, the app could no longer find the device. 

Both my iPhone and the Roku Express are connected to the same wifi network.

I can ping the Roku Express' IP from my desktop, but not from my iPhone.

Reinstalled the app, restarted both the Roku device and the iPhone. Didn't work.

The proper settings allowing the Roku iOS app to access the local network is enabled. 

mobile app
  • BlueDan's avatar
    BlueDan
    28 days ago

    Found a solution, but I have no idea why it would work. I set the Roku device to connect to the 2.4 GHz wifi instead of the 5 GHz and connected my phone to it as well. This worked, and the device no longer disappeared from the iOS app when I went out of range.

    Then connected it back to the 5 GHz network, and it is still working. I can't explain it, but it works. 

13 Replies

  • Katmom1's avatar
    Katmom1
    Newbie
    28 days ago

    I have the same problem.  It started earlier this week.  All was fine before.  I don’t know what changed unless it was an iOS automatic update.  My iPad is up to date, I updated the Roku app, uninstalled it, reinstalled it, tried adding it to my iPhone, restarted the wifi, etc.  I don’t see a way to change my WiFi.  I have a T-Mobile 5g tower.  

    • jontalk's avatar
      jontalk
      Roku Guru
      28 days ago

      And if you haven't already go to the App store and hunt for WiFi Analyzer or something similar..it will show you what channel is being used..And after studying the link I sent you'll want to find out how to disable 'auto' from channel selection and manually choose one with the least congestion..the star ratings show the best ones and the list beneath the circular icon shows your channel number and others

    • jontalk's avatar
      jontalk
      Roku Guru
      28 days ago

      have you tried going to their Mobile Hot spot page to learn? https://tinyurl.com/yv459tx2

  • BlueDan's avatar
    BlueDan
    Channel Surfer
    28 days ago

    Found a solution, but I have no idea why it would work. I set the Roku device to connect to the 2.4 GHz wifi instead of the 5 GHz and connected my phone to it as well. This worked, and the device no longer disappeared from the iOS app when I went out of range.

    Then connected it back to the 5 GHz network, and it is still working. I can't explain it, but it works. 

    • jontalk's avatar
      jontalk
      Roku Guru
      28 days ago

      The 2.4 band has better range and strength but less speed. And since 4K streaming doesn't require high speed its a good choice. That said, I personally use powerline adapters to avoid WiFi congestion completely..From the sound of it, it doesn't appear you took my suggestion but glad to see its working

      • BlueDan's avatar
        BlueDan
        Channel Surfer
        28 days ago

        Oh yes, I most certainly did. I downloaded Wifi Analyzer but couldn't for the life of me figure out where the section to check channels was. So I intended to come back to it if other, easier approaches didn't work. 

  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert
    29 days ago

    It does seem to be an issue with your phone. It sounds like it's not maintaining a good connection to your WiFi network. I don't think I've ever needed to do a network reset on any of my phones.

    It doesn't matter if your Roku is on 2.4GHz or 5, or even wired. I've tested the app on my iPhone with my numerous Roku devices, some wired, some on 2.4 and some on 5GHz. The app has always seen and controlled them all, regardless if the phone was on 2.4 or 5GHz. I don't believe there's any setting in the phone itself to block local device access, but almost every router offers the setting. 

    • BlueDan's avatar
      BlueDan
      Channel Surfer
      29 days ago

      There is indeed a setting on iOS that blocks/allows an app from finding other devices on the local network, but that's enabled on my phone for the Roku app. When it works, it makes typing so much easier. A couple of great suggestions on this thread so far, I'll try them out. 

  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert
    29 days ago

    It sounds like a security setting in your WiFi was enabled that blocks connected devices from seeing each other. Does your ISP have control of your router/modem? They could have enabled it. If you can log into your router/modem, then check the WiFi settings to see if the security setting was turned on. If your Roku and/or phone are connected to a "guest" connection, those always have that security setting enabled, and on such a network it should be on at all times. 

    • BlueDan's avatar
      BlueDan
      Channel Surfer
      29 days ago

      Thank you, would this be an issue if the Roku connected twice before but then disconnected the moment my phone got out of range? First time it connected was during the initial setup, second time I had to reset my network settings on my iPhone. Then after I came back from work, the iOS app couldnt find it. I can ping it from my desktop, but not from my iPhone. Streaming works fine, the Roku is connected to my 5 GHz wifi. 

  • jontalk's avatar
    jontalk
    Roku Guru
    29 days ago

    Have you tried using a network app like WiFi Analyzer? If not search for something similar in the app store and install. Open it and view how many others are using the same channel, then log into the router and disable 'auto' from channel selection and choose one with less congestion

  • BlueDan's avatar
    BlueDan
    Channel Surfer
    29 days ago

    After two days of waiting for any help, I regret getting a device from a company that wont even offer support for it. Time to send it back.