The fastest way to connect is through your TV's settings menu

To connect your Samsung TV to the internet, go to Settings on your remote, select General, then Network, and choose either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on what you have available. Your TV will scan for networks, you'll select yours, enter your password if needed, and the connection completes in under a minute. If you use Ethernet (a wired cable from your router to the TV), you skip the password step entirely.

The exact menu names vary slightly between Samsung TV models and years — some older models say Smart Hub instead of Settings, and some use Network Setup instead of Network — but the path is always in that same general area of the settings. If you're unsure which button to press, your remote has a Menu or Home button that opens the main screen; from there, look for a gear icon or the word "Settings."

Key Takeaways

  • Wi-Fi is the easiest option if your router is within range; Ethernet is more stable if you can run a cable from your router to the TV.
  • You'll find the network settings under Settings > General > Network on most Samsung models, though older TVs may use different menu names.
  • Your TV needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your other devices, and you'll need your network password if your Wi-Fi is password-protected.
  • Once connected, your TV can read apps, stream video, and receive software updates automatically.

Wi-Fi connection: the most common choice

Wi-Fi is the route most people take because it requires no cables. Open Settings, go to General > Network, select Wi-Fi, and your TV will show a list of available networks. Find your home network name (also called the SSID), select it, and type in your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. The TV will test the connection and confirm when you're online.

If your network doesn't appear in the list, make sure your router is turned on and within range — most home routers reach 100 to 150 feet through walls. If you've recently changed your Wi-Fi password, you'll need to enter the new one. If the connection keeps dropping, move the TV closer to the router, or ask whether your router is broadcasting on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands; some older Samsung TVs work better on 2.4 GHz.

Ethernet connection: more stable for streaming

If your router is near your TV or you can run a cable along the wall, Ethernet gives you a faster and more stable connection. You'll need an Ethernet cable (the kind with rectangular connectors on both ends) and a port on your router that's free. Plug one end into the router and the other into the Ethernet port on the back of your TV — it's usually labeled and sits near the HDMI ports.

Once the cable is connected, go to Settings > General > Network and select Ethernet. Your TV will detect the connection automatically; there's no password to enter. Ethernet is especially useful if you stream 4K video or use your TV for online gaming, because the wired connection is less likely to stutter or drop.

Troubleshooting a connection that won't work

If your TV connects but then loses the internet, restart both your TV and your router. Turn off the TV completely, unplug it for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. At the same time, unplug your router for 30 seconds as well. This clears temporary errors that sometimes prevent devices from staying connected.

If the TV still won't connect, check that you're entering the correct Wi-Fi password — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you're not sure of your password, log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser on your computer) and look for the Wi-Fi password there, or reset the router to its factory defaults and set a new password. If you're using a guest network, switch to your main network instead; some Samsung TVs have trouble with guest networks.

If the TV connects but apps won't load or streaming is very slow, the problem may be your internet speed rather than the TV itself. Most streaming apps need at least 5 to 10 Mbps; you can check your speed using a speed-test website on your computer. If your speed is much lower, move the TV closer to the router or switch to Ethernet.

What to do after you're connected

Once your TV is online, it will automatically read the latest software updates when you're not using it. You can also manually check for updates by going to Settings > Support > Software Update. These updates fix bugs and sometimes add new features, so it's worth letting them run overnight.

Your TV can now read apps from the Samsung app store. Press the Smart Hub or Apps button on your remote to browse and install streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, or others. You'll sign in with your account credentials the first time you open each app.

When to call Samsung support

If you've restarted both the TV and router, entered the correct password, and the TV still won't connect to Wi-Fi, the TV's network hardware may be faulty. Contact Samsung support with your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or in Settings > Support > About This TV) and describe what you've already tried. They can walk you through additional steps or arrange a repair if the hardware is defective.

If you're having trouble with a specific app after connecting — like Netflix won't load or YouTube keeps freezing — that's usually an app issue rather than a network issue. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, or contact that app's support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your TV connects to the internet through your home Wi-Fi or Ethernet without any Samsung account. You only need a Samsung account if you want to use certain features like SmartThings or Samsung Cloud, but basic internet and app streaming work without one.

Can I use a mobile hotspot instead of my home Wi-Fi?

Yes, your TV can connect to a mobile hotspot the same way it connects to home Wi-Fi — just select the hotspot network name and enter the password. Keep in mind that streaming video uses a lot of data, so this works better for occasional use than for daily streaming.

Why does my TV keep asking for the Wi-Fi password even though I entered it correctly?

This usually means the password was entered incorrectly — passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter. Try entering it again slowly, or write down your password from your router settings and copy it character by character. If the problem continues after several attempts, restart the TV and try once more.

Is it safe to leave my TV connected to the internet all the time?

Yes. Leaving your TV connected allows it to read security updates automatically, which actually makes it safer. The TV uses very little power when idle, so the energy cost is minimal.

What's the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

5 GHz is faster but has shorter range; 2.4 GHz is slower but reaches farther through walls. If your TV is far from the router or the connection is unstable, try switching to 2.4 GHz in your router settings. Most modern routers broadcast both at once, so your TV can pick whichever works better.