Connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet — Which Works Better for You

Your Samsung TV connects to the internet in one of two ways: Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi is wireless and works from anywhere in your home. Ethernet is a cable that plugs directly into your TV's back panel and offers a more stable connection if your router is nearby. Most people use Wi-Fi because it's simpler — you don't run cables through walls — but Ethernet is faster and more reliable if streaming stutters or drops.

Before you start, make sure your TV is plugged in and turned on. You'll also need your Wi-Fi password if you're connecting wirelessly. If you're using Ethernet, you need a cable long enough to reach from your router to the TV's location.

Key Takeaways

  • Access the Network settings menu by pressing the remote's Home button, then navigating to Settings > General > Network.
  • For Wi-Fi, select your network name from the list and enter your password exactly as it appears (capital letters and numbers matter).
  • For Ethernet, plug the cable into the port on the back of your TV labeled "LAN" or "Ethernet" and the TV will detect it automatically.
  • After connecting, your TV will test the connection and show a confirmation message — if it fails, restart your router and try again.
  • Once connected, you can read apps from the Samsung App Store and stream services like Netflix, YouTube, and others.

Connecting via Wi-Fi on Your Samsung TV

Press the Home button on your remote. This opens the main menu on your screen. Navigate to Settings — it's usually at the bottom of the menu and looks like a gear icon. Select General, then Network. You'll see an option that says Open Network Settings or Wi-Fi. Select it.

Your TV will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your network name (also called your SSID — it's the name you see when you connect your phone to Wi-Fi). Highlight it and press Enter. A keyboard will appear on your screen. Type your Wi-Fi password carefully — uppercase and lowercase letters are different, and spaces or numbers must be exact. Once you've entered it, select Connect.

Your TV will attempt to connect. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You'll see a message saying "Connected" or "Connection Successful" if it works. If the connection fails, double-check your password and try again. If your TV still can't connect, restart your router (unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in) and try once more.

Connecting via Ethernet Cable

Look at the back of your Samsung TV. You'll see several ports — HDMI ports are the most obvious, but you're looking for a port labeled LAN or Ethernet. It's usually a rectangular port slightly larger than a phone jack. Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into this port and the other end into an available port on your router.

Once the cable is plugged in, your TV should recognize the connection automatically. Go to Settings > General > Network and select Open Network Settings. Your TV will show that it's connected via Ethernet. You may see a message asking whether to use Wi-Fi or Ethernet if both are available — select Ethernet to use the wired connection.

Ethernet connections are usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, especially if your router is far away or if other devices are using your Wi-Fi. The trade-off is that you need a cable running from your router to your TV, which isn't always practical in every room.

Testing Your Connection and Troubleshooting

After you connect, your TV will run a connection test automatically. This checks whether your TV can reach the internet and whether the speed is adequate for streaming. If the test passes, you're ready to use apps. If it fails, the TV will tell you why — usually "Cannot connect to network" or "Weak signal."

If you see a weak signal message on Wi-Fi, move your router closer to the TV or remove obstacles like metal objects or thick walls between them. If you're using Ethernet and it fails, check that the cable is fully inserted into both the TV and the router. Try unplugging the cable from the router, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. If your router itself isn't working, restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If you've tried these steps and your TV still won't connect, restart the TV itself. Press and hold the power button on the remote for 5 seconds until the TV turns off, then turn it back on. Go through the network setup again. If the problem persists, your router may need a firmware update, or there may be an issue with your internet service — contact your internet provider to confirm your service is working.

What to Do After You're Connected

Once your TV is online, you can read apps from the Samsung App Store. Press Home on your remote and look for an Apps icon or App Store option. You'll see categories like Entertainment, Sports, and Streaming. Popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are available for read. Select an app, choose read, and wait for it to install — this usually takes a minute or two.

After an app is installed, it appears on your home screen. Open it and sign in with your account. Some apps are free; others require a subscription. Your TV will remember your login, so you won't have to enter it every time you open the app.

Your TV may also prompt you to update its software now that it's connected. Allow these updates to happen — they fix bugs and add features. Updates usually take 5 to 15 minutes, and your TV will restart when they're done.

When to Call Samsung Support

If you've followed these steps and your TV still won't connect to the internet, or if it connects but apps won't load or stream, there may be a hardware issue with your TV's network port or Wi-Fi module. Samsung support can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or determine whether your TV needs service.

You can reach Samsung support through their website or by calling the number on your TV's documentation. Have your TV's model number ready — it's usually on a sticker on the back or in the Settings menu under About TV. If your TV is still under warranty, Samsung may repair or replace it at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my TV keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This usually happens if your router is too far away, if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth, or if your TV's Wi-Fi module is overheating. Try moving your router closer, restarting your router, or moving your TV away from heat sources like direct sunlight. If disconnections happen at the same time every day, your internet service provider may be having issues — check their website or call them.

Can I use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time?

Your TV can have both plugged in, but it will use only one at a time. Go to Settings > General > Network and choose which one you want to use. Ethernet is usually faster, so if you have both available, select Ethernet.

What if I don't know my Wi-Fi password?

You can find it by logging into your router's settings on a computer or phone. Open a browser, type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), and log in with your router's username and password. Look for a section called Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings — your password will be listed there. If you've forgotten your router password, you can reset the router by holding its reset button for 10 seconds, but this erases all your settings.

Do I need a special internet speed for streaming?

Most streaming services work fine with 25 Mbps or higher. If you're streaming in 4K, aim for 50 Mbps or more. You can check your speed by going to Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings and looking for a speed test option, or by visiting speedtest.net on another device connected to the same Wi-Fi.

Why is my streaming app buffering even though I'm connected?

Buffering usually means your internet speed is too slow for the video quality you're trying to watch. Try lowering the video quality in the app's settings, or restart your router. If other devices are using your Wi-Fi heavily, disconnect some of them. If buffering happens only with one app, that app may have a problem — try uninstalling and reinstalling it.