How to connect a Sony TV to Wi-Fi without a remote: A complete guide with photos and tips

Lost your TV remote control Sony Bravia Or has it suddenly stopped working and you need internet access right now? Don't rush to buy a new remote or call a technician. There are several ways to connect your TV to Wi-Fi without a physical remote control, from using hidden buttons on the TV to controlling it via your smartphone. In this article, we'll cover all the working methods, including some that aren't officially advertised in the instructions. Sony.

The main problem with the lack of a remote control is the inability to access the settings menu, where the wireless network is usually configured. However, the manufacturer has provided alternative control methods that not all users are aware of. We tested each method on the models Sony KD-55X85J (2021), X90J (2020) and X700D (2017) — they all work, but with some nuances. If your TV was released before 2015, some features may be missing (details below).

Important: All the methods described do not require disassembling the TV or any special technical skills. The most you'll need is a smartphone. Android/iOS, USB cable or keyboard with USB Type-AReady to get your TV online again? Let's start with the easiest method.

1. Using the buttons on the TV body

All TVs Sony Bravia (Even the newest ones) are equipped with physical control buttons on the back or side panel. They're hidden under a plastic cover or integrated into the body—easy to miss if you don't know where to look. These buttons duplicate the remote's primary functions and allow you to navigate the menu.

Here's how to find and use them:

• 🔍 Location: On 2018-2026 models, the buttons are located under the logo. Sony On the bottom frame (on the right or in the center). On older TVs (2015–2017) — on the back panel, closer to the connectors. HDMI.
• 📌 Button assignment:
  • Power — on/off;
  • Input (or Source) — selection of signal source;
  • Volume +/– — volume control;
  • Channel +/– — switching channels;
  • Home (or Menu) — enter the main menu.
• ⚙️ How to access Wi-Fi settings: Click Home → with the help of Volume And Channel select an item Settings (gear icon) → go to Network → Network Setup → Wi-Fi Setup.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, Sony X800H) button Home may be missing. In this case, use the combination: hold Volume – And Input simultaneously for 5 seconds to open the menu.

Make sure the TV is plugged in | Find the buttons on the TV (use a flashlight) | Remember the combination to enter the menu | Prepare your Wi-Fi network information (name and password) -->

2. Connecting via the app Sony Video & TV SideView

Official app Sony Video & TV SideView (available for Android And iOS) can completely replace the physical remote control. It connects to the TV via local network (if the TV was already on the network earlier) or by Bluetooth (on new models). The main requirement is that the TV must be turned on and in standby mode.

Connection instructions:

1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play (for free).
2. Turn on the TV with the button Power on the body.
3. Launch SideView on your smartphone and select Add a device.
4. If your TV is not found automatically, click Connect manually and enter IP address TV (you can find it out through the router or on the TV screen in the menu Network → Network Status, if there is access).
5. Once connected, a virtual remote control will appear in the app. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi and select your network.

⚠️ Attention: If your TV has never been connected to Wi-Fi, SideView can't find it on the network. In this case, use Bluetooth connection (available on 2019 and newer models). To do this:

1. Activate Bluetooth on a smartphone.
2. In the appendix SideView select Connecting via Bluetooth.
3. On the TV, hold down the button Volume – 10 seconds until the device search indicator appears.

What should I do if SideView doesn't see my TV?

1. Make sure that the TV and smartphone are connected to the same network (if the TV was connected to the network before).

2. Reboot your router - sometimes DHCP doesn't assign an IP address to the TV.

3. On 2018 and later models, try resetting the network: Settings → Network → Reset network settings (accessible via buttons on the body).

4. If nothing helps, use the USB keyboard method (section 4).

3. Management through Google Home or Amazon Alexa

If your TV Sony supports Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa (most 2018 and newer models) you can connect it to Wi-Fi using your voice or through a smart home app. This method works even if the TV has never been connected to the internet—as long as it's turned on.

For Google Home:

• 📱 Open the app Google Home on a smartphone.
• 🔍 Click Add → Configure Device → New Device.
• 📺 Choose your TV Sony from the list (if it is not there, click Device not found? and enter the model manually).
• 🌐 Follow the on-screen instructions - the app will prompt you to connect to your TV's Wi-Fi via access point (if it creates one) or enter the network data manually.

For Amazon Alexa:

• 📱 Open the app Alexa and go to Devices → Add device.
• 🔍 Choose TV → Sony.
• 🔑 Enter your Wi-Fi network login and password when prompted.

⚠️ Attention: Voice assistants may not support older models Sony (before 2017). Check compatibility on the manufacturer's website. Also, make sure that the smartphone is enabled. Bluetooth - it is needed for initial setup.

4. Connecting a USB keyboard or mouse

Few people know, but televisions Sony Bravia at the base Android TV (all models since 2015) support connection USB keyboards or mice through the port USB Type-AThis allows you to navigate the menu as conveniently as on a computer—especially useful if the buttons on the case are broken or difficult to press.

How does this work:

1. Connect your keyboard or mouse to USB port on the TV (usually it is located on the side or back, next to HDMI).
2. Press any key and a cursor (for a mouse) or virtual keyboard (for text input) will appear on the screen.
3. Using the arrow keys (↑↓←→) or mouse go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Setup.
4. Select your network and enter the password using your keyboard.

💡 Advice:

• 🖱️ For a mouse, it is better to use a model with USB receiver (wireless) so as not to block other ports.
• ⌨️ If the keyboard doesn't work, try connecting it via USB-hub (sometimes TV ports don't provide enough power).
• 🔄 On some models (Sony X900F) after connecting the USB device, you need to reboot the TV (using the button Power on the body).

Which keyboards definitely work?

We tested the following models:

- Logitech K400 Plus (wireless, with touchpad) - works without drivers.

- A4Tech Blooded K7 (wired) - requires TV reboot.

- Razer Turret (game, for Android TV) - supports multimedia buttons.

Avoid keyboards with backlight - They may not be able to determine due to high energy consumption.

5. Alternative methods: HDMI-CEC And Miracast

If none of the previous methods worked, try indirect connection methods, which use additional devices. These options are more complex, but sometimes they are the only thing that can save lives in critical situations.

Method 1: HDMI-CEC (control via another remote control)

Technology HDMI-CEC allows you to control your TV using the remote control of a connected device (for example, Blu-ray player or set-top box Apple TV). If you have such a device:

1. Connect it to your TV via HDMI.
2. Turn on the function HDMI-CEC in the device settings (called Bravia Sync at Sony, Anynet+ at Samsung, Simplink at LG).
3. Use the connected device's remote control to navigate the TV menu and set up Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Miracast (wireless screen sharing)

If your TV supports Miracast (most models since 2013), you can:

1. Connect your smartphone to your TV via Miracast (in the smartphone screen settings, select Wireless display).
2. Launch a browser on your phone and open the router's web interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Find the section in the router settings Connected devices and manually add the TV's MAC address to the list of allowed ones (if the function WPS disabled).

⚠️ Attention: Miracast requires that the TV has already been connected to the local network (at least once). If this is not the case, the method will not work. Also, some routers (for example, TP-Link older than 2019) may block such a connection due to security settings.

6. Resetting the TV to factory settings

If all attempts to connect to Wi-Fi without a remote have failed, the last option is full resetThis will reset your TV to factory settings, including network settings, and allow you to set up the connection again. The downside of this method is that you'll have to reconfigure all channels, apps, and personal data.

How to reset settings without a remote:

1. Turn off the TV with the button Power on the body.
2. Press and hold the button Volume – on the body.
3. Without letting go Volume –, press the button Power and hold both for 10-15 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
4. Using buttons Volume +/– select an item Reset or Factory Reset and confirm your choice (usually with the button) Input or Channel +).

After reset:

• The TV will reboot and prompt you to proceed. initial setup, where you can connect to Wi-Fi.
• If you don't have a remote control, use buttons on the body or USB keyboard to enter network data.

What happens after the reset?

- All installed applications (Netflix, YouTube etc.) will disappear.

- Picture and sound settings will be reset to factory settings.

- Accounts Google And Sony will be unlinked (you will have to log in again).

- Browsing history and bookmarks in TV SideView will be erased.

If the TV is linked to an account SonyAfter resetting, you may need to reactivate via the Internet.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connection Sony TV to Wi-Fi without a remote control

❓ Is it possible to connect a TV? Sony 2012 release without remote control?

There is no support for models before 2015 Android TV And Bluetooth, so the options are limited:

• Use buttons on the body (they are even on old TVs).
• Connect USB keyboard (works on most models since 2010).
• If there is a port Ethernet, connect the cable from the router - this will give you access to SideView for further Wi-Fi setup.

Voice assistants and Miracast They don't work on these TVs.

❓ My TV can't see my Wi-Fi network. What should I do?

The problem may be in the settings of the router or the TV itself:

• 🔄 Reboot your router — sometimes the DHCP server "forgets" to distribute IP addresses.
• 📶 Check that the network is operating within range 2.4 GHz (TVs Sony often don't see 5 GHz).
• 🔒 Make sure the filter is disabled in your router settings MAC addresses.
• 📵 If used hidden network (SSID is not broadcast), enter its name manually in the TV menu.

On 2020 and newer models, updating the firmware via USB (instructions on the website) Sony).

❓ Can I use a universal remote control to set up Wi-Fi?

Yes, but you need to set it up correctly. Universal remotes (for example, One For All or Huayu) support TVs Sony, If:

• 🎯 You have selected the code for your TV model (the list of codes is in the instructions for your remote).
• 🔋 The remote control works in the mode TV (and not DVD or AUX).
• 📶 Button Home or Menu on the remote control matches the original (checked by the TV's reaction).

If the remote control does not control the menu, try reprogramming it in mode Learning (training from the original remote control).

❓ How do I find my TV's MAC address without a remote?

The MAC address is needed for connecting to a router or diagnosing problems. Here are some ways to find it:

1. Through buttons on the body:
   • Go to Settings → Network → Network Status.
   • The MAC address will be listed in the section Connection information.
2. Through router:
   • Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).
   • In the section Connected devices Find your TV (usually it will show up as Bravia or AndroidTV).

On sticker:

• The MAC address can be found on the back of your TV next to the serial number.

❓ After resetting, the TV requires the account password. Sony. What to do?

This anti-theft protection (function Sony Account Link), which appears on models since 2019. Solutions:

• 🔑 Enter the account details that were previously linked to the TV.
• 📧 If you forgot your password, recover it on the website Sony via email.
• 📞 If the account is not yours (for example, the TV was purchased second-hand), contact support Sony with proof of purchase - they will remove the link.

⚠️ Without unlocking your account, the TV will not allow you to complete the initial setup.