Wi-Fi & connectivity

[Bullwinkle68]

I’ve used Roku for many years.  Seems like every couple of years they die and I have to replace them.  I never had issues with the older models but I think the newer ones have issues. Just replaced one that quit working. Got the Ultra LT model.  
Problem 1) Icons on main menu showed as empty boxes without any picture inside. Connected to the channels but couldn’t read the tiny print above them. Exchanged it for same model and had same problem. It resolved itself after a few hours. 
Problem 2) Same issue you have with Wi-fi disconnecting.  My other devices stay connected so it’s not the router.  
When I turn on the tv, it says no signal.  Pressing the home button several times seems to reconnect to wi-fi so far.  It also drops connection when I pause the program for a few minutes.  
Problem 3) Photo Stream works intermittently. When it doesn’t work, I get the Roku name scrolling on the screen as screensaver.  
Seems to me that every time they “improve it” they create new problems.  The old Roku worked fine.  
They need to learn from the old adage. 
If it works, DON’T FIX IT !!!!!

[Sweedio]

I feel for you, Bullwinke68. What ever happened to the tried and true K.I.S.S adage? Keep it simple stupid which goes hand in hand with if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There is a lot to be said for simplicity. I have finally mostly solved my connectivity issue, although there are still fairly regular glitches that I think might be app crashes. But who knows? There isn’t  much intelligible feedback from the Roku device. Just standard software/hardware finger pointing type reboot/power cycle kinds of suggestions. Coming from the software development world, I have seen this kind of standard solution set to computer software and hardware issues become very pervasive. I live in fear of most software “upgrades” any more. Grin and bear it!

[renojim]

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@Bullwinkle68 wrote:

When I turn on the tv, it says no signal.  Pressing the home button several times...

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I can only comment on this one.  "No signal" displayed on your TV has nothing to do with the Wi-Fi connection.  It means the TV isn't receiving a signal from the Roku device.  Newer models have a "power saving" option.  That's what this sounds like.  When it goes into "power saving", it shuts off the signal to the TV.  Pressing Home (or any other non-TV control) button should wake it.  You can find the setting under Settings->System->Power.

[Bullwinkle68]

It’s June 2024, over a year since your post.. My newly purchased $80 Roku Ultra has the SAME issue. I exchanged it for the same model which also has the same problem.  After getting the same response from support, I initiated a chat with support. FINALLY the person admitted that it was a software problem.  Said it would be escalated to priority status and I’d receive an email to let me know when it was fixed and thanks for my patience. This problem was reported OVER A YEAR AGO, and still persists. I’m supposed to wait an indefinite period of time until it gets fixed while the Roku made my TV unless.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve re booted it.  
It’s a shame because I had Roku streamers since they first came out.  They were GREAT !  Now, they have become garbage due to glitches in the software that Roku hasn’t properly addressed.  Instead, they send form letters by email, and ask for your patience without an end in sight. I don’t blame them for the bad software that caused this but I blame them for not fixing the problem in a timely manner.  I’ll keep using the Roku I have that works until it doesn’t, then replace it with another brand streamer. As for the new Ultra that keeps disconnecting, it being returned for refund and I’m getting the Apple or Firestick. I’m very disappointed that Roku customer service leaves a lot to be desired.   I’ve used and enjoyed Roku for years with no problems   It’s a shame they think they can give bad service as their once monopoly in the market now has many competitors.  Goodbye Roku !

[Bullwinkle68]

Sweedio:

I hear you.  It happens with all high tech electronics and usually it’s the “update” that causes problems.  LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE ! Unfortunately, Roku doesn’t give the user the ability to disable automatic updates.  Computers, tablets and cell phones do but not Roku. I can see on this forum that the problem was reported over a year ago ! I’ve gotten canned emails and messages that are just to appease my anger at their lack of responsibility to fix things in a timely manner.  I’m moving towards the Apple or Firestick.  Really a shame as I have had Roku since it first came out.  They were great.  Now that there is competition they need to get their act together or they will lose their market share.  I’m not willing to pay $80  to wait for an indefinite period of time until they do the right thing and fix it. This Roku has made my TV  useless.  Good luck with your ROKU 

[RokuJohnB]

Hi @Bullwinkle68,

Thank you for keeping us posted!

We have sent you a private message here in the Roku Community. Please check your inbox.

Thanks,
John

[CesarMeza]

I have the same problem, my roku won't connect to my Wi-Fi unless I reboot my modem. It's every time I try to watch tv. It's infuriating. 

[RokuJechealR · Accepted solution]

Hi @CesarMeza

Welcome to the Roku Community!

We understand you're having connectivity issues with your Roku TV, and we appreciate the steps you took to resolve the issue.

For this matter, we're glad to let you know that performing a Factory Reset on your Roku TV may resolve the issue you are experiencing.

You can follow the steps below to perform a factory reset from the Roku device settings:

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Scroll up or down and select Settings.
3. Select System
4. Select Advanced system settings.
5. Select Factory reset
6. Select Factory, reset everything, and follow the on-screen instructions.

You may also use the physical button on your Roku TV. It is located on the back or bottom of your device, and the physical Reset button is either tactile or has a pinhole design that requires a straightened paperclip. It will appear similar to one of the following:

Once you locate the Reset button and your Roku device is powered on, press and hold the button firmly for about 10 seconds. When the factory reset is complete, an indicator light or status LED will blink rapidly on most Roku devices.

After a successful factory reset, your Roku device will restart in the same state as a factory-new device.

For more detailed information, visit our Support article on Factory resetting a Roku streaming device.

We hope this helps! Let us know if you still have any questions.

All the best,
Chel