The three ways to get your TV online

Most modern TVs connect to the internet in one of three ways: built-in WiFi, an ethernet cable plugged directly into the TV, or a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick. Which one works for you depends on what your TV has, where it sits in your home, and how fast your internet is.

Built-in WiFi is the easiest if your TV has it — you just find the network name and password. An ethernet cable is faster and more stable but requires running a wire from your router to the TV. A streaming device gives you another option if your TV's built-in connection is slow or missing, though it takes up an HDMI port and needs its own power.

Before you start, check what your TV actually has. Look at the back and sides for ports, or find your TV model number (usually on a sticker on the back) and search the manufacturer's website. You need to know whether your TV has WiFi built in, whether it has an ethernet port, and how many HDMI ports are free.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in WiFi is the simplest method if your TV supports it — you enter your network name and password through the TV's settings menu.
  • An ethernet cable plugged into the TV's ethernet port gives you a faster, more stable connection than WiFi, especially if your router is far away.
  • A streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick works on any TV with an HDMI port and can replace a slow or missing built-in connection.
  • Your internet speed matters: streaming video needs at least 5 Mbps, and 4K video needs 25 Mbps or higher.
  • Once connected, your TV will ask you to sign in to apps like Netflix or YouTube — use the same account you use on your phone or computer.

Connecting through built-in WiFi

If your TV has WiFi, this is usually the fastest way to get your free guide. Go to your TV's settings menu — the exact path varies by brand, but look for "Network," "Internet," or "WiFi" in the main settings. Your TV will show a list of available networks. Find your home WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and select it.

Your TV will then ask for your WiFi password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." Once you enter it, your TV will test the connection. If it fails, double-check the password by logging into your router's settings on a computer or phone, or by looking at the sticker on the router itself.

After your TV connects, it may ask you to sign in to your TV manufacturer's account (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.). This is optional but recommended — it lets you download apps and sync settings across devices. Then you can open apps like Netflix, YouTube, or your cable provider's app and sign in with the same account you use elsewhere.

Using an ethernet cable for a wired connection

An ethernet cable is a thick, flat cord with a connector that looks like a phone jack but wider. If your TV has an ethernet port on the back (it will be labeled "Ethernet" or "LAN"), you can plug one end into the TV and the other end into your router or a wall outlet if your home has ethernet wiring.

A wired connection is faster and more stable than WiFi, especially if your router is far from the TV or if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. It also won't drop out if someone's phone interferes with the signal. The downside is that you need to run a cable, which may mean drilling holes or taping it along baseboards.

Once the cable is plugged in, go to your TV's network settings and select "Ethernet" or "Wired Connection." Your TV should detect the connection automatically. If it doesn't, restart the TV and try again. Ethernet cables come in different lengths — 25 feet, 50 feet, and longer — so measure the distance from your router to your TV before you buy one.

Adding a streaming device if your TV doesn't have WiFi

If your TV is older or doesn't have built-in WiFi, a streaming device is a practical alternative. Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast all plug into an HDMI port on the back of your TV and connect to your WiFi. They're small boxes or sticks that cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model and features.

To set one up, plug it into an available HDMI port and into a power outlet (most come with a power adapter). Turn on your TV and switch to that HDMI input. The device will walk you through connecting to your WiFi and signing in to your account. After that, you can download apps directly on the device instead of on the TV.

One advantage of a streaming device is that you can replace it without replacing the TV if it gets slow or outdated. The main drawback is that it uses an HDMI port — if your TV only has two HDMI ports and you also have a cable box or game console, you'll need to switch inputs or buy an HDMI splitter.

Troubleshooting a connection that won't work

If your TV connects to WiFi but then loses the connection, move your router closer to the TV or remove obstacles like metal filing cabinets or microwaves between them. WiFi signals weaken over distance and through walls. If moving the router isn't practical, a WiFi extender or mesh network system can boost the signal in that part of your home.

If your TV won't find your network at all, restart both the TV and the router. Unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart the TV. This clears temporary glitches that often cause connection problems. If your network still doesn't appear, check that your router's WiFi is turned on — some routers have a physical button or a setting in the admin panel that disables it.

If you enter the password correctly but the TV says it's wrong, restart the TV and try again. Sometimes the TV's keyboard misses a keystroke. If it still fails, try connecting a different device (phone, laptop) to the same network with the same password to confirm the password is actually correct. If other devices connect fine but the TV doesn't, the TV's WiFi hardware may be failing and you may need a streaming device instead.

Checking your internet speed for streaming

Before you blame your TV connection, check whether your internet speed is fast enough for what you're trying to do. Most streaming services need at least 5 Mbps for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K video. You can test your speed for free at speedtest.net or fast.com — just open the site on your phone or computer and run the test.

If your speed is lower than you need, you have a few options. Move closer to the router, switch to an ethernet cable if your TV has that port, or contact your internet provider to see if you can upgrade your plan. If multiple people are streaming at the same time, that also slows things down — ask them to pause their videos while you test.

Keep in mind that the speed you pay for (say, 100 Mbps) is rarely the speed you actually get. You might get 70 or 80 Mbps instead, which is still fine for most streaming. But if you're getting less than half the speed you're paying for, contact your provider — there may be a problem with your connection.

Signing in to apps and managing accounts

Once your TV is online, you can download apps through the TV's app store. Look for "Apps," "App Store," or "Channel Store" in the main menu — the name depends on your TV brand. Search for Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or whatever you want to watch, and select "Install" or "Download."

When you open an app for the first time, it will ask you to sign in. Use the same email and password you use on your phone or computer. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one through the app. Some apps like Netflix let you create a household profile on the TV so different family members see their own recommendations.

If you have trouble typing on the TV's remote, many apps let you sign in on your phone instead and then automatically log in on the TV. Look for a "Sign in on another device" or "Link device" option in the app. This is usually faster than typing with the remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Connecting your TV to your existing home WiFi or ethernet network costs nothing. You only pay for the internet service itself, which you likely already have. Streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube require their own subscriptions, but those are separate from the internet connection.

What's the difference between WiFi and ethernet for a TV?

Ethernet is faster and more stable — it won't drop out or slow down if other devices are using WiFi. WiFi is easier because you don't need to run a cable, but it can be slower if your router is far away or if many devices are connected. For most people, WiFi is fine. Use ethernet if you stream 4K video or if your WiFi is unreliable.

Can I use my phone's hotspot to connect my TV to the internet?

Yes, but it's not recommended for regular use. Your phone's hotspot will work, but it uses your phone's data plan and drains the battery quickly. If you're streaming video, you'll burn through your monthly data limit fast. Use it only as a temporary fix if your home WiFi is down.

Why does my TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means your router is too far away, there's interference from other devices, or your TV's WiFi hardware is weak. Try moving the router closer, restarting both the router and TV, or switching to an ethernet cable if your TV has that port. If nothing works, a streaming device might be more reliable.

Do I need a smart TV to stream video?

No. Any TV with an HDMI port can stream video using a Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast. You don't need a smart TV built in. If your TV is older and doesn't have WiFi, a streaming device is the simplest way to add internet without replacing the TV.