TCL Roku TV Not Connecting to WiFi

TCL Roku TV Won’t Connect To WiFi? Solve The issue With Our Expert Guide

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Are you tired of trying to connect your TCL Roku TV to WiFi but it is not connecting? Without an internet connection, your TCL Roku TV is an ordinary TV that only shows local cable channels.

TCL Roku TV not connecting to WiFi is a common issue among TCL Roku users. But there are some simple fixes to fix the WiFi issue in the TCL Roku TV. Start with checking the wireless network setting of your router. You can also try other fixes from this guide.

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How To Fix TCL Roku TV Not Connecting To WiFi?

How To Fix TCL Roku TV Not Connecting To WiFi?

When your TCL Roku TV not connecting to WiFi, you should start with basic connectivity checks of the wireless connection.

Basic Connectivity Checks

1. Check the Wireless Connection Status

Check the Connection Status

Before trying complex troubleshooting fixes for the TCL Roku TV WiFi connectivity issue, begin by checking the wireless connection status on the TCL TV. This step provides valuable insights into the wireless network’s health and connectivity issues.

  1. Navigate to the smart TV’s home screen.
  2. Open the “Settings” menu.
  3. Scroll and select “Network.”
  4. Choose “Check connection” to initiate a network test.

This test will assess the smart TV’s connection speed and status. If you see a red cross next to the wireless connection, it means there is an issue with the WiFi connection of the TV. Additionally, if the MAC address line displays all zeros, it suggests that your smart TV may be blocked by the router.

2. Check WiFi Connectivity With Other Devices

By following this step, you can identify that the problem is with the WiFi device or the TCL Roku TV itself.

  1. Try connecting another device, such as a smartphone or laptop, to the same WiFi home network.
  2. If the additional device successfully connects, it suggests that the home WiFi network is functioning correctly, and the issue may reside with the TV.
  3. If the added device also encounters connectivity problems, it indicates a potential issue with the router or the wireless network itself.

Refresh the Wireless Network and Check Router Settings

1. Power Cycling the TV and Router

Sometimes, your TCL Roku TV and router need a little reboot to remove temporary bugs and glitches that can disrupt your WiFi connection. Power cycling is like giving them a refreshing start.

  1. Unplug your TCL TV from the power outlet while it’s turned on. Yes, just pull the plug gently.
  2. Leave it unplugged for about 60 seconds. It’s like a short break for your TV.
  3. After the brief pause, plug it back in.
  4. Turn on your TV.

Similarly, you should give your router a quick power cycle:

  1. Locate your router, which is often a small box with lots of blinking lights.
  2. Unplug the router’s power cable from the outlet.
  3. Wait for 30 seconds or so.
  4. Plug the power cable back in.
  5. Wait patiently for up to 2 minutes as the router wakes up and connects to the internet.

Sometimes these simple power cycle methods of the router and TV, give them a fresh start and fix the WiFi connecting issue.

2. Changing Network Bandwidth or Network on Roku TV

Changing Network Bandwidth or Network on Roku TV

Routers often come equipped with dual bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These bands operate on different frequencies, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your WiFi experience.

2.4 GHz Band: This band provides a wider coverage range, making it suitable for larger homes or areas with many obstacles (like walls). However, it might be prone to more interference from other devices, potentially leading to slower speeds.

5 GHz Band: The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but over a shorter range. It’s less susceptible to interference, making it ideal for streaming and online gaming.

  1. Access your router’s settings page.
  2. Look for the wireless settings or WiFi settings section.
  3. Locate the option to configure the wireless bands. This may be labeled as “Wireless Band,” “Network Mode,” or something similar.
  4. Depending on your needs, you can either enable both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands or choose one that suits your situation.
  5. Save your changes, and your router will adjust its broadcasting accordingly.

Now, you can switch to a different network, such as a 5 GHz network. If you’re already on a 5 GHz network and still face issues, you can switch back to the traditional 2.4 GHz network, which may have a better range.

Changing networks can sometimes improve your TV’s wireless connection quality, reducing lag and buffering during streaming.

3. Forget and Reconnect to the WiFi Network

Forget and Reconnect to the WiFi Network

Forgetting and then reconnecting to your WiFi network can help refresh the wireless connection and restore its trustworthiness.

  1. Go to the “Settings” tab on your TV.
  2. Click and open “Network.”
  3. Find and select your WiFi connection.
  4. Click on “Forget Network” and confirm it with “OK.”

Now, it’s like your TV has temporarily forgotten your WiFi network’s correct password. But you can enter them again. After this mini-reset, restart your Roku TV. Once it’s back on, reconnect to your home WiFi network. Hopefully, the internet connection will be smoother this time.

Checking for Interference and Device Relocation

Interference from other wireless devices can often disrupt the WiFi connection of your TCL Roku TV, leading to connectivity issues. It’s crucial to identify and mitigate potential sources of interference for a more stable connection.

Interference can originate from various household devices like gaming consoles, home automation systems, or even neighboring WiFi networks operating on the same or overlapping channels. These electronic gadgets can emit signals that interfere with your TV’s ability to maintain a strong and consistent internet connection to your WiFi network.

Relocating your wireless router can also improve signal strength and reduce interference. Place the router in a central location within your home, away from walls or large obstructions, for better coverage.

Update Your Router Firmware

Updating your router’s firmware is like giving it a software makeover. This process can fix bugs, enhance security, and improve overall performance.

  1. Using a computer or smartphone connected to your WiFi network, open a web browser.
  2. In the web address bar, type in the router’s IP address. Common router IP addresses include 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Refer to your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure.
  3. You’ll be prompted to log in to your router’s settings page. Typically, the default login credentials are “admin” for both the username and password. If you’ve changed these credentials before, use the ones you set.
  4. Navigate to the firmware update section. This can vary depending on your router’s brand and model. Look for an option like “Firmware Update,” “Software Update,” or “Router Upgrade.”
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to check for and install the latest firmware update. The router will usually download and apply the update automatically.

After updating your router’s firmware, give it a moment to reboot. This process may take a few minutes. Once your router is back online, attempt to reconnect your TCL Roku TV to the WiFi network.

Software Updates on the Roku TV

  1. Accessing the Software Update Menu: To begin, navigate to the Roku TV’s settings menu. You can do this by pressing the home button on your Roku remote and scrolling to the settings option.
  2. Selecting “System”: Once in the settings menu, select the “System” option.
  3. Choose “System Update”: Within the system menu, you’ll find the “System update” option. Click on it.
  4. Manual Check: Roku TV allows users to manually check for updates. Click on “Check Now” to initiate a search for available updates.
  5. Automatic Updates: For convenience, consider enabling automatic updates. This ensures your TV stays up-to-date without manual intervention.

MAC Address Filtering

Some routers have a feature called MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering. This feature allows you to control which devices can connect to your WiFi network by specifying their unique MAC addresses.

If your TCL TV’s MAC address is accidentally blocked, it won’t be able to connect to the network.

  1. Access your router’s settings page.
  2. Look for the MAC address filtering or Device List section. The location and name of this feature can vary.
  3. Check if your TCL TV’s MAC address is listed as blocked. If it is, select it and choose the option to unblock or allow it.
  4. Save your changes.

Disabling Network Pings from the Secret TV Menu

Roku TVs have a hidden system operations menu that allows you to perform actions not accessible through the standard settings menu. One such action is disabling network pings, which can sometimes resolve WiFi connectivity problems.

  1. Ensure that your TCL TV is powered on and on the home dashboard.
  2. Using your Roku TCL TV remote, press the ‘Home’ button five times.
  3. Then press the ‘Fast forward’ button once.
  4. Press the ‘Play’ button once.
  5. Press the ‘Rewind’ button once.
  6. Press the ‘Play’ button once again.
  7. Press the ‘Fast forward’ button once more.
  8. You should now see the platform secret screen; select ‘System Operations Menu’.
  9. Within the System Operations Menu, choose ‘Network menu’.
  10. Click on ‘Disable network pings’.

Clearing the TV’s Cache and Restarting

Clearing the TV's Cache and Restarting

Cache files can accumulate over time and potentially lead to performance issues on your TCL Roku TV, including problems with network connectivity.

  1. Press the ‘Home’ button on your Roku remote.
  2. Scroll and select ‘Settings’.
  3. Choose ‘System’ followed by ‘Advanced system settings’.
  4. Click on ‘Factory reset’ and enter the code displayed on the TCL TV.
  5. Confirm the reset.
  6. Your Roku TV will reboot twice and then turn on.

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Using a Hardwired Ethernet Connection

If all else fails and your TCL Roku TV still won’t connect to WiFi, consider using a hardwired Ethernet connection as an alternative. Ethernet connections are generally more stable and can eliminate potential wireless interference issues.

Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of your TCL Roku TV. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an available Ethernet port on your WiFi router.

Once the cable is connected, your TCL Roku TV should automatically detect the wired connection and establish a network connection. This method can be particularly useful if you’re experiencing persistent WiFi connectivity problems or if you have a Roku TV model without built-in WiFi capabilities.

Checking DNS Settings

Accessing DNS Settings

  1. Start by turning on your TCL Roku TV and ensure it’s connected to your network.
  2. Using the Roku remote, press the “Home” button to access the main menu.
  3. Navigate to “Settings” and select it.
  4. Choose “Network” and then select your active network connection.
  5. Click on “Set up connection” and choose “Wireless” if your TCL TV is connected via WiFi.
  6. Go to “Advanced” settings, and you should see options related to DNS settings.

Using Automatic DNS vs. Manual DNS

  1. By default, Roku TVs typically use automatic DNS settings, which are provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
  2. If you suspect DNS issues, you can switch to manual DNS settings. Many users prefer using Google’s DNS servers (8.8.8.8 for primary and 8.8.4.4 for secondary DNS).
  3. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS addresses as instructed.

Testing Your Connection

  1. After modifying the DNS settings, return to the network connection setup screen.
  2. Run a connection test to see if the changes have resolved the issue.
  3. If the DNS changes were successful, your Roku TV should now connect to the WiFi without any problems.

Factory Reset Roku TV

  1. Before you begin, ensure you have the remote control for your TCL Roku TV handy. You’ll need it to navigate through the TCL TV’s settings.
  2. Press the “Home” button on your remote to go to the TV’s home screen.
  3. Using the arrow keys on your remote, scroll up or down until you highlight “Settings.” Press the right arrow button to select it.
  4. In the Settings menu, navigate right until you reach “System.” Select “System” to access the system settings.
  5. Inside the System settings, find and select “Advanced System Settings.” This is where you’ll find options for resetting your Roku TCL TV.
  6. Scroll down in the Advanced System Settings menu until you see “Factory Reset.” Select this option.
  7. The Roku TCL TV will prompt you to enter a reset code to confirm the factory reset. This code is typically a sequence of numbers or letters displayed on your screen. Enter it using your remote.
  8. After entering the reset code, your TCL Roku TV will ask you to confirm the factory reset. Make sure you’re ready to proceed because this action cannot be undone. Confirm the reset, and the TV will begin the process.
  9. The factory reset process may take a few minutes. Your TCL Roku TV will turn off and on again during this time.
  10. Once the factory reset is complete, your TCL TV will start as if it’s fresh out of the box. You’ll need to go through the initial setup process, including connecting to WiFi, signing in to your Roku account, and customizing settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Final Thoughts

We have explored a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps to address the frustrating issue of a TCL Roku TV not connecting to WiFi. Starting from basic checks like poor internet connection status and network refresh, we progressed to more advanced solutions such as system updates and network configuration adjustments. We hope these troubleshooting steps have been helpful in resolving the issue and that you can now enjoy uninterrupted access to your favorite content.

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