Changing your router or your home network security key is a standard procedure that every smart TV owner faces sooner or later. If you've updated your router settings, your LG Smart TV will stop connecting to the internet until you enter new information. Many users mistakenly believe that they need to search the settings inside the TV itself to enter a new password, but the operating system's logic WebOS is arranged differently.
In fact, you're not changing the password "on the TV," but rather reconnecting it to the network with the new settings. Old Wi-Fi access data must be deleted from the device's memory so it stops attempting to log in with an invalid key. The reset process Saving networks is simple, but requires careful input of characters, as the virtual keyboard on the remote may not be the most convenient for complex combinations.
In this article, we will examine in detail the algorithm of actions for models of different years of production, from older versions WebOS 3.0 up to date WebOS 6.0 and above. You'll learn how to quickly forget an unnecessary network, where to find hidden DNS settings if the connection is unstable, and what steps to take if the TV refuses to recognize the router after changing the password.
Why does the TV require re-entering the password?
When you change the password on your router, the router starts using the new encryption algorithm for incoming connections. TV LG, trying to connect, sends an old, no longer valid access key. The router rejects this request, and a connection error message or an infinite wait message appears on the screen. The system WebOS remembers the parameters of the last successful session to speed up reconnection, but if the network configuration changes, this data becomes useless.
Users often encounter a situation where the TV "sees" the network but fails to connect. This is a sure sign that passwords are out of sync. It's important to understand that the TV menu doesn't have a "change password" option for an existing connection. You'll need to perform a procedure known as "forget network." Only after completely deleting the network profile from the TV's memory will you be able to enter new information.
⚠️ Note: If you have configured automatic connection via WPS, changing the password on your router will automatically disconnect the connection. You will have to re-initiate the connection, as the old WPS PIN will also become invalid.
Another reason for a repeated request could be a change in frequency band. If you combined the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name on the router, the TV may attempt to connect to a band it hasn't previously used and prompt for confirmation. In rare cases, a failure can be caused by a router firmware update, which resets security settings to factory defaults or requires re-authorization of devices in the client list.
Preparing for Reconnection: What You Need to Know
Before picking up the remote, make sure you have the exact details of the new network on hand. This includes not only the password itself, but also the correct network name (SSID). Modern routers often have a split-band feature enabled, and the names may differ, for example, Home_WiFi And Home_WiFi_5G. Televisions LG older than 2018 may not support the standard Wi-Fi 5 GHz, so it is important to select the correct network from the list.
Pay attention to letter case and special characters. Passwords are case-sensitive: the letters "A" and "a" are different characters for security purposes. If your password uses complex characters, such as #, $ or %, make sure you can find them on your TV's on-screen keyboard. Sometimes it's easier to temporarily simplify the router password, connect the device, and then reset it to a more complex combination, although this is less secure.
It's also worth checking if MAC address filtering is enabled on your router. If you previously configured a whitelist of devices, changing the password or resetting the router may cause the TV to be blocked again, even with the correct key. In this case, you'll need to find the TV's MAC address in the "About TV" section and add it to the router settings.
Instructions: How to delete an old Wi-Fi network
The first and most important step is clearing the memory of old settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the model year, but the logic remains the same. Find the section where the lists of available and saved networks are stored and force delete your home network profile.
To perform this operation, follow the algorithm:
- 📺 Click the button
Settings(gear) on the remote control to open quick settings. - 📡 Go to the section
All settings(All Settings), usually an icon with three dots or a gear at the bottom of the screen. - 📡 Select a category
Net(Network) orConnection. - 📡 Find the item
Wi-Fi ConnectionorWi-Fi. - 📡 In the list of networks, find your home network, click on it and select the option
Forget the network(Forget Network) or the gear/cross icon next to the name.
☑️ Checklist before entering a new password
Once the network disappears from the "Saved" list, the TV will automatically scan for available connections. If the automatic scan doesn't occur, click the "Add Hidden Network" button or simply refresh the list. The device is now "clean" and ready to accept new authorization data.
Entering a new password and setting up a connection
Once the old entry is deleted, find your network in the list of available connections. Make sure the signal strength is sufficient (at least 2-3 bars). Click on the network name. A virtual keyboard will appear. Be extremely careful here, as cursor navigation can be slow.
Enter your password using the cursor on the remote. If the password is long, use the "Show Password" feature (usually an eye icon) to visually check the characters entered correctly before confirming. Pay particular attention to easily confused numbers and letters: 0 And O, 1, l And I.
| Parameter | Where to find it on the router | Importance for LG TV |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Network Name) | A sticker on the bottom of the router or in the web interface | Critical: Choose a 2.4 GHz network for older TVs |
| Encryption type | Wi-Fi Security Settings (WPA2/WPA3) | High: Older models do not support WPA3 |
| Password | Security Key (Pre-Shared Key) | Critical: case sensitive |
| TV MAC address | Settings -> Network -> Wi-Fi -> Information | Needed for filtering on the router |
After entering, press Connect (Connect). The TV will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router. If successful, a "Connected" icon will appear next to the network name, and a Wi-Fi indicator will appear in the top corner of the screen. If the connection fails, the system will prompt you to try again or check the settings.
Connection problems and their solutions
Even with the correct password, technical difficulties can arise. One common issue is an incorrect date and time on the TV. Security protocols require time synchronization to verify certificates. If the TV's date is set to, say, 2015, and the router requires the current time, the connection will be disconnected immediately after entering the password.
To solve this, go to All settings → General → Time and date and enable automatic network synchronization (NTP). If this doesn't help, try manually setting the current time. It's also worth checking that the network cache isn't full. On some models, a full network settings reset (not to be confused with a complete TV reset) can help. This can be found in the same network menu.
⚠️ Note: If your TV is far from your router, changing your password is a great time to check your signal strength. If the signal is weak (less than -70 dBm) Even the correct password does not guarantee stable operation of streaming services in 4K.
What should I do if the on-screen keyboard doesn't work?
If the cursor gets stuck or the keyboard doesn't appear, try the following: 1. Turn the TV off completely using the power button for 10 seconds and then turn it on again. 2. Check the batteries in the Magic Remote—low batteries can cause the cursor to behave incorrectly. 3. Try connecting a USB keyboard or mouse to the TV's USB port to enter the password. 4. Use the LG TV Plus app on your smartphone as an alternative remote to navigate the menu.
Another common issue is IP address conflicts. If the router assigns an address that is already occupied by another device on the network, the TV will not be able to access the internet. In this case, in the network settings (advanced Wi-Fi settings), you need to switch the IP mode from "Static" to "Auto (DHCP)" or vice versa, manually enter a free address, for example, 192.168.1.150.
Using alternative connection methods
If entering a password from the remote seems too difficult or the keyboard is glitchy, modern TVs LG offer simpler methods. The most convenient is connecting via a mobile app. Download the official app LG ThinQ on your smartphone (Android or iOS). Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to connect the TV to.
Launch the app, click "Add Device," and follow the instructions. The app will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi password to the TV, eliminating the need to enter it manually. This is especially true for models that support Wi-Fi Direct or quick connection features. This method also allows you to immediately set up TV control from your smartphone.
For advanced users, a LAN cable setup method is available. If your TV has an Ethernet port, connect it directly to the router using a cable. The TV will connect to the internet, after which you can access the settings and check/update the software. Often, problems with recognizing new Wi-Fi passwords disappear after updating the software.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi password directly on an LG TV?
No, it's technically impossible to change the Wi-Fi network password directly from the TV menu. The TV is a client device (receiver of the signal). You can only change the saved access key in the TV's memory to match the new router password. To change the network password, you need to access the router settings using a browser on your computer or phone.
My TV can't see the 5 GHz network after changing my router. What should I do?
Your TV likely only supports the 2.4 GHz band. This is typical for models LG, released before 2019, or budget series. In this case, you need to configure the router to broadcast the 2.4 GHz network (sometimes it has a separate name, for example, MyWiFi_2G), and connect your TV to it. Leave the 5 GHz network for smartphones and consoles.
How to enter complex characters into a password on an LG remote?
On the virtual keyboard, look for the layout switch button, usually marked as ABC/123 or a symbol #+=Clicking on it will take you to a set of special characters and numbers. If you don't have the character you need, temporarily change the password in your router settings to a simpler one (letters and numbers only), connect the TV, and then reset the router password. The TV may remember the network, but changing the password will still require a reconnection, so this method isn't always reliable.
Why does it say "Unable to connect" after entering the correct password?
There could be several reasons: incorrect date and time on the TV, a full list of connected devices on the router, incompatible encryption (for example, the TV is old and the router only supports WPA3), or the signal is too weak. Try rebooting the router, checking the date on the TV, and moving the router closer to the TV for a test.
In conclusion, the process of changing the Wi-Fi password on the TV LG It comes down to carefully deleting the old network profile and carefully entering new data. Understanding the principles of operation WebOS and knowing simple tricks like checking the time or using a LAN cable will help you quickly regain access to online services and enjoy content without delays.