The basic steps to get your Roku online
Connecting a Roku means two separate things: plugging it into your TV and connecting it to your home WiFi network. The TV connection is straightforward — you plug the Roku device into an HDMI port on your television. The WiFi connection is where most people need guidance, because Roku walks you through it on screen, but the steps vary slightly depending on which Roku model you own and whether your router is nearby.
Start by plugging the Roku into power and into an HDMI port on your TV. Turn on your TV and switch to that HDMI input. You should see the Roku startup screen within 30 seconds. From there, Roku will prompt you to select your language and then ask you to connect to WiFi. You can use the remote that came with your Roku, or if you have a Roku mobile app on your phone, you can use that instead — the app often makes typing passwords easier.
Key Takeaways
- Connect the Roku to power and to an HDMI port on your TV, then switch your TV to that HDMI input to see the startup screen.
- When Roku asks for WiFi, select your network name from the list and enter your WiFi password exactly as it appears — capitalization and special characters matter.
- If your Roku cannot find your network, move the device closer to your router or check that your router is broadcasting its name (SSID) publicly.
- Once connected, Roku will ask you to sign in with a Roku account or create one; this account is separate from your TV service passwords.
Selecting your WiFi network and entering your password
After the language screen, Roku displays a list of WiFi networks it can detect. Find your network name — this is called your SSID — and select it. If you do not see your network, scroll down to see if there are more options, or wait a few seconds and let Roku scan again.
Once you select your network, Roku will ask for your WiFi password. Type it carefully. Roku is case-sensitive, meaning capital letters are different from lowercase letters, and special characters like exclamation marks or underscores must be exact. If you are unsure of your password, you can find it on the sticker on the bottom or back of your router, or check your router's settings through a computer or phone connected to that network.
After you enter the password, Roku will attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You will see a confirmation message once the connection succeeds.
What to do if Roku cannot find your network
If your network does not appear in the list, the most common reason is that your Roku is too far from your router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. Try moving your Roku closer to the router — even temporarily — and let it scan for networks again. You do not need to unplug it; just wait a few seconds and select the network option again.
Another possibility is that your router is not broadcasting its network name publicly. Most routers do this by default, but some are set to hide the SSID. If you have hidden your network intentionally, look for an option in Roku's network list to enter a network name manually — this is usually at the bottom of the list and labeled "Other network" or "Enter network name manually." Type your network name exactly as you set it up, then enter your password.
If you still cannot connect, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, you can restart your Roku the same way. Once both are back on, try connecting again.
Setting up your Roku account
Once your Roku connects to WiFi, it will ask you to sign in with a Roku account or create one. This account is different from passwords for Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services — it is just for Roku itself. You can create an account using an email address and a password you choose, or you can sign in if you already have a Roku account from another device.
You do not need to enter your streaming service passwords during Roku setup. You will add those later, individually, when you open each app. Roku will also ask if you want to link a payment method for purchasing or renting content through Roku's store, but this is optional and you can skip it.
Connecting without a remote
If your Roku remote is not working or you do not have it, you can use the Roku mobile app instead. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone, open it, and tap the option to set up a new device. The app will guide you through the same steps — selecting your network, entering your password, and signing in to your Roku account. The app's keyboard is often easier to use for typing your WiFi password than the on-screen remote keyboard.
Once you have completed setup through the app, the app will also work as a remote control for your Roku going forward. You can use it to navigate menus, select apps, and control playback.
Troubleshooting a slow or dropping connection
If your Roku connects but the connection is slow or keeps dropping, the issue is usually WiFi signal strength rather than the Roku itself. Move your router to a more central location in your home, or move the Roku closer to the router. If your router is in a cabinet or closet, moving it to an open shelf can improve signal throughout your home.
You can also check what other devices are connected to your network and using bandwidth. If many devices are streaming or downloading at the same time, your network may be overloaded. Pausing downloads on computers or disconnecting devices you are not using can help.
If the problem persists, try "forgetting" the network on your Roku and reconnecting. Go to Settings, then Network, then WiFi, select your network, and choose "Forget." Then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering your password. This forces your Roku to establish a fresh connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a wired ethernet connection instead of WiFi?
Some Roku models support ethernet through an adapter, but most rely on WiFi. Check your Roku's specifications to see if it supports ethernet. If it does, you can buy a USB-to-ethernet adapter and connect it to the Roku's power port, then run an ethernet cable from your router to the adapter.
What if I do not know my WiFi password?
Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is worn or missing, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase any custom settings you have made. Alternatively, log into your router's settings from a computer or phone and look for the WiFi password there.
Do I need a Roku account to watch TV?
Yes, you need a Roku account to set up the device, but the account itself is free. Once your Roku is set up, you can use free streaming apps like Pluto TV or Tubi without paying anything. You only pay if you choose to subscribe to services like Netflix or Hulu, and those subscriptions are separate from your Roku account.
Can I connect my Roku to a guest WiFi network?
Yes, Roku can connect to guest networks the same way it connects to your main network. Select the guest network name from the list and enter its password. Keep in mind that guest networks sometimes have restrictions that prevent devices from communicating with each other, so some features may not work as expected.
What should I do if my Roku keeps asking me to reconnect to WiFi?
This usually means the connection is unstable. Try moving your Roku closer to your router, or restart both devices by unplugging them for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, forget the network and reconnect as described in the troubleshooting section above.