Lost or broken your TV remote control LG, but need the internet urgently? The situation is familiar to many: without a Wi-Fi connection, your phone won't work. Smart TV functions, streaming services, and even firmware updates. Luckily, there are several ways to set up your network LG TV without a traditional remote control - from using a smartphone to hidden button combinations on the TV itself.
In this article you will find 5 proven methods, which work on most models LG (including series NanoCell, OLED, QNED and budget UK6x/UN7x). We will examine each option in detail - from the simplest (with an app) to the advanced (via ADB). Important: Some methods require preliminary preparation, so read carefully!
If your TV was released before 2018, Methods using the LG ThinQ app may not work - these models often do not support modern wireless control protocolsIn this case, consider methods using physical buttons or USB devices.
1. Connect via the LG ThinQ app (the easiest way)
Official app LG ThinQ allows you to control your TV from your smartphone, including Wi-Fi setup. This is the fastest method if your LG TV supports technology Wi-Fi Direct (available on models from 2019).
To connect:
- 📱 Install the application LG ThinQ from App Store or Google Play.
- 🔍 Turn on the TV mode
Wi-Fi Direct(usually activated by a button)InputorHomeon the body). - 🔗 In the app, select your TV from the list of available devices.
- 🌐 Go to the section
Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connectionand select your network.
If your TV doesn't show up in the app, please check:
- ⚡ Both devices are connected to the same network (if you are using a router).
- 🔄 Restart your TV (unplug it from the power outlet for 30 seconds).
- 📶 Make sure your TV is turned on network standby mode (
Settings → General → Standby).
⚠️ Note: On some models LG (For example, 43UK6200) for the first connection through ThinQ Confirmation is required on the TV screen. If the buttons on the TV don't respond, use the USB keyboard method (Section 3).
2. Using the buttons on the TV body (for 2020–2026 models)
Modern televisions LG Equipped with touch or mechanical buttons on the bottom/rear panel. These buttons allow you to open the menu and manually connect to Wi-Fi. The button layout varies by model:
- 📺 Regular buttons:
Power(on/off),Volume +/-,Channel +/-,Settings(gear orHome). - 👆 Touch buttons: often hidden under the logo LG (press and hold the area below the screen).
- 🔄 Joystick: on some models (eg, OLED C1) there is a mini-joystick for navigation.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Turn on the TV with the button
Power. - Click
Settings(or holdHome5 seconds if there is no separate settings button). - By using
Volume +/-or select the joystickAll Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection. - Select your network and enter the password (you will need a USB keyboard or the virtual keyboard on the screen for this).
If the buttons do not respond:
- 🔋 Check the power supply - some buttons are blocked when the capacitors are low (unplug the TV from the power outlet for 1 minute).
- 🕒 On models with webOS 6.0+ hold
Settings10 seconds to reset the interface.
Check the location of the buttons on the case
Make sure the TV is plugged in.
Prepare a USB keyboard (if needed for entering a password)
Write down your Wi-Fi password in advance.
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3. Connecting a USB keyboard or mouse
If your TV has a port USB Type-A, you can connect a keyboard or mouse for convenient control. This method works on all models. LG With webOS (2014–2026) and allows you to enter a Wi-Fi password without a remote control.
How to connect:
- Insert the USB keyboard into the port on your TV (usually located on the side or back).
- Press any key on your keyboard and the control menu should appear.
- Go to
Settings → Network → Wi-Fiusing the arrow keys. - Select your network and enter the password (the keyboard should work as on a PC).
Advice:
- 🖱️ If you don't have a keyboard, you can use USB mouse — the cursor will be displayed on the screen.
- 🔌 On some models (LG NanoCell 2021) required Powered USB hub, if the keyboard is not detected.
- 🔠 Use the key to enter characters in your password
Alt+ digital code (for example,Alt+0167For "§").
⚠️ Please note: Not all USB devices are compatible with webOSAvoid gaming keyboards with macros—they may not be recognized. A simple wired keyboard without additional drivers is the best option.
| LG TV model | USB keyboard support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OLED C1/C2 | Yes | Works without a hub, supports wireless keyboards (with USB receiver) |
| NanoCell 2020–2023 | Yes | Drivers may be required for some wireless models. |
| UK6300/UK6500 | Partially | Wired keyboards only, mouse not supported |
| Any models before 2017 | No | USB ports are for media files only. |
4. Connecting via HDMI-CEC (if you have another device)
Technology HDMI-CEC allows you to control your TV through connected devices (for example, Blu-ray player, Apple TV or a game console). If your LG TV supports Simplink (trade name CEC from LG), you can use the remote from another device to set up Wi-Fi.
How does this work:
- Connect the device (eg. Xbox or Nvidia Shield) to the TV through
HDMI. - Turn on the function
Simplinkin the TV settings (usually inSettings → General → Devices → HDMI-CEC). - Use the remote control of the connected device to navigate the menu. LG.
- Go to
Settings → Networkand set up Wi-Fi.
Limitations of the method:
- 🔌 Works only if
HDMI-CECenabled on both devices. - 🎮 Not all remote control functions will be available (for example, voice input).
- 📺 On some models (LG UN7300) manual activation is required
Simplinkthrough the service menu.
How to enable HDMI-CEC on Xbox to control LG TV
1. Go to Settings → General → TV and display settings → TV control.
2. Enable the option HDMI-CEC.
3. Select LG in the list of compatible brands.
4. Restart your console.
5. Advanced Method: Connecting via ADB (for the technically inclined)
If none of the previous methods worked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to remotely control your TV. This method requires command line skills and is suitable for models based on webOS or Android TV (for example, some LG for the European market).
What you will need:
- 💻 A computer with installed
ADB(you can download it from the website) Android Developers). - 🔌 USB cable for connecting the TV to the PC (if there is no port, you need
OTG adapter). - 📱 Enabled mode
USB debuggingon TV.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Activate
Developer modeon TV:Settings → General → About TV → Press "Software Version" 7 times - Turn on
USB debuggingin the developer menu. - Connect your TV to your PC and run the following commands:
adb devicesadb shell am start -n com.lge.tv.settings/.NetworkSetupActivity - The network setup menu will open on the TV screen - select Wi-Fi and enter the password.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect commandsADBmay interfere with the operation of the TV. Do not use this method if you are not sure of what you are doing. For models on webOS (Not Android TV) special is requiredwebOS TV SDK.
6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps
If none of the methods work, consider the following options:
- 🛠️ Universal remote control: Buy a remote control from LG (original or compatible, for example, One For All) or use the remote control from another device (for example, from Samsung, if supported
HDMI-CEC). - 🔄 Reset settings: Reset the TV to factory settings using the buttons on the body (usually
Settings + Volume Downwhen turned on). After resetting, Wi-Fi can be configured via LG ThinQ. - 📡 Wired connection: Use temporarily
Ethernet cableto access the Internet, and then set up Wi-Fi through the menu. - 🔧 Service centerIf the TV is under warranty, contact the official service center. LG - They can reflash the device or provide a temporary remote control.
For models older than 2016 (eg. LG 42LF590V) may be required firmware via USBInstructions and firmware files can be found on the official website. LG in the support section (please specify the exact TV model).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting LG TV to Wi-Fi without a remote
My LG TV can't find the ThinQ app. What should I do?
Check:
- 📱 Update the application LG ThinQ to the latest version.
- 🔄 Restart your TV (unplug it from the power outlet for 1 minute).
- 📶 Make sure your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if the internet is not working).
- 🔧 Turn on the TV
Mobile controlVSettings → General → Mobile Control.
If the TV was released before 2018, the application ThinQ may not be supported - use the USB keyboard method.
Is it possible to connect an LG TV to Wi-Fi via Bluetooth?
No, TVs LG do not support Wi-Fi connection via BluetoothHowever, you can:
- Use Bluetooth keyboard to enter the password (if the TV supports Bluetooth devices).
- Connect Bluetooth adapter (for example, for a mouse), but this will not help with setting up Wi-Fi directly.
For the network settings themselves, you will definitely need either a remote control or one of the solutions described in the article.
The TV connects to Wi-Fi, but the internet doesn't work. What's the problem?
Possible reasons:
- 🔌 DNS server: Try manually specifying DNS (eg.
8.8.8.8or1.1.1.1in the network settings). - 🔒 MAC address filtering: Check your router settings - the TV's MAC address may be blocked.
- 📡 Weak signal: If the TV is far from the router, use Wi-Fi repeats or wired connection.
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update your TV software via
Settings → Support → Software Update.
How do I find out the model of my LG TV without a remote?
There are several ways:
- Look at sticker on the back panel — the model is specified in the format XXYY1234 (For example, OLED55C1).
- If the TV is turned on, the model is displayed in
Settings → General → About TV(can be opened using buttons on the body). - Use the app LG ThinQ — the model is indicated in the device information.
Knowing the exact model will help you select the correct instructions or firmware.
Can I use my LG TV without a Wi-Fi connection?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- ✅ They work analog and digital channels (DVB-T2/C/S2).
- ✅ You can view media files with USB drives or by
DLNA(if connected via cable). - ✅ Basic functions are available (
Netflix,YouTubeetc. will only work with an internet connection).
For full use Smart TV Wi-Fi or wired connection required.