Smart TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi: Fixes for Samsung, LG and Other TVs

A TV that will not get online is frustrating because everything else in the house works fine. The good news is that the cause is usually one of a few things, and you can narrow it down in minutes. This guide follows Samsung’s official troubleshooting order, which applies just as well to LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense and TVs with Google TV or Roku built in.

First: Which Problem Do You Have?

Samsung’s support splits the problem into separate cases, and it helps to do the same:

1. The TV doesn’t see your network in its list of Wi-Fi networks.
2. It sees the network but won’t connect — wrong password, error message.
3. It is connected, but apps say there is no internet.
4. It connects but keeps dropping or streams in poor quality.

If other devices in the house also have no internet, the problem is the router or provider, not the TV; see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.

The TV Doesn’t See Your Network

Check the band. This is the most overlooked cause. Samsung gives an example: certain 2018 models (NU6, NU71, NU72 and NU73 series) only support 2.4 GHz networks and cannot detect or connect to a 5 GHz network. Many other older or budget TVs are the same. If your router uses separate names for each band, choose the 2.4 GHz one; if it uses one name, the TV should find it on 2.4 GHz unless that band is switched off. See 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz.

Hidden network? If the network name is hidden, the TV will not list it. Samsung suggests adding it manually by name (Add Network at the end of the list) or unhiding it for the setup. See should you hide your Wi-Fi network.

Check the signal at the TV. Samsung’s trick: hold your phone next to the TV. If it shows only one or two bars, the signal is too weak for the TV too. TVs often sit in a cabinet behind a large metal panel, which does not help. Move the router closer, or add a mesh node or extender near the TV; see how to boost your Wi-Fi signal.

Wi-Fi 6E and 6 GHz networks are invisible to TVs that do not support them. Make sure the router also broadcasts on 2.4 or 5 GHz.

The TV Sees It but Won’t Connect

Re-enter the password carefully. TV keyboards make typos easy, and passwords are case-sensitive. If you are unsure of it, see how to find your Wi-Fi password.

Check the security mode. Some older TVs do not support WPA3-only networks. Use WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode on the router; see WPA2 vs WPA3. Samsung also asks you to make sure the router’s settings are not blocking the TV — for example a MAC filter or a full device limit.

Reduce connected devices. Samsung notes that many active devices weaken the connection, and suggests disconnecting the others as a test. If that helps, the router may be at its limit.

Power cycle the network. Samsung’s order: unplug the modem, router and TV; then plug in the devices one at a time starting from where the internet enters the home — modem, then router, then TV — letting each finish starting up. See how to reboot your router.

Test with a phone hotspot. If the TV connects to your phone’s hotspot, the TV’s Wi-Fi works and the problem is your router or its settings.

Connected, but No Internet or Apps

Set the DNS manually. In the TV’s network settings, open the IP settings, set DNS to manual and enter a public DNS server such as 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). A provider DNS that does not answer is a common cause of “connected, but apps don’t load”; see best DNS server.

Check the date and time. If the TV’s clock is wrong, secure connections to streaming services fail. Set the time zone and automatic time.

Update the TV’s software. On Samsung: Settings → Support → Software Update. If the TV has no internet at all, Samsung also offers updates by USB drive from its website.

The Connection Keeps Dropping

Move the router or add a node near the TV. Streaming needs a stable signal more than a fast one.

Use a cable if the TV has an Ethernet port and the router is within reach — the most reliable option for streaming; see Ethernet vs Wi-Fi. A powerline adapter brings a wired connection without a long cable.

Look for interference from a nearby microwave, cordless phone or other networks on the same channel; see Wi-Fi interference.

For more general dropout causes, see Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting.

Where the Settings Are on Popular TVs

Menu names vary by model year; the TV’s manual has the exact path.

Last Steps

Reset the TV’s network settings (table above). This clears saved networks and IP settings without affecting apps.

Factory reset the TV as a last resort. On Samsung, Settings → General → Reset, with the PIN (0000 by default). It erases all settings, apps and accounts.

Contact the manufacturer if the TV does not connect to any network, including a phone hotspot — the Wi-Fi module may be faulty, and a wired connection or repair is the remaining option.