The situation when modern LG Smart TV Refusing to connect to the wireless network created by your smartphone may seem paradoxical. The internet connection on your phone seems to be working, and there's no router nearby, but the TV stubbornly displays "failed to connect to the network" or simply endlessly searches for available hotspots. This is a common problem that often arises when traveling, at the dacha, or when the main router breaks down.
The reason lies not in a technical malfunction, but in subtle differences in communication protocols and security settings that are installed by default on mobile devices. Wi-Fi hotspot The phone's router works differently than a full-fledged home router, and LG TVs, especially older models, may not be compatible with some encryption standards or frequencies that the smartphone offers by default.
In this article, we will examine in detail the technical aspects of interaction WebOS and mobile operating systems. You'll learn how to change internet sharing settings on Android and iOS so your TV can see the network, and what hidden settings can block the connection. We won't use complex terminology without explanation, but we'll understand the essence of frequency and protocol conflicts.
Technical reasons for conflict between smartphone and TV
The first thing you need to understand is that when the modem mode is turned on, the smartphone becomes a full-fledged device. router, but with limited capabilities. Most modern phones by default create a network in the range 5 GHz to ensure maximum data transfer speed. However, many LG TV models released before 2018-2019 are equipped with Wi-Fi modules that operate exclusively in the range 2.4 GHz.
If your TV physically can't "see" the network created by your phone, there's a 90% chance the issue is frequency. The smartphone is "screaming" on one frequency, while the TV antenna is "listening" on another. It's like trying to pick up an FM radio station on a VHF receiver. Security standards also play a significant role. WPA3, which new phones turn on automatically, but old TV firmware simply doesn’t understand.
Signal strength is also worth considering. Smartphone antennas are compact and not designed to penetrate walls or operate at distances greater than 3-5 meters in noisy environments. If you place your phone far from the TV, the signal strength may drop below the TV receiver's sensitivity threshold, even if you see four signal bars on the smartphone screen.
Key factors of incompatibility:
- 📡 Difference in frequency ranges (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz).
- 🔒 Unsupported encryption protocols (WPA2/WPA3).
- 📶 Low smartphone antenna power compared to a router.
- 🆔 MAC addressing features in new versions of Android and iOS.
⚠️ Please note: In some regions, the power output of Wi-Fi modules in smartphones is software-limited. If you live in a country with strict radiation regulations, the access point's range may be critically short for stable Smart TV operation.
Setting up a hotspot on Android for LG compatibility
The Android operating system offers flexible tethering settings, but they are often buried deep in menus. To connect your LG TV, you'll need to force a frequency band switch. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tetheringFind the "Access point settings" or "Advanced" option.
Inside the configuration menu, find the "Band" option. By default, it may be set to "Auto" or "5 GHz." You'll need to manually select the value. 2.4 GHzThis step will make your network visible to all devices, including older laptops and TVs. Without this step, connection attempts are doomed to failure on devices without 5G Wi-Fi support.
The second important point is the security type. Make sure the protocol is selected. WPA2 PSKNewer versions, such as WPA3, may cause authentication errors on the TV. Also, check if the "Hidden Network" option is enabled, if available in your firmware. LG TVs have trouble scanning hidden SSIDs in manual setup mode.
It's also important to check the number of connected devices. Some carriers or data plans limit internet access. If the limit is reached, the TV will receive an IP address but will not be able to access the global network, which the user may perceive as a connection error.
Parameters for checking on Android:
- 🔧 Frequency range: strictly 2.4 GHz.
- 🔐 Security type: WPA2-Personal.
- 📶 Maximum number of users: increase to 5-8.
- 🔋 Power saving mode: Disable for access point.
⚠️ Note: Menu settings may vary depending on the manufacturer's operating system (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Look for sections related to "Hotspot," "Tethering," or "Modem Mode."
Wi-Fi Sharing on iPhone (iOS)
For Apple device owners, the problem is more difficult to resolve, as iOS is less flexible in its hotspot settings. The iPhone's Personal Hotspot feature defaults to using the most efficient protocol, which often leads to conflicts with Smart TVIf your LG TV can't see your iPhone's network, the first thing you need to do is enable the "Maximum Compatibility" option.
This setting is in the menu Settings → Cellular → Personal HotspotThe "Maximum Compatibility" switch forces the iPhone's radio to operate in 2.4 GHz mode. Without this checkbox, modern iPhones (series 12 and newer) can only create a network in the 5 GHz band, which the TV simply won't detect.
Another iOS feature is the use of random MAC addresses for privacy. While this applies more to connecting the phone to a router, when tethering, the iPhone can filter requests from devices it doesn't recognize as part of the Apple ecosystem. Make sure the "Disabled" option is not checked in the TV's network settings if you've previously tried to connect to this iPhone.
It's also worth remembering about mobile data dependence. If the 4G/5G signal is unstable, your iPhone may automatically disable the hotspot to save battery. Connect your phone to a charger while browsing, as Wi-Fi is a power-hungry process, and the system may limit functionality when the battery is low.
iOS Settings Checklist:
- 🍏 Enable "Maximum compatibility".
- 🔑 The password must contain only Latin characters and numbers (no special characters).
- 📶 Keep your iPhone screen unlocked when connecting for the first time.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to the charger.
☑️ Check settings before connecting
IP addressing and DNS issues
It often happens that the TV detects the phone's network and attempts to connect, but the process gets stuck at the "Obtaining IP address" stage. This indicates a problem with the DHCP server built into your smartphone. The phone is unable to assign the TV a unique address within its local network. The solution is to manually configure the network settings directly on the LG TV.
You need to go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi, select your network (or click "Add hidden" if the network isn't visible), and in the connection settings, select "Edit" or "Advanced settings." Find "IP settings" and switch from "Auto" to "Manual."
Please enter the following information (approximate, may vary): IP address 192.168.150.50 (the last digits can be anything from 2 to 254), Mask 255.255.255.0Gateway 192.168.150.1 (This is the phone's address). It's best to specify public DNS servers, such as Google's: 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4This often helps bypass operator blocking or DNS failures on your smartphone.
Manual IP configuration is especially important if you're using older Android models, where the DHCP server becomes unstable under a large number of requests. A static IP address eliminates addressing conflicts and speeds up the connection process.
Table of typical settings for manual connection:
| Parameter | Meaning for Android (example) | Value for iOS (example) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV IP address | 192.168.43.150 | 172.20.10.150 | Unique address of the TV on the network |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | 255.255.255.0 | Determines the size of the local network |
| Gateway (Router) | 192.168.43.1 | 172.20.10.1 | Your smartphone's address |
| DNS 1 | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.8.8 | Google Domain Name Server |
⚠️ Note: The gateway (phone) address may differ. Check the access point status on your smartphone before entering the data into the TV.
Software failures and resetting network settings
If the technical parameters match, but there is no connection, it is possible that software garbage has accumulated in the TV’s memory or a profile conflict has occurred. WebOSLike any operating system, network modules can malfunction. A complete network reset, which doesn't affect your apps or accounts, often helps.
To do this, go to Settings → All settings → General → Reset network settings (The path may vary depending on your WebOS version.) After rebooting, the TV will forget all Wi-Fi passwords. Try connecting again, carefully entering the password, paying attention to the capitalization.
It's also worth checking the date and time on your TV. If the date is incorrect (for example, set to 2010), SSL/TLS security protocols won't work, and the TV won't be able to authenticate to the network, even if it's connected to Wi-Fi. Set the correct date manually or sync it if you have a wired connection.
It's a good idea to update your TV's software. Manufacturers regularly release patches that improve compatibility with new Wi-Fi standards. The update can be performed via a USB drive or by downloading the firmware from the official LG website to your computer.
How to update LG firmware via USB?
Download the firmware file for your specific model from the LG website. Format the flash drive to FAT32. Create a [LG_DTV] folder in the root of the flash drive (if required by the instructions for your model) or simply upload the file. Insert it into the powered-off TV, turn it on, and the update should begin automatically.
Alternative methods of broadcasting and connecting
If you still can't establish a direct Wi-Fi connection, don't despair. There are workarounds that allow you to stream content from your phone to your TV without creating a traditional hotspot. The most reliable method is to use Wi-Fi hotspot technology. Miracast (Screen Share on LG) or AirPlay 2 (for iPhone owners).
In this case, the phone and TV must be connected to the same network. But what if there's no router? You can use a USB modem. Connect your phone with internet access enabled to the TV's USB port using a cable. Many modern LG models support internet sharing via USB (Ethernet over USB or simply modem mode).
To do this, select "USB Modem" in the phone menu when connecting the cable. The TV should detect a wired connection. This is even more stable than Wi-Fi, as it eliminates interference and packet loss. The picture quality will be higher, and buffering will be minimal.
Another option is to use an external Wi-Fi adapter (dongle) if the TV's built-in module isn't working properly. However, the compatibility of such devices with webOS is limited, and this method is considered experimental.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the TV say "No Internet access" even though Wi-Fi is connected?
This means there's a connection between your phone and TV, but the phone isn't transmitting data. Check if the internet connection is working on your phone (open a website in your browser). Also, make sure you haven't reached your data plan's data or connected devices limit.
Can I connect my LG TV to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Only if your TV model supports the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard. Models before 2018 typically only support 2.4 GHz. Check your model's specifications on the official website or in the manual.
The TV does not see the iPhone hotspot, although "Maximum Compatibility" is enabled.
Try renaming your iPhone's network (Settings → General → About → Name). Remove special characters and emoji from the name, leaving only Latin letters. Restart both devices.
How to find out the MAC address of the TV for filtering?
Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi (or "About TV" → "General Information"). The MAC address will be listed there. If you use filtering on your phone (rare, but sometimes in third-party hotspot apps), add this address to your whitelist.