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How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi with or without the remote
While there are ways around it, as a rule, you’ll probably be using Wi-Fi to stream media to a Roku device. Find out how to connect any Roku to Wi-Fi, with or without a remote handy.
Read more: The Roku buyer’s guide
QUICK ANSWER
To connect a Roku to Wi-Fi, navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection from the home screen and choose Wireless. Select your network and password. You can use the Roku mobile app instead of your remote if your Roku device is already on another Wi-Fi network.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi
For the first time
Whenever you install a Roku for the first time, onscreen instructions should guide you through most of the process. At one point, though, you’ll be prompted to choose Wired or Wireless for an internet connection. Choose Wireless.
Pick your Wi-Fi network’s name from the list that appears and enter your password. If it doesn’t appear right away, you can choose Scan again to see all networks, or Private network to enter both a name (SSID) and password.
That should be it — your Roku will establish Wi-Fi and internet connections, then search for any software updates to continue setup.
Reconnecting to a network
If you’ve changed network settings, say because you switched to a different router, your Roku will be kicked offline. Fixing this is similar to a first-time setup:
- From the Roku homescreen, navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection.
- Click Wireless.
- Select your Wi-Fi network from the list that appears, or use Private network to enter a custom login.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Click Connect.
Read also: How to sync and pair a Roku remote
How to connect Roku to Wi-Fi without a remote
While you’ll need a remote if your Roku is fresh and has never connected to Wi-Fi, if it’s already configured, you can switch your device to a new Wi-Fi network using the Roku app for Android or iOS.
- Make sure both your phone and Roku are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You may have to switch your phone’s network by opening its Settings app. If you no longer have the original router your Roku connected to, you can get around this by starting a mobile hotspot and changing its login to the old router’s ID.
- Launch the Roku app, then the Devices tab.
- Select the Roku device you’re trying to configure.
- Switch to the Remote tab, and use the onscreen buttons to navigate to Settings > Network > Set up connection.
- Follow displayed steps to switch networks.
Note that once you switch Wi-Fi networks, the Roku app will lose its connection to your streaming device until you switch your phone to the same network.
Read more: What is Wi-Fi 7, and when will it arrive?
Frequently asked questions
Usually, but not necessarily. A handful of Roku devices support USB-to-Ethernet adapters for wired internet connections, namely Smart Soundbars, the Express 4K and 4K Plus, and the Streambar and Streambar Pro.
Check here for a list of tested adapters. Others may work, but they need to use a 10/100Mbps connection (not 1,000Mbps) and sport an AX8877X or SMSC95XX chipset.
Yes, since Roku devices treat hotspots like any other Wi-Fi network. As mentioned, hotspots can even be used to transition to a new Wi-Fi router. They’re terrible for a permanent connection, however, since they depend on a phone being continually powered, present, and connected to a fast cellular link. You may run into buffering delays or data caps with 1080p video, never mind 4K HDR.
That depends. Some older Roku models and the current Express are limited to 2.4GHz, but any other products sold in 2022 will be dual-band — that is, support both 2.4 and 5GHz. The 5GHz band is preferable for speed, although it does have a shorter range than 2.4GHz.
It’s hard to say without knowing specifics. If you’re having trouble, check out our guide to fixing common Roku issues.
In terms of networking, though, make sure your Roku is within range of your Wi-Fi router, and try to eliminate any signal barriers. Your router shouldn’t be sitting in a closet or cabinet, for example. There’s also the chance that your router is oversaturated with connections, in which case disconnecting unused devices might help.
Another troubleshooting step is separating 2.4GHz and 5GHz network IDs if they’re not already split. While a unified ID can simplify networking, and sometimes help devices stay connected, there’s the potential for confusion if a device is expecting one band and detects another first.