The basic steps for connecting a Samsung TV to WiFi
To connect your Samsung TV to WiFi, you need to go into the TV's settings menu, find the network section, and select your WiFi network from the list. The TV will then ask you to enter your WiFi password. Once you type it in correctly, the TV connects and you can use streaming apps and online features.
The exact path through the menu depends on which Samsung TV model you own — older models and newer ones have slightly different layouts. But the core idea is the same: settings, network, WiFi, password, done. Most TVs complete the connection within 30 seconds.
Key Takeaways
- You access WiFi settings through the TV remote by pressing the Home button, then navigating to Settings and then Connection or Network.
- Your WiFi password must be entered exactly as it is — upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols all matter.
- If the TV cannot find your network, move the TV closer to your router or check that your router is actually turned on.
- Once connected, your TV remembers the network and reconnects automatically when you turn it on, unless you change your password.
Finding the network settings on your Samsung remote
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. This opens the main menu on your TV screen. You will see options like Apps, Settings, and Source. Look for Settings — it usually appears as a gear icon or the word "Settings" in the menu.
Once you open Settings, look for a section called Connection, Network, or WiFi. Different Samsung models label this differently. If you see "Connection" first, open that and you will find WiFi options inside. If you see "Network" or "WiFi" directly, select that instead.
Selecting your WiFi network and entering the password
After you open the WiFi or Network section, the TV will show you a list of available networks — these are the WiFi networks broadcasting in your home and from nearby buildings. Find your own network name (called the SSID) in the list and select it. Your network name is usually printed on a sticker on your router or in the paperwork that came with it.
The TV will then ask you to enter your WiFi password. Use the remote to type it in. The password is case-sensitive, meaning that capital letters are different from lowercase letters. If your password is "MyPassword123", typing "mypassword123" will not work. Take your time and check each character before you confirm.
After you enter the password, the TV will attempt to connect. You will see a message saying "Connecting" or a spinning circle. Wait for 30 seconds. Once the connection succeeds, you will see a message like "Connected" or "Connection Successful."
What to do if the TV cannot find your network
If your WiFi network does not appear in the list, the TV may be too far from the router. WiFi signals weaken over distance and through walls. Try moving the TV closer to the router — even 10 feet closer can make a difference. If you cannot move the TV, consider moving the router to a more central location in your home.
Also check that your router is actually turned on. Look for a power light on the front or back of the router. If it is off, plug it in or press the power button. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for the router to fully start up, then try searching for the network again on your TV.
If your network still does not appear, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears temporary problems that sometimes prevent the router from broadcasting. Once the router restarts, try the TV again.
Fixing a wrong password error
If you enter the password and the TV says "Connection Failed" or "Incorrect Password," the password you typed does not match what the router expects. The most common reason is a typo — especially with capital letters or numbers that look similar (like the number 1 and the letter I, or the number 0 and the letter O).
Go back and re-enter the password more slowly. If you are not sure what your password is, you can check it on the router itself. Many routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default password printed on it. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to its factory settings — this erases your password and returns it to the default one printed on the sticker. Resetting usually involves holding a small button on the router for 10 to 15 seconds.
What happens after the TV connects
Once the TV successfully connects to WiFi, it remembers that network. The next time you turn on the TV, it will automatically reconnect without asking for the password again. This automatic reconnection works as long as your WiFi network name and password stay the same.
If you change your WiFi password at the router, the TV will no longer be able to connect automatically. You will need to go back into the network settings, select your network again, and enter the new password. If you change your WiFi network name entirely, the TV will treat it as a new network and ask for the password from scratch.
Using your TV after it connects to WiFi
Once your Samsung TV is connected to WiFi, you can use streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others. You can also read new apps from the Samsung App Store, check for software updates, and use any other online features your TV model supports. The WiFi connection stays active in the background while you watch, so you do not have to reconnect each time you switch apps.
If the WiFi connection drops while you are using an app, the app will usually pause or show an error message. This normally means the router lost power, the TV moved out of range, or there is a temporary problem with your internet service. Restarting the TV or moving it closer to the router usually fixes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Samsung TV to WiFi without a remote?
No. Samsung TVs require the remote to navigate the settings menu and enter the WiFi password. If your remote is lost or broken, you will need to buy a replacement remote or use a universal remote that works with Samsung TVs. Some newer Samsung models have a SmartThings app that may allow control from a phone, but you still need the remote to set up WiFi the first time.
Why does my TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?
This usually happens if the TV is too far from the router, if the router is overloaded with too many devices, or if there is interference from other electronics. Try moving the TV closer to the router, restarting the router, or reducing the number of devices connected at once. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider to check if there is an issue with your service.
Do I need to enter the password every time I turn on the TV?
No. Once you enter the password and the TV connects successfully, it saves the network and password. The TV will reconnect automatically each time you turn it on, unless you change your WiFi password or network name at the router.
What if I see a WiFi network that is not mine in the list?
Those are networks from other routers nearby — your neighbors' networks or public networks. Do not select them. Select only your own network name, which you should recognize from your router or paperwork. Connecting to someone else's network without permission is not allowed.
Can I connect the TV to WiFi using a hotspot from my phone?
Yes. If your phone has a hotspot feature, you can turn it on and the TV will see it as a WiFi network. Select your phone's hotspot name from the list and enter the password your phone shows. This works, but it uses your phone's data plan, so be aware of how much data the TV uses when streaming.