How to turn on Wi-Fi on an LG Smart TV: A step-by-step guide with photos

Connecting a TV LG Smart TV Wi-Fi access provides access to streaming services, online cinemas, and other smart TV features. However, many users encounter difficulties when first turning on the wireless network—especially if they have models with an outdated interface. webOS or after a factory reset. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to activate Wi-Fi on LG Smart TV, including manual setup, troubleshooting, and alternative connection options.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the year of manufacture of the TV and the firmware version. For example, models LG OLED C2 (2022) And LG NanoCell 86 (2020) have different ways to access network settings. We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for popular series—from budget ones LG UK62 to the flagship LG G3If your TV can't detect the network or keeps disconnecting, you'll find a checklist for diagnosing the problem at the end of this article.

📊 What LG TV do you have?
Smart TV on webOS 4.0 and later
Model before 2018 (NetCast)
I don't know the version
Another brand

1. Preparing to connect: What to check before turning on Wi-Fi

Before turning on Wi-Fi on your TV, make sure that the problem is not caused by external factors. About 40% of requests to LG support are related to router problems or incorrect network settings, not the TV itself. Here's what you need to do in advance:

  • 🔌 Check the router's power supply: The indicators should be steady (not blinking). If the Wi-Fi indicator goes out, reboot the device using the button. Reset or remove the plug from the socket for 30 seconds.
  • 📶 Make sure the network is visibleOn your smartphone or laptop, find your Wi-Fi network in the list of available networks. If it's not there, the problem is with the router, not the TV.
  • 🔒 Check your passwordIf you recently changed your network security key, the TV won't connect automatically. Write down the current password.
  • 📡 Distance to the router: For a stable signal, the TV should be no further than 10 meters from the Wi-Fi source (without thick walls).

If you use dual-band router (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), try connecting to the network 2.4 GHz - It passes through obstacles better. Many models LG Smart TV (especially before 2020) do not support the range 5 GHz or work with it unstably.

⚠️ AttentionIf your TV has previously connected to another network (for example, at a store or a friend's), it may automatically attempt to connect to that network. In this case, you'll need to manually delete old profiles—instructions in Section 4.

2. Standard method: turning on Wi-Fi through the settings menu

This is the most reliable method for most models. LG Smart TV at the base webOS (2014–2026). The interface may differ slightly, but the general logic remains the same. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Turn on the TV and press the button Settings (gear) on the remote control. In older models, it may be a button. Home (little house).

  2. Go to the section All settings (or Additional settings (in versions prior to webOS 3.0).

  3. Select an item NetConnecting to a Wi-Fi network.

  4. In the list of available networks, find your Wi-Fi network and select it. If there is no network, click Refresh the list (round arrow).

  5. Enter your password using the on-screen keyboard. For convenience, use the buttons ↑/↓/←/→ on the remote control to move the cursor.

  6. Confirm the connection. After 10-30 seconds, a Wi-Fi icon (waves or antenna) will appear in the upper right corner of the screen.

If an error appears after entering the password "Unable to connect", check:

  • 🔠 Make sure your password is correct (case-sensitive!)
  • 🌐 Network security type (must be WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK)
  • 🔄 Try restarting your TV: Settings → General → Reset → Restart

Check the password on the router (on the sticker or in the web interface)

Make sure DHCP (automatic IP assignment) is enabled on your router.

Disable VPN or proxy on your TV (if used)

Try connecting to the network from another device-->

3. Alternative ways to connect to the Internet

If Wi-Fi stubbornly won't turn on, consider alternative options. They can also be useful in cases where the wireless network is unstable (for example, when watching videos in 4K).

3.1. Connection via cable (Ethernet)

The most stable method is a wired connection. You will need Cat.5e or Cat.6 network cable (usually included with the router). Connect one end to the port LAN on the TV, the other to a free port on the router. Then:

  1. Go to Settings → Network → Cable connection.
  2. Select Automatic IP configuration (DHCP).
  3. Wait for the message "Connected".

3.2 Using a Wi-Fi USB adapter (for older models)

Televisions LG 2012–2015 (series LA620V, LN575V etc.) often don't have built-in Wi-Fi. In this case, an external adapter is needed, for example, LG AN-WF100 or compatible analogs on a chip RTL8188EUConnect it to the TV's USB port and follow the on-screen instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Not all USB adapters work with LG Smart TVBefore purchasing, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website or in the TV documentation. Using uncertified devices may result in USB ports blocked after firmware update.

3.3. Access Point Mode from a Smartphone

If your router is temporarily unavailable, you can share your internet connection from your phone:

  1. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot.
  2. On iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Connect.
  3. On your TV, select the created network and enter the password.

The downside of this method is the traffic limitation (especially if you don’t have an unlimited plan).

Connection method Speed Stability Difficulty of setup Suitable for
Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) Up to 150 Mbps Average Low Watching videos up to 1080p
Wi-Fi (5 GHz) Up to 866 Mbps High Low 4K content, online games
Ethernet (cable) Up to 1 Gbps Maximum Low Any tasks
USB adapter Up to 300 Mbps Low Average Older models without Wi-Fi
Access point (smartphone) Up to 100 Mbps Low Low Short-term use

4. Manually adding a Wi-Fi network (if automatic search doesn't work)

If your network isn't listed as available, you can add it manually. This applies to:

  • 🔒 Hidden networks (with disabled SSID)
  • 🏢 Corporate Wi-Fi with additional authentication
  • 🔄 Networks with non-standard settings (for example, 802.1X)

Instructions for webOS 4.0–7.0:

  1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.
  2. Select Add a network manually (or Other networks in older versions).
  3. Enter the network name (SSID) exactly the same as on the router (case sensitive!).
  4. Specify the security type: this is usually WPA2-PSK (If you are not sure, look at the sticker on the router).
  5. Enter your password and save your settings.

For networks with WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 Mixed You may need to change your router settings. Some models LG Smart TV (especially before 2019) do not support WPA3 - in this case, switch the router to the mode WPA2-PSK [AES] via the web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

How do I find out the security type of my Wi-Fi network?

Open your router settings (usually through a browser at 192.168.1.1).

Log in (using the login and password from the sticker on the router).

Go to "Wireless" → "Security".

Look at the "Authentication Type" or "Security Mode" field.

5. Firmware update: if Wi-Fi does not turn on due to software errors

Outdated firmware is a common cause of Wi-Fi issues. The manufacturer regularly releases updates to fix connection issues. Check your firmware version:

  1. Open Settings → Support → Software Update.
  2. Select Check for updates.
  3. If a new version is available, install it (requires a cable or mobile hotspot internet connection).

If your TV doesn't find updates through the menu, download the firmware manually:

  1. Find your TV model on the official website LG (For example, OLED55C2PUA).
  2. Download the firmware file (usually in the format .epk).
  3. Copy it to a flash drive (FAT32), insert it into the TV USB port.
  4. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update → Update from USB.
⚠️ Attention: Interrupting the firmware update may result in TV breakdown ("brick")Do not turn off the TV or remove the flash drive until the process is complete (usually 5-15 minutes). If the screen goes blank and is unresponsive for more than 20 minutes, contact a service center.

6. Reset network settings to factory defaults

If none of these methods help, try resetting your network settings. This will delete all saved networks and restore your connection settings to factory defaults. Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Network.
  2. Select Reset network settings (or Restore connection in older models).
  3. Confirm the action.
  4. Restart your TV and try connecting again.

If the problem persists, please do the following: full reset to factory settings:

  1. Settings → General → Reset → Factory Reset.
  2. Enter your PIN (default) 0000 or 1234).
  3. After rebooting, set up your TV as new, including connecting to Wi-Fi.

Please note: a full reset will delete all installed applications, accounts (LG Account, Netflix etc.) and personal settings (brightness, sound). Write down your login details in advance to services.

7. Troubleshooting: Why Wi-Fi Isn't Working

If your TV is unable to see the network or is constantly losing connection, use this table for diagnostics:

Symptom Possible cause Solution
The network list is empty The Wi-Fi module is disabled or broken Check the antenna (if external), update the firmware
Constantly asks for a password Incorrect security type on the router Switch the router to WPA2-PSK [AES]
There is a connection, but no internet Incorrect IP/DNS settings Reset your network settings or specify DNS manually (for example, 8.8.8.8)
Low speed, lags when viewing Weak signal or network congestion Reconnect to 5 GHz or use a cable
IP Conflict Error Two devices on the network have the same IP Reboot your router or assign a static IP address to your TV.

For a deep diagnosis, check connection logs:

  1. Press on the remote control Settings → Support → Product Information.
  2. Scroll down to the section Network information.
  3. Check the status IP address, Gateway And DNSIf there are zeros or addresses of the type 169.254.x.x — problem in obtaining network parameters.

8. Common mistakes and how to fix them

Let's look at typical errors that occur when connecting LG Smart TV to Wi-Fi, and ways to eliminate them.

8.1. Error "Failed to obtain IP address"

Reason: The router does not assign an IP address to the TV (DHCP is disabled or the address pool is exhausted).

Solution:

  • Reboot your router.
  • In your router settings, check if DHCP is enabled (usually in the section LAN or DHCP).
  • Assign a static IP to the TV manually (in the TV network settings).

8.2. Error "Authentication failed"

Reason: Incorrect password or incompatible security type.

Solution:

  • Make sure you entered your password correctly (check the case!).
  • If the router uses WPA3, switch to WPA2.
  • Update your TV firmware.

8.3. The TV does not see the 5 GHz network

Reason: outdated model LG Smart TV (before 2018) may not support the range 5 GHz.

Solution:

  • Connect to the network 2.4 GHz.
  • Or use an Ethernet cable.
  • Check your model's specifications on the LG website.
⚠️ AttentionRouter settings (such as Wi-Fi channel or bandwidth) can affect connection stability. If your TV is periodically disconnecting, try manually setting the channel on your router. 6 or 11 For 2.4 GHz - they are less susceptible to interference.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

My LG Smart TV can't detect Wi-Fi after a firmware update. What should I do?

Reset network settings (Settings → Network → Reset) and try connecting again. If that doesn't help, roll back the firmware to the previous version (instructions are available on the LG forums) or contact support with your TV model and software version.

Is it possible to connect a TV to Wi-Fi without a remote control?

Yes, there are several ways:

  1. Use the app LG TV Plus (available for Android/iOS) - it emulates a remote control.
  2. If your TV has buttons on the body (usually on the side or bottom), you can use them to open the menu and navigate through the items.
  3. Connect a keyboard or mouse via USB - they act as pointing devices.
The TV connects to Wi-Fi, but won't load YouTube or Netflix. What's wrong?

Possible reasons:

  • Parental control restrictions on the router (check the settings Firewall or Access Control).
  • DNS issues - try specifying it manually 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
  • Services are blocked by your ISP - use a VPN (if allowed in your country).
How do I know if my LG Smart TV supports the 5GHz band?

Verification methods:

  1. Check the model specifications on the LG website (enter the serial number).
  2. Try searching for networks in your TV's Wi-Fi menu. 5G (if the neighbors have them).
  3. Call LG support and tell them your model – they will give you the exact specifications.

As a rule, support 5 GHz appeared in models LG since 2018 (webOS 4.0 and later).

After the reset, the TV requires a PIN to connect to Wi-Fi. Where can I get one?

This is not a Wi-Fi PIN, but parental control codeBy default it can be:

  • 0000 or 1234 (standard values).
  • The code you set previously (if changed).
  • If it doesn’t work, reset the TV to factory settings (Settings → General → Reset).