How to Connect a Smart TV to the Internet Wirelessly

To use Smart TVs they need to be connected to a home network and the internet. One option is to use Wi-Fi.

On-screen menu appearance and navigation for Wi-Fi setup may vary depending on Smart TV brand and model but include the same core steps.

Some TV brands refer to Wi-Fi directly or use the terms “Wireless”, “Wireless Network”, “Wireless or Wi-Fi Home Network”, or “Wi-Fi Network”. The examples in this article use the term “Wireless”.

Connecting to Wi-Fi During First-Time TV Setup

1. Make sure your network and internet are working.To connect Wi-Fi, you need a wireless router and your network’s name (ie: ATTxxx, TWCxxx, Coxaaa, or something you came up with.)
2. Turn your Smart TV on. You’ll see a Welcome and/or Setup Screen.
3. You’ll be prompted to start the TV setup.
4. As you continue TV setup, it may automatically search for available networks or you may be asked to choose between a wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) network before it searches. For Wi-Fi, choose Wireless.
5. Once the network search is completed, you may see several listed. Select your network from the list.
6. Enter the Network Password (key).
7. Once your password is confirmed, a message will display that the TV is connected via Wi-Fi to your network and the internet.
8. Upon Wi-Fi confirmation, your TV may display a message that a software or firmware update is available. If so, click “Yes”. The update will download and install.Don’t turn the TV off or perform another function while the update is in progress.
9. Once the update is complete, you’ll be prompted through the rest of the TV’s setup which may include adding streaming apps, channel scanning for antenna-connected TVs, and picture and sound settings.https://163df7dce94c1d659cc8099334eec474.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Changing or Adding Wi-Fi After The Fact

If you want to switch from a wired connection to Wi-Fi, installed a new wireless router, or changed yourInternet Service Provider (ISP)you can re-establish a Wi-Fi connection.

1. From the TV’s home screen, click on the Setup or Settings Icon.
2. In the Settings Menu, select Network.
3. Click on Open Network Settings (may just be labeled Network Settings).
4. In the Network Settings, you should see wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) options listed, as shown in the previously shown Wi-Fi connection steps. Select Wireless or Wi-Fi.
5. The TV will scan for available networks. Choose your network from the list.
6. Enter your network password.
7. Once the connection is confirmed, follow any additional onscreen prompts (such as an available update).
8. If your Network Settings Menu has a selection labeled Network Status, you can click on it any time to see if the current internet connection to the TV is active.

What To Do If Your TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

If you can’t connect your TV to Wi-Fi, or find the connection unstable, try one, or more, of the following steps.https://163df7dce94c1d659cc8099334eec474.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

1. Move the wireless router and TV closer together, or get a Wi-Fi extender for your router and try connecting again using the above steps.
2. If Wi-Fi connection attempts fail, and your TV and router provide an Ethernet Port, connect an Ethernet Cable from your router to the TV.Depending on the TV brand and model, the Ethernet connection may be labeled Ethernet/LAN or just LAN (Local Area Network). The Ethernet cable may be referred to as a Network Cable.In your TV’s network settings menu select wired. You may be prompted to connect the Ethernet cable.Wait for confirmation that the connection was successful.Upon confirmation, follow any additional prompts (such as for a software/firmware update).
3. Two additional ways you can try to connect your TV via Ethernet or Wi-Fi is with the PBC or PIN setting methods. Check your TV’s owner’s manual for specific details for your TV.
4. If none of the above options work, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance in entering your router’s IP Address and DNS Server information manually.
5. If your ISP doesn’t solve the problem, contact customer support for your TV for assistance.

Not All Smart TVs Have Wi-Fi

Older model smart TVs may not have a Wi-Fi option.

If your Smart TV doesn’t have Wi-Fi but has an Ethernet or USB port, you may be able to access Wi-Fi with an Ethernet or USB Wi-Fi Adapter.

Consult your user guide or contact customer support for information on if you can use this option and which Wi-Fi Adapters may be compatible.

Network and Internet Connection Benefits

When a Smart TV is connected to the internet and a home network, you’ll have access to one or more of the following:

• Firmware/Software Updates: Keep your TV updated with the latest fixes and features.
• Streaming Services: Get access to video and music streaming services, such as Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and more depending on the brand/model.
• Local Network Content Access: Play videos, still images, and music from PCs or media servers on your network.
• Remote Management and Support: Depending on brand and model, the tech support staff for your TV may be able to take control of your TV (with your permission) to fix setting issues.
• Control of Smart Home Devices: Some smart TVs can be used with Alexa, Google Assistant, and/or SmartThings that allow it to control, or be controlled by, other devices.