Roku Error Code 013 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Roku error 013 means the device successfully connected to your Wi-Fi but then could not complete its network configuration. Your Roku got onto the network but something is preventing it from getting a proper internet address or communicating with Roku's servers. This is different from a simple connection drop. It usually points to a router configuration issue, a DHCP problem, or a DNS failure.

Affected Models

Roku Express
Roku Express 4K
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
Roku Ultra
Roku TV

Common Causes

Your router's DHCP server failed to assign an IP address to the Roku device
DNS server settings on your router are incorrect or the DNS server is not responding
Your router's firewall is blocking Roku's network configuration traffic
The router has run out of available IP addresses to hand out to new devices
A static IP conflict exists because another device on the network has the same IP as the Roku

How to Fix It

Restart your router and modem. Unplug both, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem in first, wait for its lights to stabilize, then plug the router back in.

A router restart clears its connection table and resets DHCP leases. This fixes many network configuration errors without any manual settings changes.
Restart your Roku as well. Go to Settings > System > System Restart. After the router and Roku have both restarted, try connecting again.

Both devices need to be fresh for the network handshake to work correctly.
Change your DNS settings on the Roku. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Connection > Wireless. After entering your Wi-Fi password, look for 'DNS Settings' and change it to Manual. Enter 8.8.8.8 for the primary DNS.

8.8.8.8 is Google's free DNS server. Using it instead of your ISP's default DNS server often resolves configuration errors.
Check if too many devices are connected to your router. Most home routers support 20 to 50 devices. If you have a lot of smart home devices, you may be hitting that limit.

Log into your router's admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look at the connected devices list. Disconnect any devices you no longer use.
Factory reset your Roku as a last step. Go to Settings > System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset. After resetting, reconnect to Wi-Fi and let the device complete its full setup process.

A factory reset clears any corrupted network configuration stored on the Roku itself.

When to Call a Professional

If you have tried all the steps below and error 013 persists, the problem may be with your router's configuration. A network-savvy friend or an ISP technician can check your router's DHCP settings and firewall rules. If your router is provided by your ISP, contact their support line for help adjusting the settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DHCP and why does it matter for my Roku?

DHCP is the system your router uses to automatically assign an internet address (IP address) to each device on your network. When your Roku connects to Wi-Fi, it asks the router for an address. If the router fails to provide one — because it is overwhelmed, misconfigured, or out of available addresses — the Roku cannot get online. Error 013 often indicates this DHCP process failed.

Can I use a wired ethernet connection to avoid this error?

Yes, if your Roku model supports ethernet (like the Roku Ultra). A wired connection bypasses most Wi-Fi and DHCP configuration issues. If you get error 013 on Wi-Fi but not on ethernet, your router's wireless DHCP settings are the problem.

My Roku worked fine before. Why did this error suddenly appear?

A few things can cause this to happen suddenly. Your router may have updated its firmware and changed a setting. Another device on the network may have taken the IP address your Roku was using. Or your internet provider may have changed something on their end. Restarting both the router and Roku is the first step for any sudden network configuration error.