How to Connect Your TV to the Internet

The two ways to connect: wired and wireless

Your TV connects to the internet through either an ethernet cable plugged directly into the TV's network port, or through your home WiFi network. Most modern TVs have both options built in. Wired connection is more stable and faster — use it if your TV is within 50 feet of your router or if you stream 4K video regularly. WiFi is simpler if your TV is across the room or in a different part of your house, but it can drop if your router is too far away or too many devices are competing for bandwidth.

Before you start, you'll need your WiFi network name (called the SSID) and password. If you don't know your WiFi password, you can find it on the sticker attached to your router, or you can change it through your router's settings page on a computer or phone.

Key Takeaways

Wired ethernet connections are faster and more reliable, while WiFi is easier to set up if your TV is far from the router.
Most TVs walk you through network setup the first time you turn them on, or you can do it manually in the Settings menu.
After connecting, your TV will likely prompt you to update its software — do this before you start streaming, because updates can take 10 to 30 minutes.
If your TV won't connect, restart both the TV and your router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.

Connecting through WiFi on your TV

Turn on your TV and look for a Settings or Setup menu — the button location varies by brand, but it's usually on the remote or accessed by pressing the Menu button. Navigate to Network or Internet settings. Your TV will show a list of available WiFi networks. Select your network name from the list.

When prompted, type your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. This is the same password you use to connect your phone or laptop to WiFi. Take your time entering it — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. Once you've entered the password, select Connect. Your TV will test the connection and tell you whether it succeeded.

If your TV shows "Connected" but then says it can't reach the internet, the password was typed incorrectly. Go back to Network settings and try again. If you're unsure of the password, check the sticker on your router or log into your router's settings page from a computer to see or reset it.

Connecting with an ethernet cable

Locate the ethernet port on the back of your TV — it looks like a phone jack but slightly larger. Plug one end of an ethernet cable into this port. Plug the other end into an available port on your router (the ports on the back of the router all work the same way).

Turn on your TV and go to Settings or Network. Your TV should automatically detect the wired connection and show "Connected" without asking for a password. If it doesn't, go to Network settings and select the option to connect via ethernet or LAN. The connection should establish within 10 to 20 seconds.

Ethernet cables come in different lengths — 25 feet, 50 feet, and longer. If your TV is far from your router, buy a cable long enough to reach without stretching it tight. Coiled cables work fine; they don't need to be perfectly straight.

What to do after your TV connects

Once your TV shows an active internet connection, it will usually prompt you to update its software. This is important — software updates patch security issues and add features. Don't skip this step. The update can take 10 to 30 minutes, and your TV may restart several times. Leave it plugged in and don't turn it off during the update.

After the update finishes, your TV may ask you to sign in to a streaming service or create an account with the TV manufacturer. You don't have to do this when ready, but you'll need to sign in to use apps like Netflix, YouTube, or your cable provider's app. If you're not sure what account to use, you can skip this and come back to it later through the TV's app store or settings menu.

Fixing connection problems

If your TV won't connect to WiFi, first check that you're entering the correct password. Passwords are case-sensitive — a capital letter in the wrong place will cause the connection to fail. If you're not sure of the password, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. While the router restarts, restart your TV the same way. Once both devices are back on, try connecting again.

If your TV connects but then loses the connection after a few minutes, move your router closer to the TV or remove obstacles between them — walls, metal objects, and microwaves can weaken the WiFi signal. If moving the router isn't possible, consider using an ethernet cable instead, or buy a WiFi extender to boost the signal in that room.

If your TV connects to WiFi but can't reach the internet (you'll see an error like "No internet connection" even though it says Connected), the problem is usually with your router or internet service, not the TV. Restart your router and modem — unplug both for 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, wait for its lights to stabilize, then plug in the router. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. If the problem persists, contact your internet provider.

Choosing between WiFi and ethernet for your setup

Use ethernet if your TV is within 50 feet of your router and you can run a cable without it being a tripping hazard. Ethernet is faster, more stable, and won't drop if other devices are using WiFi. It's the better choice if you stream 4K video or if your WiFi network is crowded with phones, tablets, and smart home devices.

Use WiFi if your TV is far from the router, if running a cable would be difficult, or if you move the TV frequently. WiFi is convenient and works fine for standard HD streaming on most networks. If you have a strong WiFi signal in that room (your phone gets good speeds there), your TV will too.

You can also use both — some TVs let you connect via ethernet and still use WiFi for other purposes. Check your TV's network settings to see if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my TV every time I want to use it?

No. Once your TV is connected to the internet, it stays connected when you turn it off and back on. The connection is saved in the TV's memory. You only need to reconnect if you change your WiFi password, move to a new location, or manually forget the network in settings.

What if my TV doesn't have a network port or WiFi?

Older TVs without built-in WiFi or ethernet can still connect to the internet using a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast. These devices plug into the TV's HDMI port and handle the internet connection themselves. They cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model.

Can I use the same WiFi password for my TV as my phone?

Yes. Your WiFi network has one password, and all devices use the same one to connect. You don't need separate passwords for different devices. If you want to change the password, do it through your router's settings page, and all your devices will need to reconnect using the new password.

Why does my TV keep asking for the WiFi password?

This usually means the password was typed incorrectly the first time, or your TV's memory of the network was cleared. Go to Network settings, forget the network, and reconnect by selecting it again and re-entering the password carefully. If it keeps happening, restart your router and TV, then try again.

Is it safe to connect my TV to the internet?

Yes, as long as you keep your TV's software updated. Updates patch security issues, so always install them when your TV prompts you. Use a strong WiFi password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols) to prevent unauthorized access to your network. Your TV itself doesn't need a separate password beyond the WiFi password.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.