Wi-Fi & connectivity

[AESBP]

As referenced in title, also causing poor TV clarity.  BTW, Roku chat system is horrible.  Waited for 45 minutes without receiving help.  Also, I can’t find a phone number to call?!?!  I’ve got Verizon 5G WiFi.  I spent time with their support service and they determined my WiFi connection was strong.  I also couldn’t fix the buffering issue by reseting the Roku device and after following the Roku directions on my TV screen.

Advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks 

[Anonymous]

@AESBP 

If it was me, first thing I'd do is see what connection speed the ROKU is getting. On your home screen menu click settings>network>check connection. That will show you "internet download speed". If your ROKU is connected wired, it should be around 92-93 Mbps. From what I heard here Wireless will be at most around 230 Mbps. If the wireless speed is really low, it could mean the wireless connection to you ROKU has a problem. Could be a weak signal. Also could mean you are sending WIFI to your ROKU overloaded wireless channel, can happen if lots of folks around you using WIFI. If your connection speed is below 25-30 Mbps, that could cause buffering and poor picture quality.

[AESBP]

Thanks so much for the reply.  You’re right.  My internet download speed is poor (<1 Mbps).  I’m searching but can’t find instructions on how to fix this???

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks 

[RokuJohnB]

Hi @AESBP,

Greetings from the Roku Community, and thanks for keeping us posted!

If you experience poor video quality video or rebuffering on a regular basis across multiple streaming channels it may be due to a slow network caused by a poor wireless signal, issues with your router, or the quality of your internet service. Review the tips for improving the wireless connection to your Roku device.

We hope this helps.

Kind regards,
John

[AESBP]

Thanks for the reply.  Yes, that was my first thought, and first call.  I have Verizon 5G and spoke with them.  They researched the matter and determined all was well on there side.  

Uggghhhh….

[RokuJechealR]

Hi @AESBP,

Thanks for the response.

We are interested in learning more about the problem you are experiencing. Can you please refer to the following questions to help us to assist you further:

• What Roku device are you using right now that has an issue? (e.g., Roku Express, Roku Streambar, Roku TV—specify TV.)
• Does your buffering happen on a specific channel or all the channels installed on your Roku device?
• Have you tried connecting your Roku device to an alternative wireless connection, such as a mobile hotspot, to see if you are still experiencing the same issue?

Feel free to keep us posted, and we'll continue assisting you from there.

All the best,
Chel

[DavidV]

I have frequent buffering while watching BritBox and Acorn TV. The programs simply stop streaming and I have to exit the channel and re-enter. That doesn't prevent it buffering again. I have cable with 400+ mbps download speed through the router, but Roku shows my download speed as only 44 mbps. Why is Roku not streaming at the speed my router is transmitting?

[RokuArjiemar · Accepted solution]

Hello! @DavidV,

Thank you for posting in the Roku Community!

Thank you for contacting us regarding the buffering issue you're experiencing with your Roku device and the slow streaming speed compared to your router's performance. We're happy to help.

A Roku device may not stream at the same speed as your router transmits due to several factors. These can include poor Wi-Fi signal strength caused by distance, physical obstructions, network congestion, outdated router technology, or the Roku device's limitations in utilizing the available bandwidth. Essentially, even if your router sends a strong signal, the Roku may not receive it at full strength because of various environmental factors.

A network reset is helpful if you experience issues with multiple streaming channels.

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote 
2. Scroll and select Settings
3. Select Advanced System settings
4. Select Network connection reset
5. Select Reset connection

After the network reset is done, your Roku device will restart, and you will need to return to the settings menu and set up your wireless network again.

Please check it here: How to improve your Roku streaming device's Wi-Fi or wireless internet connection.

Thanks,
Arjiemar

[DavidV]

I followed your instructions for resetting the network connection and my download speed improved from 44mbps to 100mbps. We should see the effects when watching our programs tonight. Interestingly, the 44mbps was tagged "Excellent," while the 100mbps was tagged as "Good." Final question... we got our Roku streaming stick about 5 years ago. Would a newer streaming stick have a higher streaming download speed?

[RokuArjiemar · Accepted solution]

@DavidV,

Thanks for the question,

Absolutely! Newer Roku streaming sticks are usually quicker than the older models. They come with better processors, more RAM, and upgraded Wi-Fi, so you’ll enjoy smoother streaming and faster loading times. The redesigned long-range Wi-Fi receiver is super-charged with up to 2x the speed.

Thanks,
Arjiemar