What you need before you start

Your TV needs three things to reach the internet: a physical connection to your router (either a cable or wireless), the ability to receive a signal (built-in WiFi or an adapter), and a way to display streaming apps. Most TVs made in the last five years have WiFi built in. Older TVs usually don't, but you can add it with a separate device.

Check your TV's manual or the back panel to see what connections it has. Look for an ethernet port (a rectangular jack about the size of a phone jack) or a WiFi logo. If you see neither, your TV will need an external device to connect — a streaming stick, set-top box, or media player.

Key Takeaways

  • Most modern TVs connect to WiFi the same way your phone does, through a menu in the TV's settings.
  • A wired ethernet connection is more stable than WiFi if your router is close enough to run a cable.
  • If your TV doesn't have WiFi built in, a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick adds internet capability for $30 to $100.
  • Your internet speed needs to be at least 5 Mbps for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K video without constant buffering.
  • Once connected, your TV will remember the network and reconnect automatically when you turn it on.

Connecting via WiFi on a TV with built-in wireless

Start by turning on your TV and finding the settings menu. On most TVs this is a gear icon or a button labeled "Menu" on the remote. Look for a section called "Network," "Internet," "WiFi," or "Connectivity." The exact name varies by brand — Samsung calls it "Network," LG calls it "Network Settings," and Roku TVs call it "Internet Connection."

Select "WiFi" or "Wireless" and your TV will scan for networks in range. You'll see a list of network names (SSIDs). Find your own network name — this is what you named your WiFi when you set up your router, or the default name that came with it. Select it and enter your WiFi password. The TV will test the connection and confirm when it's working.

If your TV doesn't find your network, move closer to the router or check that WiFi is turned on at the router itself. Some routers have a physical WiFi button on the back or front. If you've recently changed your WiFi password, you'll need to enter the new one — the TV won't automatically update.

Connecting via ethernet cable for a stronger signal

An ethernet cable is a thin cord with a rectangular connector on each end. One end plugs into the ethernet port on your TV; the other plugs into an available port on your router. Ethernet is faster and more reliable than WiFi, especially if your router is in another room or if you stream 4K video.

Run the cable along the wall or behind furniture to keep it out of the way. Once plugged in, go to your TV's network settings the same way you would for WiFi. Instead of selecting a network, look for an option like "Wired Connection" or "Ethernet." The TV should detect the connection automatically within a few seconds. If it doesn't, restart the TV and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds.

Ethernet cables come in different lengths — 25 feet, 50 feet, and longer. They cost $10 to $20 at any electronics store. If your router is far from your TV, measure the distance before buying.

Adding internet to an older TV without WiFi

If your TV has no WiFi and no ethernet port, you'll need a separate device. The most common options are streaming sticks (Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast), set-top boxes (Apple TV, Roku Ultra), or media players (Nvidia Shield). These plug into your TV's HDMI port — the same port you'd use for a cable box or gaming console.

Streaming sticks are the cheapest option, usually $30 to $50, and they're small enough to hide behind the TV. Set-top boxes cost $50 to $200 but often include a more advanced remote and faster processing. Once you plug in the device, it will walk you through connecting to your WiFi network, just like a modern TV does.

After setup, you'll use the device's remote to launch apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu. Your TV's remote won't control the streaming device — you'll need both remotes, or you can buy a universal remote that works with both.

Troubleshooting a connection that won't stay on

If your TV connects but keeps dropping the WiFi, the problem is usually distance or interference. Move your router closer to the TV, or switch to the 5 GHz WiFi band if your router supports it (this band is faster but doesn't travel as far). You can also try moving the router away from other electronics like microwaves or cordless phones, which can interfere with WiFi signals.

If the TV connects to WiFi but can't reach streaming services, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. Then try opening an app on the TV. If that doesn't work, restart the TV the same way.

If you're using an ethernet cable and the connection is unstable, the cable itself might be damaged. Try a different cable, or swap the port on your router — some ports can fail while others still work.

Understanding what speed you actually need

Your internet speed determines how fast video loads and whether it will pause to buffer. Streaming services publish their own speed requirements: Netflix recommends 5 Mbps for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K, YouTube recommends 2.5 Mbps for 1080p and 35 Mbps for 4K, and Disney+ recommends 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K.

You can check your actual speed by visiting speedtest.net on any device connected to your WiFi. Run the test a few times at different times of day — speeds vary depending on how many people are using your network. If your speed is lower than what you need, move closer to the router, reduce the number of devices using WiFi at the same time, or contact your internet provider about upgrading your plan.

If you're streaming on multiple TVs or devices at once, add up the speeds. Two people watching 4K video at the same time need 50 Mbps combined.

What happens after your TV is connected

Once your TV is online, it will remember your network and reconnect automatically when you turn it on. You can now open apps directly on the TV without needing a cable box or separate device. Most TVs have a home screen with app icons for Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and others. If an app isn't installed, you can usually read it from an app store built into the TV.

Your TV may also ask to install software updates. Let it do this — updates fix bugs and add features. Updates usually happen automatically when the TV is off, but you can also check manually in the settings menu under "System" or "About."

If you want to use your phone to control the TV, many streaming apps let you cast video from your phone to the TV. This works over the same WiFi network. Look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with WiFi waves) in the app, tap it, and select your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate WiFi network for my TV?

No. Your TV uses the same WiFi network as your phone and computer. If you have a guest network, your TV should connect to your main network instead, since guest networks sometimes block streaming services.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can reset it through your router's admin panel. Open a web browser on your computer, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's username and password. From there you can change your WiFi password. If you don't know the router's login, check the sticker on the back of the router or your internet bill.

Can I move my TV to a different room and keep the WiFi connection?

Yes. Your TV will remember the network and reconnect automatically as long as you're still in range of the same router. If you move far enough that the signal is weak, you may need to re-enter your password.

Is it safe to connect my TV to the internet?

Yes, with basic precautions. Use a strong WiFi password (at least 12 characters, mix of letters and numbers). Keep your TV's software updated — check for updates in settings at least once a month. Avoid connecting to public WiFi networks with your TV. If you're concerned about privacy, check your TV manufacturer's privacy policy to understand what data they collect.

Why does my streaming video keep buffering even though my internet is fast?

Buffering usually means either your WiFi signal is weak (move the router closer or use ethernet), other devices are using your bandwidth (pause downloads or streaming on other devices), or the streaming service itself is having problems. Try restarting the app, or check the service's status page to see if there's an outage in your area.