Wi-Fi & connectivity

[Id423]

My hotspot was working perfectly fine before on the roku and now it won’t connect. It connects to other devices so it’s not the hotspot it’s the roku

[RokuDanny-R]

Hi,

Thanks for letting us know about the issue that you are experiencing.

In general, we don't recommend using mobile hotspots to connect a Roku device. 

You can see more tips for troubleshooting a wireless network connection outlined here: https://support.roku.com/article/208755728-what-should-i-do-if-i-cannot-connect-to-my-home-network-o...

Thanks,
Danny

[Kroninn]

Yeah, well, I guess my two Rokus will go in the garbage and be replaced with a competitor that will.  Roku used to connect to my hotspot.  Even my Xbox does.  It doesnt seem like a technology problem but. Some other reason.  That must be why Jeff Bezos has all the market share.  He creates things people want.  I hope all do the same.  Here's some advice,  make and maintain product flexibility or you will end up in the trash heap of failed tech companies.

[knisical]

I'm having hotspot issues as well. The Roku express won't even show my hotspots as available networks. Tried from my iPhone, iPad, and from my vehicle hotspot. It notices and connects to my home network without issues. From reading multiple posts online, this seems to be something that was done around Aug/Sept 2020, as there are a bunch of reports at that time of "failing to connect to hotspot" despite previously being able to connect. 

Unfortunately, as Roku responded that they do not recommend hotspots, I'll go back to my FireStick which had no issues. I was hoping for the Roku because it was easier to airplay.

At the very least, if Roku recommends against hotspot use, it should clarify if they actually prevent hotspots (Roku imposing their discretion), or whether they simply don't recommend them due to data caps (customer's discretion).

[renojim]

Make sure you're using a 2.4GHz hotspot and not 5GHz.

[knisical]

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@renojim wrote:

Make sure you're using a 2.4GHz hotspot and not 5GHz.

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You're right! Thats the issue! Thank you.

[raymond38]

Are you saying If I have a 5G phone, It won't connect? I have a ROKU 3920X and It works fine from My home wifi but I went camping and trying to use my phone as a hot spot and It wouldn't connect. It shows My phone when I scan for networks but I click on It, not having to use a password, and It won't connect. Just the red x says can't connect. Anybody know why?

[Strega]

The 5G cellphone networking standard (which means 5th generation) has nothing to do with the 5GHz (5 gigahertz) Wi-Fi frequency band.  They are just coincidentally very similar-sounding.

[renojim]

@raymond38, your 3920 only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so ensure your phone's hotspot is configured to use 2.4GHz and a channel from 1 to 11.  I believe your phone's hotspot wouldn't show up if it wasn't already configured that way, but it doesn't hurt to check.

[raymond38]

I got It resolved by calling Verizion again. The first time they told me It was on Roku. The second time the representative worked with me to change the password and restart Roku and was able to connect.