The two ways to connect: wired and wireless

Most modern TVs connect to the internet through either an Ethernet cable plugged directly into the TV's port, or through your home WiFi network. Which one you use depends on where your TV sits, how fast your internet is, and whether your TV has the hardware to support it.

An Ethernet cable gives you a stable, direct connection — useful if your TV is near your router or if you stream 4K video. WiFi is more convenient if your TV is across the room or in another part of your home, but the signal can weaken depending on distance and obstacles like walls.

Some older TVs have neither option built in. If yours doesn't, you can add internet capability with a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast, which plug into your TV's HDMI port and connect to WiFi or Ethernet themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your TV's ports on the back or side — an Ethernet port looks like a wider phone jack, and WiFi capability is listed in the TV's settings menu under Network or Internet.
  • Wired Ethernet connections are faster and more stable, while WiFi is easier to set up if your router is far from the TV.
  • If your TV has no internet port or WiFi, a streaming device plugged into HDMI adds internet capability for $25 to $100.
  • After connecting, go to your TV's settings, find the Network or Internet section, and select your WiFi network or confirm the Ethernet connection is detected.

Connecting with an Ethernet cable

Look at the back or side of your TV for a port that resembles a phone jack but wider — that is your Ethernet port. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into that port and the other end into an available port on your router or modem.

Once plugged in, go to your TV's settings menu. The exact path varies by brand, but look for a section called Network, Internet, or Connection. Your TV should automatically detect the wired connection within a few seconds. If it does not, restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Ethernet is the most reliable option because the cable carries the signal directly without interference. It is also faster, which matters if you watch 4K video or download large files to your TV. The downside is that you need a cable run from your router to your TV, which may not be practical if they are far apart or in different rooms.

Connecting through WiFi

First, confirm your TV has WiFi built in. Go to Settings, then Network or Internet, and look for an option that says WiFi or Wireless. If you see it, your TV has the hardware. If you do not see it, your TV does not have WiFi and you will need a streaming device instead.

If your TV has WiFi, select the option to connect to a wireless network. Your TV will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your home WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and select it. You will then be prompted to enter your WiFi password — use the TV remote or an on-screen keyboard to type it in.

After you enter the password, your TV will attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once connected, you should see a confirmation message or a WiFi icon appear on your TV's home screen. If the connection fails, double-check that you entered the password correctly and that your router is powered on and broadcasting.

Adding internet with a streaming device

If your TV does not have an Ethernet port or WiFi, you can add internet capability by connecting a streaming device. These are small boxes or sticks that plug into your TV's HDMI port — the same port you might use for a cable box or gaming console. Popular options include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast, which range from $25 to $100 depending on the model.

Plug the streaming device into an available HDMI port on your TV, then switch your TV's input to that HDMI port using your remote. The device will power on and guide you through a setup process. You will be asked to connect to your WiFi network and, in some cases, sign in with an account (like an Amazon or Google account). Once set up, you can use the streaming device's remote to access apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu.

Streaming devices are also useful if your TV's built-in apps are slow or outdated. Many people use a streaming device even when their TV has WiFi built in, because the device often has faster processors and more current software.

Troubleshooting a connection that will not work

If your TV connects to WiFi but then loses the signal, move your router closer to the TV or remove obstacles like metal filing cabinets or microwave ovens that can block WiFi signals. You can also try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If that does not work, restart your TV the same way.

If your TV will not connect to WiFi at all, make sure you are entering the correct password. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you are unsure of your password, you can find it on the back of your router or in your router's settings page on a computer or phone.

For Ethernet connections, make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the router. A loose connection will not work. If the cable is secure but your TV still does not detect it, try a different Ethernet cable — the first one may be damaged.

If you have tried all of these steps and your TV still will not connect, restart your modem (the device your internet provider gave you) by unplugging it for one minute. Some internet issues originate at the modem level, and restarting it often fixes connection problems across all your devices.

What to do after you are connected

Once your TV is online, you can download apps from your TV's app store. The app store is usually accessible from your TV's home screen — look for an icon labeled Apps, Store, or similar. Popular apps include Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and many others. Most are free to download, though some require a paid subscription to watch.

You can also use your TV to browse the internet if it has a web browser app, though most people find this experience slower and less convenient than using a computer or phone. Some TVs also allow you to cast or mirror content from your phone or computer to the TV screen — this feature is called AirPlay on Apple devices, Chromecast on Google devices, and may have a different name on other brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need WiFi or Ethernet, or can I use both?

You can use both at the same time, and some people do. Your TV will typically prioritize the Ethernet connection if both are active. Using both gives you a backup — if WiFi drops, your TV can fall back to the wired connection.

Will connecting my TV to the internet slow down my other devices?

Not noticeably. A TV streaming video uses bandwidth, but modern home internet is fast enough to handle multiple devices at once. If you notice slowness on other devices, the issue is usually something else — like too many devices downloading large files simultaneously, or a problem with your internet provider's service.

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

Yes, if your phone has a hotspot feature. Go to your phone's settings, turn on the hotspot, and then connect your TV to that hotspot's WiFi network the same way you would connect to your home WiFi. Keep in mind that this uses your phone's cellular data, so it can quickly consume your monthly data limit if you stream video.

What if my TV is too far from my router for WiFi to work?

You have a few options: move the router closer to the TV, use a WiFi extender or mesh network to boost the signal, run an Ethernet cable from the router to the TV, or use a streaming device with its own WiFi antenna. A WiFi extender is the easiest if you cannot move the router or run a cable.

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

No. Connecting your TV to the internet uses your existing home internet service — there is no additional charge from your internet provider. You may need to pay for streaming apps or services like Netflix or Disney+, but the connection itself is included in what you already pay for internet.