How to Check Wi-Fi on an LG TV: From Smart TVs to Older Models

You bought or inherited a TV LG, but aren't sure if it supports wireless internet? Perhaps you're planning to stream video from YouTube or Netflix, but don't want to run a cable across the room. Or maybe you're just trying to figure out why your TV isn't detecting your network. In this article, we'll cover all the testing methods—from the obvious to the lesser-known.

Manufacturer LG equips with a module Wi-Fi not all models, especially when it comes to budget devices or those released before 2015. Even among Smart TV There are some models that only support wired internet. We'll show you how to identify a wireless adapter without technical documentation—using the menu, external features, and even your smartphone.

Important: If your TV LG released after 2018 and belongs to the series NanoCell, OLED or QNED, more likely, Wi-Fi It has it. But for models LH6*, LH5*, PH6* and older ones - you will have to check them manually.

1. Checking through the TV settings menu

The most reliable way is to access the system settings. You don't need to connect the TV to the internet or look for the remote control; the standard buttons on the TV are sufficient.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the TV with the button Power on the body (usually located on the side or bottom).
  2. Click the button Settings (gear) or Home (house) - depends on the model. On older TVs, you may need a button Menu.
  3. Go to the section Net (Network) or Connection (Connection).
  4. If the list of available options includes Wi-Fi or Wireless network — the module is present.

On TVs LG With webOS (2014 and newer) the path will be: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connectionOn older models with NetCastMenu → Network Settings → Wireless Connection.

Press the "Home" button on the remote control or case|

Use the combination "Menu + OK" (hold for 5 seconds)|

Connect a USB keyboard to the OTG port (if supported)|

Try controlling it via the LG TV Plus app on your smartphone-->

Attention! On some models LG 2016–2017 (for example, LJ550V) option Wi-Fi It may appear in the menu, but the module is actually missing. This is a firmware bug. To verify it's present, try connecting to the network. If the TV doesn't find any access points, the adapter isn't present.

2. External signs: where to look for a Wi-Fi antenna

If your TV won't turn on or you don't have a remote, check the back panel. Wireless module Wi-Fi V LG It is usually integrated into the motherboard, but it requires an antenna. It can be:

  • 📶 External - thin black wire with a gold connector (type IPEX), connected to the board. More common in 2012–2015 models.
  • 📡 Internal — a metal plate or track on a board (series UJ*, SJ*, SK* after 2016).
  • Absent - if there are no wires or markings WLAN on the board, there is no module.

Where to look:

  • Remove the back cover (unscrew the screws or slide the latches).
  • Inspect the right side of the motherboard - this is usually where the antenna connector is located.
  • Check for markings: BCM43xx, RTL8188 or Wi-Fi Module.
What does a Wi-Fi antenna look like on a board?

Typically, it's a small rectangular chip (3x5 mm) with markings, connected to two thin wires (for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands). The photo below shows an example from the model. LG 43UK6200:

[there would be a photo here, but it is not in text format]

Warning: If you're inexperienced in disassembling electronics, it's best not to remove the cover—you risk damaging the cables or voiding the warranty. In this case, proceed to the next method.

3. Check by TV model

Each model LG has a unique part number that can be used to identify its characteristics. Find it on the sticker on the back (format: 43UK6300PLA, OLED55C1RLA etc.) and check the table below.

Year of release Series Wi-Fi support Notes
2020–2026 OLED (C*, G*, Z*), QNED, NanoCell (Nano8*, Nano9*) ✅ Yes (5 GHz + 2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi 6 on flagships (2022+)
2016–2019 UK*, SK*, SM*, UM* ✅ Yes (2.4 GHz, less often 5 GHz) Exception: LH63* - Ethernet only
2012–2015 LH*, PH*, LB*, LA* ⚠️ Partially Only models with Smart TV (NetCast)
Until 2012 LD*, LE*, LW* ❌ No Wired internet (LAN) only

For an accurate check:

  1. Go to the website LG Support (enter model in search).
  2. In the section Specifications find the line Wireless communication.
  3. If specified Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast, the module is there, but it may not support routers with WPA3.

OLED (C1, C2, G2, etc.)|

NanoCell (Nano85, Nano90)|

UK/SK (2016–2019)|

Older than 2015|

I don't know the series-->

Attention! In some markets (for example, in Europe) the same model may be produced in two versions: with Wi-Fi and without. In the article, this is reflected by the suffix (for example, 43UK6300PLA vs 43UK6300PUA). Check the exact markings!

4. Methods of testing without a remote control and menu

If your TV doesn't respond to buttons or you've lost your remote, try these methods:

Using a smartphone

Install the application LG TV Plus (Android/iOS) or MiracastIf the TV supports Wi-Fi Direct, it will appear in the list of available devices for connection. This indirectly confirms the module's presence.

Via USB adapter

Some models LG (For example, 32LH604V) do not have a built-in Wi-Fi, but support external adapters through the port USB. Buy a compatible dongle (for example, LG AN-WF100) and check if the wireless network option appears in the menu.

According to the indicators on the body

Some TVs have an LED indicator on the back of the TV. WLANIf it blinks or lights up when turned on, the module is present. On models OLED The indicator may be hidden under the bottom frame.

5. How to distinguish Wi-Fi from Wi-Fi Direct

Many people are confused Wi-Fi And Wi-Fi DirectThe first one is needed to connect to the router and access the internet, and the second one is only for transferring data between devices (for example, from a smartphone to a TV). If the menu only has Wi-Fi Direct, this does not mean that the TV supports normal Wi-Fi.

How to check:

  • 🔍 Go to Settings → Network.
  • 📡 If there is an option Connecting to Wi-Fi — the module is complete.
  • 📱 If only Wi-Fi Direct - It won't replace the Internet.

Critical Moment: Televisions LG series LH57* And LH59* (2015) often have Wi-Fi Direct, but they don't support connecting to a router. This is a marketing ploy—check the specifications!

6. What to do if there is no Wi-Fi, but you need it

If the check showed that the module Wi-Fi No, but you need a wireless connection, there are several solutions:

Option 1: USB adapter

For models with webOS (2014+) The official adapter will work LG AN-WF100 or compatible analogs on a chip RTL8188Cost: 1,500–3,000 ₽. Connects to the port. USB and adds support 802.11n (up to 150 Mbps).

Option 2: Wi-Fi → Ethernet Bridge

Buy a type adapter TP-Link AV1000 or Devolo Magic, which converts the signal Wi-Fi to a wired internet connection. Connect it to the port LAN on TV. Cons: latency up to 50 ms (not suitable for online gaming).

Option 3: Smart set-top box

Prefixes Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box S connect via HDMI and have their own Wi-FiThis is a universal solution, but requires a separate remote control.

Solution Price Pros Cons
USB adapter LG AN-WF100 1 500–3 000 ₽ Does not require additional devices Does not work on all models
Wi-Fi to Ethernet Bridge 2 000–5 000 ₽ Stable connection Streaming lag
Smart set-top box 4 000–15 000 ₽ Full Smart TV, games, 4K Additional remote control

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

My LG TV isn't finding my Wi-Fi network. Does this mean the module is missing?

Not necessarily. Possible reasons:

  • The router operates in the range 5 GHz, and TV only supports 2.4 GHz (valid for models up to 2018).
  • Hidden network name (SSID). Try making the network visible.
  • Outdated firmware. Update the software via USB.

To check, try connecting to the network from your phone. If the TV doesn't even see it, the module may be faulty.

How do I update the firmware on my LG device without the internet or Wi-Fi?

Download the firmware for your model from the website LG Support:

  1. Unzip the archive and copy the file .epk to a flash drive (FAT32).
  2. Insert the flash drive into the port USB on TV.
  3. Go to Settings → General → Software Update → Update from USB.

Attention! Do not remove the flash drive or turn off the TV during the update. On models webOS 3.0 and older, the process takes 5-10 minutes.

Is it possible to install a Wi-Fi module in an LG TV if it doesn’t have one?

Technically possible, but:

  • On models until 2016 There is no antenna connector on the board - you will have to solder it.
  • On webOS (2014+) you can connect an external module via USB, but only the official one (LG AN-WF100).
  • Self-installation will void the warranty.

Service center labor costs: 3,000–8,000 ₽ (plus the cost of the module). It's often cheaper to buy a Smart TV box.

Why does my LG TV connect to Wi-Fi but not load YouTube?

Possible reasons:

  • Blocking traffic on the router (check Parental Control).
  • Outdated version YouTube (update via LG Content Store).
  • Low internet speed (at least 5 Mbps required for Full HD).
  • DNS error. Try entering it manually. 8.8.8.8 in TV network settings.
How do I reset my LG network settings if Wi-Fi isn't working?

Reset methods:

  1. Via the menu: Settings → Network → Network Reset.
  2. Full reset: Settings → General → Factory Reset (you will need to enter your PIN, by default 0000 or 1234).
  3. Hard reset: hold the button Power on the body for 10 seconds (does not work on all models).

After the reset, you will have to reconfigure all connections, including accounts. Netflix And LG ThinQ.