The simplest way to connect your TV

Most modern TVs connect to the internet through your home WiFi network the same way your phone or laptop does. You go into the TV's settings menu, find the WiFi option, select your network name from the list, enter your password, and wait for the connection to confirm. The whole process takes about two minutes and you only do it once.

If your TV is too far from your router or the signal is weak, you have two other options: plug an ethernet cable directly from the router into the TV (if it has an ethernet port), or use a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV that connects wirelessly and plugs into an HDMI port on the side of your TV. The streaming device method is often easier because these devices are smaller and can sit closer to your router.

Before you start, you will need your WiFi network name (the one you see when you look for available networks on your phone) and your WiFi password. If you do not have these, go back to the WiFi setup guide to find them.

Key Takeaways

  • Most TVs connect to WiFi through the settings menu without needing any cables or extra equipment.
  • If your TV is far from the router or the signal is weak, an ethernet cable plugged directly into the TV provides the most stable connection.
  • Streaming devices like Roku or Fire Stick are an alternative if your TV does not have WiFi built in or if you prefer not to use the TV's own connection method.
  • You need your WiFi network name and password before you start, and the connection only needs to be set up once.

Connecting through your TV's built-in WiFi

Start by turning on your TV and picking up the remote. Look for a button labeled Settings, Menu, or a gear icon. Press it and look for an option that says Network, WiFi, Internet, or Connectivity. The exact name varies by brand — Samsung calls it Network, LG calls it Network, Roku TVs call it Network — but they all do the same thing.

Once you open the network menu, select the option to connect to WiFi or set up a wireless connection. The TV will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your network name (the one you use on your phone) and select it. A keyboard will appear on screen. Use the remote to type your WiFi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. After you enter it, select Connect or OK.

The TV will take 10 to 30 seconds to connect. You will see a message saying Connected, Success, or something similar. If it says Failed or No Connection, go back and check that you typed the password correctly. A single wrong letter will cause the connection to fail.

Using an ethernet cable for a stronger connection

If your TV has an ethernet port (a rectangular socket that looks like a larger version of a phone jack), you can plug a cable directly from your router into the TV. This gives you a faster and more stable connection than WiFi, especially if your TV is in a room far from the router or if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth.

Run an ethernet cable from one of the ports on the back of your router to the ethernet port on the back of your TV. The cable will only fit one way. Once it is plugged in, go to the TV's Network settings the same way you would for WiFi. Instead of selecting a wireless network, look for an option that says Wired, Ethernet, or Wired Connection. The TV should detect the cable automatically and show Connected within a few seconds.

Ethernet cables come in different lengths. If your router is far from your TV, you can buy a longer cable at any electronics store or online — 50 feet is common and inexpensive. Run the cable along the baseboard or behind furniture to keep it out of the way.

When to use a streaming device instead

A streaming device is a small box or stick that plugs into an HDMI port on your TV and connects to WiFi on its own. Common options are Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV. You might already have one if you use a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu.

Use a streaming device if your TV does not have WiFi built in (older TVs often do not), if your TV's WiFi is slow or unreliable, or if you straightforward prefer not to navigate your TV's settings menu. The device handles the internet connection, and you control it with a separate remote. You still need to connect the device to your WiFi the first time you set it up, but the process is the same as connecting a TV — you go into the device's settings, select your network, and enter your password.

Streaming devices are usually cheaper than buying a new TV, and they often have a simpler interface than older TV operating systems. If you are having trouble with your TV's built-in WiFi, a streaming device is usually the fastest solution.

Troubleshooting a connection that will not work

If your TV will not connect to WiFi, start by checking that you typed the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and even one wrong character will cause the connection to fail. If you are not sure of your password, check your router or your phone — your phone is already connected to the network, so you can look up the password in your WiFi settings.

If the password is correct but the TV still will not connect, restart both the TV and the router. Turn off the TV completely and unplug it for 30 seconds. At the same time, unplug the router for 30 seconds. Plug both back in and wait for them to fully start up — this usually takes a minute or two. Then try connecting again.

If the TV connects but then drops the connection frequently, you may be too far from the router. Move the router closer to the TV if possible, or use an ethernet cable instead. If moving the router is not practical, a WiFi extender can boost the signal in that part of your home — these are inexpensive devices that plug into an outlet and repeat your WiFi signal.

If nothing works, restart your internet connection by unplugging the modem (the device that connects to your internet provider) for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart before trying again. If you still have no connection, contact your internet provider to make sure your service is working.

What to do after your TV is connected

Once your TV is connected to the internet, it will automatically read updates in the background. These updates improve performance and add new features. You do not need to do anything — the TV handles this on its own, usually at night when you are not watching.

Your TV will stay connected to your WiFi even when you turn it off. The next time you turn it on, it will automatically reconnect without you having to enter the password again. If you move your TV to a different room or change your WiFi password, you will need to go back into the network settings and reconnect, but this is rare.

If you want to disconnect your TV from WiFi permanently, go back to the network settings and select Forget Network or Remove Network. This is useful if you are selling the TV or moving it to someone else's home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my TV to WiFi if I do not know my password?

Yes. Check your router — most routers have a sticker on the back with the network name and password printed on it. If the sticker is not there, check your phone's WiFi settings. Your phone is already connected to the network, so you can look up the password there. If you still cannot find it, you can reset the router to its factory settings, but this will disconnect all your other devices and you will have to reconnect them.

Why does my TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means the signal is weak or something is interfering with it. Try moving your router closer to the TV, or use an ethernet cable if your TV has an ethernet port. If you cannot move the router, a WiFi extender can boost the signal. Microwaves and cordless phones can also interfere with WiFi — if your router is near either of these, try moving it to a different location.

Do I need to pay extra to connect my TV to the internet?

No. Connecting to your home WiFi does not cost anything extra — you are using the same internet service you already pay for. You may need to pay for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu if you want to watch their content, but the connection itself is free.

What if my TV does not have WiFi and I do not want to buy a streaming device?

If your TV has an ethernet port, you can plug a cable directly from your router into the TV. This gives you an internet connection without needing WiFi or a streaming device. If your TV has neither WiFi nor an ethernet port, it is too old to connect to the internet on its own, and you will need a streaming device or a new TV.

Can I use my phone as a hotspot to connect my TV to the internet?

Yes, if your phone plan allows it. Turn on your phone's hotspot feature, then connect your TV to it the same way you would connect to any other WiFi network. Keep in mind that this uses your phone's data, so it can quickly use up your monthly allowance if you stream video. This works best as a temporary solution, not for regular use.