The basic steps to get your LG TV online

To connect an LG TV to WiFi, go to Settings on your remote, select Network, then WiFi Connection. Your TV will scan for available networks. Select your network name from the list, enter your WiFi password, and wait for the connection to complete — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Once connected, your TV will show a confirmation message.

The exact menu names vary slightly between LG models and software versions. If you have an older LG TV, the path might be Settings > General > Network instead. Check your TV's manual or LG's support site for your specific model number if the path above does not match what you see on screen.

If your TV does not find your network, make sure your router is on and broadcasting its name (called the SSID). Move your TV closer to the router temporarily to rule out a signal problem. If it still does not appear, restart both your router and TV, wait 30 seconds, and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Connect through Settings > Network > WiFi Connection, select your network, and enter your password — the whole process takes a few minutes.
  • Your LG TV will ask for your WiFi password in plain text on screen, so use a strong password you do not type elsewhere.
  • Once connected, your TV can receive software updates automatically, which patch security holes — keep automatic updates turned on.
  • Create a separate WiFi network for your TV and other smart devices if your router supports it, which limits what those devices can see on your main computer network.

Why the password matters when you type it in

When you enter your WiFi password on the TV screen, you are typing it in plain sight — anyone in the room can see it. Use a password that is different from the ones you use for email, banking, or other accounts. If someone gets your WiFi password, they cannot access your email or bank account, but they can use your internet connection and potentially see traffic between your TV and the internet.

If you are concerned about who has seen your password, change it in your router settings after the TV connects. Most routers let you do this through a web browser by going to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and logging in with your router's admin credentials (usually printed on the router itself or in your setup paperwork).

Turning on automatic updates and what they do

After your TV connects to WiFi, go to Settings > General > About This TV and look for Auto Update or Automatic Update. Turn this on. LG sends updates to patch security flaws that researchers find in the TV's software — these updates close doors that hackers could otherwise use to take control of your TV or see what you are watching.

Updates usually happen at night when you are not watching. Your TV may restart during the update, which takes 5 to 15 minutes. If you turn automatic updates off to avoid this inconvenience, you stop receiving patches, which means known security problems stay unfixed. The trade-off is worth making: a brief restart once a month or two is better than leaving your TV vulnerable.

Separating your TV from your main devices (if your router allows it)

Many modern routers let you create a second WiFi network — sometimes called a guest network — that is separate from the one your computer and phone use. If your router has this feature, connect your LG TV to the guest network instead of your main one. This way, if someone hacks your TV, they cannot see your computer files or use your printer.

To set up a guest network, log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser at 192.168.1.1 or through your router's phone app). Look for Guest Network, Guest WiFi, or Additional Network. Create a new network name and password, then connect your TV to that network instead of your main one. Your TV works exactly the same way, but it is isolated from your other devices.

If your router does not have this feature, do not worry — it is not required. A strong WiFi password on your main network is sufficient for most people. This step is for people who want an extra layer of separation.

What to do if your TV keeps disconnecting

If your TV connects but then drops the WiFi connection after a few minutes or hours, the problem is usually signal strength or interference. Move your router closer to the TV, or move the TV closer to the router temporarily to test. If the connection stays stable when they are closer, your signal is too weak at the original distance.

If distance is not the issue, check whether other devices in your home are using the same WiFi channel. Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can interfere with WiFi on the 2.4 GHz band. Log into your router settings and try switching to a different channel (usually channels 1, 6, or 11 work best for 2.4 GHz). If your router supports 5 GHz WiFi, try connecting your TV to that band instead — it has less interference but shorter range.

If the TV still disconnects, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot (usually 2 to 3 minutes). Then restart your TV the same way. If the problem continues, check LG's support site for your model number to see whether other users have reported the same issue and what fixed it.

Checking what information your TV sends to LG

Once your TV is online, it sends data to LG's servers — things like what you watch, what apps you use, and technical information about your TV's performance. You can see and control some of this in Settings > General > About This TV > User Agreements or Privacy (the exact path varies by model). Look for options labeled Viewing Information, Diagnostic Data, or Usage Statistics.

You can usually turn off the collection of viewing data, though some technical information (like whether the TV is working properly) may still be sent. Turning off data collection does not break your TV — it just means LG does not see what you watch. If you want to limit what LG knows about you, turn off everything you can in this menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to connect my LG TV to WiFi?

No. Your TV works fine without WiFi — you can watch cable, satellite, or antenna channels, and use any apps that are built into the TV. WiFi is only needed if you want to stream from services like Netflix or YouTube, receive software updates, or use smart features. If you do not use those things, you do not need to connect.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can reset your password through your router. Log into your router's settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 in a web browser) using your router's admin username and password — these are printed on the router or in your setup paperwork. Find the WiFi settings and change the password there. Once you change it, reconnect your TV using the new password.

Is it safe to use the same WiFi password for my TV as my computer?

It works, but it is safer to use a different password. If someone hacks your TV, they will not also have the password to your main network. Since you have to type the TV password on screen where anyone can see it, keeping it separate from your computer password limits the damage if it is compromised.

Can I see what my TV is doing on the internet?

Yes, if you log into your router's settings. Most routers show a list of connected devices and sometimes what data they are sending. Some routers let you block specific devices from accessing the internet or limit their bandwidth. Check your router's manual or app to see what monitoring options it offers.

What happens if I do not turn on automatic updates?

Your TV will still work, but it will not receive security patches. Over time, researchers find flaws in TV software that hackers can exploit. Updates fix these flaws. If you skip updates, your TV becomes more vulnerable to being hacked or used to attack other devices on your network. Turning updates on is the safer choice.