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im_dneece6's avatar
im_dneece6
Visitor
6 years ago
Solved

Roku Ultra won't connect via Wired connection

I've seen other threads on this topic but they're all locked and I can't ask questions or follow-up. I just got a Roku Ultra player and I'm trying to get the best experience I can so I'm trying to use a Wired connection. I've tried various cables and varying ethernet ports on my router but no matter what, the Roku will not find a connection. I've tried using the cable and the port that I have another device plugged into -- that device works with the setup, the Roku does not. If I switch the player to using a wireless connection - everything's fine. It just will not use a wired connection - which is what I want to set up. Advice please!

Can't connect to network
Connection issue
Ethernet
TV & Player WiFi
  • Elijah_Baley's avatar
    Elijah_Baley
    Visitor
    6 years ago
    "im_dneece6" wrote:
    I've seen other threads on this topic but they're all locked and I can't ask questions or follow-up. I just got a Roku Ultra player and I'm trying to get the best experience I can so I'm trying to use a Wired connection. I've tried various cables and varying ethernet ports on my router but no matter what, the Roku will not find a connection. I've tried using the cable and the port that I have another device plugged into -- that device works with the setup, the Roku does not. If I switch the player to using a wireless connection - everything's fine. It just will not use a wired connection - which is what I want to set up. Advice please!

    If you have done all you say then my advice is to return the Ultra and exchange for another. The Ethernet port seems to be bad.
    My Ultras (I have two) work just fine wired and I had zero problems with the connections from the start.
    • TJC472's avatar
      TJC472
      Reel Rookie
      6 years ago

      I have the exact same problem. I just received my Roku Ultra and it won't connect with a wired connection. The wireless connection works okay.  I want to take advantage of the speed delivered with a wired connection.  I've tried restarting several times and I've rebooted the router a couple of times.  I keep getting the error code 012 went I try to set up the wired connection.  Any advice is welcome.

  • jayg8947's avatar
    jayg8947
    Reel Rookie
    5 years ago

    I had the very same problem with a new Roku Ultra (4670X) and tried resetting the modem and the ONT and the patch cord without success. I plugged the Ethernet cord that my Roku Ultra wouldn't recognize into my laptop and the laptop worked just  great. I am using a  GreenWave C4000XG router on a CenturyLInk fiber optic 940 Mbs connection,

    Here's what worked for me.

    1. I logged onto the router (http://192.168.0.1) ignoring warnings about it's not being a safe site
    2. I went to “Advanced setup\Security\Application Forwarding”..
    3. In the “Select Device” drop-down box, I selected “Roku Ultra Family Room”.
    4. In the “Application Category” drop-down box,  I selected “Applications”
    5. In the  “Applications” drop-down box,  I selected “Windows Media Streaming”,
    6. Don't forget to click “Apply”
    7. The router created two entries in the Application Forwarding List with TCP-UDP ports1755 and 7007 for the Roku Ultra Family Room device.
    8. I tried “Settings\Network\Set up connection\Wired,” and the connection occurred within seconds.
    9. Here's the weird thing: I installed a Roku 3 (4230XT) to a different TV, anticipating that it would not connect until I entered another Application Forwarding entry into the router for this Roku 3. Oddly, it connected right away without any entry into the Application Forwarding List.
    10. I removed the entries from the Application Forwarding List.

    It's only been 3 days since this "fix" but I did reset the connection with 

    “Settings\System\Advanced system settings\Network connection reset\reset connection” and it restarts all nicely connected to the wired connection. '

    Can anybody explain this behavior?

    Jay

  • Skooma's avatar
    Skooma
    Reel Rookie
    5 years ago

    Mine would not connect to wired as well. 3 or 4 tries and then noticed there is an "update connection" off to the right. Select wired again from that menu, hit update and it connected right away. 

    Now if I could just get the extremely dim screen on streaming content to fix itself. Brand new and the picture is absolute garbage. 

    • KSU-Wildcats's avatar
      KSU-Wildcats
      Reel Rookie
      5 years ago

      I checked my Roku software and I don't have that option on the LT Ultra.  After staring at the screen, I realized what the true underlying problem is, Roku does not provide a way to set wired network settings manually!  I have no idea what wired IP address it is attempting to set, the subnet or gateway.  Why are these settings not available in an advanced area?  I get that most people won't have any idea what these are and will simply go with DHCP but it'd be extremely helpful to set these on our own.  I'd bet this option would fix a plethora of connectivity options!  

      • boogernose's avatar
        boogernose
        Roku Guru
        5 years ago

        Settings/Network/set up connection

        and check wired.

  • kingjoe29's avatar
    kingjoe29
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    Connect to your network: http://192.168.0.1

    LAN SETTINGS > DHCP Settings


    Fnd the "DHCP name special character state" setting, then choose to “Allow Special Characters” and reboot.

     

    THIS JUST WORKED FOR ME!!!

    • Limagreen's avatar
      Limagreen
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      WORKED!  My new Ultra 4800R was not connecting to the router via Ethernet or wireless.  I have a **bleep** Centurylink Gig-Fiber Calix C844G modem/router, firmware: CCO004-11.1.600.8. 

      Lo and behold...  down in Advanced settings/DHCP Settings/DHCP Name Characters: "Allow Special Characters"!!!!

      Gold star KingJoe29

       

       

  • gymtino's avatar
    gymtino
    Newbie
    4 years ago

    I just opened up a new ROKU ULTRA and my wired internet connection is totally flakey!! Yes, I have switched ethernet cables, yes, I have rebooted my router, it still does not stay connected! Any other device I plug in works just fine. Roku tech support is horrible - plus, there's no phone number to call so you're at the mercy of someone in chat that takes 5 minutes to reply to each question. Planning to return this unit and but another Firestick...

  • G7's avatar
    G7
    Newbie
    3 years ago

    I don’t have a Roku Ultra but have a TCL Roku TV and had wired to Ethernet from beginning, for years, then all of a sudden in last year or so, it stopped working. I tried everything, new cable, rebooting modem, TV, routers, the whole bit. I gave up and have been running Wifi since. My suspicion is a software update came down and it stopped working or something. I keep hoping for a new Roku OS update to see if it fixes it but nothing has come down for months. How does an Ethernet jack stop working? Never seen that in my life so must be software related. Let’s go Roku, provide some support here there is clearly an issue with 65+ replies!! 

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

      G7, I known the TCL wireless adapter is prone to failures, so it wouldn't surprise me at all if it's a hardware issue affecting your TCL TV.

  • Roket's avatar
    Roket
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    Hi All,

    RokuDanny-R solution is not a solution for me unfortunately. I can get into the plex app on my TV (which appears to be the latest version as no updates are available) but it will not connect to my Synology NAS box via a wired or wireless connection, the latest version of the plex media server is installed on the NAS box but  I just get the standard "No connection The server is unavailable at this time" This issue is very recent as yesterday the plex app installed on my PC was finding the NAS box media just fine and had worked fine for over 5 years. These are the steps I have tried to fix the issue, in no particular order.

    1. Restarts: Router, Plex Media Server and NAS box

    2. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling the Plex App on my Roku Box

    3. The Roku box diagnostics say I have an internet connection so I presume the ethernet and WiFi are functional but the Roku box disagrees. I also have a HUMAX box connected to my home network. It finds the NAS Box and the movie files on it although it simply sees them as a media share but it does see them. The Roku box on the same network does not.

    4. I can access the NAS media server from my PC and play media on my PC. The Plex home page displays my home movie collection exactly how it used to on my TV

    5. On my PC the network app shows the Roku Box and my NAS box as devices on my home network

    If anyone else has experienced this kind of issue recently would like to know if you fixed it and how

  • EMT_Hawk's avatar
    EMT_Hawk
    Reel Rookie
    2 years ago

    I have a fresh-from-box Ultra.  I have connected it to my cable with nothing between the device and the cable box.  On boot, I am able to connect the controller, and select language.

    It is "unable to find Ethernet."  Error 013.50

    I have tested this with multiple cables.  Same error.

    This is the second Ultra that I have purchased to do this with.  Same error.  Wifi works fine.

    The location I am installing this does not have wifi, or I would be using that, rather than attempting to use a cable.

    • RokuEuniceL's avatar
      RokuEuniceL
      Retired Moderator
      2 years ago

      Hi EMT_Hawk,

      Greetings from the Roku Community!

      We appreciate you letting us know about your problem connecting your Roku Ultra to the network. We'll be glad to assist. Please be advised that error codes 012 and 013 are caused by Ethernet cable issues.

      Try the following tips to fix ethernet cable errors on your Roku streaming device:

      • Unplug the Ethernet cable from your streaming device and router, and then plug it back in. You can also restart the router.
      • Try a different Ethernet cable.
      • Switch to a Wi-Fi connection instead.
      • Try a mobile hotspot using cellular data.

      For more details, you can check out this support article on how to fix internet errors and issues on your Roku streaming device. We hope this helps.

      Kind regards,                                                                                                                                        Eunice

      • EMT_Hawk's avatar
        EMT_Hawk
        Reel Rookie
        2 years ago

        Is there a "known good" brand cable?

        I have tested 3 cables on this device.

        • Unplug the Ethernet cable from your streaming device and router, and then plug it back in. You can also restart the router.

          Did this, no changes.  Multiple times.  Confirmed that the modem was working correctly, with the Provider.  Did this each time I changed network patch cables.

        • Try a different Ethernet cable.

          Tried three.  Each cable worked on my computer, I was able to ping Google.  Part of my job is in a server room, and I have a cable tester as part of my toolkit.  Each cable tested just fine.

        • Switch to a Wi-Fi connection instead.

          If I had a wi-fi connection, why would I be trying to connect my Roku via an ethernet cable?

        • Try a mobile hotspot using cellular data.

          I am using this in a known-good network environment.  Wi Fi is just not an option.

        This is the *second* Roku Ultra that I have had this problem with.  The first one I worked with the Roku Tech support on the phone, and they told me that I should go buy a new Roku Ultra.

         

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

      EMT_Hawk 

      Do you mind starting from the beginning again?  Not sure if missing something.  Seeing some info like "wifi works fine", but then "location does not have wifi".  Also, "nothing between device and cable box", and use of term "patch cables".

      If we can nail down some terminology (just to make sure we are both speaking same language and referring to same pieces of individual equipment).

      1. What is your actual setup?  Do you have a seperate cable modem and an additional router, or is this a cable modem with ethernet/LAN ports on the back (combination modem and router in single unit).  Model number of the device(s) would be helpful.  I am assuming you did not mean that you are trying to connect the Roku device to the back of a cable TV box. (if so, that connection will not work.  Those ethernet ports are generally for diagnostics and not internet/network data transfer).

      2. Are the patch cables you are using just standard 5/6 straight ethernet cables?  If so, since you have access to some network equipment, are you able to try using a "crossover cable" or at least a cross-over adapter on one end of the cable. (may be able to help isolate if there is an issue with your hardware.  There is a possibility that there may be an issue with the MDIX function of your modem/router).  Not high on the list, but still a possibility.  As for your question regarding any known good brand cables, I have used cheap $ store ethernet cables to 20yr old hand-made ethernet cables I have lying around and they all work fine with the Roku devices. (RokuTV and Ultra).

      3. Is it possible to take the Ultra to another location to test the ethernet capability?  Or at least swap out the modem or router you are trying to connect it to.  At a minimum, are you able to test the LAN port of the modem/router, as opposed to testing the cable? (since the cables already seem to be working with other devices).  And you are sure you are plugging the ethernet cable into the LAN port and not the WAN port of your modem/router?

      ----

      The above would be where I would start in diagnosing.  I can't see two Ultras being defective regarding their ethernet capability, so need to explore the network hardware and setup as initial culprits.

      • EMT_Hawk's avatar
        EMT_Hawk
        Reel Rookie
        2 years ago

        I do network support for a living.

        Do you mind starting from the beginning again?  Not sure if missing something.  Seeing some info like "wifi works fine", but then "location does not have wifi".  Also, "nothing between device and cable box", and use of term "patch cables".

        If we can nail down some terminology (just to make sure we are both speaking same language and referring to same pieces of individual equipment).

        Wifi works fine:  I had the device at home, where I have wifi and set it up.  Brought it to the site and connected it with known good network cables, and it would not connect.  Did this with both modems.

        Known good network cables:  all the cables were connected to the single network jack on the modem, and to a computer.  All the cables provided network connectivity between the computer and the modem.

        Patch cables:  Cables used to connect network items, going from switch to switch.  Because you ask this later, all my crossover cables are bright red, so they can be *easily* identified.


        1. What is your actual setup?  Do you have a seperate cable modem and an additional router, or is this a cable modem with ethernet/LAN ports on the back (combination modem and router in single unit).  Model number of the device(s) would be helpful.  I am assuming you did not mean that you are trying to connect the Roku device to the back of a cable TV box. (if so, that connection will not work.  Those ethernet ports are generally for diagnostics and not internet/network data transfer).

        It is a cable modem, with no router, and it has one network jack on the back of it.  It is provided by Spectrum.  Person who owns this did not want to have wifi in his house.  There is no cable TV box, only a modem.  That's why he wants a Roku, to replace the cable TV, since he is paying $150 a month for TV.  I have already had a conversation with Spectrum, and they state that their modem is working correctly, and I have zero evidence that there is a problem with the modem, other than the Roku.


        2. Are the patch cables you are using just standard 5/6 straight ethernet cables?  If so, since you have access to some network equipment, are you able to try using a "crossover cable" or at least a cross-over adapter on one end of the cable. (may be able to help isolate if there is an issue with your hardware.  There is a possibility that there may be an issue with the MDIX function of your modem/router).  Not high on the list, but still a possibility.  As for your question regarding any known good brand cables, I have used cheap $ store ethernet cables to 20yr old hand-made ethernet cables I have lying around and they all work fine with the Roku devices. (RokuTV and Ultra).

        addressed above.

        3. Is it possible to take the Ultra to another location to test the ethernet capability?  Or at least swap out the modem or router you are trying to connect it to.  At a minimum, are you able to test the LAN port of the modem/router, as opposed to testing the cable? (since the cables already seem to be working with other devices).  And you are sure you are plugging the ethernet cable into the LAN port and not the WAN port of your modem/router?

        I have ONE network jack on the modem.  it works with the computer.  The cables work with the computer.  The Roku is the only thing that I have plugged in to that, and not worked.  For two Rokus.

        Hawk