A TCL 4-Series S455 Roku TV that will not connect to Wi-Fi, loses its connection or shows a network error has a problem with the TV's settings, the router or the signal, and the steps are quick to follow. The S455 is an entry 4K direct-lit LED TV running Roku OS, and it needs a working network for channels, updates and mirroring. Without it, only the inputs work. Start with the TV's settings. Press Home, go to Settings, Network, Set up connection, Wireless, and choose your network from the list, entering the password carefully with the on-screen keyboard; a typo is the commonest cause. If the network is not listed, choose Scan again, or choose Enter a network name for a hidden network.
The checks in more detail
If the connection fails, select Check connection from Settings, Network, to see which step fails: the wireless connection, the gateway or the internet. Set the clock to automatic in Settings, System, Time so secure connections can succeed. Restart the TV from Settings, System, Power, System restart. Then the router. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Check that other devices connect. If the router combines the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands under one name, try joining the 2.4 gigahertz band, which has a longer range and is more reliable for a TV far from the router, or the 5 gigahertz band for speed when it is close.
Move the router or the TV, or remove obstacles, since a weak signal causes dropouts and buffering; the Network settings show the signal strength.
Check the router for a MAC filter that blocks the TV and a limit on devices. Try a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh node near the TV. The steadiest solution is Ethernet: this model has an Ethernet port on some versions, and a cable gives a stable link. If your version has no port, a USB Ethernet adapter that the TV supports may work, but check Roku's list. Update the software in Settings, System, System update. If the TV cannot join any network, a factory reset in Settings, System, Advanced system settings, Factory reset may clear a fault, but it removes your channels and settings. Contact TCL or Roku support with the model number. A Roku TV has a few network facts of its own.
The Roku remote can be used to check the signal: in Settings, Network, About, the signal strength is shown as excellent, good or poor, and a poor reading means the router is too far or blocked. Roku also reports the TV's network address, which is useful if the router has a limit on addresses. If the TV connects but a channel fails, the cause may be the channel, not the network, so test another channel. A Roku TV with Fast TV Start enabled keeps its network alive in standby, and turning it off can cure a connection that fails after the TV has been off all night. After a factory reset the TV loses its channels, so note them first.
Differential
Likely causes of “TCL 4-Series Roku TV S455 will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A wrong password or a stale entry
What separates it The connection fails to authenticate
How to confirm Re-enter the password or forget and add the network
- 2
A weak signal
What separates it Dropouts and buffering
How to confirm Move the router or add a node
- 3
A router fault or a filter
What separates it Every device fails, or the router blocks only the TV
How to confirm Restart the router and check filters
- 4
A wrong date and time
What separates it Connected with no internet
How to confirm Set the time automatically
- 5
A TV network fault
What separates it Nothing connects
How to confirm Restart the TV; factory reset as a last step
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What Check connection shows
- Whether other devices connect
- Which band the router uses
- The software version
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedRe-enter the password
ReversibleIn Network settings.
Check the connection
ReversibleIn Check connection.
Restart the TV and router
ReversibleBoth.
Try the other band
Reversible2.4 or 5 GHz.
Add a node or use Ethernet
ReversibleIf you can.
Contact TCL
ReversibleIf it never connects.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Check connection
- It shows the failing step.
- The password
- A typo is the commonest cause.
- Bands
- 2.4 GHz reaches further.
- Signal
- Distance and walls weaken it.
- Ethernet
- It is the steadiest.
- TCL help
- Quote the model number.
- The Roku signal reading
- Settings, Network, About shows excellent, good or poor.
- Channel faults
- A failing channel can seem like a network fault.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Keep your Wi-Fi password out of unsecured messages
- !Note your channels before a factory reset
- !Contact TCL if the TV cannot see any network
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why will my TCL Roku TV not connect to Wi-Fi?+
The password, the signal or the router.
Which band is best?+
2.4 GHz for range, 5 GHz for speed.
Does it have Ethernet?+
Some versions do.
Will a factory reset help?+
As a last step.
Does the time matter?+
Yes.
How do I see my Roku TV's Wi-Fi signal strength?+
In Settings, Network, About.
What is Fast TV Start?+
A setting that keeps the TV partly awake in standby.