Wi-Fi & connectivity

[mtclemons]

The streaming stick saves known networks and passwords, yet it still requires you to manually connect using the physical remote. Now, the streaming stick is meant to be mobile, so it’d be easy to think the remote could sometimes get left behind, and if that happens, you’re screwed. You cannot connect your streaming stick to WiFi without a physical remote. My laptop, iPad, iPhone, etc, all connect to know networks automatically, so why not the Roku streaming stick? This could hardly be an overlooked issue. Is it to make people buy more remotes when they leave theirs behind somewhere? I can understand the need for the physical remote the first time connecting to a network, but if it’s already saving your passwords, why not just auto-connect when the stick is plugged in? Then, if you did leave your remote at some other location, you could still at least use the Roku app as a remote on your iPhone/pad, and still watch tv. The technology, I’m sure, is out there and could be fixed in a software update. So why don’t they?

[Rizwan86]

Yes, it can be frustrating when a streaming stick doesn’t auto-connect to known WiFi networks. It’s a feature that would definitely enhance convenience. You might want to check if there are any firmware updates available for your device, as they sometimes address connectivity issues. Additionally, resetting your network settings or the streaming stick itself could help. If the problem persists, contacting the manufacturer’s support might provide a solution.

[atc98092]

No Roku device will auto connect to any WiFi network other than the one most recently connected. Yes, it is annoying that it might have the credentials saved for other networks but won't connect without user input. But I can also see an advantage for when one is traveling and it auto-connects to a hotel WiFi before you're ready to provide the authentication credentials. But other than when traveling, the need to connect to a network other than the one most recently used is something rarely needed. 

[mtclemons]

Dan, thanks for your input but I disagree with your last statement. Every week I’m going back and forth between two houses and sometimes I forget to take the remote with me, so to say connecting to a network other than the last one needed is rare is, in fact, wrong. Also, unless you’re always staying at the same hotel and the same room (because hotel WiFi passwords are generally a variation of your room number), I don’t see the idea of your Roku connecting too soon as a problem. But thanks. 

[atc98092]

You certainly have a unique use case, and yes it would be useful if the Roku would reconnect on a known network in that scenario. And particularly with a Roku Stick, you must have an official Roku remote to make the connection, since the Stick doesn't work with a generic IR remote. The simplest suggestion I could make is to leave a remote at the second home so you don't need to be concerned with remembering to take it with you. It is possible to pair more than one RF remote to the same device.

My hotel scenario isn't because of it connecting because of stored room numbers. That isn't the case, as you generally need to log into a web page to enter your room information. That information isn't stored on the Roku. The issue is that the Hotel/Dorm function is only available for a limited time once it connects to the network, and if you're not prepared to connect your phone/computer to the Roku to get to the login page, it's a hassle to get back to that screen.