Roku Not Connecting to TV? – Learn How to Fix

Wondering why Roku not connecting to TV? Well, in this guide we’ll unwrap why the Roku stick is not working with the TV as well as why the mobile Roku app sometimes won’t connect.

The reason why Roku is not connecting to the TV is due to a faulty HDMI connection, which involves both TV and Roku stick ports.

Moreover, the correct HDMI source has to be selected on the TV so the Roku stick’s feed appears on the screen.

Let’s unwrap more!

6 Reasons Why Roku Won’t Connect to TV?

In order to connect the Roku streaming stick to your TV, you need to find a free HDMI port and plug the Roku stick tightly.

The next step is to also hook up the stick to the power by connecting the adapter to an electrical outlet. The final step is to select the correct HDMI source on the TV.

In case Roku won’t connect to the TV, here are the reasons why:

1. Faulty television HDMI connection.
2. Roku is not connected to power.
3. An incorrect TV source is selected.
4. An impermanent fault with the TV (OS).
5. Roku App and TV are on different WiFi.
6. Corrupted Roku application cache data.

Let’s start with the troubleshooting!

How To Fix When Roku Not Connecting to TV?

Note: The below steps are for issues when connecting a Roku stick to a TV, so if you’re facing trouble with the Roku app, skip to the appropriate part of the guide!

1. Check the HDMI Connection!

The first and most important factor, to begin with, is whether the Roku streaming stick HDMI connector is plugged into your TV.

If you’re using an HDMI extender (if possible), test by plugging the Roku directly into the HDMI port of your TV.

• Also, test plugging your Roku stick into a different HDMI port!

Most TVs nowadays, have at least 2 or 3 HDMI ports available so you should be able to find a different port to test with.

In addition, the Roku stick has to be plugged into the power via a USB cable to ensure that the power outlet is functional.

Info: When the Roku streaming stick is connected to the TV the white indicator should light up!

2. Select the Roku TV Source

In order to visualize the home screen of your Roku streaming stick on the TV, you need to select the correct source (where Roku is plugged in).

The TV Source Menu is accessed differently on different brands of television so here’s a simplified (universal) guide.

1. Press the Source button on the remote!
2. Alternatively, go into Settings > Sources.
3. Going left and right, locate the HDMI input.
4. Select the HDMI source with the Roku stick.

Tip: If you’re hardly navigating, test all available sources until the Roku screen appears!

3. Soft-Reset TV & Roku Setup!

One of the best-working methods, when the Roku stick is not connecting to the TV, is to perform a soft reset or also known as a power circulation.

This process involves unplugging your TV and Roku streaming stick to refresh all services and for the devices to cool off.

Follow the steps below to power cycle your Roku and TV setup:

1. Unplug your Roku streaming stick from the TV.
2. Turn OFF your television, using the remote.
3. Unplug the Roku and TV from the power outlet.
4. Wait for about 60 seconds for the discharge.
5. Reconnect your setup and test connecting Roku.

Important:

While the setup is disconnected from the power, take your time and inspect the Roku HDMI connector and the HDMI port of your TV.

Try to remove any dust accumulation or any visible obstructions that might be impacting the connection.

4. Test with a Different HDMI Device!

In case you’re unable to visualize your Roku streaming stick on your TV, you can’t proceed with the troubleshooting, so it’s best to find another HDMI device.

This could be a computer monitor, another television, or any source that can visualize Roku’s HDMI output.

Based on whether your Roku streaming stick works with the secondary monitor you should be able to draw a conclusion.

In case your streaming stick does not work with other monitors and not just your TV, perhaps you should check the warranty and contact Roku Customer Service.

Tip: A TV that can’t visualize HDMI input can be factory reset to restore functionality!

5. Update your TV’s Firmware!

Sometimes the reason why the Roku stick or any other device’s HDMI input can’t be visualized on the TV is due to outdated firmware.

If possible, go into your TV’s Settings, then locate the System tab and attempt to Update your television’s firmware.

Then after the TV restarts, reconnect the Roku streaming stick to the HDMI port and test whether the connection will now work.

In addition (using another monitor) update your Roku streaming stick through Settings > System > System Update for best compatibility!

Note: Updating the software of the TV requires different steps for different TV brands!

Roku App Not Connecting To TV – Quick Solutions!

The Roku application connects to a working Roku streaming stick or Roku TV, connected to a working and reliable WiFi. This is the primary requirement, so let’s start with the essentials first!

Solution #1 Pair Roku App to Roku TV (Correctly)

The very first step when the mobile Roku app is not connecting to the TV is to check whether the pairing process is done correctly.

This is why, before troubleshooting follow the steps below:

1. Connect Roku stick to the TV or turn on Fire TV.
2. Open the Roku app on your mobile device.
3. Tap on Devices then select “Get Help?”.
4. Then select the Connect Manually button.
5. Enter the IP address of the Roku device.

Tip: To learn the Roku IP address, go to Settings > Network > About and copy the address!

Solution #2 Use the Same WiFi Network!

Assuming that you’ve downloaded and installed the Roku mobile app on your smartphone or tablet, you need to know the most important.

The Roku app (phone) and Roku TV have to be connected to the same WiFi network.

Since Roku can connect both to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz threads of your network, you need to ensure that both your devices are connected to the same frequency.

In addition, it’s important to verify the consistency and reliability of your WiFi and overall internet before proceeding further.

Tip: You can connect the Roku app to the Roku TV by sharing a hotspot from your mobile device and connecting the Roku.

Solution #3 Reinstall the Roku Application

The next and most important step after verifying the internet (WiFi) connection is the Roku app and the installation condition of the platform.

The best course of action would be to perform a clean installation by removing the app completely and then downloading it back from the store!

Uninstall > Reinstall Roku on Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap on your Profile icon.
3. Select Manage Apps & Devices.
4. Then, select the Roku App.
5. Choose Uninstall to remove.
6. Then search for the Roku app.
7. Download the software cleanly.

Uninstall > Reinstall Roku App on iOS:

1. Find the Roku app on the home screen.
2. Tap and hold the icon until it starts to jiggle.
3. Tap on the minus “–” sign on the icon’s edge.
4. Open the App Store and search for “Roku”.
5. Download the Roku application cleanly.

Info: The Roku app for iOS is called “The Roku Mobile App” and for Android is “The Roku App”.

Solution #4 Factory Reset your Roku!

In case the mobile Roku app won’t connect to the Roku TV, the ultimate solution is to perform a factory reset to start fresh.

The downside is that this process completely erases all data from your Roku TV or stick, which is a good way to resolve any impermanent issues with the device.

• All Roku devices have a physical reset button on their panels!

Alternatively, here’s how to factory reset Roku through the settings:

1. On your Roku to the Settings.
2. Then go to the System tab.
3. Choose Advanced System Settings.
4. Then select the Factory Reset option.
5. Tap on Factory Reset Everything.
6. Follow the rest of the instructions.

When your Roku is done resetting, test whether the mobile app is now going to connect!

Quick Recap:

Hence, when Roku not connecting to TV, the best possible solution is to soft-reset the entire setup and closely inspect the HDMI connection.

In case the Roku app is not working with the TV, simply reinstall the app, and don’t forget to use the same WiFi.

Read Next: Why Is My Roku App Not Connecting To TV? – Easy Fix