How to connect your TV to Wi-Fi via your phone: step-by-step instructions for all models

Modern TVs with the function Smart TV Require an internet connection to watch online movies, streaming services, and update firmware. But what if you don't have a router handy and only have internet access on your smartphone? In this article, we'll explore all the working methods. connect Wi-Fi to a TV via a phone — from creating an access point to using specialized applications.

The methods in this instruction are suitable for TVs. Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi TV, Philips and other brands with support Wi-Fi Direct or MiracastWe will also take into account the specifics of different versions. Android And iOS, so you can set up a connection regardless of the device model.

Before you begin, there are two key things to check: the wireless function must be activated on your TV (usually in the menu Network → Wi-Fi Settings), and your phone must have mobile data or access to another network. If something goes wrong, you'll find a troubleshooting section at the end of the article.

1. Connect your TV to Wi-Fi via your phone's hotspot

The most universal way is to turn your smartphone into mobile routerThe TV will connect to it like a regular Wi-Fi network, and the phone will share the internet from its mobile plan or via the connected network.

This method works on all Wi-Fi-enabled TVs, but has a limitation: internet speed will depend on your mobile plan. To watch videos in Full HD you will need a tariff with unlimited traffic or high speed (from 10 Mbps).

• 📱 For Android: Open Settings → Wireless & networks → Hotspot & tethering → Mobile hotspot. Turn on the function and set the network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
• 🍎 For iPhone: Go to Settings → Tethering and activate the option. The network name and password will be generated automatically (they can be changed in Wi-Fi password).
• 📺 On TV: On the menu Network → Wi-Fi Settings Select the created network, enter the password and connect.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone Modem mode may be blocked by your carrier. If this option is disabled, check your plan settings or contact support.

If the TV does not see the access point, try:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📶 Move your phone closer to the TV (maximum distance is 5-7 meters without obstacles).
• 🔒 Make sure the password is entered correctly (case sensitive!).

The hotspot is enabled on the phone.

Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is active on your smartphone

The TV is in network search mode.

The access point password is written down or saved-->

2. Using Wi-Fi Direct for a direct connection

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect devices directly, without the need for a router. This method is suitable if you need to transfer files from your phone to your TV or control Smart TV through special applications (for example, Samsung SmartThings or LG TV Plus).

Please note: Wi-Fi Direct does not provide internet access, only a local connection between devices.To access the network, you will still need an access point (see method 1) or a connection to a router.

• 📱 On your phone: Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the Wi-Fi settings (on Android the path may differ: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📺 On TV: In the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct Enable the feature and select your phone's name from the list of available devices.
• 🔗 Confirm the connection on both devices (you may be asked to enter a PIN).

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung And LG after connecting via Wi-Fi Direct the function may be turned on automatically Screen Mirroring (screen sharing). To avoid this, turn off Miracast in the TV settings.

3. Connection via manufacturer applications (Samsung, LG, Sony)

Many brands offer proprietary apps for controlling your TV from your smartphone. These not only simplify Wi-Fi setup but also allow you to use your phone as a remote, stream media files, and even mirror your screen. Let's look at the most popular solutions:

• 📱 Samsung SmartThings: Supports all models Samsung Smart TV Since 2016, it allows you to connect your TV to Wi-Fi via your phone if both devices are on the same network (e.g., the same access point).
• 🎮 LG TV Plus: Works with TVs LG on webOSIt can distribute the Internet from your phone to your TV via USB cable (OTG adapter required).
• 📺 Sony Video & TV SideView: Suitable for Sony BraviaIt can automatically configure Wi-Fi if the phone and TV are connected to the same router.

Instructions for Samsung SmartThings:

1. Install the application on your phone and register.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone.
3. Launch SmartThings, click Add a device → TV.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions—the app will automatically find your TV and prompt you to connect it to the network.

For LG TV Plus you will need:

• Connect your phone to your TV via USB-C → HDMI (with adapter) or via Wi-Fi.
• In the application menu, select Network Settings → Connect to Wi-Fi.
• Enter your home network details or use your phone's hotspot.

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers' apps often require you to create an account (for example, Samsung Account or LG Account). Without registration, some features, including Wi-Fi setup, may not be available.

What should I do if the app doesn't detect the TV?

1. Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same network (even if it's your phone's hotspot).

2. Update your TV firmware via USB or the settings menu.

3. Reinstall the app and clear its cache in your phone settings (Settings → Apps → [App name] → Storage → Clear cache).

4. Turn on the option on your TV Remote control or Mobile TV On (the path depends on the model).

4. Connection via USB (selected models only)

Some televisions (eg. LG With webOS or Samsung series QLED 2020+) support internet connection via USB cable From your phone. This method is useful if your TV's Wi-Fi isn't working, but your phone's mobile data connection is stable.

For this method you will need:

• 📱 Phone with support USB-ethernet (most modern Android-smartphones).
• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-A or Micro-USB → USB-A (depending on the phone connector).
• ⚡ Adapter OTG, if the TV only has USB-A port.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the TV using a cable.
2. Turn on your phone Modem mode → USB modem (Android) or Personal Hotspot → USB (iPhone).
3. On the TV in the menu Network → Wired Network select USB connection.
4. Wait for the network to set up automatically (TV may need to be restarted).

This method provides a more stable connection than Wi-Fi, but has limitations:

• 🚫 Doesn't work on iPhone with TVs that do not support MFi-certification.
• 🔌 The phone charge will last for 2-3 hours continuous operation (it is recommended to connect the charger).
• 📶 Internet speed may be slower than Wi-Fi due to restrictions USB 2.0.

5. Troubleshooting: TV won't connect to Wi-Fi via phone

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

Additional steps for diagnosis:

• 🔍 Check if your TV supports it Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast (information is available in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website).
• 🔄 Update your TV firmware: Settings → Support → Software Update.
• 📱 Turn off battery saving on your phone—it may be blocking your internet connection.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony Bravia 2018 and later may require manual entry IP addresses And DNS when connecting via an access point. Use 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

6. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If you can't connect your TV via your phone, consider alternative options:

• 📡 USB Wi-Fi adapter: Connects to the port USB TV and allows you to use an external Wi-Fi module (suitable for older models without built-in Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 Powerline adapters: The Internet is transmitted via electrical wiring - one adapter is connected to the router, the second to the TV via Ethernet.
• 📶 3G/4G router: A compact device with a SIM card that distributes Wi-Fi. Suitable for a summer house or temporary use.

For USB Wi-Fi adapter It is important to choose a model that is compatible with your TV. For example:

• TP-Link TL-WN725N — works with LG And Samsung (firmware required).
• Edimax EW-7811Un - supports Sony Bravia And Philips.

Before purchasing an adapter, please check:

1. Availability of a port USB 2.0/3.0 on TV.
2. Support of the adapter by your TV model (information is available in the user manual).
3. Availability of drivers for Smart TV (Some adapters require manual installation).

How to check USB Wi-Fi adapter compatibility?

1. Find your TV model on the manufacturer's website.

2. Check the list of supported USB devices in the Specifications or User Manual section.

3. If there is no information, look for reviews on forums (for example, 4PDA or Reddit) on request "[TV model] + [adapter model]".

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting your TV to Wi-Fi via your phone

Is it possible to connect a TV to Wi-Fi via a phone without mobile internet?

Yes, but only if the phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network (for example, a home router). In this case, the TV will be able to use this connection via Wi-Fi Direct or the manufacturer's app. A phone can't independently share the internet without mobile data or an external network.

Why does the TV connect to the phone's hotspot, but the Internet doesn't work?

The reasons may be as follows:

• Mobile Internet is disabled on your phone (check the icon 4G/5G in the status bar).
• The operator blocks Internet distribution (relevant for some tariffs).
• The TV is not set up correctly DNS or IP (try entering manually 8.8.8.8).
• The traffic limit has been reached (check the balance in your operator's personal account).

How to connect an old TV without Wi-Fi to the Internet via a phone?

If your TV doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, use:

• USB Wi-Fi adapter (if there is a port USB).
• HDMI adapter (For example, Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick), which connects to the TV and receives Internet from the phone.
• Wired connection through USB-OTG (if the phone supports USB-ethernet).

Adapters may require additional setup through the TV menu.

Can I use my phone as a TV remote control after connecting it?

Yes, if:

• The TV and phone are connected to the same network (or via Wi-Fi Direct).
• The manufacturer's proprietary application is installed (SmartThings, LG TV Plus etc.).
• The TV has the function enabled. Remote control or Mobile TV On.

In some applications (eg. Samsung SmartThings) you can set up voice control or gestures.

How much traffic does the TV use when connected via a phone?

Traffic consumption depends on actions:

• YouTube (SD) — 0.7 GB/hour.
• Netflix (Full HD) — 3 GB/hour.
• Firmware update — 0.5-1.5 GB (once).
• IPTV — 1-2 GB/hour (depends on bitrate).

To save traffic, select in the TV settings Video quality: Auto or Standard.