The basic steps to get your Samsung TV online
To connect a Samsung TV to WiFi, you go to Settings on your remote, find Network, select your WiFi network, and enter your password. The whole process takes about five minutes if your password is correct the first time. Most Samsung TVs made in the last ten years use the same menu structure, though the exact wording on screen may vary slightly by model year.
You will need your WiFi network name (called the SSID) and password before you start. If you do not know your password, check the sticker on your router or contact your internet provider. Once you are connected, your TV can stream apps, receive software updates, and display content from your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs connect to WiFi through the Settings menu using your remote, and the process is the same whether your TV is new or several years old.
- You need your WiFi network name and password before you begin, so have that information ready to avoid typing errors.
- If your TV does not find your network, move the TV closer to your router or restart both the TV and router before trying again.
- A wired ethernet connection through the TV's back panel is more stable than WiFi if your router is in the same room or nearby.
Finding the Network settings on your Samsung remote
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. This button usually has a house icon and sits near the top of the remote. The home screen will appear on your TV, showing rows of apps and options.
Look for a gear icon or the word Settings. On most Samsung TVs this sits in the top right corner of the home screen. Highlight it with your remote and press Enter. A menu will open with options like Picture, Sound, and Network.
Select Network from this menu. Your TV will show you a list of available WiFi networks. If you do not see your network name in the list, scroll down to see more options, or check that your router is turned on and broadcasting (most routers have a light that blinks when they are active).
Entering your WiFi network name and password
Highlight your WiFi network name from the list and press Enter. Your TV will ask you to enter your password. A keyboard will appear on screen — you can type using your remote's arrow buttons and number pad, or use the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone if you have it installed (this is faster and less error-prone).
Type your password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and special characters. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning that "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you make a mistake, use the backspace button on the keyboard to delete and retype.
Once you have entered the password, highlight the Connect button and press Enter. Your TV will attempt to join the network. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You will see a message saying Connected or a checkmark next to your network name when it succeeds.
What to do if your TV cannot find your network
If your WiFi network does not appear in the list, first check that your router is powered on. Look for lights on the front of the router — if there are no lights, plug it in or press the power button. Wait 30 seconds for the router to fully start up, then go back to your TV's Network settings and select Refresh or Scan for Networks.
If your network still does not appear, move your TV closer to the router temporarily. WiFi signals weaken over distance and through walls. If your TV connects when it is closer, your router may not have enough range for that location — you can move the TV back once it is connected, or consider a WiFi extender if you want to keep it in that spot.
If your network appears but your TV says the password is incorrect, double-check that you typed it right. The most common mistakes are forgetting capital letters, confusing the number 0 with the letter O, or including a space that should not be there. If you are unsure of your password, restart your router (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in) and check the sticker on the back or bottom of the router for the default password.
Using a wired connection instead of WiFi
If your WiFi connection is unreliable or slow, you can connect your Samsung TV directly to your router with an ethernet cable. Look at the back of your TV for a port labeled Ethernet or Network. This port looks like a phone jack but slightly wider. Plug one end of an ethernet cable into this port and the other end into your router.
Go back to Settings, then Network, and your TV should recognize the wired connection automatically within a few seconds. You will see a message saying Connected or Ethernet Connected. A wired connection is faster and more stable than WiFi, and you do not need to enter a password. The downside is that you need a cable long enough to reach from your TV to your router, and the cable must stay plugged in.
If you have both WiFi and ethernet connected at the same time, your TV will use the ethernet connection by default. You can disconnect the ethernet cable later if you want to switch back to WiFi.
Checking that your connection is working
Once your TV says it is connected, open an app that uses the internet to confirm the connection is real. Netflix, YouTube, or your TV's built-in weather app all work well for this test. If the app loads and plays video or shows current information, your connection is working.
If an app fails to load or shows an error, go back to Settings, Network, and select Disconnect. Wait 10 seconds, then reconnect to your WiFi network using the same password. Restart your router as well by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Often a fresh connection fixes temporary problems.
Your TV will remember your WiFi network and password, so you will not need to enter it again unless you change your password or reset your TV to factory settings. If you move your TV to a different location with a different WiFi network, you can add that network through the same Settings menu.
Updating your TV after connecting to WiFi
After your TV connects to WiFi for the first time, it may automatically check for software updates. You might see a notification on screen asking whether you want to update now or later. Software updates fix bugs and add features, so it is worth doing this when you have time — updates usually take 5 to 15 minutes and your TV will restart on its own when finished.
If you do not see an update notification, you can check manually by going to Settings, Support, and looking for Software Update or Check for Updates. Your TV will search for the latest version and install it if one is available. Do not unplug your TV during an update, as this can damage the software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Samsung TV to WiFi without a remote?
No, you need the Samsung remote to navigate the Settings menu and enter your password. If your remote is lost or broken, you can buy a replacement remote from Samsung or a third-party seller, or use the SmartThings app on your phone as a remote if your TV supports it (most newer models do).
Why does my Samsung TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?
This usually means your router is too far away or there is interference from other devices. Try moving your router closer to your TV, or move the TV closer to the router temporarily to test. If the connection is stable when closer, use a WiFi extender or switch to a wired ethernet connection. Also restart both your TV and router by unplugging them for 10 seconds.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the default password. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 seconds, which will restore the default password. You will then need to set up your WiFi again from scratch.
Do I need to connect my Samsung TV to WiFi to watch cable or satellite?
No, cable and satellite channels work without an internet connection. However, connecting to WiFi lets you use streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, receive software updates, and use smart features like voice search. If you only watch cable or satellite, WiFi is optional.
Can I use a 5GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4GHz?
Most Samsung TVs support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks. Your router may broadcast both at the same time under the same network name, or they may have separate names. If your TV has trouble connecting to 5GHz, try the 2.4GHz network instead — it has longer range, though slightly slower speed. You can switch between them in your Network settings.