Wi-Fi & connectivity

[T_monaco]

My Roku Express won't connect to wifi.  I've unplugged and reset the router and done the same for the Roku.  I cleared the network settings from the Roku and re-entered my info, still won't connect.  Appreciate any info!

[LunaRosesDad]

All 4 of mine did the same today, tv cell, computer all work wifi is running tried everything. Reset SSID, Factory Reset, Disabled Pings. Works with cellphone hotspot. No solution for no Wi-Fi connection though if anyone else has an idea let me know please. 

[atc98092]

Is your router controlled by your ISP (cable company)? If so, they might have made a change that impacts Roku connections. The Roku Express only works on the 2.4 GHz band, and some ISPs have been disabling that radio for some reason. So the first thing to check is to make sure it's on.

The next thing to check is the channel being used. Most routers are set to "Auto" by default, and they choose what they feel is the best channel for the environment. However, in the 2.4 GHz band there are 14 channels available, but Roku will only work on Channels 1 through 11. This is because channels, 12, 13 and 14 and not permitted in some regions, so Roku can't use them. Make sure your router is using channel 1, 6 or 11, as those are the only three that don't overlap their signals.

Finally, some ISPs have changed the 2.4 radio settings to only use the 802.11 G and N protocols. For some inexplicable reason, Roku devices have problems connecting when those are the only two available. Ensure that 802.11 B/G/N are enabled. In some cases, there might be a box labeled "legacy", and that is what .11B is, so that might need checking.

If you are uncomfortable digging into these settings, your ISP should be able to help you there.

[T_monaco]

Dan,

Thank you for the information, most appreciated!  I just got off of the phone with my ISP and the situation has been fixed.  A few more router/Roku restarts and the WPS button apparently did the trick.

Thank you again!

[Eliza_Gri]

Hi there, I read your post, and am confused. My Express is in the living room….next to our modem. Our Roku stick is in our bedroom, about 150 feet from the modem, but doesn’t present the same problem. I can watch streaming in there. I’d think the stick would give us problems since it’s further away, but it hasn’t. Why does that recognize the WiFi, but the Express doesn’t? 

[atc98092]

The Roku Stick is dual band, while the Express is single band. If you have a dual band router, the Stick is likely connecting to 5 GHz, while the Express only supports 2.4 GHz. See the comments about some ISPs changing settings without advising you. On 5 GHz, your Stick doesn't see the same interference signals that might be on 2.4 GHz. That's why I still suggest changing the channel on your 2.4 GHz radio, and ensuring all three wireless protocols are enabled (802.11b/g/n) on that radio.