The basic steps to connect your Samsung TV to WiFi
Most Samsung TVs connect to WiFi through the same menu where you adjust volume and brightness. Press the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Settings (usually a gear icon). Look for Network or WiFi Settings — the exact name varies by model year. Select your WiFi network from the list, enter your password, and wait for the "Connected" confirmation, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.
If your TV does not find your network, make sure your router is within 30 feet and not blocked by metal objects or thick walls. If you have a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network with the same name, your TV may struggle with the 5GHz band — try renaming them differently in your router settings, or temporarily disable 5GHz to test. Older Samsung TV models (before 2018) sometimes work better on 2.4GHz only.
Once connected, your TV will remember that network. If you move or change your WiFi password, go back to Network Settings, forget the old network, and add it again with the new password. You do not need to reconnect every time you turn the TV on — the connection persists until you manually disconnect it or the TV cannot reach the network.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs connect through Settings > Network or WiFi Settings on the remote, and the TV remembers your network unless you manually forget it.
- A WiFi connection lets your TV read apps, receive software updates, and stream content, but also means the TV sends data to Samsung and app publishers.
- You can see what data Samsung collects in Settings > Support > About This TV, and you can disable some tracking through Settings > General > Smart Features.
- Connecting your TV to the same network as your phone and computer is convenient but means a compromised TV could potentially reach those devices — using a separate guest network reduces that risk.
- Your TV will work for basic functions like watching cable or using an HDMI input even if WiFi is off or unavailable.
What your TV actually does once it is connected
A WiFi connection transforms your TV from a display into a device that talks to Samsung's servers and to the internet. Your TV can now read and install apps (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu), receive software updates from Samsung, and stream video from the internet. It also sends data back: Samsung collects information about what you watch, when you watch it, what apps you use, and sometimes your location.
This data collection is how Samsung funds the TV — they sell viewing patterns and user behavior to advertisers and content providers. You are not paying for the software updates or the app store with money; you are paying with information about your viewing habits. This is not hidden, but it is not advertised either, and most people do not realize it is happening.
If you do not connect to WiFi, your TV still works. You can watch cable, satellite, or antenna broadcasts. You can plug in an HDMI cable from a streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV. You straightforward cannot read apps directly onto the TV or receive Samsung's software updates. Some newer features — like voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant — require WiFi and will not work offline.
Where to find and adjust what data Samsung collects
Samsung does not hide the data collection, but the settings are not obvious. On your remote, press Home, then go to Settings > Support > About This TV. Scroll down to find "Diagnostics" or "Viewing Information" — this section shows you what data the TV is set to collect. The exact menu name depends on your TV model and software version, but it is always under Settings > Support.
To reduce what Samsung collects, go to Settings > General > Smart Features. You will see toggles for "Collect Viewing Information," "Personalization," and sometimes "Voice Recognition." Turning these off stops the TV from sending viewing data to Samsung and disables some targeted ads. However, the TV will still send basic information like model number and software version when it checks for updates — you cannot turn that off without disconnecting WiFi entirely.
Third-party apps (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu) have their own data collection separate from Samsung's. Turning off Samsung's collection does not affect what Netflix knows about what you watch. If you want to limit app tracking, you have to go into each app's settings individually, or straightforward not install apps you do not trust.
Why using a guest network is safer than connecting to your main network
Most home routers can create a second WiFi network called a guest network. This network has the same internet access as your main network, but devices on the guest network cannot see or reach devices on your main network. If you connect your TV to the guest network instead of your main network, a hacked TV cannot reach your phone, computer, or smart home devices.
Setting up a guest network takes five minutes. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser, or through your router's app), find the Guest Network option, turn it on, and give it a name and password. Then connect your TV to that guest network instead of your main one. Your TV still gets internet and works exactly the same way — it just cannot see your other devices.
This matters because Samsung TVs, like all internet-connected devices, occasionally have security flaws. If a hacker finds a way into your TV, they could potentially use it to reach your computer or phone if they are all on the same network. A guest network is not perfect protection, but it is a straightforward step that costs nothing and takes a few minutes. If you have other smart home devices (cameras, speakers, thermostats), putting them all on a guest network together keeps them separate from your main devices.
What to do if your TV will not connect to WiFi
Start by restarting both your TV and your router. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart (usually two to three minutes). Then unplug the TV, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary connection problems that account for most WiFi failures.
If that does not work, check your router's WiFi name and password. Go into your router settings (through its app or web interface) and confirm the network name is broadcasting and the password is correct. If you recently changed your WiFi password, your TV still has the old one saved — you have to forget the network and reconnect with the new password.
If your TV still will not connect, move it closer to the router temporarily to rule out distance or obstruction. If it connects when close but not from across the house, your router's signal is too weak — you may need a WiFi extender or a new router with better range. If it still will not connect even next to the router, your TV's WiFi hardware may be failing, and you would need to contact Samsung support or consider a repair.
Whether to update your TV's software and what happens if you do not
Samsung regularly releases software updates for connected TVs. These updates fix security flaws, add features, and improve performance. When your TV is connected to WiFi, it checks for updates automatically and usually prompts you to install them. You can usually choose to install now or later, but the TV will keep asking until you do.
You should install updates when prompted. Security flaws in your TV's software are real — hackers have found ways to break into Samsung TVs and use them to reach other devices on the network. Updates patch those flaws. The update process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes and happens automatically; your TV will restart and you will not be able to use it during that time.
If you refuse all updates, your TV will continue to work, but it becomes increasingly vulnerable to security problems as time passes. Older software is easier for hackers to exploit. If you want to avoid updates entirely, you would have to disconnect from WiFi permanently, which also means no apps, no streaming, and no new features.
How to disconnect your TV from WiFi if you change your mind
You can disconnect your TV from WiFi at any time without affecting its basic functions. Press Home on the remote, go to Settings > Network, and select "Forget Network" or "Disconnect." The TV will no longer send data to Samsung or read apps, but you can still watch cable, satellite, antenna, or HDMI inputs.
If you want to reconnect later, the process is the same as the first time: go to Settings > Network, find your WiFi network, and enter the password. Your TV does not need to be connected to WiFi to work — it is entirely optional. Some people connect their TV only when they want to read a new app or check for updates, then disconnect it again. Others leave it connected all the time for convenience.
There is no penalty for disconnecting. Samsung does not charge you or disable features if your TV is offline. The only things you lose are apps, software updates, and features that require internet (like voice control). Everything else works the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Samsung TV to WiFi without giving Samsung my personal information?
Not completely. Even with all data collection turned off, your TV sends basic information to Samsung when it checks for updates — things like your model number and software version. However, you can prevent Samsung from collecting your viewing habits, location, and personalization data by disabling Smart Features in Settings > General. This stops the detailed tracking without disconnecting WiFi entirely.
What happens if I connect my TV to WiFi but do not install the apps I do not want?
Your TV will not automatically install apps you do not read yourself. The app store is available, but nothing installs without you choosing it. However, some Samsung TVs come with pre-installed apps (like Samsung TV Plus) that may collect data even if you do not use them. You can usually disable these in Settings > Apps, though you may not be able to fully uninstall them.
Is it safe to use the same password for my TV WiFi as my computer and phone?
It is safe in the sense that the password itself is not compromised, but it is not ideal for security. If your TV is hacked, an attacker could potentially use it to reach your other devices if they are all on the same network. Using a guest network for your TV and other smart home devices keeps them separate from your main devices, which is a better practice.
Do I need to connect my Samsung TV to WiFi to watch Netflix or other streaming apps?
Yes, streaming apps like Netflix require an internet connection. However, you do not have to use Samsung's built-in apps — you can plug in a separate streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick) through HDMI and use that instead. This way, your TV itself stays offline and only the streaming device connects to WiFi.
What should I do if my TV keeps asking me to update but I do not want to?
You can usually select "Remind Me Later" instead of installing when ready. However, the TV will keep asking until you install the update. If you want to stop the prompts permanently, you would have to disconnect from WiFi. Updates are important for security, so the better option is to schedule an update for a time when you are not using the TV and let it complete.