Connecting a TV to the Internet via WPS: Instructions for a Router and Smart TV

Connecting your TV to the Internet via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to set up a wireless network. This method doesn't require complex passwords and is suitable for most modern devices. Smart TV from Samsung, LG, Sony and other brands. However, not all users know how to properly activate WPS on their router and sync it with their TV.

In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step connection process, the features of working with different router models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic), as well as common errors that may occur. You'll learn how to check device compatibility, where to find the WPS button on your router, and what to do if your TV can't detect the network. These instructions apply to all firmware versions, but keep in mind that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

What is WPS and why is it convenient for connecting a TV?

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) was developed to simplify connecting devices to a wireless network. Instead of manually entering the SSID and password, simply press a button on the router and confirm the connection on the TV. This is especially useful if:

• 📺 Yours Smart TV There is no keyboard for easy password entry.
• 🔑 You forgot your Wi-Fi password or it's too complex (for example, if it was generated automatically).
• ⚡ Need to quickly connect multiple devices (for example, a TV and a sound bar).
• 🛠️ You don't want to mess around with your router settings to set up a guest network.

WPS operates in two modes:

1. PBC (Push Button Configuration) — synchronization by pressing a button on the router and device.
2. PIN code — entering an 8-digit code (less commonly used for TVs).

Most modern TVs only support PBC, so we'll be looking at this method further. However, WPS has its limitations: it's considered less secure than traditional password entry, as it's vulnerable to brute-force attacks. If network security is critical to you, we recommend disabling WPS in your router settings after connecting the TV.

Checking the compatibility of your TV and router with WPS

Before attempting to connect, make sure both devices support WPS. Here's how to check:

📺 On TV

• 🔍 Go to the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi (the path may differ depending on the model).
• 🔄 Look for the option "Connecting via WPS" or WPS buttonIf it is not there, your TV does not support the technology.
• 📋 In the instructions to Smart TV Check the section on wireless connections.

List of popular models with WPS support:

📶 On the router

Almost all modern routers (even budget ones) support WPS, but the feature may be disabled by default. You can check for this feature:

• 🔘 By the physical WPS button on the case (usually labeled or marked with an icon 🔄).
• 🖥️ In the router's web interface, in the section Wi-Fi → WPS or Wireless Network → Security.
• 📄 In the device documentation (look for a mention of "Wi-Fi Protected Setup").

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg Apple in routers AirPort) abandoned WPS due to vulnerabilities. If your router is older than 2015, check for firmware updates.

Step-by-step instructions: connecting your TV to Wi-Fi via WPS

If both devices support WPS, follow these instructions. The process takes no more than 2-3 minutes.

Step 1: Preparing the Router

Make sure the router is turned on and broadcasting Wi-Fi (the wireless network indicator should be lit). If WPS is disabled:

1. Open the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in (login/password usually admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).
3. Go to the section Wi-Fi → WPS (or Wireless Network → Security).
4. Activate the option Enable WPS and select the mode PBC.
5. Save the settings.

Step 2: Activate WPS on your TV

Now let's move on to the TV settings. The interface may differ, but the general principle is the same:

1. Turn on the TV and open the menu Settings (button Home or ⚙️ on the remote control).
2. Select a section Network → Network Setup → Wireless Network.
3. Find the option "Connecting via WPS" or WPS button.
4. Click "Begin" or "Connect" — the TV will start searching for the router.

Step 3. Synchronize devices

For 2 minutes After activating WPS on the TV:

1. Press the physical WPS button on the router (hold for 1-2 seconds until the indicator starts blinking).
2. If there is no button, click in the router's web interface. Add device via WPS.
3. Wait for the message on the TV screen about a successful connection.

The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi|

WPS is activated in the router settings|

The TV is within range of the network|

WPS connection is selected on the TV-->

If everything went well, the TV will automatically receive an IP address and connect to the internet. Check the connection by running YouTube or another online service.

⚠️ Attention: If the TV does not connect within 2 minutes, you will have to start the process over again. Some models (e.g., Sony Bravia) require you to press WPS on the router again after a timeout.

What to do if your TV won't connect via WPS

Even with the correct settings, problems can still arise. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

🔌 Problem: The router doesn't respond to the WPS button.

• 🔋 Check if the router is connected to the network and if the power indicator is on.
• 🔄 Restart your router (turn it off for 30 seconds and turn it on again).
• 🛠️ In the router's web interface, make sure that WPS is enabled and the mode is selected PBC.
• 📡 If the WPS button works, but the TV doesn't see the network, try moving the TV closer to the router (the signal may be weak).

📺 Problem: The TV does not find the network after activating WPS

• 🔄 Restart the process: cancel the connection on the TV and press WPS on the router again.
• 📵 Make sure that the TV is not in the active mode On the plane or Energy saving (they can block Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Update your TV firmware: go to Settings → Support → Software Update.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings on your TV: Settings → Network → Network Reset.

🔒 Problem: Connection terminates with a security error

This can happen if:

• 🔑 MAC address filtering is enabled on your router (disable it in the settings).
• 🔄 An outdated security standard is used (eg. WEP). Switch to WPA2-PSK or WPA3.
• ⚡ The router is overloaded (disconnect some devices from the network and try again).

Why might WPS not work on dual-band routers?

Some routers (eg. ASUS RT-AX88U) WPS is separate for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. If the TV only supports 2.4 GHz and WPS is enabled for 5 GHz, the connection will fail. Solution: In the router settings, select WPS mode for 2.4 GHz or disable network sharing.

If none of these methods work, try connecting the classic way—by entering the Wi-Fi password. To do this:

1. On your TV, select your network from the list.
2. Enter the password from the remote control (use the arrow keys to select characters).
3. Confirm the connection.

Connection features on popular TV models

The menu interface and layout of WPS options may vary depending on the brand. Let's look at the nuances for the most common brands.

📺 Samsung Smart TV (Tizen OS)

On TVs Samsung With Tizen:

1. Open Settings → General → Network → Open network settings.
2. Select Wireless Network.
3. Click "Connecting via WPS (PBC)".
4. Activate WPS on your router within 2 minutes.

If the WPS option is missing, update your TV software: Settings → Support → Software Update.

📺 LG Smart TV (webOS)

On LG With webOS:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
2. Select Other connection options.
3. Click "Connecting via WPS".
4. Follow the on-screen instructions (you may need to confirm on your remote).

On some models (LG OLED C1 (and newer) WPS is hidden in the advanced settings. To see it, hold down the button Settings on the remote control for 5 seconds.

📺 Sony Bravia (Android TV/Google TV)

On Sony Bravia:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Network Setup → Wi-Fi Setup.
2. Select Other options → WPS (push-button).
3. Click "Begin" and activate WPS on the router.

If the TV asks for a PIN code instead of PBC, the router is configured for PIN mode. In this case:

• Go to the router's web interface and generate a PIN.
• Enter it on your TV in the appropriate field.

📺 Xiaomi Mi TV and other brands on Android TV

On TVs with Android TV:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Add Network → "WPS".
3. Activate WPS on your router.

If the option is missing, install the application Wi-Fi WPS WPA Tester from Google Play (not available on all models).

WPS Security: Should You Disable It After Connecting?

WPS is convenient, but it's not without its security flaws. Here are the key risks:

• 🔓 Vulnerability to brute-force attacks: an attacker can guess the PIN code in a few hours.
• 🕳️ Lack of protection against repeated connections: Some routers allow you to connect via WPS even after the first successful connection.
• 🔄 No control over connected devices: You won't see who else has used WPS to access the network.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔒 After connecting the TV disable WPS in the router settings.
• 🔑 Use a complex password for your main Wi-Fi network (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 🛡️ Enable MAC address filtering (but this may make it more difficult for new devices to connect).
• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (especially if it's a model before 2018).

If you often need to connect new devices (for example, guest gadgets), it is better to use guest network With a separate password instead of WPS. This is more secure and no less convenient.

⚠️ Attention: Some internet service providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) block changes to WPS settings on rented routers. If you can't disable WPS, contact support and ask them to reconfigure the equipment.

Alternative ways to connect your TV to Wi-Fi

If WPS doesn't work or is unavailable, try one of these methods:

🔑 Classic connection with a password

The most reliable way:

1. On your TV, select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
2. Enter your password using the on-screen keyboard.
3. Confirm the connection.

For convenience:

• 📱 Use a remote control app (eg. Samsung SmartThings or LG TV Plus) to enter the password from the phone.
• 🔑 Simplify your Wi-Fi password while you're connected (restore a complex password later).

📱 Connect via WPS from your phone (if your TV doesn't support it)

If your TV does not support WPS but does support it Miracast or Google Cast, Can:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi via WPS.
2. Enable on phone Screencasting (or Smart View on Samsung).
3. Select a TV from the list of available devices.

This will allow you to stream content from your phone to your TV, but the TV itself will not be connected to the Internet.

🔌 Connection via cable (Ethernet)

If Wi-Fi is unstable or absent:

• 🔌 Connect the TV and the router with a patch cord (cable) LAN).
• 🔄 On your TV, select Settings → Network → Cable connection.
• 🔄 Wait for the IP address to be obtained automatically (DHCP).

Advantages:

• 🚀 Higher speed and stability (important for 4K content).
• 🔒 No risks associated with wireless connections.

📡 Using a Wi-Fi adapter (for older TVs)

If your TV does not support Wi-Fi at all, you can buy an external adapter (for example, TP-Link TL-WN725N) and connect it to the port USB. After that:

1. Install the adapter driver (if required).
2. Select the Wi-Fi network in the TV menu.
3. Enter the password or use WPS (if the adapter supports it).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a TV via WPS

❓ Is it possible to connect a TV to WPS if the router is from a provider (for example, MTS or Beeline)?

Yes, but there may be limitations. Many providers block access to WPS settings on rented routers. Try this:

1. Find the WPS button on the router body (sometimes it is hidden under the cover).
2. Call support and ask to activate WPS remotely.
3. Buy your own router and connect it to your provider in the mode bridge.

❓ Why does my TV say "Unable to connect via WPS" even though my router supports this feature?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 🕒 Timeout expired (2 minutes). Please repeat the process.
• 🔄 The router is operating in the mode 802.11r (Fast Transition), which conflicts with WPS. Disable it in your Wi-Fi settings.
• 📡 The TV and router operate on different bands (for example, the TV operates on 2.4 GHz, but WPS is activated for 5 GHz).
• 🔧 It's enabled on the router WPS Lock After several unsuccessful attempts, reboot your router.

❓ How do I disable WPS on my router after connecting my TV?

Instructions for popular brands:

• TP-Link: Wireless → WPS → Disable.
• ASUS: Wireless Network → WPS → Disable.
• Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Access Point → Security Settings → WPS (disable).
• D-Link: Wi-Fi → WPS → Disable.

After disabling, save the settings and reboot the router.

❓ Can I use WPS to connect my TV to a public network (for example, in a hotel)?

No, this is not possible. Public networks (in hotels, airports, cafes) do not support WPS for security reasons. In such cases:

• 🔑 Ask your administrator for the Wi-Fi password and enter it manually.
• 📱 Use your phone as a hotspot (share Wi-Fi from your phone to your TV).
• 🔌 Connect your TV to the router via cable (if possible).

❓ How do I reset my TV's network settings if the WPS connection failed?

Instructions for different brands:

• Samsung: Settings → General → Network → Reset network settings.
• LG: Settings → Network → Reset Wi-Fi.
• Sony: Settings → Network → Network settings → Reset.
• Android TV: Settings → Network & Internet → Remove network.

After the reset, the TV will forget all saved networks, and you will have to connect again.