How to connect an LG TV to Wi-Fi without a remote: all the methods, from buttons to apps

Lost your TV remote control LG Or is it broken, and you urgently need to connect to Wi-Fi? This situation is familiar to many: without the internet, they don't work. Smart TV functions, streaming services, and even firmware updates. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several alternative control methods, from hidden buttons on the body to mobile apps.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Wi-Fi connections without a remote control, including little-known features for models LG OLED, NanoCell and series UK6200QNED99You don't need any special skills—just a smartphone, a USB device, or knowledge of the location of the service buttons. And if your TV isn't responding at all, we'll tell you how to bypass the blocking using emergency mode.

⚠️ Important: Before you begin, check that Wi-Fi is enabled on the router itself. If the network indicator isn't lit or is blinking red, the problem may be with the router, not the TV. Also, make sure the TV is plugged in—some models require power. LG block network settings when operating on backup power.

📊 What LG TV do you have?
OLED (C1, C2, G2, etc.)
NanoCell (NANO85, NANO90)
QNED (QNED80, QNED99)
LED (UK6200, UK7700)
I don't know the model

1. Connection via buttons on the TV body

All TVs LG (except for the most budget series) have hidden touch or mechanical buttons on the back or side panel. They allow you to turn on the TV, open the menu, and even configure the network—without a remote control or additional devices.

To find the buttons:

  • 🔍 They are usually located under the LG logo (on the frame below) or on right side panel (behind the plastic plug).
  • 🖐️ Click on the area under the logo - on some models the button JOYSTICK hidden under the touch panel and is only activated when held for 2-3 seconds.
  • 🔄 If you can't see the buttons, inspect them back panel near the connectors - there may be a mini-joystick or a key SETTINGS.

Wi-Fi connection instructions:

  1. Turn on the TV with the button POWER (or hold JOYSTICK until it clicks).
  2. Press and hold JOYSTICK (or button SETTINGS) until the menu appears.
  3. Use the joystick to navigate:
    • Select Settings (⚙️) → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
    • Find your network in the list and enter the password (to do this, you will have to switch between symbols with the joystick - it takes a long time, but it works).

⚠️ Attention: on models LG OLED 2020–2023 (series CX, GX, C2) the joystick button may not respond to the first presses. Try unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then try again.

The buttons are not locked with a child lock.

The TV is connected to a power outlet (not to an extension cord)

The router is within a radius of 5 meters from the TV

The Wi-Fi password is written down on paper (entering it with a joystick takes 10+ minutes) -->

2. Using the LG ThinQ mobile app

Official app LG ThinQ (available for Android And iOS) allows you to control your TV via your smartphone, including Wi-Fi setup. The main requirement is that the TV and phone must be connected to one local network (for example, via a mobile hotspot).

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Download LG ThinQ from App Store or Google Play.
  2. Turn on pairing mode on your TV:
    • Press and hold the button JOYSTICK on the body until the menu appears.
    • Select Settings → General → Remote Control → Add Device.
  • In the app, click "Add Device" → "TV" and follow the instructions.
  • Once connected, go to the section Network Settings in the app and select your Wi-Fi network.
  • 🔹 If the TV is not in the app:

    • 📱 Make sure your smartphone is turned on Bluetooth And Wi-Fi.
    • 🔄 Restart your TV (unplug it for 1 minute).
    • 🔧 On some models (LG UK6300, UK7500) you need to manually activate the mode "LG Connect Apps" in the network settings.

    ⚠️ Attention: If the TV was previously connected to a different network, the app may not recognize it. In this case, reset the network settings using the buttons on the TV (Settings → Network → Network Reset).

    3. Connecting via USB keyboard or mouse

    Televisions LG on the platform webOS (all models since 2014) support connection USB keyboards And miceThis speeds up entering the Wi-Fi password and simplifies menu navigation.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Any USB keyboard (wired or wireless with USB receiver).
    • 🔌 Adapter USB-A → USB-C (for 2022-2026 models with port USB-C).
    • 📝 Wi-Fi password (the keyboard will allow you to enter it in 10 seconds instead of 10 minutes with the joystick).

    How to connect:

    1. Insert the keyboard into the USB port on your TV (usually located on the side or back).
    2. Press any key and the control menu should appear.
    3. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi and select your network.
    4. Enter the password from the keyboard and save the settings.

    🔹 If the keyboard does not work:

    • 🔄 Try a different USB port (on some models, only one port supports HID devices).
    • 🖱️ Connect the mouse - if it works, the problem is in the keyboard.
    • 🔧 Update your TV's firmware (via a mobile app or flash drive).
    LG model USB keyboard support Notes
    OLED C1, C2, G2 Yes A USB-C adapter is required for keyboards with a Type-A connector.
    NanoCell NANO85, NANO90 Yes Works with wired keyboards only
    UK6200, UK6300 Partially May not support wireless keyboards with a receiver
    Any models before 2016 No Remote control or app required
    How to connect a wireless keyboard without a USB receiver?

    Some LG models (such as the OLED CX or G1) support Bluetooth keyboards. To do this:

    1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.

    2. Activate search mode and select a keyboard from the list.

    3. Confirm pairing on the keyboard (usually you need to enter a code or press a key).

    4. Factory reset (if other methods don't work)

    If the TV LG If your Wi-Fi connection is not working due to a firmware crash or incorrect network settings, this will help. full resetThis method is also useful if the previous owner set a password on the menu or blocked network changes.

    ⚠️ Attention: The reset will delete all installed applications, accounts, and personal settings (brightness, sound, channels). After the reset, the TV will automatically launch the initial setup wizard, where you can select a Wi-Fi network without the remote control—using a joystick or a connected keyboard.

    How to reset settings:

    1. Disconnect the TV from the mains (remove the plug from the socket).
    2. Press and hold the button JOYSTICK on the body.
    3. Without releasing the joystick, connect the TV to the network.
    4. Hold the button again 10-15 secondsuntil the reset menu appears.
    5. Select "OK" → "Reset" (on some models you need to enter a code 0000 or 1234).

    🔹 What to do after the reset:

    • 🌐 The TV will prompt you to select a language and country—use the joystick or keyboard.
    • 📶 During the network setup phase, select your Wi-Fi and enter the password.
    • 🔄 If the reset didn't help, repeat the procedure, but hold down the joystick in step 4 20 seconds (this activates emergency mode).

    5. Alternative methods: HDMI-CEC and universal remotes

    If none of the above methods worked, try non-standard solutionsThey require additional devices, but often save lives in hopeless situations.

    Method 1: Control via HDMI-CEC

    Function HDMI-CEC (V LG it's called Simplink) allows you to control your TV using a remote control from another device, for example:

    • 📺 Remote control consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV).
    • 💻 Remote control soundbar or receiver, connected via HDMI.

    How to activate:

    1. Connect the device to the TV via An HDMI port marked "ARC" or "CEC".
    2. Turn on the function Simplink in the TV settings (if you have access to the menu via the joystick).
    3. Use the remote control of the connected device to navigate the menu LG.

    Method 2: Universal remote control

    Universal remote controls (eg One For All or Xiaomi Mi Remote) can be programmed for LG TV even without the original remote control. Instructions:

    1. Download the app to set up your universal remote control.
    2. Select brand LG and the TV model (or "Auto Search", if the model is unknown).
    3. Follow the sync instructions (usually requires pressing and holding a button SET on the remote control).

    ⚠️ Attention: Cheap universal remotes (costing up to 500 rubles) may not support Wi-Fi control on TVs LG 2020 and newer. Check compatibility on the manufacturer's website before purchasing.

    Common mistakes and their solutions

    Even after successfully connecting to Wi-Fi, problems may still occur. Here top 5 mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

    Error Cause Solution
    Wi-Fi connects, but the internet doesn't work. Incorrect DNS or IP settings Go to Settings → Network → Advanced and select Auto (DHCP)
    The TV doesn't see the 5 GHz network. Old firmware or incompatible router Update your TV software or switch your router to the mode 2.4 GHz
    Constantly asks for a password Failed to save settings Reset network settings (Settings → Network → Reset)
    ThinQ app won't connect The TV and phone are on different networks Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network or use a mobile hotspot
    The keyboard does not work in the Wi-Fi menu. USB port blocking Restart your TV and connect the keyboard to a different port.

    🔹 If the TV displays "No Internet connection" even though Wi-Fi is working:

    • 🔧 Check your settings DNS: try specifying it manually 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
    • 📡 Reboot your router (unplug the power for 30 seconds).
    • 🔄 Turn off the function on your TV Energy Saving in network settings.
    How to check the actual Wi-Fi speed on an LG TV?

    1. Go to Settings → Network → Network Status.

    2. Click Speed ​​Test (on some models you need to select "Advanced → Network Test").

    3. If the speed is below 10 Mbps, try:

    - Reconnect to the 5 GHz network (if the router is dual-band).

    - Reduce the distance between the TV and the router.

    - Disable the function on the router Smart Channel Allocation (Smart Connect).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to connect an LG TV to Wi-Fi without a remote control if the buttons on the TV are broken?

    Yes, there are three options:

    1. Use USB keyboard (if the USB port works).
    2. Connect the TV to the router via LAN cable, then control via the app LG ThinQ.
    3. Buy universal remote control with support LG (For example, BroadLink RM4 Pro).

    If even the USB port doesn't work, the only option left is to repair the buttons or go to a service center.

    Why can't my LG TV see my 5GHz Wi-Fi network?

    This is a common issue with models older than 2018. Possible causes:

    • The TV only supports 2.4 GHz (check the model specifications on the website LG).
    • The router is in the enabled mode 802.11ac (try switching to 802.11n).
    • The channel width is set to 80 MHz - reduce to 20/40 MHz.

    🔹 Solution: Temporarily disable the 5 GHz network in your router settings or connect your TV to 2.4 GHz.

    How to update firmware on an LG TV without internet?

    If Wi-Fi is not working, you can update the software via USB drive:

    1. Download the firmware for your model from the website lg.com (section "Support").
    2. Unzip the file and copy it to the root of the flash drive (the file name should be LG_DTV.upg).
    3. Insert the flash drive into the TV and go to Settings → General → Software Update → Update from USB.

    ⚠️ Do not remove the flash drive or turn off the TV during the update!

    Can I use my LG TV as a PC monitor without Wi-Fi?

    Yes, Wi-Fi is not required to connect via HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-CHowever, some functions (for example, Screen Share or Miracast) require a network connection.

    For maximum performance:

    • Use a cable HDMI 2.0 for permission 4K@60Hz.
    • In the TV settings, select the mode Game Mode to reduce latency.
    What should I do if my LG TV won't turn on after a reset?

    This is a rare but possible problem. Causes and solutions:

    • Stuck on LG logo: Unplug the TV for 5 minutes, then plug it back in.
    • Black screen: Check if the power indicator is on. If not, the problem is with the power supply.
    • Cyclic reboot: A firmware reflash through a service center is required.

    🔹 If the TV does not respond to buttons, try holding JOYSTICK 30 seconds for forced reboot.