My Roku Keeps Losing Connection (Find Out Why!) | Upgraded Home (2023)

You love to watching TV and movies with your Roku. But once in a while, the device comes disconnected and your shows suddenly stop. So, what does that keep happening? And what can you do about it when it does?

A Roku can disconnect for several reasons. Either your router is outdated, you have too many devices on the network, or your equipment is faulty. There may also be an interference from the other devices in your house.

How Does a Roku Work?

First, it helps to understand how a Roku works. That’s because troubleshooting means finagling the controls and tinkering with technology. You probably don’t want to mess things up, so here are the basics.

• The device plugs directly into your TV using an HDMI cable.
• The HDMI cable connects from a port in your television.
• Your paired devices then connect to the internet.
• Internet connections are via wired or wireless configurations.
• Rokus are designed to sync with your home network.

Once connected, the device lets you download your favorite shows from the internet. But sometimes the connect is lost or interrupted for a mysterious reasons. At that time, you can usually just reset your Roku and go back to watching the action.

TIP: Read the owner’s manual for quicker troubleshooting and shortcuts to prevent a reset.

How Do You Reset a Roku?

Resetting a Roku isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Despite the sophisticated technology, you can typically jump-start your device in just a few seconds. Also, it only requires a couple of buttons to get back to the show. So, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Go To the Settings

Open the menu and navigate to settings. You can press “OK” on the remote when you find it.

Step 2: Find the “System” Option

Scroll down to find the option labeled “System” and select it. Use the same “OK” button for each command.

Step 3: Select “System Restart”

Again, scroll down until you find the “System Restart” option and hit your command button. Then confirm when prompted.

Step 4: Restart Your Roku

Cofirm “Restart” when you’re ready and the device will power down. Then, it should turn back on again.

Step 5: Wait For the Reboot

Expect to wait for a few minutes while the Roku reboots. If takes longer than five minutes, you may have a bigger problem.

Your Roku uses advanced technologies. So, it requires an occasional reset just to receive updates from the server. But having to reset your device too often can be a headache. And what’s all that about anyway?

How To Fix Almost All Roku TV Issues

Why Do I Have to Keep Resetting My Roku?

There are several reasons why you keep having to reset your streaming player. For one, it may be using an outdated operating system. Lesser technologies are one of the most common causes of device malfunctions.

Meanwhile, the Roku brand is always improving, which means older models become obsolete quickly. But when they refresh their firmware, you get a much better streaming experience. So, is the company moving too quickly or do you need to troubleshoot the device?

Chances are, the manufacturer isn’t updating its operating systems that fast. Plus, new updates usually fix bugs and hardware problems. That means you’re likely resetting your Roku all the time because something is fundamentally wrong.

PRO TIP: Examine your circuit breaker because electrical surges and popped fuses can cause your devices to malfunction.

How Do I Stop My Roku From Disconnecting?

You can prevent your streaming player from disconnecting to Wifi by regularly updating your equipment. Also, make sure your modem and router are top of the line and installed correctly.

Is My Roku Updated?

The first Roku came out over six years ago, so yours is definitely outdated if you own an original. Plus, the system is set up rather uniquely. That means your device will still work fine but won’t let you download new apps or use new features.

Users generally get prompted about available updates. So, check your Roku profile and email inbox for notifications. You can keep using your Roku if it’s outdated. However, the streaming service may eventually stop sending a signal to it because it’s so old.

Try to keep yours updated for optimal performance. That involves checking notifications and resetting the device often. And watch what the manufacturer is doing because that can help you stay abreast the latest changes.

How Long Does a Roku Last?

Like most electronic devices, the Roku won’t last forever. And even the newer models only have a three to five-year shelf-life. Maintain it properly. Unplug it when the show is over. But you’ll still have a device that malfunctions and breaks eventually.

The delicate internal components aren’t made to withstand lots of handling. So, they burn out quickly and may need replaced sooner rather than later. And while Roku is a generally reliable brand, they can’t promise eternity on anything.

Your Roku could keep disconnecting because it’s ready to retire. If you have an original or older model, this may be a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. As long as you enjoyed several years of entertainment with it, then you end up on top.

TIP: Try to replace your streaming players every three to five years for the best results.

Can You Watch Roku Without Internet?

Roku and other streaming services like it must have a solid internet connection to work. They get their content from the world wide web and then send it to your TV wirelessly. Or you can connect using a wired Ethernet cable if your home isn’t wireless ready.

Either way, you won’t be able to enjoy your favorite TV shows with a Roku without having access to the internet. So, you won’t get any signals if your service is shut off or interrupted for some reason. Make sure you paid the bill on time.

Related Questions

How Do I Fix An Unstable Internet Connection?

Sometimes, the best way to fix an unstable Wifi connection is with a quick reboot. So, unplug your modem and router then wait for about 30 seconds. After that, plug it back in and wait another 60-90 seconds as your equipment restarts. If that doesn’t work, you may have a server issue or electrical problem.

How Do I Know If My Roku Is Connected to Wifi?

Is your Roku connected to the internet? Press the Home button on your remote then go to the Settings and select Network to find out. Then, command the system to run diagnostics on the Wifi connection. You should have an answer within just a few minutes.

What Happens If I Factory Reset My Roku Streaming Player?

If you factory reset your Roku you will lose all of your information. The system will automatically delete personal data, network connections, and menu preferences. That means you’ll lose your favorite shows and anything else you’ve downloaded onto your device.

Once you’ve finished a factory reset, complete the guided setup again. You’ll also have to reconnect to your home network and relink your Roku account. Then, you must reload your favorite streaming channels to get everything back to normal.

Watch Your Favorite Roku Shows Again

Dealing with a streaming player that keeps disconnecting can be a headache. But you can check the connection in several ways then troubleshoot the problem. So, learn how a Roku works and try resetting it. And if that doesn’t work, contact the manufacturer for more in-depth assistance. Then check your web connection and electrical grid to make sure the problem isn’t with something else.

Related Guides

How To Remove Channels From Roku (Step-by-Step Guide)

Don’t Get Ripped Off: Sling vs. Roku (One IS Cheaper)

How To Fix A TV After A Power Surge (Do This!)

Recently Published