How to turn a regular TV into a Smart TV: 5 proven methods using Wi-Fi and the Internet

You still watch movies from a flash drive, and your friends brag about it YouTube on the big screen? Old TV without Smart TV It doesn't have to be sent to the landfill - it can be upgraded for 1,500-5,000 rubles and you'll get full access to Netflix, Kinopoisk and even online games. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods for adding Wi-Fi and Internet to a regular TV - from budget adapters to powerful set-top boxes with voice control.

The main advantage of this upgrade is that you don't have to buy a new one. TV just for the sake of features Smart TV. Even models from 2010–2015 with resolution 1366×768 or 1920×1080 They can handle streaming video if you choose the right equipment. We tested all the methods on TVs. Samsung, LG, Philips And Sony Bravia — and are ready to share life hacks on how to avoid common mistakes.

Spoiler: the most universal method is Android set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S or Nvidia Shield), but if you need minimalism, it is enough Wi-Fi adapter For 800 rubles. It's perfect for gamers. Steam Link or Raspberry Pi With emulators. Read on to choose your option!

1. Check compatibility: which TV can be upgraded?

Before you run to the store for an adapter, make sure your TV supports at least one of these conditions:

• 🔌 Availability HDMI ports (at least one). This is the main criterion—without HDMI, connecting modern devices is almost impossible.
• 📺 Screen resolution from 1280×720 (HD Ready). On older models (1024×768) the picture will be blurry.
• 🔄 Possibility of switching to external signal sources (button Source or Input on the remote control).
• 📶 Availability USB ports (not required, but makes it easier to connect some adapters).

If your TV was manufactured before 2008 and only works through SCART or composite input (tulips), upgrading will be difficult and expensive. In this case, it's cheaper to buy a used one. Smart TV on Avito or YuliaFor all other cases, read on.

⚠️ Attention: TVs with plasma panels (For example, Panasonic Viera or Pioneer Kuro) may have problems displaying the interface of modern consoles due to low resolution. Check if your model supports it before purchasing. 1080p via HDMI.

2. Method 1: Wi-Fi adapter for TV (the cheapest option)

If your TV supports DLNA or Miracast, but does not have a built-in Wi-Fi, it's enough to buy an adapter for 600-1500 rubles. It connects to USB port or HDMI and adds wireless internet.

The best adapter models:

• 🔹 TP-Link TL-WN725N (800 rubles) - compact, works with most LG And Samsung.
• 🔹 ASUS USB-AC51 (1200 rub.) - supports 5 GHz, suitable for 4K-content.
• 🔹 Edimax EW-7811Un (700 rubles) - universal, but requires manual adjustment.

How to connect:

1. Insert the adapter into USB port TV.
2. Go to the TV menu: Settings → Network → Wireless connection.
3. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
4. Install applications through the built-in store (if available) or use DLNA for broadcasting from a phone.

⚠️ Note: Not all TVs support external Wi-Fi adaptersBefore purchasing, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website. For example, Samsung Blocks third-party adapters on models older than 2016.

Make sure your TV supports external USB devices|

Check for USB 2.0/3.0 port|

Check the list of compatible adapters on the brand's website|

Buy a 5GHz adapter for stable 4K-->

3. Method 2: Android set-top box (best price/quality ratio)

Prefixes on Android TV — the most popular way to turn a regular TV into Smart TVThey connect via HDMI, have their own processor, memory and support all key services: YouTube, Netflix, Twitch, IVI and even games.

Top 3 consoles in 2026:

• 📦 Xiaomi Mi Box S 2 (3500 rubles) is the optimal choice for most. Supports 4K HDR, there is a voice assistant Google Assistant.
• 📦 Nvidia Shield TV Pro (15,000 rubles) - for gamers and movie buffs. Can run GeForce NOW and retro game emulators.
• 📦 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (4000 rub.) - the best integration with Prime Video And Alexa.

How to set up:

1. Connect the set-top box to HDMI port and nutrition.
2. Select the signal source on the TV (button Source).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your account Google (For Android TV).
4. Install the required applications from Google Play Market.

Important: Set-top boxes on the base Android TV (not to be confused with the usual Android!) are optimized for TVs—they have a simple interface, remote control support, and automatic scaling for large screens.

4. Method 3: Apple TV or other proprietary set-top boxes

If you are an ecosystem user Apple, That Apple TV 4K (12,000 rubles) will be the ideal solution. It supports AirPlay, Apple Arcade and has one of the smoothest interfaces. Also suitable for owners iPhone or MacBook - you can easily broadcast your screen.

Pros Apple TV:

• 🍎 Seamless integration with other devices Apple.
• 🎮 Controller support DualShock And Xbox for games.
• 🎬 Optimization for Dolby Vision And Atmos.

Cons:

• 💰 More expensive than similar products Android.
• 🔒 Closed ecosystem - APK files cannot be installed.

Alternatives:

• 🎯 Roku Streaming Stick+ (5000 rub.) - simple interface, many free channels.
• 🎯 MAG 424 (6000 rubles) - popular with IPTV providers (for example, Rostelecom or MTS TV).

⚠️ Attention: Consoles MAG They are often tied to a specific IPTV provider. Before purchasing, check if your plan is supported.

5. Method 4: Mini-PC or Raspberry Pi (for advanced users)

If you want more than just Smart TV, and a full-fledged computer on a large screen, consider Mini-PC or Raspberry PiThis solution is for those who are willing to tinker with the settings but want maximum flexibility.

Options:

• 🖥️ Raspberry Pi 4/5 (5000–8000 rubles) + LibreELEC/OSMC — turns your TV into a media center with support 4K.
• 🖥️ Intel NUC (20,000+ rubles) — a full-fledged PC for gaming, work, and streaming video.
• 🖥️ Beelink Mini S12 (12,000 rubles) - a compromise between price and performance.

How to set up Raspberry Pi:

1. Buy Raspberry Pi 4 (2/4 GB RAM), memory card microSD (16 GB+), power supply and case.
2. Download the image LibreELEC from the official website and write it to the card through Raspberry Pi Imager.
3. Connect Pi to the TV through HDMI, and to the Internet - by Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
4. Set up Kodi to access media libraries, IPTV and streaming services.

Pros: full control over the system, support for emulators (RetroArch), installation possibility Linux or Windows (on powerful models).

Cons: requires technical knowledge, playback lags are possible 4K HDR.

sudo apt update && sudo apt install steamlink

6. Method 5: Game consoles (PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch)

If you already have a gaming console, you can use it as Smart TVModern consoles support all major streaming services:

How to use console as Smart TV:

1. Connect the console to the TV via HDMI.
2. Launch the desired application (for example, Netflix) from the console menu.
3. To control, use a gamepad or a special application on your smartphone (for example, PS Remote Play).

Cons:

• 🎮 Consoles consume a lot of power (especially PS5 And Xbox).
• 💸 Expensive if you buy it just for the features Smart TV.

7. Alternative methods: broadcasting from a phone or laptop

If you don't want to buy additional devices, you can stream content from your phone or laptop to your TV. There are several technologies for this:

• 📱 Miracast (built in Windows 10/11 And Android) - wireless screen streaming without lags (if the TV supports it).
• 🍎 AirPlay (For iPhone/iPad/Mac) - works with Apple TV or TVs with support AirPlay 2 (For example, LG OLED 2019+).
• 💻 Google Cast (through Chrome or YouTube) is a simple way to broadcast browser tabs.
• 🔗 HDMI cable — the most stable connection, but requires a physical connection.

How to enable Miracast on Windows:

1. Click Win + K and select your TV from the list.
2. If the TV is not displayed, check if it is turned on. Wi-Fi Direct in its settings.
3. For Android use the function Wireless display in quick settings.

⚠️ Attention: When broadcasting from a laptop via Miracast or Google Cast video quality may be reduced to 720p due to limitations of wireless technology. For 4K better to use HDMI.

8. Which method to choose: comparison table

Recommendations for selection:

• 💰 Budget up to 2000 rubles. → Wi-Fi adapter or broadcast from a phone.
• 🎬 Movies and TV series → Android set-top box (Xiaomi Mi Box S).
• 🎮 Games → Nvidia Shield or a game console.
• 🛠️ Maximum flexibility → Raspberry Pi or Mini-PC.
• 🍎 Apple ecosystem → Apple TV 4K.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions