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Having Roku connectivity problems? Get the help and troubleshooting tips you need for Roku wireless connection issues, ethernet connections, and more.
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kimberly3
Newbie
‎07-14-2021 06:53 AM

USING DATA WHILE NOT IN USE

I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.  

DOES THE ROKU PULL YOUR DATA WHILE IT IS NOT IN USE BUT STILL PLUGGED IN?  SHOULD I UNPLUG MY ROKU WHEN I AM NOT USING IT SO IT DOESNT RUN AND USE UP MY DATA?  

AND SECOND WHEN I STREAM DISNEY THROUGH MY ROKU IT CONSTANTLY BUFFERS IS THIS NORMAL OR POSSIBLY MY WIFI CONNECTION?

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3 REPLIES 3
RokuMary-F
Retired Moderator
‎07-14-2021 08:04 AM

Re: USING DATA WHILE NOT IN USE

Hi @kimberly3,

Thanks for posting in the Roku Community!

What Roku model device are you using?

Please be noted that Roku streaming players are low-power devices that are designed to remain on and connected to the internet. A permanent internet connection is recommended.

For full information on this, you can take a look at this link:  Do I need a high-speed internet connection? | Official Roku Support 

Hope you'll find this info useful. Let us know in case you've still got any questions.

Regards,

Mary

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makaiguy
Community Streaming Expert
‎07-14-2021 11:33 AM

Re: USING DATA WHILE NOT IN USE

@kimberly3 wrote:

... 

DOES THE ROKU PULL YOUR DATA WHILE IT IS NOT IN USE BUT STILL PLUGGED IN?  SHOULD I UNPLUG MY ROKU WHEN I AM NOT USING IT SO IT DOESNT RUN AND USE UP MY DATA?  

...

If you just turn off your tv while your attached Roku device is streaming something, it will continue to stream unwatched.

Get in the habit of returning to the Roku home screen when you are done watching Roku-streamed content.

In addition you can turn on the Roku bandwidth saver.  If it goes 4 hours with no input from you it will ask if you are still watching. If you don't reply it will then stop the current stream and return to the home screen. You can turn this feature on and off via Settings > Network > Bandwidth saver.

 

Roku Community Streaming Expert
I am not a Roku employee, only a user like you.  Please, no support questions via private message -- post them publicly to the Community where others may benefit as well.
If this post solves your problem please help others find this answer by clicking "Accept as Solution.".

Streaming Stick 4K+ 3821 | Streaming Stick+ 3810 | TCL Roku TV 43S245/C107X
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MilesT
Roku Guru
‎07-14-2021 12:04 PM

Re: USING DATA WHILE NOT IN USE

Yes it will. If you have a data cap or pay per GB then you may want to unplug/power down, at least monitor it.

Buffering may be WiFi or ISP problem, especially if you use 4g cell based data connection or similar (based on your first question). Roku WiFi hardware isn't the strongest in all devices. Some do allow use of a hardwire connection via an external commodity dongle and may need a USB hub, do an online search. This may help to make a connection direct to router.

Not a Roku employee
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