The situation when the original TV remote control LG When something suddenly stops working or gets lost, it always happens at the most inopportune moment, especially when you urgently need to set up internet access for streaming or update apps. Fortunately, modern Smart TVs running on the operating system webOS, have sufficient functionality to control basic settings even without the included controller. Owners often don't even realize that a physical button on the device or a smartphone in their pocket can completely replace a lost accessory.
The process of connecting to a wireless network Wi-Fi Using a TV without a standard remote may seem difficult at first glance, but in practice, there are several proven methods to overcome this limitation. We'll cover all the current options: from using the built-in joystick on the TV panel to using universal remote apps for Android and iOS. It is critical to know the exact model of your LG TV, as the layout of the controls on the TV body (joystick or buttons) is radically different between the pre-2015 series and newer models.
Before attempting complex manipulations with external devices, it's worth checking the most obvious and accessible control option. Many users ignore the physical buttons on the device, relying solely on the IR signal, even though they are what allow you to access the settings menu. Below, we'll detail the step-by-step procedure for each method, so you can choose the one that best suits your situation.
Using the built-in control joystick on the body
Modern televisions LG, released after 2015, are equipped with a dedicated multifunctional joystick located on the bottom or side of the panel. This control, often hidden under the logo or located to the right of the IR receiver, allows for full menu navigation. Smart TVTo access network settings, you must first activate the screen and open the main menu using short or long presses on this joystick, depending on the model.
The algorithm requires some practice, as cursor control isn't as intuitive as using a mouse. Pressing down usually opens a list of signal sources, and holding the joystick for a few seconds brings up the quick settings menu, where you'll find the "All Settings" option. Navigate through the tabs until you reach the "All Settings" section. Net or Network, where the wireless connection is selected.
⚠️ Attention: On older LG TV models (produced before 2014-2015), the joystick may be missing, and instead, separate "OK," "Settings," and arrow buttons are used. In this case, navigation is accomplished by successively pressing the "Settings" button to enter the menu and the volume or channel buttons to navigate.
For ease of navigation using the joystick, you can use the following sequence of actions to help you get to the desired point faster:
- 🎮 Short press on the joystick — turn the screen on/off or confirm your selection.
- 🔽 Hold the joystick down to open the Quick Settings menu.
- ⬅️➡️ Moving the joystick left or right switches between main menu tabs or changes values.
- ⏺️ Double-tap to return to the previous menu level (not available on all models).
After entering the network connections section, select the connection type Wi-FiThe TV will begin searching for available networks. If your router is broadcasting its SSID, it will appear in the list. To enter the password, you'll need to use the same joystick: move the cursor across the virtual keyboard on the screen and press the joystick to select characters. This may take some time, but it's a completely autonomous method.
Control via the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone
The most convenient way to regain control of your TV is to use your smartphone as a remote control. Official app LG ThinQ (formerly LG TV Plus) allows you to not only switch channels, but also fully enter text from the phone keyboard, which is critical for entering the password Wi-FiTo implement this method, the smartphone and TV must be on the same local network, or the smartphone must have an IR port.
If the TV is not yet connected to Wi-Fi, but supports the technology Wi-Fi Direct If your TV is paired or has pairing mode enabled, you can connect directly. Turn on the TV using the button on the TV body, then launch the app on your phone. In most cases, if the TV is new or has been reset, it automatically enters device search mode. In the app, select "Add Device" and follow the on-screen instructions.
If your TV was previously connected to the router but the remote is lost, but Wi-Fi is working, the task is simplified. Simply connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network, launch the app, and it will automatically detect your TV. LG Smart TVOnce paired (by entering the code displayed on the TV screen), the phone turns into a touchpad. You can swipe the smartphone screen to move the cursor on the TV, and type the network password in a regular text field.
There are also third-party remote control apps that can be useful if the official software isn't available. They often use the phone's IR port or emulate control protocols:
- 📱 Anymote Universal Remote - supports many brands, including LG, works via IR port.
- 📡 Universal TV Remote — a simple application for basic control, if the phone has an IR port.
- 🖥️ TV Remote Control — allows you to control your TV via Wi-Fi if you know the device's IP address.
Connecting a USB keyboard and mouse
One of the most reliable and often overlooked setup methods is using regular computer peripherals. Almost all modern TVs LG equipped with ports USB, which support HID (Human Interface Device) devices such as keyboards and mice. This turns the Smart TV into a computer-like device, allowing you to quickly enter complex Wi-Fi passwords without fiddling with an on-screen joystick.
To get started, simply plug the USB receiver from your wireless mouse or a wired mouse into the TV port. A cursor should appear on the screen. If the cursor appears, you can click the settings icon (gear) in the top corner of the screen or open the menu using the key on your keyboard if it supports multimedia functions. In the menu, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
Using a keyboard is especially convenient for entering passwords. Many wireless keyboard and mouse combos run on a single USB dongle, saving ports. After connecting the keyboard, try pressing the house button or the dedicated multimedia button to bring up the main menu. If the standard keyboard doesn't respond, try rebooting the TV using the power button on the TV with the keyboard already inserted.
⚠️ Attention: Not all USB keyboards are compatible with LG TVs. Simple wired or wireless keyboards without additional driver software work best. Keyboards with advanced features (backlit, macros) may not be recognized by the system. webOS.
If you only have a wired mouse, the process will be as follows:
- Plug your mouse into a USB 2.0 port (these are usually black, not blue USB 3.0, although both often work).
- Press the power button on the TV if it is in sleep mode.
- Move the cursor that appears to the "Settings" icon or press the mouse wheel to open the menu.
- Go to the networks section and select your Wi-Fi network.
- To enter a password, use the on-screen keyboard by clicking on it with the mouse, as the physical keyboard may not support entering text into browser fields or TV settings.
☑️ Check USB device compatibility
Wi-Fi Direct and Screen Share
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows devices to connect directly to each other without having to connect to a shared wireless router network. This is ideal if your LG TV doesn't yet have internet access and you can't use the ThinQ app through a router. In this mode, the TV automatically creates an access point or becomes visible to your smartphone.
To activate this mode without the remote, use the joystick on the body. Go to the menu and find the section Connecting to a mobile device or Screen Share. Enable this feature. Now, a new network with a name containing the TV model (e.g., LG_webOS_TV_55). Connect to it.
After connecting your phone to the TV's network, launch a screen mirroring app (for example, "Cast" on Android or "Screen Mirroring" on iPhone). If the TV asks for permission to connect, confirm it using the joystick on the TV (by hovering over "Accept" and pressing). Once the connection is established, you can mirror your smartphone's screen to the TV. In this mode, the TV screen becomes a second monitor, and you can control it by touching the phone's screen and easily enter the password for your primary Wi-Fi router through the phone's settings, which are being mirrored to the big screen.
Comparison of connection methods for different scenarios:
| Method | Necessary equipment | Complexity | Password entry speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joystick on TV | No (built-in) | High | Low |
| ThinQ app | Smartphone + Wi-Fi | Average | High |
| USB Keyboard | USB keyboard | Low | High |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Smartphone | Average | Average |
What to do if Wi-Fi Direct is not working?
If the TV isn't visible in the list of Wi-Fi networks on your phone, try resetting your phone's Wi-Fi module (turning airplane mode on or off). Also, make sure the TV isn't set to "5 GHz Only" if your phone only operates on 2.4 GHz.
Using a universal IR remote control or set-top box
If you have an old universal remote control from another device or can afford a cheap IR adapter for your smartphone, this could be a lifesaver. LG They use standard IR codes, which are often the same across different models. Universal remotes have a code database, and this method of selection can take time, but it is effective.
For smartphones with an IR port (often found in Xiaomi, Huawei, and older Samsung phones), you can download an application like Mi Remote or ZaZa Remote. Select the LG brand and start testing the buttons. Once the TV responds to the power or volume buttons, save the profile. After that, you'll have a fully functional remote control that allows you to access the menu and configure the network.
Another option is to use a USB remote dongle. Some LG TV models support connecting an IR receiver via USB (though this is rare on modern models and more common on older Smart TVs). If you have an Android TV or Apple TV set-top box connected via HDMI, you can set up Wi-Fi on the set-top box itself (using its remote or app), and then, if your TV supports it, use CEC control to forward the settings, although this usually works the other way around.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu layout may vary depending on the operating system version. webOS (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and later). In newer versions (webOS 6.0+), the interface has become horizontal and more like the home page, which may change the logic for finding the "Network" item.
Resetting network settings and alternative solutions
If none of these methods help connect to Wi-Fi, there may be a software error with the wireless module. In this case, you may need to reset the network settings to factory defaults. This is more difficult to do without the remote, but it is possible through the joystick menu. Find the item General → Reset settings (be careful, this may reset all settings, not just the network).
An alternative solution is to use a wired connection. LANIf you have access to an Ethernet cable from your router to your TV, do so. LG TVs typically automatically prioritize wired connections over wireless ones. Once connected, you'll have internet access, be able to update the software, and then reconfigure your Wi-Fi. The module may start showing up correctly in the system.
It's also worth checking that the Wi-Fi module isn't disabled in the engineering menu or additional power saving settings. Sometimes the "Eco Mode" function can limit network interface performance. Disable all power-saving features using the joystick or USB mouse menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect an LG TV to Wi-Fi if it doesn't have any buttons at all?
If the TV case has no buttons at all (no joystick, no rocker), your only option is to find or buy any LG-compatible IR remote (even the cheapest universal ones), or use a USB mouse or keyboard. Without physical access to the TV menu, setting up a new network is impossible.
Why doesn't the TV detect my USB keyboard?
LG TVs are sensitive to file system format and device type. Make sure the keyboard doesn't require drivers (it works immediately after being turned on on the PC). Also, try using a self-powered USB hub or connecting the device to a port labeled "USB 2.0."
Does the LG ThinQ app work if the TV is not connected to the internet?
For initial setup via a Wi-Fi router, no—they must be on the same network. However, if you use Wi-Fi Direct mode (a direct connection between the phone and TV without a router), the app can be used for control, after which you can transfer the router settings to the TV via your phone.
What should I do if the joystick on the case is stuck or broken?
In this case, only a USB mouse will help. If the USB ports aren't working either, you'll need to repair the service button or buy an IR remote control. As a last resort, you can try buying a used, original LG Magic Remote; they're often inexpensive.
Is it possible to set up Wi-Fi via an HDMI box?
No, setting up a network on an Android set-top box (Mi Box, Chromecast) will not transfer these settings to the LG TV itself. These are independent devices. You need to set up a network on the TV itself to use the Smart features of the set-top box (time, weather, built-in apps).