The two ways to connect your TV

Your TV connects to the internet either through WiFi (wireless, through the air) or Ethernet (wired, with a cable plugged directly into the TV). Most modern TVs have WiFi built in. Ethernet is faster and more stable, but requires a cable run from your router to the TV, which is not practical in most living rooms.

Which one you use depends on where your TV sits, how far it is from your router, and whether your TV has an Ethernet port. If your TV is in the same room as your router and the signal is strong, WiFi works fine. If the TV is far away, in a basement, or behind walls, Ethernet or a WiFi extender may be necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • Most TVs connect through WiFi by selecting your network name and password in the TV's settings menu, the same way a phone does.
  • Ethernet cables plugged directly into the TV are faster and more reliable than WiFi, but require the cable to run from your router to the TV.
  • If WiFi is weak where your TV sits, a WiFi extender or mesh router can improve the signal without running a cable.
  • Once connected, your TV can stream apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others, and receive software updates automatically.

Connecting through WiFi

To connect your TV through WiFi, go to the TV's settings menu. On most TVs, you press the menu button on the remote, then look for "Network," "Internet," or "WiFi" settings. The exact names differ by brand — Samsung calls it "Network," LG calls it "Network Connection," and Roku calls it "Network."

Once you open the network settings, the TV will show a list of WiFi networks it can see. Find your network name (the one your phone connects to), select it, and type in your WiFi password. The TV will test the connection and tell you if it worked. If it did not work, double-check that you typed the password correctly — WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.

After the TV connects, it may ask whether you want to use this network automatically in the future. Say yes. The TV will then remember your WiFi password and reconnect on its own when you turn it on.

Connecting through Ethernet

Ethernet is a cable that looks like a thick phone cord. One end plugs into your router, and the other plugs into the Ethernet port on the back of your TV. Not all TVs have an Ethernet port — most budget models and all Roku TVs do not. Check the back of your TV or look up your model number online to confirm before buying a cable.

Once the cable is plugged in, go to the TV's network settings the same way you would for WiFi. The TV should detect the wired connection automatically and show "Connected" or "Ethernet" in the network menu. You do not need to enter a password. If it does not connect, unplug the cable from both ends, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.

Ethernet is faster than WiFi and does not drop out if someone walks between the TV and the router. The downside is that you need to run a cable across your room or through your walls, which is not always possible or attractive.

What to do if WiFi is too weak

If your TV is far from the router and the WiFi signal is weak, you have three options: move the router closer, use a WiFi extender, or switch to Ethernet.

A WiFi extender is a small device that plugs into an outlet halfway between your router and TV. It picks up your WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it, reaching farther into your home. Extenders are cheap (usually $20 to $50) and work well if the router signal is weak but not completely gone. Set it up by plugging it in, connecting to its network on your phone, and entering your WiFi password. The extender will then broadcast your network with the same name and password, so your TV connects the same way as before.

A mesh router is a more expensive option (usually $100 to $300) that replaces your current router with multiple units placed around your home. Mesh systems are faster and more reliable than extenders, but they require replacing your entire router setup.

What happens after your TV connects

Once your TV is online, it can read and run apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and others. These apps are built into most modern TVs, or you can read them from an app store on the TV itself (similar to downloading apps on a phone).

Your TV will also check for software updates automatically, usually at night when you are not using it. These updates fix bugs, add new features, and improve security. You do not need to do anything — the TV handles it on its own.

Your internet speed affects how fast apps load and how smoothly video plays. Most streaming services need at least 5 to 10 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K video. You can check your speed by going to speedtest.net on your phone or computer. If your speed is lower than what you need, contact your internet provider about upgrading, or move the TV closer to the router.

Troubleshooting a connection that keeps dropping

If your TV connects but then loses the internet connection, the problem is usually WiFi signal strength or interference. Try moving the router to a higher location, away from walls and metal objects. Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can interfere with WiFi on the 2.4 GHz frequency — if you have any of these near your router, move them farther away.

If moving the router does not help, restart both the TV and the router. Unplug the router from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart the TV by unplugging it or using the power menu. This clears out temporary problems that cause the connection to drop.

If the problem continues, switch to Ethernet if your TV has a port, or try a WiFi extender. If you are using an extender and the connection still drops, the extender may be too far from the router — move it closer.

Connecting a TV without built-in WiFi

Older TVs and some budget models do not have WiFi built in. If your TV has an HDMI port (the flat, rectangular port on the back), you can add internet using a streaming device. These are small boxes that plug into an HDMI port and connect to WiFi or Ethernet, then send video and apps to your TV.

Common streaming devices include Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV. They range from $30 to $150 depending on the model. Set them up by plugging them in, connecting to WiFi the same way you would a TV, and signing in with your account. The device then appears as an input on your TV, and you use its remote to control apps and streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for internet to use streaming apps on my TV?

You need to pay for internet service from an internet provider, but the apps themselves (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) are free to read on the TV. Some apps like Netflix and Disney+ require a separate paid subscription to watch their content, but that is separate from your internet bill.

Can I connect my TV to a mobile hotspot instead of WiFi?

Yes, if your phone has a mobile hotspot, your TV can connect to it the same way it connects to any other WiFi network. Go to the TV's network settings, find your phone's hotspot name, and enter the password. Keep in mind that streaming uses a lot of data, so this works for occasional use but not for daily streaming.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

2.4 GHz is slower but reaches farther through walls. 5 GHz is faster but does not go as far. If your router broadcasts both (most modern routers do), your TV will usually connect to whichever one has the stronger signal. You can also manually choose in the network settings if one works better than the other.

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

Not noticeably, unless you are streaming 4K video on the TV while someone else is also using the internet heavily. Most home internet is fast enough for a TV and several other devices at the same time. If you notice slowness, check your internet speed and contact your provider if it is lower than what you are paying for.

Do I need to restart my TV after connecting it to the internet?

No, the TV should work when ready after connecting. If an app does not load or the connection seems unstable, then restart the TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.