Wi-Fi & connectivity

[Makmak]

All devices in my home connect seamlessly to my wifi through a single point EERO Pro Router.  But the ROKU does not.  95% of the time it cannot see either the main wifi network or the guest wifi network.  I have to plug and unplug the ROKU Streaming Stick 3810 multiple times. Sometimes, it will eventually find it and connect, most times, it won't.  This has been going on since October '24.  I have turned off the Wifi 6 settings on the EERO. I have turned off the Wifi of the many other devices in my house so they are using 5G or ethernet only.  The distance to the router isn't an issue -- as the ROKU does work without issues --occasionally.  No idea what to do other than buy a different brand streaming device.

[AvsGunnar]

@Makmak 

Been awhile since I dug into the Eero routers, but they used to enable DFS channels (dynamic frequency) automatically and did not have a disable feature.

The Roku Streaming Stick 3810 cannot use DFS channels so you must the non-DFS channels (36-48, 149-165) when on the 5ghz band.

The 3810 can use both the 2.4ghz and 5ghz band (5ghz when on AC mode, not on the AX/wifi6 mode).

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With the above brief explanation/premise, it sounds like when the Eero router is using a DFS channel, the 3810 cannot find it/disconnects (since DFS is not supported with this model), and is having trouble connecting to the alternate 2.4ghz band (verify that you have the 2.4ghz enabled so the Roku device has something to connect to).

If you want to/have to use DFS and 5ghz, then you can purchase one of the newer Roku devices that do support DFS.  You can use this Support article https://support.roku.com/article/21332729601687 to see the supported and non-supported devices.  If you like the Streaming Stick models, then you will need the 3820.

If you want to use wifi6 and DFS, then you may want to consider the Roku Ultra 4850.

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Feel free to post back with the actual model number of the Eero router if you are still having issues or need additional help.

[Makmak]

Thanks. So, i tried turning off 5ghz channel (EERO let’s you turn it for 30 mins before it kicks back on——and, separately the EERO guest network will only run on 2.4 ghz) and even trying either of those methods — the  ROKU cannot see the either of the wifi networks (either the primary running at 2.4 ghz or the guest network — I also disabled wifi 6).  I also tried choosing “private network” and typing in the SSID and Password manually, but it still won't connect and acknowledge they exist.  

Of the less expensive Roku’s — which ones would be worth trying — i’m not up to buy an ultra — especially if this problem is going to continue… Doesn’t have to be a streaming stick. Could do the express if that works...  

[Makmak]

The EERO router is eero Pro 6e

[AvsGunnar]

@Makmak 

Although the new Express 3960 (HD) does have the dual-band (2.4ghz and 5ghz) with DFS support, the next model up Express 4k+ 3941 is the model I would go with.  Comes with better hardware, memory, and a Voice Remote.

The 3960 is on sale for $18, while the 3941 is on sale for $25 so for the extra $7 well worth it.

https://www.roku.com/products/players

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Normally, these devices can be found in stores for the same price when Roku runs a sale (Walmart, Best Buy, etc)  Am seeing it at Best Buy right now for same price.  Just makes returns a little easier when can buy in a physical store, in my opinion.

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In regards to your issue, the LRWR (long-range wireless receiver) could also be having an issue/failure.  They no longer make this proprietary cable available for the 3810 (which is another reason I do not like the stick models).

Just to rule out a LRWR cable issue, try connecting to a mobile hotspot on your phone (if available to you).  If connects to the mobile hotspot and streams fine, then the hardware is still working and the issue rests between the Stick and the Eero. (we can then look at some settings to confirm some things).

However, I think for $25, I would just pick up the newer Express 4k+ 3941 and see if that makes your life easier.

Feel free to post update.

[Makmak]

@AvsGunnar Thank you. I’ll try the 4k Express - 3941. I looked at the Ultra, but saw a higher number of complaints with the 2024 model than the lower models.  Also saw some Ultra LT for sale, but if the Express 4k+ works —then I’ll be happy. Thanks, gonna get one ASAP.

[AvsGunnar]

@Makmak 

Other than the faster speed of the Ultra devices (and some additional 4k format features), I like the versatility of the Express 4k+ 3941. 

With the newer hardware of the 3941, you can even add a compatible ethernet adapter or an OTG ethernet adapter that you can use with USB drives/thumb drives to play your own media and have many of the Ultra features. (ethernet capability and built-in USB port).

I have a couple 3941 devices in my setup and am pleased with them/no complaints.

Feel free to keep us posted.  👍

[Makmak]

@AvsGunnar got the 4k Express - 3941r2 (or something like that).  Seems to be working upon initial setup. Both with primary and with guest networks.  Thank you!

[atc98092]

Just a general comment in case someone else reviews this thread looking for possible answers. On 2.4GHz Roku again has some channel limitations. There are 14 channels available on 2.4GHz, but the Roku can only see and use channels 1-11. It can't see 12, 13 or 14. If the router has auto-assigned one of these channels, the Roku will not see 2.4GHz at all. It's the same as mentioned above about the DFS channels on 5GHz, although the latest Roku players can now use DFS channels.

The best thing to do is to assign the channels used in your WiFi router manually, not letting the router assign them itself. For 2.4GHz, use channel 1, 6 or 11, as these are the only three that don't overlap. For 5GHz, use the channels listed earlier in this thread for the non-DFS channels.