Connecting a TV to Wi-Fi without a password: all working methods in 2026

Forgot your home Wi-Fi password, but your TV requires a network connection to watch online movies or update its firmware? This situation is familiar to many people—especially if someone else set up the router and the sticker with the password has long since disappeared. Luckily, you can connect Smart TV to Wi-Fi without entering a password This can be done in several ways, from standard operating system functions to technical workarounds.

In this article we will look at 7 working methods, including use WPS, transferring settings from other devices, resetting the router, and even using alternative connection protocols. Important: Some methods require access to the router or another device already connected to the network. If you're renting or using public Wi-Fi, it's legal to connect without a password. impossible - this violates the terms of use of the network and can be considered hacking.

The material is relevant for televisions Samsung (Tizen OS), LG (webOS), Sony (Google TV/Android TV), Xiaomi, Philips and other brands that support Smart functions. If your model was released before 2018, some methods (for example, Wi-Fi Direct) may not be supported - check the user manual for specifications.

1. Connecting via WPS is the fastest way

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) WPS is a standard for simplifying the connection of devices to a network without entering a password. If your router supports WPS (usually a button labeled WPS) and your TV has this feature, the process will take less than a minute.

How does this work:

• 🔄 Click the button WPS on the router (hold for 2-3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing).
• 📺 On your TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Additional settings (path may differ).
• 🔗 Select an item Connecting via WPS or WPS button.
• ⏳ Wait for the automatic connection (usually takes 10-30 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: The WPS feature is considered obsolete from a security standpoint. Many modern routers disable it by default. If your router doesn't have a WPS button or it doesn't work, proceed to the next method.

2. Transfer Wi-Fi settings from your phone or tablet

If you have a smartphone or tablet already connected to the target Wi-Fi network, you can transfer the settings to your TV using QR code or special applications. This method works on most modern Smart TV and does not require knowledge of the password.

Instructions for Android:

1. Install an application from the TV manufacturer on your phone (for example, Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ or Google Home).
2. In the app, select the section for adding a new device and follow the instructions.
3. When the system prompts you to connect your TV to Wi-Fi, select the option Transfer settings from this device.
4. Bring your phone close to the TV and the data will be transferred automatically.

For iPhone The process is similar, but you may need to scan a QR code from your TV screen (this feature is available in Apple TV and some models Sony).

Which TVs support settings transfer?

Most Samsung models (2019 and newer), LG (with webOS 4.0+), Sony (with Android TV 9.0+), and Xiaomi (all Smart TVs) support this feature. Older models (pre-2018) may not support this feature.

3. Using Wi-Fi Direct (Miracast)

Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows devices to connect directly to each other, without a router. While this won't give your TV internet access, it will allow you to stream content from a phone or laptop already connected to Wi-Fi.

How to set up:

• 📱 Turn on your phone Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast (in wireless network settings).
• 🖥️ On a laptop (Windows), click Win + K and select Connect to a wireless display.
• 📺 Activate on your TV Wi-Fi Direct in the network menu and wait for the device to be detected.
• 🔗 Confirm the connection on both devices.

⚠️ Attention: With this connection, the TV will use your phone or laptop's internet connection. This may result in additional data usage (especially when watching high-definition videos).

4. Reset the router to factory settings

If the router belongs to you and the password is lost forever, you can do hard resetThis will reset all settings to factory defaults, including the network name (SSID) and a password (usually it is indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the router).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Find the button on your router Reset (usually it is recessed into the body to avoid accidental pressing).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing.
3. After rebooting the router, connect to the network with the factory name (for example, TP-Link_1234) and password (indicated on the sticker).
4. Reconfigure the router via the web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your router will disconnect all users from the network and delete all personal settings (including guest access, parental controls, and device priorities). If your router is provided by your ISP, you may need to reactivate the service through your account after resetting.

5. Connection via Ethernet (cable)

If your TV supports wired connection (LAN port), and the router is nearby, you can temporarily use Ethernet cable to access the network. This won't solve the Wi-Fi problem, but it will allow you to update the firmware or set up alternative connection methods.

What you will need:

• 🔌 Cable Ethernet (usually comes with the router).
• 📡 Free LAN port on the router.
• 📺 Port Ethernet on the TV (usually located on the back panel).

Once the cable is connected, the TV will automatically connect to the internet. To switch back to Wi-Fi, go to network settings and select a wireless connection. Sometimes the system prompts you to transfer settings from a wired connection.

6. Alternative methods: USB tethering and mobile hotspot

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use external internet source:

• 📶 Mobile hotspot: Activate tethering mode on your smartphone and connect your TV to the network. The downside is that it uses up your mobile data.
• 🖧 USB modem: Some televisions (eg. Samsung QLED 2022+) support 4G modem connection via port USBCheck the manual for compatibility.
• 🔄 Powerline adapters: If the router is far away, use adapters that transmit the Internet via electrical wiring (a pair of devices is required).

⚠️ Attention: When using a mobile hotspot, some features may be blocked on your TV (e.g. YouTube or Netflix), if the operator limits traffic for multimedia.

7. If nothing helps: contact your provider

If the router is rented from an Internet provider, and all connection attempts fail, the last option is - contact technical support. Tell them you've lost your Wi-Fi password and ask for:

• 🔑 Send your network password (usually you can find it in your personal account on the provider's website).
• 🔧 Reboot your router remotely (some providers offer this service).
• 📋 Send a new technician to reconfigure the equipment (may be subject to a fee).

💡 Advice: Many providers (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) The default Wi-Fi password is the same as your contract number or is provided in a text message when you signed up. Check your old messages or your contract.

What to do if your provider refuses to help?

If your ISP refuses to provide a password, find out who owns the router. If the equipment is yours, demand a reset. If the router is rented, remind them of their right to network access under the service agreement.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting your TV to Wi-Fi without a password

Is it possible to connect a TV to a neighbor's Wi-Fi without their consent?

No, this violates personal data laws and internet usage rules. The most you can do legally is ask your neighbor to temporarily share their password or set up guest access on their router.

Why doesn't the TV see the Wi-Fi network, even though other devices are connected?

Possible reasons:

• The TV does not support the standard Wi-Fi 6 (if the router is new).
• The mode is disabled in the router settings. 802.11b/g/n (must be enabled for compatibility).
• The signal is too weak - try moving the router closer.

Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password through the TV if it has already been connected?

Most TVs do not display the password in the settings for security reasons. However, if the TV is on Android TV, you can try:

1. Install a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/misc/wifi/ and find the file WifiConfigStore.xml.
3. Open the file and find the line PSK - this is the password.

⚠️ For this you need root access, which is impossible to obtain on most TVs without the risk of damaging the firmware.

What should I do if my TV still won't connect after resetting my router?

Check:

• Router security settings (recommended) WPA2-PSK).
• Wi-Fi channel (try changing from car on 6 or 11).
• Regional settings (must match the country of use).

If the problem persists, update the TV firmware via USB (look for instructions on the manufacturer's website).

Is it possible to connect an old TV (non-Smart TV) to Wi-Fi?

Yes, but you will need additional devices for this:

• Android TV set-top box (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Nvidia Shield).
• Media player with Wi-Fi (For example, Apple TV or Roku).
• Wi-Fi Adapter → HDMI (For example, Google Chromecast).

These devices connect to the TV via HDMI and provide access to the Internet.