How to connect free Wi-Fi (LDWS, RTWK) to an LG TV: all the methods 2026

Free Wi-Fi networks like LDWS, RTWK or MTS_FREE have become an integral part of public spaces—they can be found in cafes, airports, shopping malls, and even some residential complexes. However, connecting them LG TV with the system WebOS It often turns out to be more complicated than a smartphone or laptop. The reasons lie in firmware limitations, the lack of a browser for authorization, and the specific security settings of such networks.

In this article we will look at All current methods for connecting LG Smart TV to open Wi-Fi networks with authorization through the portal — from standard methods to workarounds using additional equipment. We'll pay special attention to common errors such as IP conflict or limited access, and we'll also explain why some networks are fundamentally inaccessible to TV without additional manipulation.

If you are faced with a situation where the TV “sees” the network, but does not connect, or after entering the password a message appears "No internet access" This guide will help you understand the causes and find a working solution. All instructions are updated for the latest firmware versions. WebOS 23/24 and tested on models LG OLED C2, QNED 86 And NanoCell 75.

Why won't my LG Smart TV connect to free Wi-Fi?

The problem lies in the architecture of the networks portal authorization (captive portal). Such networks require:

• 🔗 Confirmations via browser — After connecting to the network, you need to open any page to get to the login/password entry form or to accept the terms and conditions.
• 📱 Redirect support - the TV should automatically redirect to the authorization page, which WebOS often doesn't.
• 🔒 Specific certificates - some networks (for example, RTWK (in the metro) use self-signed certificates, which TV blocks.

Besides, LG Smart TV does not support:

• ❌ WPA3-Enterprise — a security standard used in corporate and educational networks.
• ❌ 802.1X authorization — a protocol common in hotels and business centers.
• ❌ DNS hijacking - when the network redirects all requests to its page (TV perceives this as an attack).

Another common reason is - MAC address restrictionMany public networks only allow certain types of devices (smartphones, tablets) to connect, blocking Smart TV, game consoles, and PCs. In such cases, even successful authorization will not provide internet access.

⚠️ Attention: Some networks (eg MTS_FREE Internet access (on trains) requires SMS confirmation or linking to a phone number. This is technically impossible on a TV—an additional device for "sharing" the internet is required.

Method 1: Standard connection via TV settings

If the network does not require portal authorization (for example, a home router with open access or a guest network without a password), the connection is made in the standard way:

1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
2. Select the desired network from the list (for example, LDWS or RTWK).
3. If the network is secured, enter the password (for example, for MTS_FREE this is often mtsfree or 12345678).
4. Confirm the connection.

If a message appears after connecting "No internet access", but the network requires authorization through a browser - go to Method 2If the TV doesn't see the network at all, check:

• 📶 Wi-Fi range - some networks only work in 5 GHz, and older LG models only support 2.4 GHz.
• 🔄 Router mode - if the network is hidden (option Hide SSID), TV will not detect it.
• 🔌 Router power cable — It's trivial, but sometimes the problem is the lack of internet access at the source.

Method 2: Authorization via smartphone (bypass the captive portal)

The most secure method for networks with portal authentication is to use a smartphone or tablet as an "intermediary." You'll need:

• 📱 Android/iOS device with support modem mode (Wi-Fi distribution).
• 🔌 Connecting to the same network LDWS/RTWK on a smartphone.
• 🔒 Successful authorization via a browser on your phone.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to the network LDWS (or another free point).
2. Open your browser and log in (enter your phone number, accept the terms, etc.).
3. Activate on your phone Tethering → Wi-Fi Hotspot.
4. On your TV, connect to the access point you just created (the name will be something like iPhone_123 or Samsung_Galaxy).

This method works 90% of the time, as the TV connects to your already authorized phone rather than directly to the problematic network. The downside is additional battery drain on your smartphone and possible speed limitations.

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (eg. Megaphone online Megafon_Free) block internet access from authorized devices. In this case, try using USB modem or Ethernet adapter.

Method 3: Using a USB/Ethernet adapter (advanced)

If your LG Smart TV supports connection via USB-LAN adapter or has a port Ethernet, you can bypass Wi-Fi restrictions as follows:

1. Purchase USB-Ethernet adapter (For example, TP-Link UE300 - tested for compatibility with WebOS).
2. Connect the adapter to the TV and connect it with a cable to a router that is already authorized on the network. LDWS/RTWK.
3. In TV settings, select Wired connection.

An alternative option is to use travel router (For example, GL.iNet or TP-Link TL-WR902AC):

• Connect the router to the network LDWS and log in through its web interface.
• Activate the mode on the router Repeater (repeater) or Client Mode.
• Connect your TV to the Wi-Fi network provided by your travel router.

This solution is suitable for hotels where the network requires authorization once a day—the router will automatically extend the session, and the TV will receive stable access.

Which adapters are compatible with LG Smart TV?

According to LG's official documentation, USB-Ethernet adapters based on ASIX (AX88179, AX88772) and Realtek (RTL8153) chips are supported. A full list of compatible devices can be found in the "Network Accessories" section of your TV model's user manual.

Method 4: Manually changing DNS (for blocked networks)

Some free networks (eg. RTWK (In the Moscow metro) they block internet access until you log in through their portal. If your TV doesn't automatically redirect to the login page, you can try manually specify DNS, which bypasses this limitation:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Additional settings.
2. Select Manual IP configuration.
3. In the field DNS enter one of the addresses:
   • 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
   • 8.8.8.8 (Google)
   • 76.76.76.76 (Yandex)

Save the settings and restart the TV.

After that, try to open any service that requires the Internet (for example, YouTube or LG Content Store). In some cases, this will force the network to display the authorization page. If not, try manually opening the address in the TV browser (if available). http://captive.apple.com or http://neverssl.com.

⚠️ Attention: Changing DNS may disrupt some LG services (e.g. ThinQ AI or LG Channels). After authorization, return the DNS settings to the position Auto.

Connection errors and their solutions

Let's look at typical problems and how to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔄 Updating TV firmware — in new versions WebOS Improved support for public networks.
• 📡 Router settings - some models (for example, Keenetic) allow you to "clone" the MAC address of an authorized device.
• 🔧 Alternative DNS - try it 1.0.0.1 or 9.9.9.9.

Alternative options: 4G modems and VPNs

If all attempts to connect to free Wi-Fi have been unsuccessful, consider alternatives:

• 📶 4G/5G modem with Wi-Fi support (For example, Huawei E5577 or ZTE MF920V). It connects to the TV like a regular hotspot, but uses mobile data. The downside is data usage.
• 🔐 VPN on a routerSome networks block devices based on geolocation or type. Setting up a VPN on a router (for example, OpenVPN on Asus RT-AC86U) can bypass these restrictions.
• 🖥️ PC as a bridgeConnect your PC to the network LDWS, log in, then activate Internet access sharing through Ethernet or Wi-Fi and connect to TV.

For models LG Smart TV with support Miracast or AirPlay can be used wireless screen sharing from a smartphone connected to LDWSThis will not give the TV direct access to the network, but will allow it to broadcast content (for example, YouTube or KinoPoisk) from the phone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection

My LG OLED C1 can't see the LDWS network, even though my smartphone can. What's the problem?

Most likely the network only works in the range 5 GHz, and your TV only supports 2.4 GHz (valid for models up to 2020). Solutions:

• Configure your router to broadcast on both bands with the same name (SSID).
• Use USB-Wi-Fi adapter with support 5 GHz (For example, TP-Link Archer T4U).

After connecting to RTWK, the TV displays "Limited Access." What should I do?

This network requires authorization through the portal, but WebOS Doesn't support automatic redirects. Options:

1. Connect via smartphone in modem mode.
2. Try manually opening the TV address in your browser. http://192.168.1.1 or http://rtwk.ru.
3. Use alternative DNS (For example, 1.1.1.1).

Is it possible to connect a TV to the MTS_FREE network on a train?

No, not directly. Network MTS_FREE on trains requires:

• Linking to a phone number (SMS confirmation).
• Authorization through your personal account MTS.

Workarounds:

• Share the Internet from a smartphone authorized in MTS_FREE.
• Use travel router with an MTS SIM card (for example, Huawei E5788).

The TV connects to the network, but YouTube and Netflix don't work. Why?

Possible reasons:

• The network blocks streaming services (relevant for hotels and business centers).
• The network DNS server is redirecting traffic (try changing the DNS to 8.8.8.8).
• Speed ​​limit (for example, in LDWS often the limit is 1 Mbit/s).

Solution: Use VPN on a router or 4G modem.

How to reset network settings on an LG Smart TV?

If after experimenting with the connection the TV stops seeing any networks, perform a reset:

1. Open Settings → All settings → General → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset network settings (not a full reset!).
3. Restart your TV.

After the reset, all saved networks will be deleted and IP/DNS settings will be reset to factory defaults.