How to Connect a Roku to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi

From the main screen, use the Roku Remote Controller to select and open Settings.

Roku home screen, highlighting the Settings option.

Now under settings screen, go to Network.

Roku Settings menu, highlighting the Network option.

On the Network screen, select "Setup new Wi-Fi / wireless connection", push OK on the remote.
Roku will scan for and show you a list of detected wireless networks.

Roku Network menu, displaying a list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Select your wireless network and push OK on the remote.
You may have to put in your network password using the remote control navigation buttons and on-screen keyboard.

Select and push OK on Connect once you have completed the password.

3. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

4. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

5. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

6. Incompatible Routers

At this time, Roku has not indicated that there are any compatibility issues with specific models of networking equipment on the market. To ensure that your specific networking equipment and all settings will work properly with your Roku, please reach out to the manufacturer directly for further assistance.

Each Roku model supports a slightly different set of Wireless standards. While your router most likely does support the Roku, you may need to ensure the proper settings are enabled. Refer to the list below to determine what your model of Roku does, and does not support.

Model2.4GHz Wi-Fi5Ghz Wi-Fi802.11 b802.11 g802.11n802.11 a802.11 acRoku DVP (N1000)YesYesNoNoNoRoku SD (N1050)YesYesNoNoNoRoku HD (N1100)YesYesNoNoNoRoku HD (2000)YesYesNoNoNoRoku XD (2050)YesYesYesNoNoRoku LT (2400)YesYesYesNoNoRoku LT (2450)YesYesYesNoNoRoku HD (2500)YesYesYesNoNoRoku 2 HD (3000)YesYesYesNoNoRoku 2 XD (3050)YesYesYesNoNoRoku 2 XS (3100)YesYesYesNoNoRoku LT (2700)YesYesYesNoNoRoku 1, SE (2710)YesYesYesNoNoRoku Express (3700)YesYesYesNoNoRoku Express+ (3710)YesYesYesNoNoExpress (3900)YesYesYesNoNoExpress+ (3910)YesYesYesNoNoRoku HD-XR (N1101)YesYesYesYesNoRoku XDS (2100)YesYesYesYesNoRoku Streaming Stick, MHL (3400, 3420)YesYesYesYesNoRoku Streaming Stick, HDMI (3500)YesYesYesYesNoRoku 2 (2720)YesYesYesYesNoRoku 3 (4200)YesYesYesYesNoRoku 2 (4210)YesYesYesYesNoRoku 3 (4230)YesYesYesYesNoRoku Streaming Stick (3600)YesYesYesYesNoRoku 4 (4400)YesYesYesYesYesRoku Premiere (4620)YesYesYesYesYesRoku Premiere+ (4630)YesYesYesYesYesRoku Ultra (4640)YesYesYesYesYesStreaming Stick (3800)YesYesYesYesYesStreaming Stick+ (3810)YesYesYesYesYesUltra (4660)YesYesYesYesYes

7. What's next?

8. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

9. What's next?

10. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

11. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

12. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.