A modern television has long ceased to be simply a device for receiving broadcast channels. It is now a multimedia center, requiring constant access to the global network for streaming movies, watching YouTube, or installing apps. Owners of the Belarusian brand's equipment Horizont We often face the question of how to activate a wireless connection to unlock the full potential of our Smart TV. The setup process may seem complicated at first, but with the right steps, you can complete the task in just a few minutes.
In this article, we will go through all the steps to connect your TV in detail. Horizon to the home network via WiFiWe'll cover not only standard menu operations but also potential issues you might encounter along the way. You'll learn how to correctly enter a password, select the encryption type, and what to do if the built-in module doesn't detect your network. Proper setup will ensure stable data transfer and high-quality video without lag.
Before you begin setting up software, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting a signal. It's also important to check whether your specific TV model supports built-in Wireless LAN or requires connecting an external USB adapter. Some budget models may not have a built-in module, requiring the purchase of additional equipment. Carefully review the technical documentation or specifications for your model on the manufacturer's official website.
Checking the technical feasibility of connection
The first step before setting up should be determining the hardware support for wireless networks. Not all TV models Horizont, even those with Smart TV functionality, are equipped with a built-in WiFi module. Manufacturers often skimp on this component in basic versions, assuming users will use a wired connection. EthernetIf the wireless network setup option is completely missing from the TV menu, the module is most likely not physically installed on the board.
For more information, please refer to the instructions included with the kit or look for the exact model on the back of the device. The specification should indicate the presence of the standard. IEEE 802.11 b/g/n or acIf you don't have a built-in module, don't despair: many models support connecting external USB WiFi adapters. However, there's an important caveat: TVs only work with certain chipsets, so a standard computer dongle may not work.
⚠️ Important: When purchasing a USB WiFi adapter for your Horizon TV, please follow the list of compatible devices. Universal adapters are 90% not detected by the Android TV or Linux operating system used by the TV.
If you plan to use a wired connection, make sure the LAN port on your TV is working properly. The cable should be intact and free of kinks, and the connector RJ-45 Fit tightly into the socket. The router port's LEDs should light or blink after connection, indicating physical contact. If the ports don't respond, this could indicate a faulty network card or driver issues within the firmware.
Preparing the router and login information
A successful connection is impossible without a properly functioning signal source. Before enabling network scanning on your TV, you need to make sure your router is configured correctly. First, check if filtering is enabled. MAC addressesIf the router's security settings are set to "Whitelist" (Allow listed only), the new device will simply not be granted access, even if the correct password is entered.
It's also important to pay attention to the frequency range. Older TV models Horizont can only support a range 2.4 GHz and not see the 5 GHz network. If your router is broadcasting two networks with the same name (Dual Band), try separating them or temporarily disabling 5 GHz for configuration. This will eliminate protocol conflicts and make it easier to identify the device in the list of available access points.
Prepare your login information in advance. You will need:
- 📡 The exact network name (SSID) is case-sensitive, so it's important to consider uppercase and lowercase letters.
- 🔑 WiFi password - check the keyboard layout on the remote, as entering characters on the screen can be inconvenient.
- 📶 Encryption type - modern routers use WPA2-PSK or WPA3, make sure that your TV supports the selected standard.
If you don't remember your network password, you can find it in the router's web interface by going to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. In the wireless network section (Wireless) will display the current security settings. If you change the router settings, the previously connected TV will require re-authorization, as the old encryption keys will no longer be valid.
Step-by-step instructions for enabling WiFi via the menu
The process of activating the wireless module in TVs Horizon is standardized, but may vary slightly depending on the operating system version. The most commonly used platform is Android TV or your own shell based on Linux. Below is a universal algorithm suitable for most modern models.
First, press the button Menu or Settings (gear) on the remote control. In the window that opens, find the section responsible for network connections. It may be called "Network," "Connections," or have a globe icon. Go to this section and select "Network Setup" or "Wireless."
Next, follow the instructions on the screen:
- Activate the switch WiFi to the "On" position.
- Wait until the TV scans the air and displays a list of available networks.
- Find your router's name in the list and click the "OK" button.
- In the window that opens, enter the password using the on-screen keyboard and the navigation buttons on the remote control.
- Click "Connect" and wait for the message about successful connection.
After successful authorization, a signal strength icon will appear next to the network name, and the status will read "Connected." You can now test your internet connection by launching any online service, such as a weather widget or YouTube. If content loads without errors, then IP address received automatically and the settings are correct.
☑️ Connection checklist
Setting up static IP and DNS
In some cases, automatic acquisition of network settings via protocol DHCP may be failing. The TV may show a connection to the router, but there's no internet access. This often happens due to channel congestion or IP address conflicts on the home network. Manually entering static parameters may resolve the issue.
To do this, select "Manual" or "Static IP" as the connection type in the network settings menu. You'll need to enter the following information, which must match your router settings:
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | Unique address of the TV on the network | 192.168.1.55 |
| Subnet mask | Determines the size of the network | 255.255.255.0 |
| Gateway | Your router's address | 192.168.1.1 |
| DNS server 1 | Primary name server | 8.8.8.8 (Google) |
| DNS server 2 | Backup name server | 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) |
Pay special attention to the DNS field. Providers often provide their own servers, which can be slow or block resources. Replace them with Google's public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) often speeds up Smart TV interface response and eliminates app loading errors. The gateway address must exactly match your router's address, otherwise the TV will not be able to access the external network.
⚠️ Important: When manually setting an IP address, ensure the number you select (the last digit) isn't already in use by another device on the network. It's best to choose values in the 100-200 range to avoid conflicts with phones and laptops.
Why do you need DNS in a TV?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable website addresses (e.g., youtube.com) into digital IP addresses that computers understand. If DNS is slow or blocked by your ISP, your TV won't be able to find the video hosting server, even if the physical internet connection is working properly. Changing DNS is the first step if you're experiencing app loading errors.
Using an external USB WiFi adapter
If there's no built-in module or it's broken, the only solution is an external adapter. As mentioned, compatibility is key. TVs Horizont usually based on chipsets Realtek, MediaTek or RalinkThe adapter must contain a chip of the same series and have a driver built into the kernel of the TV's operating system.
The installation process of the external module is simple: insert the device into a free port USB A working TV. The system should automatically detect the new device. A pop-up notification saying "New device found" or "USB WiFi connected" may appear in the upper right corner of the screen. After this, the wireless connection option, which was previously unavailable or hidden, will appear in the network settings menu.
Popular adapter models that often work with Android TVs:
- 📶 Chip adapters Realtek RTL8188ETV - high probability of compatibility.
- 📶 Devices with a chip MediaTek MT7601U — often found in budget models.
- 📶 Specialized adapters for Smart TV (marked as compatible with specific brands).
If nothing happens after connecting the adapter, try reconnecting it to a different USB port. Sometimes ports have different current ratings, and the module may not be receiving enough power. It's also a good idea to reboot the TV with the adapter inserted to allow the system to properly initialize the drivers upon startup.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Even with the correct settings, issues can still occur. One common problem is when the TV detects the network but displays a "Connection Error" message or endlessly attempts to obtain an IP address. This can be caused by a weak signal. If the router is located far away or behind thick walls, the signal strength may be insufficient for stable HD video streaming.
Another common cause is incorrect date and time. In operating systems Android And Linux To establish a secure connection (HTTPS) to update servers and streaming services, a correct system time is required. If the date is incorrect (for example, to 2010), security certificates will be considered invalid, and the connection will fail. Check the date settings in the "General" or "System" section.
WiFi channel congestion is also worth mentioning. If dozens of routers in an apartment building are operating on the same channel, packet loss may occur. In this case, changing the broadcast channel in the router settings to a less congested one (for example, 1, 6, or 11 for the 2.4 GHz band) can help. Specialized apps on your smartphone can be used to analyze channel congestion.
⚠️ Please note: TV operating system interfaces are subject to update. The location of menu items and their names may change in new firmware versions. If you cannot find the item you are describing, look for synonyms or sections with similar functionality.
Why doesn't the TV see the 5 GHz network?
The 5 GHz band has less penetration through walls but offers higher speeds. However, if your TV is more than 5-7 years old, its WiFi module may not be physically capable of operating at 5 GHz, supporting only the 2.4 GHz standard. In this case, connect to a 2.4 GHz network.
Firmware update to improve stability
Manufacturers regularly release software updates that fix bugs in network modules. If you're experiencing constant connection drops or slow speeds, it's worth checking for a new firmware version. The update may contain new drivers for the WiFi chip, improving its compatibility with modern routers.
There are two ways to update. The first is via the network, if the TV is at least partially functional (for example, via a mobile hotspot or a temporary cable connection). The second method is to download the firmware file from the manufacturer's official website to your computer, transfer it to a USB drive, and install it via the TV's USB port. The second method is more reliable if the network module is unstable.
To update via USB:
- Find out the exact model of your TV (on the sticker on the back).
- Find the firmware file on the official website in the "Support" section.
- Write the file to the root of the flash drive (FAT32 format).
- Insert the flash drive into the turned off TV, then turn it on and follow the instructions on the screen.
It's important not to interrupt the update process or turn off the TV until the progress bar reaches 100%. Interrupting the update may damage system files, requiring repair at a service center. After the update, we recommend resetting the TV to factory settings to prevent conflicts between old configuration files and the new software version.
Why won't my Horizon TV connect to WiFi even though the password is correct?
Most often, the issue lies with the encryption type. The TV may not support the new WPA3 standard if the router is configured exclusively for it. Try setting the router's settings to mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode or only WPA2-PSK (AES). Also, check if there's a limit on the number of connected devices.
Is it possible to share WiFi from a phone to a Horizon TV?
Yes, you can. Enable tethering (hotspot) on your smartphone. Name the network the same as your home network, or enter new details on your TV. Keep in mind that mobile data uses up data, and it may not be enough to watch 4K video.
How do I reset network settings on my TV?
Go to "Settings" -> "General" (or "System") -> "Reset." Select "Reset Network Settings." This will delete all saved WiFi passwords and IP settings. You will then be prompted to re-enter your router password.
Does WiFi speed affect image quality?
Absolutely. Watching Full HD video requires a stable speed of around 10-15 Mbps, and 4K requires at least 25-30 Mbps. If the WiFi speed is low due to interference or range, the TV will buffer the video or reduce image quality.