Streaming boxes and TVs that run Roku are common in homes that left cable. A Roku shows a connection test of its own, which saves guessing. Buffering has a short list of causes, and most are in the house, not on the High Desert line.
Steps
- Open Settings, then Network
Press Home on the remote, scroll to Settings, and choose Network.
- Choose Set up connection
Pick Wireless to use Wi-Fi, or Wired if the Roku has an Ethernet port and a cable runs to the router.
- Pick your Wi-Fi name and type the password
If the router has two names, one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz, try the 5 GHz name when the Roku is in the same room or the next one.
- Run Check connection
Third-party Roku guides place it under Settings, Network. It reports whether the Roku reached the router and the internet, and a speed reading.
- Read the result against what you stream
A reading is only a snapshot. Our guide on how much data streaming uses shows what each quality level needs. Speeds on this site are up to figures for the plan, not a promise at one device.
- Restart the Roku
Under Settings, System, choose Power and Restart, or unplug it for ten seconds.
- Move closer or use a cable
If buffering stays, move the router nearer, add a mesh node, or run an Ethernet cable. Each helps more than another restart.
Where does buffering usually come from?
In a home on a fixed wireless line, buffering at night with several people online is often Wi-Fi congestion or a weak signal at the TV. Test another device beside the TV. If it is fast there, the Roku's spot is the problem. Our one device is slow page walks the check.
Does a Roku use a lot of data?
Streaming video uses more than most things at home. Each High Desert service level has a data transfer limit; the size is available by emailing info@hdiss.net, and use over it is billed at $1 per gigabyte in a billing cycle, per the service agreement. The guide data transfer limits and your usage explains it.
Why did Roku lose Wi-Fi after I changed my router?
A new router means a new network name or password, so the Roku forgets the old one. Choose Set up connection again and pick the new name.
Do I need to go outside or touch the antenna for this?
Please keep off the roof. The antenna, radio and outdoor cable are handled only by a High Desert technician, and a phone call starts that.
Sources
- support.roku.com/ (Roku support; the article address tried did not load on 2026-10-15; steps are generic and menu names come from third-party guides found by search)