Wi-Fi & connectivity

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libbyrv
Reel Rookie

Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

Hey there. I recently got a Roku LE (I think it's similar to the Roku Express, sold at Walmart) and have been going crazy trying to solve this connectivity issue. First of all, I live at an apartment complex that uses Spectrum Community Wifi, *BUT* I also use a travel router from GL.iNet that allows me to connect devices specifically to 5 or 2.4GHz along with a whole bunch more settings. I thought this would fix the issue but despite connecting to the 2.4GHz wifi, it's still doing the same thing.

Basically, if I reset the connection on the Roku, everything looks great and I can access all the apps, etc. After like 1 minute, I get a few errors including "Search requires a network connection. Please check your network connection and try again". And if I click on Netflix for instance, it says "Not connected to the Internet. Your Roku player is currently not connected..." and I basically have to manually select "Proceed anyway" and it works fine. Even if I go to settings and Check Connection, it says everything is connected and accessing the internet. 

It really comes down to an annoyance more than anything, but super frustrating since I should meet the requirements to get this thing working as it should. Am I missing something? Thank you!

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6 REPLIES 6
RokuJanadeeK
Retired Moderator

Re: Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

Hi @libbyrv,

A warm welcome, and thank you for posting here at the Roku Community!
We understand you're having a problem with your Roku device that keeps disconnecting from the internet. We would be more than happy to look further into this issue, but we will need more details.

  • Instead of rebooting the Roku device, have you tried to reboot your wireless network to see if that worked?
  • Have you tried checking the connection strength on your network via Roku? To do this, go to Settings > Network > About.
  • Aside from your travel router, do you have cellular data, so we can try connecting your device to your hotspot? Try to see if there will be a difference.
  • Do you see an error code on the screen?

With further details, we'll be able to provide you with the best resolution possible.
Best regards,
Janadee

Nadee K.
Roku Community Moderator
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libbyrv
Reel Rookie

Re: Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

Thanks for replying! To answer your questions... Yes I have tried rebooting the wireless network, Yes I have checked the connection strength ("Excellent"), I did try connecting to my phone's hot spot and it did indeed work 100%, and lastly, only error code that comes up is "Error 016" when I select an app—I have to manually select "Proceed Anyway".

Just to add-- I just connected a robot vacuum to the 2.4 GHz travel router (only works on 2.4) and it worked great, along with some other smart home devices. Not sure why it's just the Roku that's having issues.

@RokuJanadeeK 

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AvsGunnar
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

@libbyrv 

Since you live in an apartment complex, it may be a simple matter of congestion or interference. (lots of user devices, both yours and neighbors, may be impacting network).

Couple of simple things to try.  First is to just try and move/orient your Roku device a little bit. (similar to moving an antenna to adjust reception).  May need to get a longer USB power cable and HDMI cable to find the sweet spot that provides you a more stable connection.

Second thing to do would be to start experimenting with different "Wireless Channels" under your 2.4ghz settings.  Make sure your "Wireless Mode" is set to b/g/n (not b/g. or g/n, or any other combination since using Spectrum), and see if changing Wireless Channels helps. (basically, trying to find a less congested channel).  Although channels 1, 6, and 11 are preferred, you may find you need to use a different channel like 4 or 9.  Channel selection can be finicky.  If your Roku is near a microwave, you want to use lower channels like 1, 2 or 3 sinced they are further away from microwave frequencies. (different environments may require different network setups).

Finally, I would verify that you are not experiencing a NAT issue.  If you are using your travel router in addition to the Spectrum router, you may need to verify that the Spectrum router is either set to "Bridge" mode, or that the Spectrum router is using a different Gateway address than your travel router. (ie.  If not using strict Bridge Mode, then the Spectrum router will need to use 192.168.0.1 and the travel router using 192.168.1.0 as an example.  The two routers should not use the same gateway.  Technically, they can, but then will experience some double NAT issues will will cause problems with internet traffic).

If you are using a Spectrum modem, rather than modem/router, or not using any Spectrum equipment at all, then the above info regarding NAT can be disregarded.

Roku Community Streaming Expert
Just another Roku user... I am not a Roku employee.
Insignia RokuTV, Ultra 4660, 4802, 4850, Premiere+ 3921, Express 4k+ 3941, Streambar 9102

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libbyrv
Reel Rookie

Re: Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

Thanks for the suggestion @AvsGunnar 

Unfortunately none of these solutions solved my problem, still running into the same issues. I played around with some different settings on the travel router to no avail. I basically discovered that I stay connected for about 10 seconds before it cuts out. Tried logging into HBO Max and so far this is the only app I am unable to get into completely due to the connection issue which is a huge bummer. Thinking it might be time to cut my losses and try a different streaming device.

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RokuERey
Retired Moderator

Re: Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

Hi @libbyrv,

Thanks for the additional details about this, and we'd like to know more about this case.

We would appreciate it if you could provide us with the serial number of the device as well as the details below.

  • Wireless router brand and model
  • Internet Service Provider

Once we have this information available, we'll be able to further look into it. Thanks!

Regards,

Rey

ERey.
Roku Community Moderator
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Re: Wifi connectivity issues despite using 2.4GHz b/g/n

I just hit proceed anyway slso, but there are certain things you'll find you cannot do because of this quirk.  Nobody at the help seems to be able to fix it.  For instance if you try to unsubsidized to the "Stsrz on Roku" app you hit the * button and it makes you choose between setting up and proceed anyway, but the you have a vicious circle.  Also, same issue with some other apps.  You go round and round and can never use them.  Done EVERYTHING they've told us and no fix and no solution offered.

NEVER WILL BUY ROKU TV AGAIN!!! NEVER!!! WONT STAND BEHIND IT!!!

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