The two ways to connect: wired and wireless

Most modern TVs connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, which means you don't need to run cables. If your TV has built-in Wi-Fi — nearly all do now — you go to the network settings in the TV menu, find your home Wi-Fi network, and enter your password. The TV remembers it and reconnects automatically when you turn it on.

If your TV doesn't have Wi-Fi, or if your Wi-Fi signal is weak where the TV sits, you can use an ethernet cable instead. This is a physical cable that plugs into the back of the TV and into your router or modem. It's more reliable than Wi-Fi and doesn't drop the connection, but it requires running a cable across the room.

Some older TVs have neither option built in. In that case, you can buy a separate device — a streaming box, smart TV adapter, or gaming console — that plugs into the TV's HDMI port and handles the internet connection for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Most TVs made in the last five years have built-in Wi-Fi and can connect through your home network without any cables.
  • An ethernet cable provides a faster, more stable connection if your Wi-Fi is slow or unreliable in that room.
  • If your TV has no internet connection option at all, a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick plugs into the HDMI port and adds internet capability.
  • Once connected, your TV can stream video services, download software updates, and display content from your phone or computer.

Finding the network settings on your TV

The exact path depends on your TV brand, but the process is similar across all of them. Press the Menu or Settings button on your remote. Look for a section called Network, Internet, or Connectivity — it's usually near the bottom of the settings list. Select it, then choose Wi-Fi.

Your TV will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your home network name (also called the SSID) and select it. A keyboard will appear on screen — you can use your remote to type in your Wi-Fi password. After you enter it, the TV tests the connection and confirms whether it worked.

If you don't see your network in the list, your TV may be too far from the router, or the router may be broadcasting on a frequency your TV doesn't support. Moving the router closer, or checking whether it broadcasts on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, often fixes this.

Using an ethernet cable instead

An ethernet cable looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic clip on each end. One end plugs into the ethernet port on the back of your TV (it's usually labeled "Ethernet" or shows a small network icon). The other end plugs into your router or modem.

Once the cable is connected, go to the TV's network settings the same way you would for Wi-Fi. Instead of selecting a network, look for an option like "Wired Connection" or "Ethernet." The TV should detect the cable automatically and show that it's connected. You won't need to enter a password.

Ethernet is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, especially if you're streaming 4K video or playing online games through the TV. The downside is that you need a cable run from your router to the TV, which may not be practical if they're far apart or in different rooms.

What to do if your TV won't connect

If your TV finds the network but won't accept your password, double-check that you're typing it correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you're not sure of the password, check your router — many have the Wi-Fi name and password printed on a sticker on the back.

If the TV doesn't find your network at all, restart both the TV and the router. Turn off the TV completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once the router finishes restarting (usually two to three minutes), try searching for networks again on the TV.

If the TV connects but then loses the connection, the signal may be too weak. Move the router closer to the TV, or check whether other devices in your home are also having trouble connecting. If they are, the problem is with the router, not the TV. If only the TV is affected, the TV's Wi-Fi receiver may be failing and you may need a streaming device instead.

Using a streaming device if your TV can't connect

If your TV is older or doesn't have a working internet connection, you can add one with a separate device. Common options include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox. These devices plug into the TV's HDMI port and handle the internet connection themselves.

You set up the streaming device the same way you would set up a TV — connect it to Wi-Fi or ethernet, sign in with your account, and then download the apps you want to use. The TV just needs to be set to the right HDMI input. Once it is, you control everything through the streaming device's remote.

Streaming devices range from about $30 for a basic Chromecast to $100 or more for a full-featured Apple TV or gaming console. The cheaper options work fine for basic streaming; the more expensive ones offer better picture quality, faster performance, and more features.

What you can do once your TV is connected

Once your TV is online, you can download and use streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and others. You can also mirror your phone or computer screen to the TV — on iPhones and Macs this is called AirPlay, on Android phones it's called Casting. This lets you show photos, videos, or web pages from your phone on the big screen.

Your TV will also download software updates automatically, which fix bugs and add new features. Some TVs can display content from a home media server if you have one set up on your network. And if your TV has a built-in camera or microphone, you may be able to use it for video calls or voice commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wi-Fi or ethernet better for streaming?

Ethernet is more stable and slightly faster, but Wi-Fi is fine for most streaming. If you're watching 4K video or the picture keeps buffering, try ethernet. For regular HD streaming, Wi-Fi works well as long as you're reasonably close to the router.

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

No. Connecting to your existing home Wi-Fi or ethernet costs nothing. You may need to pay for streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, but the internet connection itself is free if you already have home internet.

Can I connect my TV to a mobile hotspot instead of home Wi-Fi?

Yes, but it's not recommended for regular use. Mobile hotspots have data limits, and streaming video uses a lot of data very quickly. You'd burn through your monthly allowance in hours. It works in a pinch, but home Wi-Fi or ethernet is much better.

What if I have a really old TV with no HDMI ports?

Very old TVs with only composite cables (red, white, yellow) can't connect to modern streaming devices. You'd need to replace the TV or use a converter box, which is usually not worth the cost. Most TVs from 2010 onward have at least one HDMI port.

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

Not noticeably. A TV uses much less bandwidth than a computer or phone. If your internet is already slow, adding a TV won't make it worse. If you notice slowness after connecting the TV, the problem is usually with your router or internet service, not the TV itself.