Roku provides the easiest way to stream TV. You can connect the device to the Internet to stream various content like movies and TV shows on your TV. In addition, you can also use third-party web browsers to play games as well as access various types of information from the web.
As said earlier, Roku boxes and TVs allow you to connect to the Internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, while the streaming stick has a Wi-Fi only option.
In this article, we will look at how to connect your Roku device to stream any of the 5000+ streaming channels available over Wi-Fi.
Things that you should know!
- During the initial setup: Select Wireless and Roku will auto scan for Wi-Fi networks. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password, and then press Connect.
- To connect it later: Go to Home > Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless. Now you need to select your Wi-Fi network, and then enter the password and connect.
- To connect in Hotels or Dorms: You need to repeat the steps above. Once you’re connected, select whether “I’m in a hotel” or “a college dorm”. Next, you need to follow the authentication steps which are prompted.
Table of Contents
How to Connect Roku Device to Wi-Fi for the First Time?
You need to follow the below steps if you’re connecting your Roku to Wi-Fi for the first time. In this process, you will need the following: –
- A Roku streaming stick, box, or Roku TV
- Your Roku remote control
- A Router with Wired and Wireless connectivity options
- Your Network Password
How to Connect to the Wi-Fi?
Once you have your Roku device connected to power and powered on, you’ll be guided through a setup process which includes connecting the stick or box to the internet.
- While setting up the Roku box and TV, you’ll be asked to choose Wired or Wireless for the router and connection to the Internet.
The wired option will not appear for Roku Streaming Sticks.
- Choose them at your convenience. If you choose wired, then connect your Roku box or TV to the router using an Ethernet cable. Your Roku device will connect directly to your home network and the Internet. Once confirmed, you can continue with the rest of the setup steps for your Roku device.
In case, you select the Wireless option, there are additional steps to complete the connection process before moving on to the rest of the Roku device setup steps.
- For the first time wireless connection setup, your Roku device will automatically scan for any available networks within range.
- Once the list of available networks appears, find and choose your wireless network from the list of those available.
- If you don’t see your home network, select Scan again to see all networks and see if it shows up in the next list.
If the Roku device can’t find your network, the Roku and the router may be too far apart. If you have the option of connecting to your router using Ethernet, this is a solution. Another is to move the Roku device and router closer together or add a wireless range extender.
- Once you choose your network, it will check to see if the Wi-Fi and internet connection are working properly. If so, then you can proceed. If not, make sure you have chosen the correct network.
- Once Roku confirms that it can connect to your network, you’ll need to enter your network password. After entering your password, select Connect. If the password was entered correctly, you’ll see a confirmation stating that your Roku device is connected to your home network and the Internet.
- Once it is connected, the device will automatically search for any available firmware/software updates. If any are found then download and install them. Your Roku device may reboot/restart at the end of the software/firmware update process.
- Wait for this process to complete before proceeding on to or viewing additional setup steps.
Connect Roku to Wi-Fi After First-Time Setup
If you want to connect the Roku to a new Wi-Fi network, or are switching from a wired to a wireless network, here are the steps to use your Roku’s remote:
- Press the Home button on the remote.
- Select Settings > Network in the Roku onscreen menu.
- Select Set Up Connection (as shown previously).
- Select Wireless (if both the Wired and Wireless options are shown).
- Wait for Roku to find your network.
- Enter your network password and wait for connection confirmation.
Connect Roku to Wi-Fi in a Dorm or Hotel
You can travel with your streaming Roku stick or box. Roku comes with a great feature that allows you to use it in a dorm room or hotel. But, before packing it up for use in another location, make sure the location offers Wi-Fi and a TV that has an HDMI connection that can be accessed with the TV’s remote control. Also, be sure to have the log-in information for your Roku account in case you need it.
Once you’ve arrived at your place of stay and are ready to use your Roku, do the following:
- Get the network password of the location.
- Plug your Roku stick or box into power, and the TV you want to use.
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Go to Settings > Network > Set up Connection.
- Select Wireless. Once you’ve established a network connection, choose whether I’m in a hotel or a college dorm.
- Several prompts will appear on the TV screen for authentication purposes, such as entering the Wi-Fi password you received earlier, as well as a unique password that will grant access to the Roku servers. This password will appear on the screen. The latter password may require a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
- Once the Wi-Fi setup is done, you can enjoy your Roku device’s features and your favorite streaming content.
That’s all for today. This is how you can connect your Roku to Wi-Fi. If you have any questions regarding the setup and connecting to Wi-Fi, do share them in the comment box. We will reply to them soon.
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