Discussions

[Mrsmarttv]

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! 

[AvsGunnar]

@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]

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]

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.

[RickyRichard]

I finally figured it out! Take the back cover off the Roku TV. Locate the cable running from the main board to the WiFi module. Detach said cable. Everything works great, and there is no Roku WiFi interference on my home network.

Keep in mind that if you run the TV without a network connection, the front panel LED will blink twice every few seconds. There are three ways to prevent this. Remove the LED light from the TV. Connect to the internet using a wired Ethernet cable. Or, do a factory reset, and configure the TV without network access. I did the later.  A $20 ONN Google TV 4K now supports the streaming needs of the TV.

[AvsGunnar]

@RickyRichard 

I personally would have just let the RokuTV be and still used the Onn device in the HDMI. (can just configure in RokuTV Settings to always start up on the Onn HDMI port).

Some have complained about the interference the Roku AP creates.  As such, users are certainly free to do whatever they want to do to their networks. (and to their owned devices in my opinion.)

However, some users find it useful to have multiple streaming devices/platforms available to them in case an issue arises with one of them.

My alternative platform is the manner in which I have my laptops configured (when I am not using Roku), but if I actually needed another device, the Onn would likely be my choice. (even though I am no Google fan).  Users seem very pleased with them. 

[RickyRichard]

@AvsGunnar 

I agree that it desirable to have a backup streaming device. Unfortunately, the Rokus in my house have not been working well lately. I had stuttering and buffering issues with YouTube, random crashes on Netflix, and slow load times with Prime and Max. And this was all happening with an excellent wired and/or wireless network. I also purchased a Tablo OTA streaming device, and the associate app is much better with Google TV. Combined with the WiFi issues and the strange idiosyncrasies of the OS, it was time to move on to a new streaming device. But I have enjoyed my time with the Rokus over the past six years. I just don't want to deal with any potential issues that may arise in their next update, especially since my TVs are getting older, and the Roku software becomes more resource hungry with every iteration.

The onn Google TV has been excellent, and integrates so well with the TCL TV that I no longer need to use the Roku remote, unless I want to adjust the picture settings.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts.

[StreamerP]

I just disconnected the WiFi module on the TV without a network connection. This was a TCL 43S433, and only involved removing 9 screws to get the top cover off the back. The other TV (TCL 50S435) uses WiFi and a Roku account, so I will have to live with the hidden access point unless there is another solution.