How to connect a TV to the internet if there is no LAN port or Wi-Fi: all the methods

You bought Smart TV, but we ran into a problem: there was no connector on the TV Ethernet (LAN), no built-in Wi-FiThis situation is typical for budget models. LG 24LQ6300, Samsung T4300 or old ones Sony Bravia 2015–2018, where manufacturers cut corners on network modules. Without the internet, you won't be able to use YouTube, Netflix, IVI or update the firmware - but there is a way out!

In this article we will look at All current ways to connect a TV to the Internet without LAN or Wi-Fi, including the use of external adapters, smartphones as access points, and non-obvious schemes with Powerline-adapters and USB modemsEach method has been tested on real devices and is suitable for 90% of models without network modules. You don't need a soldering iron or extensive networking knowledge—just a couple of readily available devices and 10–20 minutes of your time.

1. USB Wi-Fi adapter: the most reliable way

If there is a TV USB port (even USB 2.0), you can connect an external Wi-Fi adapterThis solution works on 80% of Smart TVs without built-in Wi-Fi, including models Samsung Series 4/5, LG UK6300 and many others. The main thing is to choose a compatible adapter.

Suitable adapter models (tested on real TVs):

• 🔹 TP-Link TL-WN725N (chipset RTL8188EU) - works with Samsung Tizen And LG webOS after updating the firmware.
• 🔹 Edimax EW-7811Un — supported Sony Android TV and some models Philips.
• 🔹 ASUS USB-N10 Nano — universal, but may require manual driver configuration.

How to connect:

1. Insert the adapter into TV USB port (it's better to use the port USB 3.0, if any).
2. Go to the TV menu: Settings → Network → Wireless network (Wi-Fi).
3. Select your network and enter the password. If the adapter isn't detected, update your TV's firmware.

Select an adapter with the RTL8188EU or RTL8192CU chipset

Check the compatibility list on the TV manufacturer's website.

Update your TV firmware to the latest version

Try all USB ports (sometimes only the rear port works)

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⚠️ Attention: Some televisions (eg. Samsung J-Series 2016) block uncertified adapters. In this case, only official adapter from the manufacturer (For example, Samsung WIS09ABGN), but its price can reach 3-5 thousand rubles.

2. Powerline adapters: Internet via electrical wiring

If your TV is located next to a power outlet and your router is in another room, Powerline adapters will be the ideal solution. They transmit the internet signal via electrical wiring, turning any outlet into a network point. The speed reaches 500–1200 Mbps (really - 100–300 Mbps, which is enough for 4K streaming).

How does this work:

• 🔌 The first adapter connects to router through Ethernet and is inserted into the socket.
• 🔌 The second adapter is inserted into the socket next to the TV and connects to it through USB-Ethernet adapter (if there is no LAN port).

The best models Powerline-TV adapters:

⚠️ Attention: Powerline- adapters are sensitive to the quality of electrical wiring. In older houses (built before 1990), the speed may drop to 10–50 MbpsBefore purchasing, check the wiring or test the adapter with a friend.

3. USB-Ethernet adapter: if there is a LAN port on the router, but not on the TV

If you have a free LAN port on the router, but there is no connector Ethernet on TV, use USB-Ethernet adapterThis is a cheap solution (from 500 ₽), which works on most Smart TVs with Android TV, webOS or Tizen.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Buy an adapter with a chipset ASIX AX88179 (For example, UGREEN USB 3.0 to Ethernet).
2. Connect the adapter to TV USB port.
3. Connect the adapter to the router via Ethernet cable (twisted pair).
4. In the TV menu, select Settings → Network → Wired connection.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Stability: A wired connection is not susceptible to interference like Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Ideal for online games (For example, Google Stadia or NVIDIA GeForce NOW).
• 💰 Cheaper Powerline-adapters (from 500 ₽ versus 2,500 ₽).

4. Smartphone as a hotspot or USB modem

If you have it at hand Android or iPhone smartphone, it can be used to distribute internet to a TV. There are two options:

Method 1: Wi-Fi Hotspot (if the TV supports Wi-Fi, but there is no network connection)

Activate modem mode on your smartphone and connect your TV to the created access point. The downside is high data consumption (up to 3–7 GB/hour when viewing Full HD).

Method 2: USB tethering (if there is no Wi-Fi on the TV at all)

Some televisions (eg. Sony Android TV) support internet connection via USB cable from your smartphone. To do this:

1. Connect your phone to TV via USB-C/USB-A cable.
2. Turn on your phone USB tethering (Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering).
3. On your TV, select USB Internet in the network settings.

⚠️ Attention: With USB tethering, your phone will discharge 2-3 times faster. Use charger with support Quick Charge or Power Deliveryto avoid discharge.

Which TVs support USB tethering?

List of confirmed models:

Sony KD-43X80J (Android TV 10+) Philips 50PUS8506 (Android TV 9+) Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (PatchWall)

On Samsung Tizen And LG webOS USB tethering only works with official adapters or after jailbreaking the firmware.

5. Using an external media player (Android TV Box)

If all the previous methods do not work, buy external media player (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box S, NVIDIA Shield TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick). It connects to the TV via HDMI and has a built-in Wi-Fi/Ethernet, which solves the problem of the lack of network modules in TVs.

Advantages of the solution:

• 📺 Full-fledged Android TV with support for all applications (Netflix, Disney+, Twitch).
• 🎮 Ability to play cloud gaming (For example, Xbox Cloud Gaming).
• 🔄 Easy to move between TVs (for example, to the country house).

Cons:

• 💸 Additional costs (from 3,000 ₽ per Mi Box S up to 15,000 ₽ per NVIDIA Shield Pro).
• 🔌 Takes up extra space HDMI port and a socket.

6. Alternative methods: for advanced users

If you're willing to spend the time to set it up, consider these options:

Method 1: Converting an old router into a bridge

If you have old router (For example, TP-Link TL-WR740N), it can be configured in the mode Client Mode or WISPso that it catches Wi-Fi from the main router and distributes the Internet via cable to the TV through USB-Ethernet adapter.

Method 2: Using Raspberry Pi as a Gateway

Raspberry Pi 3/4 can be turned into USB-Wi-Fi adapter for TV. To do this:

1. Install on Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi OS.
2. Connect it to a Wi-Fi network via wpa_supplicant.
3. Set up USB-ethernet gadget modeso that TV can see Raspberry Pi as a network adapter.

sudo apt install dnsmasq
sudo systemctl enable --now dnsmasq
sudo nano /etc/dnsmasq.conf

This method is suitable for Linux enthusiasts, but requires knowledge of the command line.

Method 3: Update your TV's firmware to support Wi-Fi

Some televisions (eg. LG 32LK5700) have hidden Wi-Fi support, which is activated after firmware updatesDownload the latest version of the software from the official website and install it via USB drive.

⚠️ Attention: A poorly performed firmware update can brick your TV. Always check the compatibility of the firmware version with your model on forums (e.g. 4PDA or AVS Forum).

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your budget and objectives:

• 💰 Budget up to 1,000 ₽ → USB-Wi-Fi or USB-Ethernet adapter.
• 🏠 The TV is in another room → Powerline or media player.
• 🎮 Need games and 4K → NVIDIA Shield TV or USB-Ethernet.
• ⚡ I urgently need internet → smartphone in modem mode.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

My TV isn't detecting the USB Wi-Fi adapter. What should I do?

Try the following steps:

1. Update your TV firmware to the latest version.
2. Check the adapter compatibility on the TV manufacturer's website (e.g. Samsung support).
3. Use Powered USB hub — Perhaps the TV port does not have enough power.
4. If the adapter is on a chip RTL8188EU, try to reflash it through Ralink Utility.

Is it possible to connect a TV to the Internet via a 3G/4G modem?

Yes, but for this you will need:

• 📶 USB modem (For example, Huawei E3372 or ZTE MF823).
• 🖥️ USB hub with Ethernet port (if the modem does not support NDIS-mode).
• ⚙️ Setting up PPPoE- connections in the TV menu (if supported).

Cons: high ping latency (not suitable for gaming), traffic restrictions by operators.

Why are Powerline adapters slow?

Speed ​​depends on:

• 🏗️ Electrical wiring quality (aluminum vs copper).
• 🔌 Number of "noisy" devices in the network (refrigerator, microwave).
• 📡 Distances between adapters (optimally - up to 30 meters).

Solution: Use adapters one model (do not mix TP-Link And Zyxel), plug them directly into a power outlet (without extension cords).

How to connect a TV to the Internet via a laptop?

The method works if the laptop has Ethernet port:

1. Connect your laptop to the router via Wi-Fi.
2. Connect your laptop and TV Ethernet cable.
3. Turn on your laptop Internet access sharing (Control Panel → Network → Change adapter settings).
4. On your TV, select Wired connection.

Cons: The laptop must be on all the time.

Which TVs definitely don't support external adapters?

List of models where external USB-Wi-Fi/Ethernet adapters do not work:

• Samsung Series 3 (2012–2015) — there are no drivers for third-party adapters.
• LG 22LJ4540 — USB port for media files only.
• Thomson T24DLB6100 - blocks all external network devices.
• BBK 32LEM-1056/FTS2 - no USB network support.

For these models, the only thing left is external media player or Powerline.