How to Connect a Roku to Internet with Ethernet or Wi-Fi

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An easy-to-follow guide to getting your Roku TV, stick, or streaming device online
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Do you want to connect your Roku to the internet so you can watch streaming shows on Netflix, Hulu, or Max (formerly known as HBO Max)? Is your Roku not connecting to your dorm's or hotel's network? When setting up your Roku player or TV, you'll need to connect your Roku player to Wi-Fi or Ethernet (if supported) to start streaming. This wikiHow article teaches you how to connect a Roku streaming player or stick to the internet for the first time and then how to reconnect to Wi-Fi again.

Things You Should Know

  • If you're reconnecting or need to change Wi-Fi networks, go to Home > Settings > Network > Set up Connection > Wired/Wireless.
  • If you're in a hotel or dorm room, select that option during setup.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network when you're setting up your Roku TV or streaming device for the first time.
Section 1 of 3:

Connecting to Wi-Fi During Setup

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  1. If you have a Roku streaming stick or player, you'll need to connect it to your TV's HDMI port . If you have a Roku TV, you can skip this step.
    • Use this method if you've never used your Roku before and need to go through the set-up process. If you've already set up your Roku at least once, see this method instead.
    • Even if you lost the remote , you can still connect your Roku to a TV.
  2. When you set up your Roku player or streaming stick, you plugged it into an HDMI port on your TV that should have been labeled something like "HDMI 1/2/3/4." On your TV's remote control, look for the button labeled Input , Video , Source , Aux , and press it until you've selected the correct number HDMI port.
    • Don’t worry if you don’t see anything on the screen immediately; in a few minutes, you should see the Roku logo animation on the screen.
    • Lost your remote? Luckily, newer remotes have a special "remote finder" button that you can use to find it !
    • On the Let’s get started screen, your Roku remote should start to pair automatically when it turns on. If it doesn’t pair, press and hold the pairing button for about 3 - 5 seconds until the green pairing light on the back of the Roku remote starts flashing.
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  3. Press OK on your Roku remote to continue, choose a country, click Set up for home use , and press OK again on your ROKU remote.
  4. If you want to connect to Wi-Fi, choose Wireless. If your Roku has an ethernet port, you can select Wired and connect an ethernet cable to the ethernet port on your Roku.
    • If you select to use a wireless connection, proceed to the next step.
    • If you chose a wired connection, your Roku player will automatically detect your connection once you plug the ethernet cable into your streaming device or TV. If you're using a wired connection, you're done and can skip the rest of these steps, as that's all you'll need to do to connect your Roku to the internet! [1]
  5. If you don't see your network in the list, try selecting "Scan again to see all networks."
    • If your Roku still does not pick up your Wi-Fi network, it may be too far from the router to make a connection. In this case, you might want to use an ethernet connection or move the router closer to your Roku. [2]
    • Once you choose a network, your Roku device will take a moment to make sure it can connect to the home network.
    • If you are connecting from a dorm or hotel, select that option in the pop-up. Then, you'll see more on-screen instructions to connect, including using your smartphone to connect to your TV and entering a password.
  6. Next, you'll be asked to enter the Wi-Fi network password (if required). Press "Show password" so you can see your password as you type, and remember that your network passwords are case-sensitive. Use the shift button on the on-screen keyboard when you need to enter a capital letter.
  7. If you typed your password correctly, you'll see a confirmation message that your Roku successfully connected to your network. If not, you'll need to try again.
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Section 2 of 3:

Reconnecting to the Internet

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  1. This should take you to the Home screen of Roku.
    • You can use this method if you've already set up your Roku but need to change your Wi-Fi network, update your Wi-Fi password, or switch from Wi-Fi to ethernet (and vice-versa).
    • Have a replacement remote instead of the original? You can sync the replacement remote so you can use that in these steps instead.
  2. When you scroll to "Settings," the first option should already be highlighted.
  3. "Network" should be highlighted.
  4. You'll see the option to set up a connection on the right side of the page.
  5. If you're connecting to Wi-Fi, choose Wireless . If your Roku has an ethernet port and you've connected an ethernet cable, select Wired .
    • If you chose a wired connection, your Roku will automatically detect the ethernet cable and connect to the internet.
  6. If you don't see your network name on the left list, try pressing "Scan again to see all networks" and click OK on your Roku remote.
    • If your Roku still does not pick up your network from the router, they may be too far apart to make a connection. In this case, you might want to switch to ethernet or move the router closer to the Roku.
    • Once you choose a Wi-Fi network, your Roku will attempt to connect.
  7. Select Show password so you can see your password as you type. Remember that Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. Use the shift key on the on-screen keyboard when you need to enter a capital letter.
  8. If you typed your Wi-Fi password correctly, you'll see a confirmation message that your Roku is successfully connected to the internet.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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  1. If you see an error code when connected your Roku to the internet, you can use that code to identify and fix the problem.
    • Error codes 14.30, 009, 14, 14.10, 14.11, 14.50, 14.62, and 14.64 mean you should restart both the router and the Roku.
    • Error codes 14.40 and 14.41 mean your Wi-Fi password is incorrect.
    • Error codes 012 and 013 mean there is a problem with your ethernet (wired) connection. Check to see that your router is working properly by using connecting a different device. If you can connect to the internet on another device, restart your Roku. If you are can't, disconnect and reconnect the Ethernet cable. If the problem continues, reset your router, and contact your ISP.
    • Error codes 14.20, 14.62, 14.64, 016, and 017 mean that the wireless signal is too weak. Move the router closer or switch to Ethernet.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions. If you get an error, you'll also see a guide that you can use to solve your problem on the screen.
  2. If your router offers two frequency channels, use the 5GHz one. It's a stronger signal, but if your router is far away from your TV or Roku device, it won't work as reliably as the 2.4GHz frequency.
  3. Your router usually automatically picks the best channel , but you can also do it manually if you feel that your internet speeds are slow. If you're using a 2.4GHz frequency, try using channels 1, 6, or 11. [3]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/115015760328
      2. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/115015760328-how-to-connect-your-roku-streaming-device-to-your-home-network-and-the-internet
      3. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/115015760328

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