Forum Discussion

Mrsmarttv's avatar
Mrsmarttv
Newbie
2 years ago

Tv broadcasting a WiFi access point despite device connect being disabled

At random times I have a wireless network available on all of my devices called DIRECT- roku-xxx-xxxx, 

On my tv,  I have gone into advanced settings and made sure device connect is disabled. 

Despite device connect being disabled, my TV is still broadcasting a WiFi access point called Direct-roku.

I know it’s my tv broadcasting this because the network disappears when I unplug the tv. 

I can also enable device connect and disable it again and the access point will go away sometimes. 

 I can turn the tv on and there will not be an available access point called Direct-roku, but hours later, randomly the tv starts broadcasting a wireless network called Direct-roku. 

Roku customer service tried to tell me it’s a neighbors wifi, or my wifi is named roku and I’m just confusing it, but I know my network names and I know it’s not a neighbors because the network disappears when I unplug the tv, this confirming it’s being broadcasted from my tv. 

I don’t like devices that don’t fully shut down and randomly broadcast wifi networks!

 So unless someone can enlighten me, I’m returning this thing! 

7 Replies

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

    Mrsmarttv 

    DIRECT- roku-xxx-xxxx is an encrypted, private network for Roku peripherals (like Roku Voice/RF remotes) to communicate with the Roku devices.  Also used when connecting in dorm/hotel mode.  

    Kind of like a Roomba vacuum.  The base station has a private network for the vaccum to do its thing and communicate with the base.

    • RickyRichard's avatar
      RickyRichard
      Binge Watcher
      2 years ago

      I am having the same issue with three different TCL Roku TVs. I have disabled the "Device connect" option under the "Advanced system settings", but each of them still randomly generates its own hidden access point. I have verified this using the Ubiquiti WiFiman android app as well as the Speed Test WiFi Analyzer by analiti.

      I also disabled the Apple Air Play app, Screen Mirroring, and Control by Mobile Apps. I have tried doing a factory reset without setting up network access. I have also setup the TVs with an account, and then unlinked the account. I have tried a wired Ethernet connection as well as a WiFi network connection. In each case, the TVs always randomly generate a WiFi access point. I have also disabled the auto-pairing option under the secret Remote Menu. Nothing seems to work.

      • StreamerP's avatar
        StreamerP
        Streaming Star
        2 years ago

        Me too. I have one Roku TV setup as a dumb TV, with no network connection or Roku functionality. In this mode, there is no Device Connect option in the menu system. It's running a hidden access point on channel 36 (20 MHz bandwidth). The other Roku TV is setup with a WiFi connection and Roku functionality, but with Device Connect disabled. It's running a hidden access point on channel 149 (20 MHz bandwidth). It's IP address is also is listed as an access point on my device discovery listing.