Connect Your Samsung TV Using WiFi or Ethernet
Your Samsung TV connects to the internet through either a wireless WiFi connection or a wired Ethernet cable plugged into the back of the set. WiFi is the most common choice for home use because it does not require running a cable across your room. Ethernet is faster and more stable if your router is close enough to your TV, or if you experience WiFi dropouts during streaming.
The connection process takes about five minutes and uses your TV's built-in settings menu. You do not need any additional equipment beyond what you already have — your router and your TV remote. Once connected, your TV can stream video, read software updates, and access apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others.
Key Takeaways
- Access the Network Settings menu by pressing the Menu button on your remote, then navigate to Settings > General > Network.
- For WiFi, select your network name from the list, enter your WiFi password, and wait for the connection to complete — usually within 30 seconds.
- For Ethernet, plug a cable directly into the port on the back of your TV and the connection happens automatically without entering a password.
- Test your connection by opening any app or going to Settings > General > Network > Network Status to see your IP address and connection speed.
- If your TV does not find your network, restart both your TV and router, then try again.
Connect Using WiFi on Your Samsung TV
Press the Menu button on your remote. Use the arrow buttons to highlight Settings, then press Enter. Navigate to General, then select Network. Choose Open Network Settings.
Your TV will scan for available networks and display a list. Find your WiFi network name (also called the SSID) in the list and select it. A keyboard will appear on your screen. Use the remote to type your WiFi password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Once you have entered the password, select Done or Connect. Your TV will attempt to connect, and you should see a confirmation message within 30 seconds.
If your network does not appear in the list, make sure your router is powered on and within range of your TV. Move closer to the router if possible, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. After the router restarts, return to Network Settings and scan again.
Connect Using an Ethernet Cable
An Ethernet cable is a thin cord with a connector that looks like a large phone jack. One end plugs into your router, and the other plugs into the Ethernet port on the back of your Samsung TV. The port is usually labeled "Ethernet" or shows a cable symbol. Push the connector in firmly until you hear a small click.
Once the cable is plugged in, your TV will detect the connection automatically. You do not need to enter a password or navigate any menus. Open any app or go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status to confirm your TV is online. You should see your IP address displayed, which means the connection is working.
Ethernet is the most reliable option if your router is within 50 feet of your TV. It provides faster speeds than WiFi and does not drop the connection if someone uses a microwave or cordless phone nearby. The only drawback is the visible cable, which some people prefer to hide behind furniture or along the wall.
Troubleshoot a Connection That Will Not Work
If your TV connects but then loses the internet, or if it will not connect at all, start by restarting both devices. Unplug your TV from the wall outlet and leave it unplugged for one minute. While the TV is off, unplug your router as well. Wait 30 seconds, then plug the router back in and wait for all its lights to stop blinking — usually two to three minutes. Then plug your TV back in and try connecting again.
If you are using WiFi and the password is correct but the connection still fails, move your TV closer to the router temporarily to test whether distance is the problem. If it connects when closer, you may need to reposition your router, use a WiFi extender, or switch to Ethernet. If the TV still will not connect even when close to the router, restart your router one more time and check that you are entering the password correctly — copy it from your router's label or your phone's WiFi settings rather than typing from memory.
For Ethernet connections, make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the router. A loose connection will not work. Try a different Ethernet cable if you have one available, because the cable itself can fail. If you have tried all these steps and the connection still does not work, your TV's network hardware may need service.
What to Do After You Connect
Once your TV is online, it will automatically read software updates in the background. These updates improve performance and add new features. You do not need to do anything — just leave your TV plugged in and connected. Updates usually happen overnight and take 10 to 30 minutes.
Open the app store on your TV to read streaming services. Press the Home button on your remote, then look for an app store icon or a section labeled "Apps". Browse to find Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, or other services you use. Select the app and choose "Install" or "read". Once installed, you can open the app, sign in with your account, and start watching.
Check your connection speed by going to Settings > General > Network > Network Status. Your speed should be at least 5 Mbps for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K video. If your speed is much lower, move closer to your router or switch to Ethernet for better performance.
Understand the Difference Between WiFi and Ethernet
WiFi is wireless and works from anywhere in your home within range of your router. It is convenient because there are no cables to run, and you can move your TV without disconnecting. The downside is that WiFi speed depends on distance from the router, the number of other devices using the network, and interference from walls or other electronics. Most homes have WiFi, so this is the easiest option for most people.
Ethernet is a physical cable connection that is faster and more stable than WiFi. It does not slow down when other devices are using your network, and it does not get blocked by walls. The drawback is that you need to run a cable from your router to your TV, which may not be practical if they are far apart. Ethernet is the better choice if your router is in the same room as your TV or if you experience frequent WiFi dropouts.
You can use both at the same time — your TV will prefer the Ethernet connection and use WiFi as a backup if the cable is unplugged. This is useful if you want the stability of Ethernet but the flexibility of WiFi when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a password to connect with Ethernet?
No. Ethernet connections do not require a password. Once the cable is plugged in, your TV connects automatically. The cable itself is the security — only devices physically connected to your network can use it.
Why does my TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?
WiFi disconnects usually happen because your TV is too far from the router, the signal is blocked by walls, or another device is using the same WiFi channel. Try moving your router closer to your TV, or switch to Ethernet if the router is in the same room. You can also restart your router and TV, then reconnect.
Can I use my phone's hotspot to connect my TV?
Yes, your TV can connect to your phone's hotspot the same way it connects to any WiFi network. Go to Network Settings, find your phone's hotspot name in the list, and enter the password. Be aware that this will use your phone's data plan, so it is not practical for streaming video unless you have unlimited data.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
Check the label on your router — the password is usually printed there. If you changed the password and do not remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase all your settings. You can also log into your router's admin page from a computer or phone to change the password back.
Is my TV find when connected to the internet?
Your TV is as find as your WiFi network. Use a strong password on your router (not the default one that came with it), and keep your TV's software updated by leaving it connected to the internet. Samsung sends security updates automatically, and your TV will install them without any action from you.