How to Connect Your Smart TV to WiFi

The basic steps to get your TV online

Most smart TVs connect to WiFi through the settings menu on the TV itself. You'll go into Settings, find the WiFi or Network option, select your network name from the list, type your password, and wait for the connection to confirm. The exact names and order of these menus vary by brand — Samsung calls it "Network Settings," LG calls it "Network," and Roku calls it "About" — but the process is the same on every TV.

Before you start, have your WiFi network name and password ready. Your network name is what you see when you look for available networks on your phone. If you don't know your password, you can find it on the sticker on your router or in your router's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1 in your browser).

Key Takeaways

Every smart TV has a WiFi menu in Settings, though the exact location and name depend on the brand and model.
You need your WiFi network name and password before you start — have these written down or visible on your phone.
If your TV won't find your network, move the TV closer to the router temporarily to rule out range as the problem.
If the connection drops after setup, restart both the TV and the router by unplugging them for 30 seconds.
Some TVs need a software update before they can connect to modern WiFi security — check for updates in Settings first.

Finding the WiFi settings on your TV

Pick up your TV remote and press the Home or Menu button. This takes you to the main menu screen. Look for an option called Settings, Preferences, or Setup — it's usually represented by a gear icon. Once you're in Settings, look for Network, WiFi, Internet Connection, or Connectivity. The name changes by brand, but it's always in the main Settings menu.

If you can't find it, try pressing the Menu button again and looking for a section labeled "System" or "Advanced" — WiFi settings sometimes live there instead. Your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website will show you the exact path for your model, but you can also just scroll through Settings until you find the network option. It won't hurt anything to look around.

Selecting your network and entering your password

Once you're in the WiFi or Network menu, the TV will show you a list of available networks. Find your network name in that list and select it. The TV will then ask you to enter your password. Use the remote to type it in — most remotes have a keyboard that appears on screen, or you can use the arrow buttons to select each letter. Passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter.

If you don't see your network name in the list, it may be hidden. Some routers are set to hide their network name for security. If yours is hidden, look for an option that says "Enter Network Name Manually" or "Other Network" and type the name in yourself. After you enter the password, the TV will attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You'll see a message saying "Connected" or a checkmark when it's done.

What to do if your TV won't find the network

If your TV doesn't see your network in the list, the most common reason is that the TV is too far from the router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. Move the TV closer to the router temporarily — even just 10 feet closer — and try again. If the network appears after you move it, you know the issue is range, and you can move the TV back once it's connected.

If moving the TV doesn't help, restart your router. Unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. While the router restarts, also restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Once both are back on, go back to the WiFi menu and look for your network again. If your router is still not showing up, check that WiFi is actually turned on — some routers have a physical WiFi button or a setting in their admin page that can turn it off by accident.

Fixing a connection that drops or won't stay connected

If your TV connects but then loses the connection after a few minutes or hours, the problem is usually an outdated software version on the TV. Smart TVs need periodic updates to work with modern WiFi security standards. Go to Settings, find "About" or "System Information," and look for an option called "Software Update" or "System Update." Select it and let the TV check for updates. If one is available, install it and restart the TV.

If updating doesn't fix it, try changing your router's WiFi channel. Routers broadcast on different channels, and sometimes interference from nearby networks causes drops. Log into your router's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser) and look for WiFi settings. Try switching from channel 1, 6, or 11 on the 2.4GHz band — these are the standard non-overlapping channels. Change one channel, save, and see if the TV stays connected for a few hours. If it still drops, try the next channel.

Connecting a TV that's too old for modern WiFi security

Older smart TVs sometimes can't connect to modern WiFi security standards like WPA3. If your TV won't connect even after you've tried everything above, check what security standard your router is using. Log into your router's settings page and look for WiFi Security or Security Type. If it says WPA3, try changing it to WPA2, which older TVs usually support. Save the change and try connecting the TV again.

If your TV still won't connect after changing the security type, it may be too old to support any current standard. In that case, you have two options: buy a WiFi extender or access point that supports older security standards (these are inexpensive), or use an HDMI cable to connect a streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast instead. These devices are cheaper than replacing the TV and will give you access to streaming apps.

Testing your connection once it's set up

After your TV connects, test it by opening a streaming app like Netflix, YouTube, or your TV's built-in app store. If the app loads and plays video without buffering, your connection is working. If it buffers or loads slowly, your WiFi signal may be weak even though the TV says it's connected. Move the router closer to the TV, or move the TV closer to the router, and test again.

You can also check your connection speed from the TV's settings. Go back to the Network or WiFi menu and look for "Connection Status," "Network Status," or "Speed Test." This will show you your current download speed. For streaming video, you need at least 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. If your speed is much lower than that, the problem is your internet service, not the TV connection itself — contact your internet provider or move the router to a more central location in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 5GHz or 2.4GHz network?

Most smart TVs work on both, but 2.4GHz has better range through walls and is more reliable for TVs that are far from the router. If your router broadcasts both bands, connect the TV to 2.4GHz first. If the connection is slow or drops, try 5GHz — it's faster but doesn't travel as far.

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 gone, log into your router's settings page on a computer or phone by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. Look for WiFi settings and you can see or reset your password there.

Can I use a guest network instead of my main network?

Yes, most TVs work fine on a guest network. Guest networks are sometimes slower or have restrictions, so if your TV is slow or apps won't load, try connecting to your main network instead. Some older TVs have trouble with guest networks that require you to log in through a web page.

Why does my TV keep asking for the password even though I already entered it?

This usually means the TV didn't save the password correctly. Go back to the WiFi menu, select your network again, and re-enter the password slowly and carefully. Make sure Caps Lock is off unless your password has capital letters. If it keeps happening, restart the TV and try once more.

Is it safe to leave my WiFi password visible on the TV screen while I'm typing it?

Yes. The password only appears on your TV screen while you're entering it, and it disappears once you confirm the connection. No one can see it unless they're in the room with you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.