How to connect your Roku TV to WiFi
Turn on your Roku TV and wait for the startup screen to appear. When you see the language selection or welcome screen, use the remote to navigate to Settings, then select Network or WiFi depending on your model. Your TV will show a list of available networks — select your home WiFi network name from the list, then enter your password using the on-screen keyboard. Once you enter the password correctly, your Roku TV will connect and show a confirmation message.
If your TV is already powered on and connected to something else, you can change networks the same way: go to Settings, find Network or WiFi, and select a different network. The process takes about two minutes from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Start from the welcome screen or Settings menu and navigate to Network or WiFi to see available networks.
- Select your home WiFi network name and enter your password using the remote and on-screen keyboard.
- Your Roku TV will confirm the connection and you can then sign into your Roku account to access streaming apps.
- If connection fails, restart your router, move closer to it, or check that you entered the password correctly.
- A weak signal may cause buffering later — if your TV is far from the router, consider moving the router or using a WiFi extender.
What to do if the network list doesn't appear
If you don't see any WiFi networks listed, your Roku TV's WiFi radio may not be on. Restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it boots up, go back to Settings and Network to check again.
If the list still doesn't appear, check that your home WiFi router is powered on and broadcasting. Walk to another room with a phone or laptop and see if you can see your network there — if not, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Once your router is back on, return to your Roku TV and try again.
Entering your WiFi password correctly
The on-screen keyboard on a Roku remote can be slow. Use the arrow buttons to highlight each letter, number, or symbol, then press OK to select it. Passwords are case-sensitive, so if your password has capital letters, make sure you match them exactly. If you're not sure whether your password has capitals, check the label on your router or log into your router's settings from a computer to see the password you set.
A common mistake is typing the network name instead of the password. The network name (also called SSID) is what you select from the list — the password is what you type next. If you enter the wrong password, your TV will say "Incorrect password" and ask you to try again.
When your Roku TV connects but then disconnects
If your TV connects briefly and then drops the connection, the problem is usually distance or interference. Move your router closer to the TV, or move the TV closer to the router if possible. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics like microwaves can block the signal — try placing the router in a more central location in your home.
If moving the router isn't possible, a WiFi extender or mesh network system can strengthen the signal in the room where your TV is. These devices repeat your existing WiFi signal and cost between $30 and $150 depending on the brand and range. Once you set up the extender, your Roku TV will see it as a separate network you can connect to.
Signing into your Roku account after connecting
Once your TV connects to WiFi, you'll be prompted to sign into your Roku account or create one. You can use your email address or a Roku account you already have. If you don't have an account, you can create one on the TV itself — you'll need an email address and a password you choose.
After you sign in, your TV will read any apps you've already installed on other Roku devices, or you can search for apps in the Roku Channel Store. Signing in also lets you use features like voice search and remote access from your phone.
Switching between WiFi networks
If you have a guest network or want to change to a different WiFi network, go to Settings, then Network or WiFi, and select Change Network or Manage Networks. Your TV will show the list of available networks again. Select the new network and enter its password. Your TV will disconnect from the old network and connect to the new one.
Some Roku models let you save multiple networks so the TV can switch between them automatically. Check your Settings menu under Network to see if this option is available on your model.
Using a wired connection instead of WiFi
If your Roku TV has an ethernet port on the back, you can connect it to your router with an ethernet cable instead of using WiFi. This gives you a faster, more stable connection and is useful if your TV is in a room with a weak signal. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the port on the back of your TV and the other end into your router.
Your TV will detect the wired connection automatically and may ask whether you want to use it instead of WiFi. Select yes, and your TV will use the ethernet connection from then on. You can still go to Settings and Network to switch back to WiFi if you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku account to use WiFi on my TV?
You need a Roku account to access streaming apps and services, but your TV can connect to WiFi without one. However, you won't be able to use most features until you sign in, so it's best to create an account during setup.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Check the label on the bottom or back of your router — many routers have the default password printed there. If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase any custom settings you made. You can also log into your router from a computer if you remember that password.
Can I use my phone's hotspot to connect my Roku TV?
Yes, your Roku TV can connect to a phone hotspot the same way it connects to a home WiFi network. Select your phone's hotspot name from the network list and enter the password. Keep in mind that streaming video uses a lot of data, so this method works best for short-term use or if you have an unlimited data plan.
Why is my Roku TV so slow after connecting to WiFi?
Slow speeds usually mean weak signal or network congestion. Try moving your router closer to the TV, or check how many devices are connected to your WiFi — if many devices are using the network at once, your TV's speed will suffer. You can also restart your router to clear its memory and improve performance.