How to Connect Wi-Fi to My Samsung TV? A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your Samsung smart TV connected to Wi-Fi can unlock a whole world of entertainment and functionality. From streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube to using voice assistants and smart home devices, a Wi-Fi connection greatly expands what you can do with your TV.

Connecting a Samsung TV to Wi-Fi may sound daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Pre-Connection Steps

Before trying to connect, there are a few things you’ll want to do to prepare:

1. Know Your Wi-Fi Network Name and Password

You’ll need to input your exact Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password to connect your TV. Make sure you have this info handy before starting the process.

2. Position Your TV Near the Wi-Fi Router

For the initial setup, it’s best to have your TV located close to your wireless router for the strongest signal. Once connected, you can move it anywhere within range.

3. Connect Any External Devices

If you plan on connecting any external devices like a cable box, game console, or Blu-ray player, get them plugged in before connecting to Wi-Fi. This will allow you to easily link them later.

4. Update Software

Check if your TV needs any software updates, which can improve connectivity. You can do this by going to Settings > Support > Software Update.

Connecting Your Samsung TV to Wi-Fi

Once you’ve completed the pre-connection steps, you’re ready to actually connect to Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

1. Access the Network Settings Menu

• Use the directional pad on your Samsung TV remote to highlight the Settings icon and press Enter. This will bring up the TV settings menu.

• Navigate to General, then select Network.

• Highlight Network Settings and press Enter. This will display available Wi-Fi networks.

2. Select Your Wi-Fi Network

• Scan the list of available networks and select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi router.

• If you don’t see your network, select Refresh to re-scan.

3. Enter the Wi-Fi Password

• After selecting your network, you’ll be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password. Carefully enter it using the remote.

• Navigate to Done once finished and select Enter.

4. Confirm the Connection

• You should receive a confirmation that your Samsung TV is now connected to the Wi-Fi network.

• Check the Wi-Fi icon in the notification bar at the top to confirm you’re connected.

And that’s it! Your Samsung smart TV is now connected to your Wi-Fi network. Pretty straightforward, right?

Connecting Issues and Troubleshooting

While the connection process is usually simple, there are times you may run into an issue getting your TV connected to Wi-Fi. Here are some of the most common problems and how to resolve them:

Can’t Find or Connect to Wi-Fi Network

• Make sure your TV’s software is up to date. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and install if available.

• Power cycle your wireless router and TV. Unplug them for 30 seconds and plug back in.

• Move your TV closer to the router and re-scan for networks.

• Check if your router is dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz). Your TV may only connect to 2.4GHz.

Connected but No Internet Access

• Run the Connection Diagnostics in your TV’s network settings. This will check for issues.

• Try power cycling your modem, router, and TV.

• Temporarily disable any firewall or security software on your router, which could be blocking access.

Very Slow Wi-Fi Connection/Buffering Issues

• Make sure your TV’s Wi-Fi antenna is pointed toward the router and not blocked.

• Connect your TV via ethernet to see if speeds improve. If so, Wi-Fi signal could be poor. Move router closer or invest in a Wi-Fi range extender.

• Reduce interference by moving other devices away from the TV and router. Devices like cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.

• Login to your router admin page and switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel. Nearby networks could be causing interference.

Connected But Apps Won’t Open

• Just connecting to Wi-Fi isn’t enough. You also need to login or create a Samsung account on your smart TV to access most apps.

• Try manually entering your DNS addresses in the network settings menu. Use Google’s DNS 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4.

As you can see, most connection issues can be resolved by carefully rechecking settings, updating software/firmware, repositioning devices, or doing simple troubleshooting. But if problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact your internet provider, router manufacturer, or Samsung for additional support.

Connecting a Samsung TV to Wi-Fi – Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

Some visual learners may prefer to have the Wi-Fi connection process demonstrated rather than explained.

Luckily, Samsung provides an excellent step-by-step video that walks you through connecting any modern Samsung smart TV to your Wi-Fi network:

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/VgkAQoxVpT0″ title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen></iframe>

This simple 4-minute video shows the exact process using the TV settings menu, selecting the right network, entering password, and final confirmation that Wi-Fi is connected.

Watching these steps performed makes it easy to follow along and connect your own TV to Wi-Fi.

Connecting a Samsung TV to Wi-Fi via Ethernet Cable

If your TV has issues maintaining a steady Wi-Fi connection, or your router’s location makes Wi-Fi signal strength poor, using an ethernet cable is an excellent solution.

Here’s how to easily connect your Samsung TV to your home network using an ethernet or LAN cable:

What You’ll Need

• Ethernet cable long enough to run from your TV to the router
• TV located near ethernet port on router.

Steps to Connect

1. Turn off your TV and unplug power cord.
2. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to your router’s ethernet port.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the LAN/ethernet port on your TV.
4. Reconnect the TV’s power, turn it on, and access network settings.
5. Select “Connect via ethernet” and follow the prompts.

Your Samsung TV will now have a fast, stable wired network connection through the ethernet cable.

While not quite as convenient as Wi-Fi, a hardwired LAN connection is generally faster and more reliable. It eliminates any signal strength or interference issues. Just make sure the cable is safely secured and out of the way.

Samsung TV Won’t Connect – When to Do a Factory Reset

If you’ve tried every troubleshooting step and your Samsung TV still refuses to connect to Wi-Fi, completing a factory reset should resolve even the most stubborn connectivity problems.

Warning: A factory reset will erase all saved app logins, settings customizations, and channel presets. Only use this solution as a last resort.

Here is how to factory reset your Samsung TV:

1. From the settings menu, go to General > Reset.

2. Highlight and select Reset Network Settings to only reset connectivity. Or choose Reset to reset everything.

3. Confirm your choice to wipe the TV when prompted.

4. The TV will reset and reboot. Re-attempt the Wi-Fi setup.

Resetting your TV to factory default settings will clear out any corrupted data or software issues preventing successful Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s an effective troubleshooting technique when all else fails.

Enjoy Your Connected Samsung Smart TV

After following the steps in this guide, your Samsung TV should now be connected to your home Wi-Fi network.

You’ll now be able to enjoy features like:

• Streaming movies, TV shows, music, and more with apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, and hundreds more.

• Using smart assistants like Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

• Casting content from your smartphone or tablet using SmartThings and screen mirroring.

• Controlling your TV with apps and voice anywhere in your house.

• Linking smart home devices like robot vacuums, smart lights, doorbell cams, thermostats and more.

Connecting to Wi-Fi literally opens up a whole world of options. But don’t get too overwhelmed. Take it slow and enable features when you’re ready. And have fun with your new wirelessly connected Samsung smart TV!