Forum Discussion

slake2074's avatar
slake2074
Reel Rookie
3 years ago
Solved

Roku TV can no longer connect to 5G internet

My 50" TCL Roku TV has connected to the 5G internet signal for years. Now, it can't even find it. I've rebooted the TV and the router. Every other device connects to and locates 5G just fine. Why would Roku suddenly stop seeing the 5G?

  • AvsGunnar's avatar
    AvsGunnar
    3 years ago

    slake2074 

    There are a few possibilities.

    1. The RokuTV may not be able to find the network if the router has switched to an incompatible 5ghz Wireless channel.  Roku cannot see or use DFS channels (52-140). 

    2. The RokuTV wifi module may have failed.  If your RokuTV can still see the 2.4ghz band, then you can likely rule this out.  If you go to Settings/Network/About and see a MAC address, then you are good to go.  If your MAC address is all zeros (00), then there is an issue with the wifi module.

    3. The RokuTV is just having an issue recognizing the 5ghz radio.  Try performing a System Restart (Settings/System/Power/System Restart) or try a Network Connection Reset (Settings/System/Advanced System Settings/Network Connection Reset/Reset Connection).

    ----

    If you can still connect to the 2.4ghz band, then I would look at the first possibility. (DFS channel usage).  The remedy for this is to either Disable DFS in your router, or manually assign a Wireless Channel on the 5ghz band to use 36-48 or 149-161. If you are sure your router does not use DFS, then you can leave set to Auto, but recommended to manually assign a channel during troubleshooting to see if it resolves issue.

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  • slake2074's avatar
    slake2074
    Reel Rookie
    3 years ago

    Thank you all so much ! It was the DFS channels. I have  Verizon Fios. I went on the MyFios app and selected Advanced Settings. Then I clicked on DFS Channels and disabled it. 5G showed up on the Roku immediately.

  • makaiguy's avatar
    makaiguy
    Community Streaming Expert
    3 years ago

    slake2074-

    Your wifi router may have swiched to a wifi channel not visible to your Roku TV.

    The nine 5 GHz channels supported by Roku devices and TVs are 36, 40, 44, 48, 149, 153, 157, 161, and 165.

    The channels assigned to the 5 GHz band in ranges 50-64 and 100-144 are shared with other uses such as military, radar, and weather. These channels are termed DFS (dynamic frequency selection) channels and routers are supposed to automatically switch to a different channel if they detect one of these channels is in use in your area. Roku and many other home use devices avoid this whole issue by not supporting these DFS channels.

    Many home routers don't include DFS channels, but some do. Make sure your router is not using these DFS channels, and that it is not using an auto select option that could choose a DFS channel.

    • EmmanuelWanda1's avatar
      EmmanuelWanda1
      Newbie
      3 years ago

      How do I change my router to not a DFS Chanel or not using an auto select option that could choose a DFS channel?

      with thanks

      • renojim's avatar
        renojim
        Community Streaming Expert
        3 years ago

        EmmanuelWanda1, you need to log into your router's admin panel.  There's usually a sticker on the side telling you how to do that or some ISPs have an app.  Post your iSP (Internet service provider) and the make and model number of your router if you need more help.

  • AvsGunnar's avatar
    AvsGunnar
    Community Streaming Expert
    3 years ago

    slake2074 

    There are a few possibilities.

    1. The RokuTV may not be able to find the network if the router has switched to an incompatible 5ghz Wireless channel.  Roku cannot see or use DFS channels (52-140). 

    2. The RokuTV wifi module may have failed.  If your RokuTV can still see the 2.4ghz band, then you can likely rule this out.  If you go to Settings/Network/About and see a MAC address, then you are good to go.  If your MAC address is all zeros (00), then there is an issue with the wifi module.

    3. The RokuTV is just having an issue recognizing the 5ghz radio.  Try performing a System Restart (Settings/System/Power/System Restart) or try a Network Connection Reset (Settings/System/Advanced System Settings/Network Connection Reset/Reset Connection).

    ----

    If you can still connect to the 2.4ghz band, then I would look at the first possibility. (DFS channel usage).  The remedy for this is to either Disable DFS in your router, or manually assign a Wireless Channel on the 5ghz band to use 36-48 or 149-161. If you are sure your router does not use DFS, then you can leave set to Auto, but recommended to manually assign a channel during troubleshooting to see if it resolves issue.

    • jp3074's avatar
      jp3074
      Newbie
      3 years ago

      ok, I have two boxes they both worked with my 5g we had a thunderstorm power went out. now 1 box works fine but the other now has only the 2g and cannot find the 5g, I've tried everything.

      • RokuEuniceL's avatar
        RokuEuniceL
        Retired Moderator
        3 years ago

        Hi jp3074,

        Welcome and thanks for posting to the Roku Community!

        We're happy to help you connect your Roku to the network. We'd like to know more details about the problem you encountered.

        1. What Roku device are you using right now? (e.g., Roku Express, Roku Stream Bar, Roku TV; specify TV)
        2. When trying to connect to your network, what do you see on your screen? (before putting in the network credentials)
        3. Are you getting any error messages or codes after trying to connect to your network? (after putting in the network credentials)
        4. How far is your device from your network router?

        With detailed information, we will be able to assist you further.

        Best regards,

        Eunice

  • Rudy0517's avatar
    Rudy0517
    Newbie
    3 years ago

    Thank you so much, this was driving me crazy. Once I switched to a different channel the SSID showed up. 👍

  • Chefstickyfinge's avatar
    Chefstickyfinge
    Reel Rookie
    3 years ago

    I have a 3920X roku and I can not see 5 ghz networks. I have tried every channel and none show up. I have rebooted the roku, reset network, rebooted my network, and factory reset the roku. I can connect with my 2.4 ghz networks.

    • AvsGunnar's avatar
      AvsGunnar
      Community Streaming Expert
      3 years ago

      Chefstickyfinge 

      The Roku Premiere (3920) is only 2.4 ghz capable. (operates only on the 2.4 ghz band). You will not be able to use this device on the 5ghz band of your network.

      • Chefstickyfinge's avatar
        Chefstickyfinge
        Reel Rookie
        3 years ago

        LOL, Oops I guess you are right. I was never able to connect to 5gHz. Thanks!

  • ganesgupta6460's avatar
    ganesgupta6460
    Newbie
    3 years ago

    Have you tried resetting your network settings on the Roku TV? Sometimes that can help refresh the connection and allow it to find the 5G signal again. Also, have you checked to make sure the TV's software is up-to-date? That can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Regarding EMF protection, have you considered trying out EMF protective emf hat or caps? While I can't say for sure if they would help with your specific issue, some people have found them to be helpful in reducing their exposure to electromagnetic radiation. You could try searching for emf hats online to see if there are any products that might interest you.

    • RokuKarla's avatar
      RokuKarla
      Retired Moderator
      3 years ago

      Hello ganesgupta6460

      Thanks for reaching out to the Roku community!

      There are a few different reasons why a RokuTV may have trouble connecting to a 5GHz wireless network. Firstly, it is possible that the router has switched to an incompatible 5GHz channel, which Roku devices cannot detect or use. Alternatively, the wifi module on the RokuTV may have failed, although this can be ruled out if the device is still able to see the 2.4GHz band and displays a valid MAC address in the Settings/Network/About menu. Finally, it could be a simple issue with the RokuTV recognizing the 5GHz radio, in which case performing a System Restart or Network Connection Reset may resolve the issue. By trying these different solutions, it is possible to troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues with a RokuTV on a 5GHz network.

      Regards,
      Karla