How to access the internet on a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi from your phone: all the methods

Modern televisions Samsung with the operating system Tizen or WebOS (Older models) support internet access for video streaming, software updates, and Smart apps. But what if you don't have a router handy and need internet access urgently? The solution is to use smartphone as an access point Or a bridge for connecting a TV to the network. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods, including the nuances for different TV and phone models.

Many users encounter problems when trying to connect their TV to the mobile internet: the network is not detected, the password is not accepted, or the speed is too low for viewing. 4K-content. We tested all methods on TVs. Samsung QLED 2022–2026, Crystal UHD And The Frame, as well as on smartphones iPhone 13/15 And Samsung Galaxy S22/S24The results are in the detailed instructions below.

⚠️ Important: some functions (for example, Wi-Fi Direct) may not be available in budget TV models Samsung series AU7000 and below. Check your model's specifications on the official website.

Method 1: Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone (the most universal)

This method works on any Samsung TVs with Wi-Fi, regardless of the year of manufacture. The idea is simple: the smartphone distributes the Internet using the protocol Wi-Fi 4/5/6, and the TV connects to this network as to a regular router.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Powered by Android And iOS without additional applications
• 📶 Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (at Wi-Fi 6 on both devices)
• 🔒 Compatible with all models Samsung Smart TV (including 2015–2026)

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering.
2. Activate the switch Mobile hotspot.
3. Click Setting up an access point and ask:
   • 🔐 Network name (SSID): For example, SamsungTV_Hotspot
   • 🔑 Password: minimum 8 characters (use numbers and letters)
   • 📡 Range: 5 GHz (if TV supports) or 2.4 GHz

On your TV, go to Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Wireless and select the created network.

Instructions for iPhone (iOS):

1. Go to Settings → Tethering.
2. Activate Allow others.
3. The default password can be left or changed in the same menu.
4. On TV, connect to the network with the name iPhone [your name].

⚠️ Attention: on iPhone The hotspot automatically turns off after 5 minutes without any devices connected. To avoid this, connect another device (e.g., a tablet) or disable the function. Auto power off in the modem settings.

Make sure your phone's mobile data plan is enabled. Check your remaining data allowance (4K streaming uses up ~7 GB/hour). Disable your phone's VPN—it might be blocking your TV's network access. Restart your TV if the network isn't detected.

2. Method: USB connection (for Android smartphones)

If your TV's Wi-Fi isn't working or you want to save your phone's battery, you can use USB cable for internet distribution. This method is only suitable for TVs. Samsung with port USB 2.0/3.0 and smartphones on Android 8.0+.

What you will need:

• 📱 Smartphone Android with support USB-ethernet (most models Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, Google Pixel)
• 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-C or USB-A → Micro-USB (depending on the phone connector)
• ⚡ Power adapter (optional if the TV doesn't provide enough power for the phone)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Activate on your phone Developer mode (click 7 times on Build number V Settings → About phone).
2. Turn on USB debugging in the developer menu.
3. Connect your phone to the TV using a cable. On the phone screen, select Data transfer (not "Charging").
4. A notification about a new connection will appear on the TV. Select USB network or Ethernet over USB.
5. If the Internet doesn't work, turn it on on your phone USB modem V Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot.

⚠️ Attention: some TVs Samsung (for example, series JU6400) do not support USB-ethernet Due to firmware limitations, please use an adapter in this case. USB → Ethernet (connects to the router).

Why doesn't the TV see the USB Internet?

If the TV does not recognize the connection, the reasons may be as follows:

1. Lack of food — try using a hub with external power.

2. Outdated firmware - update your TV software via Settings → Support → Software Update.

3. Blocking by operator - some mobile operators (for example, Tele2) restrict internet sharing via USB. Check your plan.

3. Method: Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router)

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your phone and TV directly, without creating a hotspot. This method is useful for transferring files or screen sharing, but it's not always suitable for full internet access.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Not all applications (for example, YouTube or Netflix) will work through such a connection.
• 📉 The speed is lower than that of a standard access point.
• 🔄 Needs support Wi-Fi Direct on both devices (not available on all iPhone).

How to connect:

1. On TV: Settings → General → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On Android: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select your TV from the list of available devices and confirm the connection on both screens.
4. Turn on your phone Data transfer via Wi-Fi (in some firmware it is called Mobile hotspot).

💡 Advice: If the Internet on your TV doesn't work after connecting, try disconnecting it Saving traffic in your phone settings. This feature can block background data transfer.

4. Method: Bluetooth bridge (for older TVs)

If your Samsung Smart TV released before 2018 and does not support Wi-Fi 5, you can try using Bluetooth for internet distribution. The speed will be low (up to 50 Mbps), but for viewing 720p-a video or software update will be enough.

How to set up:

1. Turn on your phone Bluetooth And Mobile hotspot.
2. On TV: Settings → Sound → Bluetooth devices (or Settings → Connections → Bluetooth in new models).
3. Pair the devices using a PIN code (usually 0000 or 1234).
4. Once connected, a notification about a new network connection will appear on the TV. Select Connect via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Attention: This method works unstable on TVs. Samsung series KU6000 and below. If the connection drops, try reducing the distance between the devices to 1–2 meters.

5. Troubleshooting: Why the TV won't connect to the phone

Even with the correct settings, errors can still occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error: "Unable to connect to the network"

• 🔄 Restart both devices (TV and telephone).
• 🔐 Check that the password is entered correctly (case sensitive!).
• 📡 Change your Wi-Fi band with 5 GHz on 2.4 GHz (or vice versa).
• 🛠️ Reset your TV's network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.

Error: "No Internet access" (there is a connection, but websites won't open)

• 🌐 Check if mobile internet is enabled on your phone.
• 🔒 Turn it off VPN or Firewall on the phone.
• 📱 Make sure that the mode is not activated on your phone Saving traffic.
• 🔄 Change APN-settings (instructions are available on your operator’s website).

Error: "Wi-Fi Direct is not supported"

If this function is not available in your TV menu, it means that your model does not support it. An alternative is to use Screen Mirroring (screencast) via SmartThings or Google Home.

6. Speed ​​Optimization: How to Speed ​​Up Internet on TV via Phone

Mobile internet is often slower than home Wi-Fi. To improve your streaming speed, follow these tips:

On the phone:

• 📶 Switch to the network 4G/5G (in SIM card settings).
• 🔋 Activate the mode Maximum performance (in some firmware Samsung).
• 🚫 Close background apps that consume data (for example, TikTok or Instagram).

On TV:

• 📺 Reduce the streaming resolution in apps (for example, in YouTube select 1080p instead of 4K).
• 🔄 Disable automatic background app updates.
• 🛠️ Use a wired connection (USB or Ethernet adapter) if possible.

Critical nuance: when distributing the Internet with iPhone televisions Samsung may limit speed to 10 Mbps because of politics AppleTo get around this, connect iPhone to the router, and the TV to the same network. Then use AirPlay for broadcasting content.

7. Alternative options: if nothing works

If none of the above worked, consider these solutions:

1. Use the router in repeater mode

If you have an old router, connect it to your phone via USB (if supported) and distribute Wi-Fi from it. This will stabilize the connection.

2. Buy a USB/Ethernet adapter

For TVs without Wi-Fi (eg. Samsung UE32J4000) an adapter will do USB → Ethernet (cost from 500 ₽). Connect it to your TV and connect it to your phone via USB cable.

3. Update your TV's firmware

Outdated software may block new connection protocols. Update your TV via Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.

⚠️ Attention: if you use mobile Internet for viewing 4K-content, please note that operators may limit speeds after exceeding the traffic limit (usually 10-30 GB per month). Check your plan terms.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a Samsung TV to the Internet via a phone without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three alternative ways:

1. USB cable (only for Android).
2. Bluetooth (low speed, up to 50 Mbps).
3. Ethernet adapter (requires additional device).

The most stable option is USB, but it does not work on all TV models.

Why can't my Samsung TV see my iPhone's hotspot?

Possible reasons:

• 🔄 On iPhone mode is on Maximum compatibility (change to Only 2.4 GHz in the access point settings).
• 🔒 The password contains special characters (use only letters and numbers).
• 📱 Outdated TV firmware (update via Settings → Support).

If the problem persists, try connecting via Wi-Fi Direct or use Android-telephone.

How much traffic does Smart TV consume when connected via phone?

Traffic consumption depends on the action:

• 📺 View 4K-video: ~7 GB/hour.
• 📺 View Full HD: ~3 GB/hour.
• 🔄 Software update: 200–500 MB.
• 🎮 Online games: 100–300 MB/hour.

Tip: Turn off autoplay videos in YouTube And Netflixto save traffic.

Can I use my phone as a modem for my Samsung TV via USB-C?

Yes, but only if:

• 📱 Your phone supports USB-ethernet (majority Android-devices after 2018).
• 🔌 The TV has a port USB-C with support OTG (For example, Samsung QN90C).

A cable is required for connection. USB-C → USB-C and the enabled mode USB modem on the phone.

How do I check if my Samsung TV supports Wi-Fi Direct?

Verification methods:

1. Go to Settings → General → Network and look for the item Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Check the model specifications on the website Samsung (Enter the model number from the back of the TV).
3. If there is one on the menu Screen Mirroring, That Wi-Fi Direct Most likely supported.

In budget models (for example, Samsung T5300) this function may not exist.