How to connect your Roku TV to WiFi
Your Roku TV needs a WiFi connection to stream shows, movies, and apps. The connection happens during the initial setup when you first turn on the TV, but you can also connect or reconnect to WiFi later using the remote and the Settings menu. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you are setting up a new TV or fixing a connection that dropped.
Before you start, make sure you know your WiFi network name (called the SSID) and your WiFi password. If you do not have this information, check the sticker on your router or ask whoever set up your home network.
Key Takeaways
- Your Roku TV connects to WiFi through the Settings menu using your remote, and you will need your network name and password.
- During first setup, the TV walks you through WiFi connection automatically, but you can skip it and connect later.
- If your TV does not see your network, move the TV closer to the router or restart both the TV and router.
- Once connected, your Roku TV remembers the network and reconnects automatically when you turn it on.
- If you change your WiFi password, you will need to reconnect the TV using the new password through Settings.
Connecting during initial setup
When you turn on a new Roku TV for the first time, the TV displays a setup screen. Follow the on-screen prompts until you reach the network connection step. The TV shows a list of WiFi networks it detects in your area.
Find your network name in the list and select it with your remote. The TV then asks you to enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. Use the remote arrow buttons to highlight each letter or number, then press OK to select it. Take your time — the keyboard stays open until you finish. Once you enter the password, select the "Connect" button and wait about 30 seconds for the TV to join the network.
If you skip the WiFi step during setup, you can always connect later. The TV will remind you that it is not connected, but you can dismiss the message and set it up whenever you are ready.
Connecting after setup using the remote
If you need to connect your Roku TV to WiFi after the initial setup, or if you want to switch to a different network, use the remote to open Settings. Press the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons. Scroll down and select "Network."
In the Network menu, select "WiFi" or "Set up connection." The TV scans for available networks and displays a list. Find your network name and select it. When the TV asks for your password, enter it the same way you would during setup — using the arrow buttons to move through the on-screen keyboard and pressing OK to select each character.
After you enter the password and select Connect, the TV tests the connection. A message appears telling you whether the connection was successful. If it fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly and try again.
What to do if your TV does not see your network
Sometimes your Roku TV does not show your WiFi network in the list, even though other devices can connect to it. This usually happens because the TV is too far from the router or because the router is not broadcasting the network name.
First, try moving the TV closer to the router — even a few feet can make a difference. Wait 30 seconds, then go back to the WiFi list and scan again. If your network appears, you can move the TV back to its normal location once it is connected.
If moving the TV does not help, restart both the TV and the router. Unplug the router from power, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. While the router restarts, turn off the TV using the remote, unplug it for 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Once both devices finish restarting, try connecting again.
If your network still does not appear, check whether your router is set to hide the network name. If it is, you will need to enter the network name manually instead of selecting it from a list. In the WiFi menu, look for an option that says "Other network" or "Manual entry" and select it. Type your network name exactly as it appears in your router settings, then enter your password.
Fixing a connection that keeps dropping
If your Roku TV connects to WiFi but then loses the connection after a few minutes or hours, the problem is usually interference or distance. WiFi signals weaken when they travel through walls, and they also get disrupted by other devices like cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors.
Move the TV and router closer together if you can, or move the router to a more central location in your home. If that is not possible, try changing your router's WiFi channel. Most routers use channel 6 or 11 by default, but switching to a different channel sometimes reduces interference. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on changing the channel.
You can also try connecting the TV to a different WiFi band if your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. The 5 GHz band is faster but does not travel as far, while 2.4 GHz travels farther but is slower. If your TV is far from the router, try the 2.4 GHz network. If it is close and you want faster streaming, try 5 GHz.
What happens after you connect
Once your Roku TV successfully connects to WiFi, it remembers that network and password. The next time you turn on the TV, it reconnects automatically without asking you to enter the password again. You will see a small WiFi icon in the corner of the screen showing that you are connected.
If you change your home WiFi password, your TV will lose the connection and ask you to reconnect. Go back to Settings, select Network, and enter the new password. The TV will then remember the new password for future connections.
If you move your TV to a different location or want to connect to a guest network, you can add additional networks in the Network settings menu. The TV stores multiple networks and can switch between them if you tell it to.
Troubleshooting a forgotten password
If you do not remember your WiFi password, you will need to find it before you can reconnect the TV. Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the password through your router's admin page or app.
To access your router's settings, open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to the same network. Type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar. Log in using the admin username and password, which are also often printed on the router. Once you are logged in, look for the WiFi settings or Wireless settings section and change the password to something you will remember.
After you change the password on the router, go back to your Roku TV and reconnect using the new password through the Network settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Roku TV to WiFi without a remote?
No, you need the remote to navigate the WiFi menu and enter your password. If your remote is lost or broken, you can order a replacement from Roku or buy a compatible universal remote that works with Roku devices. Some newer Roku remotes have a pairing button on the back that lets you pair a new remote without needing an old one.
Why does my Roku TV keep asking me to reconnect to WiFi?
This usually means the connection is unstable. Try restarting the TV and router, moving them closer together, or switching to a different WiFi channel on your router. If the problem continues, the router itself may be failing and might need to be replaced.
Can I use a mobile hotspot instead of home WiFi?
Yes, you can connect your Roku TV to a mobile hotspot the same way you would connect to any other WiFi network. Select the hotspot network from the list and enter the password. Keep in mind that streaming video uses a lot of data, so this method works best for occasional use rather than daily streaming.
What if I have a 5 GHz network but my Roku TV only shows 2.4 GHz?
Some older Roku TV models only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. Check your TV's specifications on the Roku website to confirm which bands it supports. If your TV only supports 2.4 GHz, you can still use it, but you will not be able to connect to the faster 5 GHz network.
Do I need to reconnect my Roku TV to WiFi after a power outage?
Usually not. Your Roku TV remembers your WiFi network and password, so it reconnects automatically when power returns. If it does not reconnect within a few minutes, restart the TV and router to help them find each other again.