Connect Your Samsung TV Using WiFi or Ethernet

You can connect your Samsung TV to the internet in two ways: through WiFi or with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the back of the TV. WiFi is simpler if your router is nearby; ethernet is more stable if you plan to stream video regularly. Both take about five minutes to set up.

Before you start, make sure your WiFi password is nearby, or have your ethernet cable ready. Your TV remote will do all the work — you won't need a computer or phone to help.

Key Takeaways

  • WiFi setup happens entirely through your TV remote using the Settings menu, and works on any Samsung TV made in the last ten years.
  • Ethernet requires an ethernet cable plugged into the port on the back of the TV, but gives you a faster and more reliable connection.
  • If your WiFi network does not appear in the list, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  • Once connected, your TV will remember the network and reconnect automatically when you turn it on.

Connect Using WiFi

Pick up your Samsung remote and press the Home button (the house icon). Scroll right to find Settings and press Enter. Look for General or Connection — the exact name depends on your TV model year, but it will be near the top of the menu.

Select Network or WiFi from that menu. Your TV will scan for networks and show you a list of available WiFi names. Find your network name in the list and select it. When prompted, use your remote to type your WiFi password. The remote has a keyboard that appears on screen — use the arrow buttons to move between letters and numbers, and press Enter to select each character. Take your time; the TV will not rush you.

Once you enter the password, the TV will connect and show a confirmation message. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter.

Connect Using an Ethernet Cable

An ethernet cable looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic clip on each end. Plug one end into the ethernet port on the back of your TV — it is usually near the other cables and labeled with the word "Ethernet" or a small network icon. Plug the other end into your router or a wall jack if your home has ethernet wiring.

Once the cable is plugged in, go to Home > Settings > General (or Connection) > Network. Your TV should detect the ethernet connection automatically and show a confirmation message within a few seconds. If it does not, restart the TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Ethernet is faster than WiFi and does not drop the connection if someone uses the WiFi network nearby. It is the better choice if you watch 4K video or stream on multiple devices at the same time.

What to Do If Your Network Does Not Appear

If you do not see your WiFi network in the list, restart your router. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The router will take about two minutes to restart. Then go back to your TV's WiFi menu and scan again.

If your network still does not appear, make sure your router is turned on and within range of the TV — most routers work best within 30 feet. If your router is in another room with thick walls between it and the TV, the signal may be too weak. Moving the router closer or placing it higher up (on a shelf rather than on the floor) usually helps.

If you see your network but cannot connect even with the correct password, restart the TV itself. Press and hold the power button on the remote for five seconds until the TV turns off, wait 10 seconds, then press power again to turn it back on. Try connecting once more.

Test Your Connection

After your TV connects, test the internet to make sure it is working. Go to Home > Settings > General (or Connection) > Network Status or Network Test. Your TV will check the connection and show you the speed. You should see "Connected" or a green checkmark.

If the test shows "Not Connected" or a red X, go back and check your password or ethernet cable. If the cable is plugged in firmly and the password is correct, restart both the TV and your router, then test again.

Troubleshoot Slow or Dropping Connection

If your TV connects but the picture keeps stopping or buffering, the WiFi signal may be weak. Move your router closer to the TV, or switch to ethernet if possible. You can also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds — this clears out temporary problems and often speeds things up.

If only your TV is slow but other devices on the same WiFi are fast, restart the TV itself. Hold the power button for five seconds, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. If the problem continues, go to Settings > General > Network and look for an option called Reset Network or Forget Network. Select it, then reconnect to your WiFi from scratch — sometimes this fixes connection problems that restart alone cannot solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to connect to the internet?

No. Connecting to WiFi or ethernet requires no account. You only need a Samsung account if you want to use Samsung's streaming apps like Samsung TV Plus or access your SmartThings devices, but basic internet connection works without one.

Will my TV remember the WiFi password if I restart it?

Yes. Once you connect to a WiFi network, your TV saves the password and reconnects automatically whenever you turn it on. You only have to enter the password once.

Can I use both WiFi and ethernet at the same time?

Your TV will use ethernet if both are plugged in. If you want to use WiFi instead, unplug the ethernet cable. You do not need both connected at the same time.

What speed should my internet be for streaming?

For standard video, 5 to 10 megabits per second is enough. For 4K video, aim for 25 megabits per second or higher. You can check your speed by running the Network Test in Settings. If your speed is lower than you expect, restart your router or move it closer to the TV.

Why does my TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means the WiFi signal is weak or your router is overloaded. Try moving the router closer, restarting it, or switching to ethernet. If the problem continues, your router may be too old or damaged — contact your internet provider about replacing it.