How to connect your TV to Wi-Fi if you forgot your password: 5 proven methods

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, and your TV is asking you to enter it to connect to the internet? This situation is familiar to many, especially if the router was set up a long time ago or the password was changed automatically through the provider's app. No network access Smart TV is losing half its functions: don't work YouTube, Netflix, online cinemas, firmware updates, and even some voice-controlled remote controls.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get around this problem, from simple ones (connecting via WPS or QR code) to radical (resetting the router settings). In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for TVs. Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia, Xiaomi and other brands. Important: Some methods require access to a router or other device already connected to your network.

If you're renting a place or using public Wi-Fi (such as at a hotel), some methods may not work due to network administrator restrictions. In this case, contact the router owner or use mobile hotspot from a smartphone.

1. Connecting via WPS is the fastest way

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect devices to your router without entering a password—just press a button on the router or enter a PIN. Most modern Smart TV (released after 2015) support this method.

How does this work:

• 🔄 Click the button WPS On the back of the router (usually labeled or marked with two arrows forming a circle). The button may also function as a reset button; in this case, hold it down for 1–2 seconds.
• 📺 On your TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi (The path may vary depending on the model). Select your network and instead of entering the password, click the option WPS or Connection via button.
• ⏳ The TV should connect automatically within 2 minutes. If the process is interrupted, try again.

⚠️ Attention: Some ISPs disable WPS by default for security reasons. If the button doesn't work, check your router's settings through the web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the section Wi-Fi → WPS.

Make sure your router supports WPS (check the model in the manual)

Find the WPS button on the router body.

Check if WPS is enabled in your router settings.

Select the WPS option from the Wi-Fi connection menu on your TV-->

2. Using a QR code to connect (for modern TVs)

Many TVs Samsung (starting from 2021), LG (webOS 5.0+) and Xiaomi Support connecting to Wi-Fi via QR code. This method is convenient if you have a smartphone already connected to the same network.

Instructions:

1. On your TV, select your Wi-Fi network in the connection menu. The password field will be replaced by an option Connect via QR code (or Smart Connect at Samsung).
2. Open the app on your smartphone Wi-Fi settings (on Android — Settings → Wi-Fi → Network QR code, on iPhone - through Settings → Wi-Fi → QR icon next to the network name).
3. Scan the QR code on the TV screen with your smartphone. Confirm the data transfer.
4. The TV will automatically connect to the network.

⚠️ Attention: If you have Android TV (For example, Sony Bravia or Philips), the QR code may not be supported. In this case, use the method with mobile hotspot (section 4) or reset the router (section 5).

What to do if the QR code cannot be read?

Make sure your TV screen is bright enough for scanning.

Try using a different QR reader app (eg. Google Lens).

Restart your TV and smartphone if the code is stuck on the screen.

On some models LG You need to confirm the connection manually after scanning.

3. Connect via a mobile device (SmartThings, LG ThinQ)

If your TV supports proprietary applications (for example, Samsung SmartThings or LG ThinQ), you can transfer Wi-Fi settings from your smartphone. This method works even if you don't know the password—the main thing is that the phone is already connected to the network.

Step by step instructions for Samsung SmartThings:

• 📱 Install the application SmartThings on smartphone (Android or iOS).
• 🔗 Connect your phone and TV to the same network (for example, via mobile hotspot, if Wi-Fi is not available).
• 🖥️ In the app, select Add a device → TV and follow the instructions. During the network setup step, the app will prompt you to transfer your Wi-Fi data from your smartphone.
• ✅ Confirm the transfer - the TV will connect automatically.

For LG ThinQ the process is similar:

1. Open the app LG ThinQ and select Add a device.
2. On your TV, activate pairing mode via Settings → General → LG ThinQ.
3. The app will offer to transfer Wi-Fi settings - agree.

Important: This method only works if your smartphone and TV are on the same local network (even a temporary one). If Wi-Fi is completely disabled on your TV, first connect it to a mobile hotspot.

4. Temporary connection via mobile hotspot

If none of the previous methods work, you can temporarily share your phone's internet connection. This will allow you to update your TV's firmware and install control apps (for example, SmartThings) or download Wi-Fi settings via the cloud.

How to set up an access point:

• 📶 On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Mobile Hotspot. Set a simple password (for example, 12345678).
• 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Tethering and turn on the option Allow others.
• 📺 On your TV, select the created network in the Wi-Fi menu and enter the password.

⚠️ Attention: Mobile internet can be slower than home Wi-Fi, and some providers limit data usage for hotspots. Don't use this method to watch 4K video—it's better to download the necessary updates or settings and then switch back to your main network.

5. Resetting your router is a radical but effective method.

If you urgently need Wi-Fi access and other methods haven't helped, you can reset your router to factory settings. This will delete all custom settings., including the password, network name, and device associations. After the reset, you'll be able to access the default router admin panel and set up a new network.

How to reset a router:

1. 🔧 Find the button on the back of the router Reset (usually recessed into the body to prevent accidental pressing).
2. 📍 Take a paper clip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
3. 🔄 The router will reboot. Wait for it to turn on (usually 1-2 minutes).
4. 🌐 Connect to the router's default network (the network name and password are indicated on the sticker on the case).
5. 🖥️ Go to the web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (default logins and passwords are admin/admin or admin/empty).
6. 🔑 Set up a new Wi-Fi network in the section Wireless or Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, all devices in your home (smartphones, laptops, smart speakers) will be disconnected from Wi-Fi. Prepare a list of devices that require internet access in advance and reconfigure them. If your router is provided by your provider, resetting it may block internet access; in this case, you'll need to reactivate it according to your contract.

6. Alternative methods: Ethernet, USB modem, Powerline

If it's crucial to set up Wi-Fi without resetting the password, consider alternative options for connecting your TV to the Internet:

• 🌐 Ethernet cable: Run a network cable from the router to the TV. Most Smart TV have a port LAN (RJ-45 connector). This is the most stable method, but requires cabling.
• 📡 USB modem: Some televisions (eg. Samsung QLED 2022+ series) support 4G/5G modem connection via port USBCheck compatibility in the instructions.
• ⚡ Powerline adapters: Devices that transmit internet signals through electrical wiring. Connect one adapter to the router, the other near the TV, and connect them with a cable. Ethernet.

To connect via cable:

1. Buy Ethernet cable the required length (for example, Cat 5e or Cat 6).
2. Connect one end to the port LAN on the router, the other one to the TV.
3. On your TV, select Settings → Network → Cable connection.

⚠️ Attention: If you use IPTV From your provider, connecting your TV via cable may conflict with your set-top box. In this case, please configure VLAN on the router or use a separate port.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When connecting a TV to Wi-Fi without a password, users often encounter common problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If your TV stubbornly refuses to connect, check:

• 🔌 Is the router powered by the network (the indicators should be on).
• 📶 Is there any interference from other devices (microwaves, wireless headphones).
• 🔄 Is the TV firmware updated? (Outdated software may not support modern Wi-Fi standards.)

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a TV to Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if you have a smartphone with this feature access points or USB modem with TV support. Some models also support direct connection to the network via Ethernet (for example, in hotels). However, for full use Smart TV You still need a router.

How can I find out the Wi-Fi password if the TV has already been connected?

If the TV has previously been connected to the network, the password can be viewed:

• On the router - via the web interface (192.168.0.1) in the section Wi-Fi.
• On Android- smartphone - in the settings of saved networks (root rights or a file manager are required).
• On Windows - through Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Wireless Network → Wireless Network Properties → Security (check mark Show entered characters).

The password is not displayed on the TV itself for security reasons.

Why does the TV ask for a password even though the Wi-Fi is open?

Even if the network isn't password-protected, the TV may ask for connection confirmation. This is due to:

• Router settings (filter enabled by MAC address).
• Provider restrictions (for example, authorization through a hotel portal).
• There is a problem with the TV firmware (rebooting or resetting the network settings will help).

Try connecting via WPS or check your router settings.

Is it possible to connect an old TV (non-Smart TV) to Wi-Fi?

TVs without Smart TV do not have a built-in Wi-Fi module, but there are workarounds:

• Use media console (Apple TV, Android TV Box, Xiaomi Mi Box), which connects to the TV via HDMI and has its own Wi-Fi.
• Connect Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick - They allow you to stream content from your phone.
• Use DLNA — if the router supports this technology, you can transmit video from your computer to your TV via a local network.

What should I do if the TV doesn't connect to the Internet after connecting?

The problem may be in the settings. DNS or IP. Check:

1. On your TV, go to Network Settings → Advanced and select Obtain an IP automatically.
2. Try to enter it manually DNS from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
3. Restart your router and TV.

If the problem persists, check whether your provider is blocking access for new devices (this is relevant for corporate or hotel networks).