Connect through the TV's settings menu
Most Samsung TVs connect to WiFi through the same settings menu where you adjust picture and sound. Turn on your TV, grab the remote, and press the Home button (usually in the center of the remote). Look for a gear icon or the word "Settings" — this is typically in the top right corner of the menu that appears.
Once you open Settings, look for "Network" or "Connection" — the exact name depends on your TV model and how recent it is. Select it, then choose "Wireless" or "WiFi". Your TV will scan for networks in range and show you a list. Find your home network name (also called the SSID), select it, and type in your WiFi password using the remote's keypad or an on-screen keyboard.
After you enter the password, the TV will attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You'll see a confirmation message when the connection succeeds. If the TV says "Connected" or shows a checkmark next to your network name, you're done — your TV can now reach the internet.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your Samsung remote, navigate to Settings, then Network or Connection, and select Wireless to find your WiFi network.
- Your WiFi password must be typed exactly as it appears, including capital letters and special characters, or the connection will fail.
- If your TV doesn't find your network, move the TV closer to your router or restart both the TV and router before trying again.
- Once connected, your TV can stream apps like Netflix and YouTube, receive software updates, and display content from your phone or computer.
What to do if your network doesn't appear in the list
Sometimes your WiFi network won't show up in the scan results even though it's broadcasting. This usually happens because your router is too far away, the signal is blocked by walls or metal objects, or your TV is in a dead zone. The simplest fix is to move your router closer to the TV temporarily, or move the TV closer to the router. Even moving it a few feet can make a difference.
If moving isn't practical, restart both devices: unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, then restart your TV by holding the power button on the remote for 10 seconds. After both devices are fully back on, return to the WiFi scan and look again. Sometimes a fresh start clears temporary connection problems.
If your network still doesn't appear, check whether your router is set to hide its network name. If it is, you'll need to go back to the TV's WiFi settings and look for an option like "Add Network Manually" or "Enter Network Name". Type your network name exactly as it appears, then enter your password.
Fixing an incorrect password error
If you enter your password and the TV says "Incorrect Password" or "Connection Failed", the most common cause is a typo. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If your password is "MyHome123", typing "myhome123" will not work. Check your password character by character — look at your router's label or your internet bill if you're not sure what it is.
Another common mistake is including spaces or special characters that you didn't intend. Some on-screen keyboards make it straightforward to accidentally add a space at the end of the password. Delete the password and type it again slowly, paying close attention to each character as it appears on screen.
If you've tried multiple times and you're confident the password is correct, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Sometimes a router needs to reset its connection state. After it restarts, try connecting the TV again.
Using WiFi Direct to connect without a password
Some Samsung TVs support WiFi Direct, a feature that lets your phone or computer connect to the TV without needing a router or password. This is useful if your router is down, if you don't know the WiFi password, or if you just want to send photos or video from your phone to the TV quickly.
To use WiFi Direct, go to Settings on your TV, find Network or Connection, and look for "WiFi Direct" or "Device Connection". Turn it on. Your TV will generate its own temporary network name and password — write these down or remember them. On your phone or computer, open the WiFi network list, find your TV's network name, and connect to it using the password the TV provided.
WiFi Direct is not a replacement for regular WiFi — it won't let you stream Netflix or YouTube because those apps need internet access. It's only for sending content directly from one device to another. Once you're done, turn WiFi Direct off on the TV and reconnect to your regular home network.
Connecting through a wired ethernet cable instead
If your TV is near your router and WiFi isn't working reliably, you can use an ethernet cable instead. This is a thin cable with a connector on each end that plugs directly into your router and into the ethernet port on the back of your TV. Ethernet connections are faster and more stable than WiFi, though they require the TV to be close to the router.
To set this up, plug one end of the ethernet cable into your router and the other end into the port on the back of your TV. Then go to Settings, select Network or Connection, and choose "Wired" or "Ethernet". The TV should detect the connection automatically within a few seconds. You won't need to enter a password — the connection is when ready.
If the TV doesn't connect automatically, restart both the TV and router, then try again. Ethernet is especially useful if you have a large home where the router is far from the TV, or if you stream 4K video and want the most reliable connection possible.
Updating your TV after it connects to the internet
Once your Samsung TV is connected to WiFi, it may automatically check for software updates. You might see a notification asking whether you want to install an update now or later. It's worth doing this update soon — updates fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes add new features to apps you use.
If you don't see an update notification, you can check manually by going to Settings, then Support or About, and looking for "Software Update" or "Check for Updates". If an update is available, select it and let the TV install it. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, and the TV will restart on its own when it's done. Don't unplug the TV during an update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?
Frequent disconnections usually mean your router is too far away or the signal is weak. Try moving the router closer to the TV, or move the TV to a spot with better signal. You can also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections continue, check whether other devices in your home are also having WiFi problems — if they are, the issue is with your router or internet service, not the TV.
Can I connect my Samsung TV to a guest WiFi network?
Yes, most Samsung TVs can connect to any WiFi network, including guest networks. In the WiFi settings, select the guest network name from the list, enter its password, and connect normally. Keep in mind that guest networks sometimes have restrictions that prevent streaming or downloading, so if apps don't work, try connecting to your main network instead.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page on a computer or phone. Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually printed on the router itself), and log in. Look for "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless" to find your password. Alternatively, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, though this will erase all your settings and require you to set up WiFi again from scratch.
Do I need to connect my Samsung TV to WiFi to watch cable or satellite?
No. If you're using a cable box or satellite receiver, the TV doesn't need internet to display that content. However, connecting to WiFi is still useful because it lets you use streaming apps like Netflix, receive software updates, and use smart TV features. Many people keep their TVs connected even if they primarily watch cable.
Can I connect my Samsung TV to WiFi using a hotspot from my phone?
Yes, you can use your phone's hotspot as a WiFi network for the TV. Turn on your phone's hotspot feature, find it in the TV's WiFi network list, and connect using the password your phone displays. Keep in mind that this will use your phone's data plan, so streaming video or apps will count against your monthly data limit.