We’ve got some troubleshooting steps that will get you back online before your popcorn goes cold. First of all, let’s try to reset both your smart TV and Wi-Fi router. In some cases, this might be enough to solve the connectivity problem without any loss of the saved data. Here’s what you need to do:
Restart your smart TV: Disconnect your smart TV from the source of power and wait for about 30 seconds. Next, connect it and turn it back on. This process resets your TV settings and usually solves connection problems.
Restart your Wi-Fi router: Look for your router and unplug it from the power cord. Wait for at least 30 seconds before you plug it back in. Let it reboot itself thoroughly. Restarting the router might handle any temporary glitch that could be the cause of the connectivity issue.
Once you’ve done these steps, try connecting your smart TV to Wi-Fi network again and then check to see if the problem still exists. If in case your problems persist, other factors such as network configuration or hardware problems could be involved. However, in most situations, just restarting can have the same effect.
Verify Wi-Fi Network Connection
First of all, try connecting to the internet using another device, for example, your phone or tablet. If the device can’t link to Wi-Fi, then it means there must be an additional problem with your internet. Correspondingly, contact your internet service provider to check if there are any network issues in your area.
Validate Wi-Fi Password
Make sure that you are using the right Wi-Fi password for your network and it has been typed in correctly as well on your smart TV. If you are not familiar with the password, usually it is on a sticker that is affixed to your router. Even if you’ve never changed your default password for safety reasons, it’s still a good idea to do so now. You can check our article about securing your wireless connection for additional information on the matter.
Assess Wi-Fi Signal Strength
If your smart TV is experiencing difficulty connecting to the Internet, it could be because you are receiving a weak signal from the router.
Navigate to the settings using your television remote control.
Select General > Network > Open Network Settings > Wireless.
Look at the number of Wi-Fi bars displayed on your TV screen.
If you see full bars, it is unlikely that the signal problem is the source.
Nevertheless, once or twice bars may indicate that your signal strength is low and you need to address this issue.
Evaluate Router Placement
Check the location of your router: In case your router is lost behind furniture or in a wardrobe, try moving it to a more open place. Ideally, it should be positioned as close to your TV as possible to boost the signal strength and stability.
Utilize Ethernet Cable for TV Connection
With an ethernet cable to connect your TV directly to the Wi-Fi, you can avoid signal strength issues. Here’s how to set it up:
Make sure that your TV is next to the Wi-Fi router and has an open ethernet port.
Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the ethernet port on your TV.
Attach the other end of the cable to one of the available ports at the back of your Wi-Fi router.
Review Network Settings
Navigate to your TV’s network settings to ensure they are set without error messages. Check for the possibility of resetting your network settings, such as connection issues. If you decide to factory reset, keep your network information handy, as your saved settings will be removed. Now make sure you reset your network settings (if any) and reboot your TV to be sure. This will make the process of applying changes smoother and having a good connection with Wi-Fi as well.
Modify DHCP Settings on TV
If your TV brand is LG or Samsung, you can utilize DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) to obtain a unique IP address for internet connectivity. Fine-tuning this option might fix your connection problem Here’s what you can do: Check DHCP settings. Go to your TV’s network settings and locate the DHCP option. If it’s currently turned on, try switching it off. If it doesn’t work, enable it to check if this will solve the issue.
Update Smart TV Software
If your TV does not connect to Wi-Fi, it is possible it needs a software or firmware update. But, for you to download these updates, you have to have an internet connection. In order to resolve this, you should connect your smart TV to your router via ethernet cable and then download any available updates.
You can download software updates onto a USB drive from your TV model’s manufacturer’s website if yours does so. Follow these steps:
Download software onto USB: Go to the website of your TV manufacturer on your computer and download the required software for your model number. Save it to a USB drive.
Install software on TV: Plug the USB drive into your TV. Your TV should automatically check and search for updates on the drive once it is detected. Follow the screen prompting to install the software. After setting up your TV, it will probably restart by itself clearing any software problems.
Do Factory Reset on Smart TV
If you are still having problems, you may need to reset to factory settings on your smart TV. Note that this will fully wipe your data, so make sure you have your TV apps configured and reinstalled prior. Here’s how to factory reset most smart TVs:
Go to Settings on your TV.
Choose Settings, then General.
Press Reset to initial settings.
Note that the factory reset process of smart TVs might differ slightly from one brand to another, hence refer to your TV’s manual for specific instructions if required.
Conclusion
Dealing with connectivity issues between your smart TV and the Wi-Fi network could be a very annoying process. Conversely, the steps in this guide allow you to identify and fix the issue. You can try restarting your devices, checking network settings, using ethernet connections and of course, updating your software. In addition, it is advisable to check for signal strength, DHCP settings, and any software updates. Additionally, a factory reset might be done in extreme cases, but users should be aware that will erase all data and then need reconfiguration. However, being patient and systematic, you can oftentimes reconnect your smart TV to Wi-Fi and enjoy your favorite programs and content again.
FAQs
Q: My smart TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi. What could be the problem?
A: Several factors can prevent your smart TV from connecting to Wi-Fi. It could be a temporary glitch with your devices, a weak signal strength, incorrect network settings, or outdated software.
Q: What should I do first?
A: It’s always a good idea to restart both your smart TV and Wi-Fi router. This can often resolve minor issues.
Q: How can I check if it’s a problem with my Wi-Fi network?
A: Try connecting another device, like your phone or tablet, to the same Wi-Fi network. If that device also can’t connect, then the problem likely lies with your internet service provider (ISP) or router.
Q: My signal strength seems weak. What can I do?
A: The Wi-Fi bars displayed on your TV can indicate signal strength. A weak signal can cause connection problems. Try moving your router to a more open location or closer to your TV.
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Amit Gupta is a tech lover and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his B.Tech in Computer Science. An enthusiast of emerging technology and discoveries, he shares valuable views and tips on his blog from his personal experiences. Through his articles, he tries to simplify tech concepts and put readers in the position to take responsible decisions in the rapidly changing digital infrastructure world. Follow me on Facebook and linkedin.