How to Turn a Regular TV into a Smart TV with Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide (2026)

Are you still using your old TV without Smart TV and built-in Wi-Fi, but want to stream Netflix, YouTube Or play cloud games? Don't rush to buy a new model—modern technology allows you to upgrade almost any TV released after 2010. In this article, we'll explore All the latest ways to transform a regular TV into a smart one, including budget solutions starting from 1,500 rubles and premium options with 4K HDR.

The main advantage of such an upgrade is cost savings. For example, an external set-top box Apple TV 4K will cost less than a new one Samsung QLED with similar functions. And if your TV has a port HDMI (even version 1.4), then connect Android TV Box or Fire Stick You can do it in 10 minutes. We tested five methods and collected honest reviews on each—from flashing via USB to using game consoles as a media center.

Important: Not all methods are universal. For example, internal firmware Suitable for TVs based on this model only Android TV or WebOS (like LG), A external adapters They work with any model, but they take up space HDMITo help you make the right choice, take our mini-test:

1. External set-top boxes: Android TV Box, Fire Stick, and Apple TV

The most reliable and universal way is to connect an external set-top box. It turns any TV with HDMI into full-fledged Smart TV with access to Google Play, App Store or brand stores (like Amazon Fire TV). Main advantages:

• 🔌 Suitable for 99% of TVs (only HDMI port needed).
• 📱 Full access to applications: Netflix, Disney+, Twitch, Steam Link.
• 🎮 Gaming features: emulators, cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW).
• 🔄 Easy to update — it’s enough to change the set-top box, not the entire TV.

Cons: takes up space HDMI (important if there are only a few) and requires a separate remote control. Below is a comparison of popular models:

💡 How to choose? If you need a budget option for movies, take it. Xiaomi or Fire StickFor games only NVIDIA ShieldFor the ecosystem Apple (For example, AirPlay) — Apple TV.

⚠️ Attention: Prefixes with Fire OS (like Amazon) may not support some Russian services (for example, Kinopoisk HD or Okko). Before purchasing, check the availability of the apps you need in your region.

2. Flashing your TV: Turning it into Android TV without a set-top box

If your TV is running on Android TV (even the old version) or WebOS (LG), it can be updated via software. This is more complicated than connecting a set-top box, but it's cheaper and doesn't take up ports. Suitable for models:

• 📺 Samsung With Tizen (series J/U/K/M and newer).
• 📺 LG With WebOS (2014 and newer).
• 📺 Sony Bravia on Android TV (2015 and newer).
• 📺 Some Philips And Sharp With Android 5.0+.

🔧 Step-by-step instructions for Android TV:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (for example, Sony Support or LG Software Update).
2. Copy the firmware file (usually with the extension .pkg or .bin) onto a flash drive formatted in FAT32.
3. Insert the flash drive into USB port TV and go to Settings → Support → Software Update → Update from USB.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the TV during the process (may take 10-30 minutes).

The flash drive is formatted in FAT32 (not NTFS!)|The firmware file is downloaded from the official website|The TV is connected to a UPS (not directly to a power outlet)|The current software version is written (in case of a rollback)-->

⚠️ Risks: Incorrect firmware can brick your TV. If the model doesn't support over-the-air updates (OTA), it is better to use an external set-top box.

What to do if the firmware is frozen?

If the TV does not respond for more than 30 minutes:

1. Remove the flash drive and unplug the TV for 1 minute.

2. Repeat the process with another flash drive (check it for errors through chkdsk in Windows).

3. If this doesn't help, contact the service center, indicating the model and firmware version you were trying to update to.

3. Wi-Fi adapters for TVs without Smart TV

If your TV does not support Smart TV, but he has USB port And HDMI, you can connect Wi-Fi adapter + media player. This method is cheaper than a set-top box, but less functional. Suitable for:

• 📼 Watching movies from a flash drive/hard drive.
• 🌐 Internet access via a browser (if the adapter supports it) DLNA).
• 🎵 Music streaming (Spotify, local files).

🛠 Necessary equipment:

1. Wi-Fi adapter with support 802.11ac (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N or ASUS USB-AC53 Nano).
2. Media player (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Rikomagic MK05).
3. HDMI cable (usually comes with the player).

📌 How to connect:

1. Insert the Wi-Fi adapter into USB port TV (if it supports OTG).
2. Connect your media player to HDMI-port.
3. In the TV settings, select the signal source (HDMI1/HDMI2).
4. Set up a Wi-Fi connection through the player interface.

⚠️ Attention: Not all TVs support it. USB-OTG (power supply for external devices via USB). If the adapter is not detected, use hub with external power supply.

4. Using game consoles (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)

If you have PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X or even Nintendo Switch, they can be used as Smart TV set-top boxThis is convenient for gamers, as there's no need to buy an additional device. Pros:

• 🎮 Games + streaming in one device.
• 📺 4K/120Hz support (at PS5 And Xbox Series X).
• 🔊 High-quality sound (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X).

🔹 How to set up:

• 🎯 PlayStation 5: go to Settings → System → HDMI and turn it on One-Touch Play to automatically switch the input.
• 🖤 Xbox Series X: install applications (Netflix, Disney+) from Microsoft Store.
• 🏠 Nintendo Switch: supports only YouTube, Hulu And Funimation (No Netflix).

⚠️ Restrictions:

• There is no full-fledged Google Play or App Store (only brand stores).
• Nintendo Switch does not support most streaming services.
• Consoles take up HDMI port and require a separate remote control.

5. Alternative methods: Chromecast, Miracast, and DLNA

If you don't need apps, but just want to share your screen from your smartphone or computer, wireless technologies are suitable:

• 📲 Google Chromecast (from 3,000 ₽): transmits video from YouTube, Netflix and browser Chrome on TV.
• 🖥 Miracast (built in Windows 10/11 And Android): duplicates the screen without lags (if the router supports it) 5 GHz).
• 📂 DLNA: plays movies from a computer or NAS drive (for example, via Plex or Kodi).

🔧 How to set up Chromecast:

1. Connect Chromecast To HDMI-TV port.
2. Install the application Google Home on your smartphone.
3. Follow the setup instructions (select your Wi-Fi network).
4. Open a supported application (eg. YouTube) and click the icon Cast.

⚠️ Nuances:

• Chromecast does not have a remote control - control only via smartphone.
• Miracast may slow down on weak Wi-Fi (you need a router with 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6).
• DLNA does not support Netflix and other DRM-protected services.

6. DIY Solutions: Raspberry Pi and Mini PC

For advanced users there is an option to assemble Smart TV based Raspberry Pi or mini-PC. This is a flexible solution that allows you to install any OS (Android TV, LibreELEC, Windows 11). Pros:

• 🛠 Full control above the software (can be installed Kodi, Plex, emulators).
• 💾 Support for all formats (including MKV, FLAC).
• 🔄 Easy to upgrade (replace the memory chip or add an SSD).

📌 What you will need:

• Raspberry Pi 4/5 (from 5,000 ₽) or mini-PC (for example, Beelink Mini S12).
• Memory card microSD (minimum 16 GB, class 10).
• Passively cooled case (for silent operation).
• Remote control (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote or wireless keyboard).

🔧 Instructions for Raspberry Pi:

1. Download the image LibreELEC or Android TV For Raspberry Pi from the official website.
2. Write the image to microSD through Raspberry Pi Imager.
3. Insert the card in Raspberry Pi, connect to HDMI and nutrition.
4. Set up Wi-Fi and install the required applications.

⚠️ Attention: Raspberry Pi does not support Netflix And Disney+ in 4K due to DRM restrictions. These services require a certified Widevine Level 1 (available only in licensed consoles).

Comparison of all methods: which one to choose?

To make your choice easier, we have summarized all the methods in a table:

Method	Price	Complexity	4K HDR	Application support	Cons
External console (Fire Stick, Mi Box)	3 000–22 000 ₽	⭐ (simple)	✅	✅ (full)	Takes up an HDMI port
TV firmware	For free	⭐⭐⭐ (average)	❌ (depending on the model)	⚠️ (limited)	Risk of "bricking"
Wi-Fi adapter + media player	2 000–5 000 ₽	⭐⭐	❌ (usually Full HD)	❌ (local files only)	No streaming services
Game console	Already there	⭐	✅	⚠️ (limited)	No Google Play
Chromecast/Miracast	3 000–6 000 ₽	⭐	✅	⚠️ (phone only)	There is no remote control
Raspberry Pi	5 000–15 000 ₽	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⚠️ (depending on software)	✅ (flexible settings)	No Netflix in 4K

💡 Recommendations for selection:

• 💰 Budget up to 3,000 ₽ → Chromecast or Wi-Fi adapter.
• 🎬 Movies and TV series → Fire TV Stick 4K or Xiaomi Mi Box S 2.
• 🎮 Games → NVIDIA Shield or a game console.
• 🛠 Maximum flexibility → Raspberry Pi.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to turn a TV without HDMI into a Smart TV?

Yes, but with restrictions. Options:

• Use AV-RCA adapter (For example, HDMI to AV converter), but the quality will be worse.
• Connect Raspberry Pi through composite output (resolution up to 480p).
• Use Wi-Fi adapter With USB (if TV supports DLNA).

💡 Advice: If the TV has VGA or DVI, you can use an adapter on HDMI (For example, Neoteck HDMI to VGA).

How to connect a Smart TV set-top box to Wi-Fi without a remote?

There are several ways:

1. Use mobile application (For example, Google TV For Android TV or Fire TV For Amazon).
2. Connect USB keyboard or mouse (most consoles support USB-OTG).
3. Set up Wi-Fi via Ethernet cable (if the set-top box supports it) LAN).

⚠️ If the remote control is lost and the set-top box is not connected to the network, you will have to buy a new remote control or use a universal one (for example, Xiaomi Mi Remote).

Why does my Smart TV set-top box lag when watching 4K?

Reasons and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Wi-Fi signal → Connect the set-top box via cable or use a router with Wi-Fi 6.
• 🔋 Insufficient nutrition → Use the original power supply (not a cheap replacement).
• 🔄 Overheat → Place the console in a ventilated area or use a cooling pad.
• 🗑 Cluttered memory → Clear the cache in settings (Settings → Storage).

💡 Test: Play the video in YouTube in resolution 1080pIf there are no lags, the problem lies with the 4K source (for example, a weak streaming server).

Is it possible to upgrade a 2012 Samsung TV to a Smart TV?

Depends on the model:

• 📺 Series E/F (2012–2013): It is possible to connect Smart TV set-top box through HDMI.
• 📺 Series D and older (before 2012): External solutions only (Chromecast, Raspberry Pi), since there is no support HDMI-CEC.
• 🔌 Without HDMI: All that remains is AV-RCA adapter or buying a new TV.

🔍 How to find out the series? Look at the sticker on the back panel - the model usually starts with a letter (for example, UE40F6400, Where F — series).

Which set-top box is best for IPTV?

For viewing IPTV important:

• 📡 Playlist support (.m3u, .m3u8).
• 🔓 No blocking (Some consoles restrict access to pirated sources).
• 📺 Stable work With Kodi, IPTV Smarters or TiviMate.

🏆 Top 3 IPTV set-top boxes:

1. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro - best performance, support for all formats.
2. Xiaomi Mi Box S 2 - a budget option with Google Play (can be installed TiviMate).
3. MAG 424w3 — specialized for IPTV (but no Netflix).