Having a network connection error message appear on your smart TV screen is a frustrating situation, especially when you're planning to watch a movie or stream something online. Error 106 on an LG TV This most often indicates a connection issue with your router or internet service provider. This doesn't necessarily mean your device is faulty, but it does require careful network diagnostics.
In most cases, the problem lies in a software conflict between the router and TV settings, or in outdated DNS server data. Modern models LG Smart TV WebOS devices are sensitive to changes in security protocols and IP addressing. Before panicking or calling a service center, it's worth trying a series of steps to restore the connection.
There are many factors that can cause this problem, from a simple router overheating to a service provider outage. In this article, we'll detail the steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue yourself. You'll learn how to properly reset settings, change DNS addresses, and ensure your device's firmware is up to date.
The main causes of error 106
The first step to solving a problem is understanding it. Error 106 on the screens LG This is often caused by time desynchronization or incorrect date settings. If the TV's system clock is significantly different from the real time, security servers may block the connection, considering it suspicious.
Another common cause is a network module cache overflow. The TV remembers old IP addresses and routing parameters that may have changed after a router reboot or a provider firmware update. In this case, the device attempts to "knock on" the old addresses, but receives a refusal.
- 📡 The router's DHCP server is malfunctioning and is not assigning a new IP address to the TV.
- 🔐 Changing the password or encryption type on your wireless network without updating the data on your TV.
- ⚡ Short-term power surges causing the network module to freeze Smart TV.
⚠️ Note: If error 106 appears suddenly after scheduled service from your provider, the issue may be with your service provider. In this case, changing your TV settings is useless—you'll need to wait for the line to be restored.
It's also worth considering that some antivirus programs or built-in router firewalls may block the connection if they detect suspicious traffic from the TV. This is especially common when using guest networks or corporate Wi-Fi hotspots.
Basic hardware reboot and network reset
The simplest and most often overlooked method is a full reboot cycle. Many users simply turn off the TV with the remote, but in standby mode electronics continues to consume power and store data in RAM. A full reset requires physically disconnecting the device from the power supply.
Start with the router. Unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Wait for the modem to fully boot up (all lights should be lit normally). Only then move on to the TV. Turn it off, unplug it for 1-2 minutes, then turn it back on and try connecting again.
If a simple reboot does not help, you need to reset the network settings directly in the interface webOSThis action will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks and reset the connection settings to factory defaults, which often resolves software conflicts.
☑️ Full reset algorithm
To reset your network, go to the settings menu. Find the section for connections and select the option to delete or reset. The TV will then prompt you to re-detect your wireless network and enter the password. Make sure you enter the password correctly, including capitalization.
Configuring DNS servers to fix the error
One of the most effective methods for dealing with error 106 is manually registering DNS addresses. Providers often use their own name servers, which can be unstable or slow to respond to smart TV requests. Replacing them with public, fast servers from Google or Cloudflare often resolves the issue instantly.
To change these settings, you need to access the advanced network settings. In the TV menu, select your Wi-Fi network, but don't connect automatically. Instead, choose "Edit" or "Advanced Settings." Here, you'll need to switch the IP acquisition mode from automatic (DHCP) to manual entry, although often changing just the DNS is sufficient.
In the field DNS Server Enter one of the following addresses. These servers have proven to be the most stable for streaming services and smart features:
| DNS provider | Main address | Alternative address |
|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
After entering the information, save the settings and reconnect. The TV should run a speed and connection test. If the test is successful, error 106 will no longer appear.
Checking the date and time in the system
As mentioned earlier, time desynchronization is a critical factor for SSL certificatesIf the date on your TV is set to, say, 2015, and you're trying to connect to a modern service protected by HTTPS, the connection will be terminated immediately after the handshake.
Check your current time settings in the menu Settings → General → Time and DateMake sure the "Automatic time adjustment" (or "Sync via network") box is checked. If automatic adjustment doesn't work due to lack of internet connection, set the date and time manually, as accurately as possible.
After adjusting the time, be sure to perform a full reboot of the TV. Without this step, the changes may not take effect for all system processes responsible for network interaction.
Updating TV software
Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that fix bugs in network modules. If your LG Smart TV hasn't been updated for a long time, its code may contain errors that prevent it from working correctly with new Wi-Fi encryption standards.
You can check for updates through the menu Settings → All settings → Support → Software updateIf your TV has an internet connection (even if it's intermittent), it may be able to find the update. However, if the connection is completely lost, you'll need to download the firmware from the official LG website on your computer.
The firmware file must be placed in the root folder of a USB drive. Insert the drive into the TV's USB port. The system should automatically detect the new file and prompt you to install it. Follow the on-screen instructions.
⚠️ Warning: During the firmware update process, do not turn off the TV or remove the USB drive. Interrupting the data transfer may cause irreversible damage to the system software ("brick").
What should I do if my TV doesn't recognize the firmware on my flash drive?
Make sure the flash drive is formatted using the FAT32 file system. The firmware file must be located in the root directory, not in any folders. The file name cannot be changed. Also, try using a different USB port, preferably a 2.0 port (black), if available.
Router and frequency range diagnostics
Modern routers operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some older or budget TV models LG They may not correctly see 5 GHz networks or require separate network names (SSIDs). If your router combines both bands under one name, try separating them in the router settings, for example, by naming them "MyWiFi_2.4" and "MyWiFi_5."
Connect your TV to a 2.4 GHz network, as it has better penetration and compatibility. Also, check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled. If so, find the TV's MAC address (in the network information) and add it to the list of allowed devices.
In complex cases, resetting the router to factory settings can help, but this will require reconfiguring the internet for all devices in the home. Only use this method if you are confident in your actions or have a contract with your provider that includes the settings.
When a visit to a service center is necessary
If none of the software solutions help, there's a high probability of a hardware problem. LG TVs have a separate Wi-Fi module responsible for the wireless connection. Over time, it can fail due to power surges, overheating, or a manufacturing defect.
Symptoms of a broken module include: a complete lack of network search, constant connection interruptions even near the router, or the appearance of error 106 immediately after successfully entering the password, despite the correct DNS and time settings.
In this situation, the Wi-Fi module will need to be replaced. In some models, this is a separate board, while in others, it's part of the main motherboard. Self-repair is only possible with soldering skills and the appropriate equipment, so it's recommended to contact qualified specialists.
Can you use a cable instead of Wi-Fi?
Yes, if your TV has a LAN port, you can connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable. This will ensure a more stable connection and eliminate any issues with the wireless module. However, if the error is caused by a glitch in the firmware network stack, the cable may not help without a factory reset.
Does internet speed affect error 106?
Slow speed alone rarely causes error 106. This error usually indicates a lack of connection rather than a slow connection. However, if the router is overloaded with devices and cannot allocate resources to a new client, such a failure is possible.
Should I change my router if the error only appears on my TV?
The issue is most likely related to compatibility issues between the router and TV settings, rather than a hardware malfunction. Try changing the Wi-Fi broadcast channel in the router settings (to 1, 6, or 11) and the encryption type to WPA2-PSK (AES), avoiding mixed modes.
Does error 106 reset all TV settings?
No, the error itself won't erase your data. However, to fix it, you may need to manually reset your network settings or perform a full initialization, which will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and accounts.