How to connect your TV to your Wi-Fi network

Not all TVs are smart, but you can increase your TV’s internet capability regardless of its age. There are several easy (and affordable) options for turning your older TV smart — and they don’t require an IT degree to set up. There are also smart TVs already programmed with the ability to seek out your network so you can start enjoying your new streaming options.

How to connect your smart TV to your home network

New smart TVs are extremely easy to add to a Wi-Fi network. Ensure you have your wireless network name (SSID) and password before connecting.

You can use the remote that came with the TV to select Settings and navigate to a “Network”  or “Wireless Connection” option, where your Wi-Fi network should appear. Enter the password with the remote, and you’re done. 

If you want to connect via an Ethernet cable, connect the cable to your router or gateway and then to your TV’s port. Follow the same steps to find your network settings, selecting the “enable wire internet” option. It may be worded differently depending on the type of TV you have, but there will be a similar option. 

Smart TV options

*$: under $100 $$: $100 to $200 $$$: Above $200

3 ways to connect any TV to Wi-Fi

1. Purchase a streaming device

Using a streaming device is by far the most user-friendly way to connect your TV to your home Wi-Fi. In most cases, they plug into your TV’s HDMI port and power outlet to bring every streaming app out there right to your screen. (There are a few exceptions here and there, but they’re rare.) 

Streaming devices generally start around $30 and go up to over $130. If you think you might be upgrading to a 4K TV soon, it might be worth going with a 4K streaming device. While your new 4K TV would be able to connect to the internet directly, streaming devices almost always provide a better user experience, and they generally give you access to more apps than smart TVs. 

Streaming devices

*$: under $100 $$: $100 to $200 $$$: Above $200

Keep in mind, no matter which streaming device you go with, you’ll still have to subscribe to apps like Netflix, Prime, YouTube TV or Hulu separately. 

2. Use an HDMI cable

If you only plan on using your TV for streaming every once in a while, you can probably get by just fine with an HDMI cable. As it mirrors everything on your laptop, tablet or phone, you can use this method for things like sharing vacation photos or home videos as well.

Almost every laptop has an HDMI port built into it, so all you’ll need in this case is the cable itself. If you don’t already have one lying around the house, they generally cost around $10 new. 

Connecting a smartphone or tablet usually requires an extra step. For Apple products, you’ll need a Digital AV Adapter, while most newer Android phones and tablets have a Type C connection (also known as USB-C) or Type D (Micro HDMI). Depending on which type your Android device uses, you may have to purchase an adapter. 

3. Gaming console

If you’ve purchased a video game console in the past decade, you likely already have everything you need to connect your TV to Wi-Fi. Consoles as far back as PlayStation 3 (2006-2013) and Xbox 360 (2001-2013) come equipped with the ability to connect to the internet.

The newest versions like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S are fully compatible with your smart TV for a seamless online experience. If you are a heavy gamer, make sure you have the internet speed you need and the right modem or router to power your adventures.

Tips for getting the most out of your internet connection

Connecting your TV to the internet is only step one to a smooth streaming experience. We also recommend taking the following steps to ensure the dreaded buffering wheel never derails movie night. 

Use an Ethernet cord if possible

While wireless connections have improved a ton in recent years, Ethernet cords still provide a more reliable connection in most homes. But because they plug into your wireless router, your TV will have to be relatively close to your router to use a wired connection. Of the four main streaming devices, only Apple TV has an Ethernet port on all of its models. For Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Google Chromecasts, you’ll have to purchase an adapter separately, while Roku only includes one on its most expensive model. You can learn more about choosing the right Ethernet cord in our guide. 

Make sure you’re getting enough download speeds

Most streaming services recommend around 5 Mbps of download speeds for smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD — an easily reachable target for most homes. That said, the more devices are using your connection at once, the higher speeds you’ll need. If you’re not sure what speeds you’re currently getting, you can use our speed test below to find out.

Relocate your router

If you are experiencing buffering issues, see if you can move your Wi-Fi router to a central and open location in your home. Radio signals move most easily through open-air, so reducing the number of walls your signal has to travel through can also boost your streaming quality. 

If you’re still having Wi-Fi connection issues, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh router might also be worth the extra investment. 

Connecting TVs to Wi-Fi FAQs

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