The two ways to connect your TV

Your TV connects to the internet either through WiFi or with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the back. WiFi is easier to set up if your router is far from the TV — you just need your WiFi password. An ethernet cable is more reliable if you stream video a lot, because the wired connection is faster and more stable than WiFi, but it only works if your router is close enough to run a cable.

Most modern TVs have WiFi built in. Older TVs or budget models sometimes don't, so check your TV's manual or the back panel to see which ports it has. If your TV has no WiFi and no ethernet port, you can still connect it using a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick — those plug into the HDMI port and have their own WiFi or ethernet connection.

Key Takeaways

  • WiFi is the quickest to set up if your router is far away, but ethernet cable gives you a faster, more stable connection for streaming.
  • Check your TV's manual or the ports on the back to see whether it has WiFi built in, an ethernet port, or both.
  • If your TV is too old to have WiFi or ethernet, a streaming device plugged into HDMI will connect to the internet instead.
  • Once connected, your TV will ask you to sign into apps like Netflix, YouTube, or your cable provider — those are separate from the internet connection itself.

Connecting through WiFi

Go to your TV's settings menu — usually found by pressing the menu or settings button on the remote. Look for a section called Network, WiFi, or Internet Connection. Select it and choose "Connect to WiFi" or similar wording. Your TV will scan for available networks and show you a list of WiFi names it can see.

Find your WiFi network name in the list and select it. Your TV will ask for your WiFi password. Use the remote to type it in — this is slow, so type carefully and check each letter as you go. Once you enter the password correctly, your TV will connect and show a confirmation message. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the password exactly right, including capital letters and numbers.

After the TV connects, it may ask whether you want to update the software. Let it update if you have time — these updates fix bugs and add features. The update can take 10 to 20 minutes. Once it finishes, your TV is ready to use apps like Netflix, YouTube, or your cable provider's streaming service.

Connecting through ethernet cable

An ethernet cable looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic clip on each end. One end plugs into your router, and the other plugs into the ethernet port on the back of your TV. The port is usually labeled "Ethernet" or shows a picture of a network cable. Plug the cable in firmly until you hear or feel a click.

Once the cable is connected, go to your TV's settings menu and look for Network or Internet Connection. Your TV should detect the wired connection automatically and show a confirmation that it is connected. If it does not, try unplugging the cable for 10 seconds and plugging it back in, then check the settings again.

An ethernet connection is faster than WiFi and will not drop out if someone uses the WiFi for something else. The downside is that you need to run a cable from your router to your TV, which may mean drilling a hole through a wall or running the cable along the baseboards. If that is not practical, WiFi is the better choice.

What to do if your TV will not connect

If your TV cannot find your WiFi network, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting. Walk to the router and look for lights that show it is powered on. If the lights are off, plug it in or press the power button. Wait 30 seconds for the router to fully start up, then go back to your TV and try scanning for networks again.

If your TV finds the network but rejects your password, the most common mistake is typing it wrong. Go back to your router — the WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back. Copy it exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. If you are not sure which password is correct, you can reset your router to its default password by holding down the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will disconnect all your other devices.

If your TV connects but then disconnects after a few minutes, move the router closer to the TV or remove obstacles between them — walls, metal objects, and microwaves can block WiFi signals. If moving the router is not possible, an ethernet cable will solve the problem. If you are using ethernet and it still does not work, try a different ethernet cable — the first one may be damaged.

Signing into apps after you connect

Once your TV is connected to the internet, you can open apps like Netflix, YouTube, or your cable provider's app. Each app will ask you to sign in with your account. This is separate from the WiFi connection — connecting to the internet just lets your TV reach the app store and download apps. Signing in to each app tells that app who you are so it knows which shows and movies you have paid for.

When you open an app for the first time, it will show you a code on the screen and ask you to visit a website on your phone or computer to sign in. This is normal. Go to the website the app shows, enter the code, and sign in with your account username and password. Once you do, the app on your TV will recognize you and load your shows and movies.

Checking your connection speed

If your streaming video keeps stopping to buffer, your internet connection may be too slow. Most TVs have a built-in speed test in the settings menu. Go to Settings, then Network or Internet Connection, and look for an option like "Check Connection Speed" or "Run Speed Test." Your TV will measure how fast your connection is and show you the result in megabits per second (Mbps).

For streaming video in standard definition, you need at least 3 Mbps. For HD video, aim for 5 to 10 Mbps. For 4K video, you need 15 to 25 Mbps. If your speed is lower than what you need, move closer to the router, switch to ethernet cable, or contact your internet provider to see if you can upgrade your plan. If other people in your house are using the WiFi heavily, ask them to pause their activity while you stream.

Using a streaming device if your TV is too old

If your TV does not have WiFi or ethernet, you can still watch streaming apps by plugging a device into the HDMI port on the back of the TV. Common devices are Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. These devices have their own WiFi or ethernet connection and act as a bridge between your TV and the internet.

Plug the device into an available HDMI port, then use your TV remote to switch to that HDMI input. The device will start up and ask you to connect it to WiFi. Once it connects, you can download apps and sign in just like you would on a smart TV. The device will handle the internet connection, and your TV just displays what the device sends it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both WiFi and ethernet at the same time?

Most TVs will use ethernet if it is plugged in and ignore WiFi. If you have both connected, unplug the ethernet cable if you want to use WiFi instead. You do not need both — pick whichever works better for your setup.

Why does my TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means the WiFi signal is weak. Move your router closer to the TV, remove obstacles between them, or switch to an ethernet cable. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

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

No. Connecting to the internet uses your existing internet service — the same connection your phone or computer uses. You do not pay extra for the TV to use it. Some apps like Netflix or Disney+ require a separate subscription, but that is different from the internet connection itself.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to its default password by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will disconnect all your other devices and you will have to reconnect them.

Can I move my TV to a different room without losing the connection?

If you are using WiFi, the TV will stay connected as long as it is within range of your router. If you are using ethernet, you will need to unplug the cable and plug it back in at the new location. If the new location is too far from the router for ethernet, switch to WiFi instead.