How to Connect Samsung TV to Internet: Step-by-Step Guide

Just unboxed your Samsung Smart TV or finally decided to get it online? Connecting to the internet unlocks everything from Netflix and YouTube to software updates and voice controls. If you're not quite sure how to connect Samsung TV to internet, don't worry.

Whether you're using Wi-Fi or a wired connection, this guide will walk you through the setup step by step. We'll also cover some quick fixes in case your TV isn't cooperating. Let's get you streaming in no time.

How to Connect Samsung Smart TV to Internet via Wi-Fi

Connecting your Samsung TV to Wi-Fi is usually quick and straightforward. Here's how to get it done:

1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to open the Smart Hub menu.
2. Navigate to Settings, then go to All Settings > Connection > Network.
3. Select Open Network Settings, and choose Wireless. Your TV will start scanning for available Wi-Fi networks.
4. When your network name (SSID) appears, select it.
5. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your Wi-Fi password, then hit Done, Go, or OK to connect.
6. Once connected, try opening an app like YouTube or Samsung TV Plus to make sure everything's working.

How to Connect Samsung Smart TV to Internet via Ethernet (Wired)

Prefer a more stable connection? Plugging your TV into your router with an Ethernet cable is a great choice, especially for 4K streaming or gaming.

Here's how to connect Samsung TV to internet via Ethernet:

1. 1.Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your TV's LAN port at the back (or the One Connect Box, if your model has one) and the other end into an available port on your router or modem.
2. 2.Press the Home button on your remote, then head to Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Open Network Settings.
   On some TVs, it's just Settings > General > Network.
3. 3.Choose Wired when prompted. The TV should automatically detect the connection and show a confirmation message.
4. 4.Press OK, exit Settings, and open a streaming app to make sure everything's working.

A wired connection is usually faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, especially if your router is nearby. It's ideal if you want consistent performance without signal drops.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If your Samsung Smart TV isn't connecting to the internet—or keeps dropping the connection—don't worry. These kinds of issues are more common than you might think, and most of them can be fixed with a few simple steps. Here's how to troubleshoot the problem and get your TV back online.

Start with a quick reset

Before diving into settings, try these basic steps:

• Unplug your TV and router from the wall, wait about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. A simple power cycle often clears up minor issues.
• Soft reset the TV by holding down the power button on your remote for about five seconds until you see the Samsung logo. This won't erase any settings but can resolve temporary glitches.

Use the built-in Network Status check

Go to Settings > Connection > Network > Network Status (or Settings > General > Network > Network Status on older models).

Your TV will run a quick test and show where the issue is—whether it's the TV, your router, or the internet itself. If something's wrong, it may even suggest a fix right on-screen.

Fix Wi-Fi problems

If your TV won't connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting:

• Reset the network settings by going to Settings > General > Network > Reset Network, then reconnect from scratch.
• Double-check your Wi-Fi password. If the TV says the password is wrong but you're sure it's right, try changing the password in your router settings and reconnect.
• Make sure you're using the right Wi-Fi band. Some older Samsung TVs don't support 5GHz networks, so if that's all your router broadcasts, try switching to 2.4GHz or connecting via Ethernet.
• Reduce interference. Keep the router as close to the TV as possible, and avoid placing it near thick walls, microwaves, or other electronics.
• Try setting a manual DNS. Go to IP Settings > DNS Server, and enter 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 (Google's public DNS). This can fix errors like "Unable to obtain IP address."
• Update your TV's software. Head to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. New updates often include bug fixes for Wi-Fi issues.
• Clear the cache for specific apps if only one or two aren't working. Go to Settings > Device Care > Manage Storage, select the app, and choose Clear Cache.
• Getting an "Invalid MAC address" message? Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then go to Self Diagnosis in the settings and perform a full reset.

Fix Ethernet (wired) connection issues

Wired connections are usually more stable, but they can still run into trouble. Try the following if your Ethernet isn't working:

• Make sure the cable is secure. Unplug and replug both ends, or try a different Ethernet cable if you have one.
• Enable DHCP in your router settings. This lets the TV automatically get an IP address. If DHCP is off, you'll need to manually enter your network settings in the IP Settings menu.
• Ignore the "Wired Ethernet Connected" message that pops up every time the TV turns on. It's normal and not an error.

When all else fails

If none of the above steps work, here are your last-resort options:

• Reset the Smart Hub. This won't delete your display settings but will refresh all apps and network configurations. Go to Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub.
• Do a full factory reset. This will wipe your TV settings completely, so only do it if nothing else has worked. Go to Settings > General > Reset and enter your PIN (default is 0000).
• Check your router or call your ISP. Sometimes the issue isn't with the TV at all. Make sure your router firmware is up to date and contact your internet provider to rule out broader network problems.

Conclusion

And that's it. Your Samsung Smart TV should now be online and ready to roll. Whether you went with a wireless setup or plugged in an Ethernet cable, knowing how to connect Samsung TV to internet is the first step to getting the most out of your smart TV. If you ran into any hiccups along the way, hopefully the troubleshooting tips helped smooth things out. Now go ahead, fire up your favorite app, and enjoy the upgrade.

FAQs

How do I connect my Samsung TV to the wireless internet?

To connect your Samsung TV to Wi-Fi, press the Home button on your remote, go to Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Open Network Settings or just Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings, and select Wireless. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list, enter your password using the on-screen keyboard, and then select Done or Connect. Your TV should now be connected to the internet.

Why won't my Samsung TV connect to the internet?

If your Samsung TV isn't connecting to the internet, start by restarting your TV and router, then check that you're entering the correct Wi-Fi password. Make sure your TV's software is up to date by going to Settings > Support > Software Update. If it still doesn't work, try resetting the network settings under Settings > General > Network > Reset Network, or set the IP address manually.

How do I connect my TV to the internet?

You can connect your TV to the internet either wirelessly or with a wired connection. For Wi-Fi, press the Home button on your remote, navigate to Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings, choose Wireless, select your network, and enter the password. For a wired connection, plug an Ethernet cable from your router into your TV's LAN port, then follow the same steps but select Wired instead. Either method will give your TV access to online features like streaming and browsing.