Connecting your new LG Smart TV to your home WiFi network is an essential step to unlock all of the great smart features and apps. With a WiFi connection, you can stream movies and shows, browse the web, access apps and really get the most out of your LG TV.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through exactly how to connect both older and newer model LG TVs to your WiFi network in a simple, step-by-step process. By following these instructions carefully, you’ll have your LG TV hooked up to your wireless network smoothly.
Why You Should Connect Your LG TV to Your Home WiFi Network
Before jumping into the step-by-step tutorial for how to connect an LG TV to your WiFi, let’s look at some of the great benefits you’ll get from taking the time to connect your LG TV to your home WiFi network:
- Access streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and many more to watch tons of shows, movies, sports and original programming in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution.
- Use the built-in web browser to surf the internet, search the web, and access websites directly on the big screen of your LG TV.
- Download new apps and games from the LG Content Store to add more functionality like educational programs, fitness trackers, recipes, trivia games, and much more.
- Cast videos, music and photos from your iPhone, Android or other devices to your TV screen completely wirelessly.
- Receive software updates, new features and firmware enhancements directly from LG to improve performance, fix bugs and add capabilities to your TV over time.
- Control your LG TV remotely with LG mobile apps like LG TV Plus without needing the remote control handy.
- Share videos, photos, music and other media seamlessly from your phone, tablet, computer or cloud storage to your TV.
- Use voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa on your LG TV by connecting to WiFi and linking accounts.
As you can see, connecting to WiFi opens up a whole new world of entertainment, apps, features and functionality to truly get the most out of your LG TV.
Read More: Frustrated That WiFi Not Connecting to LG TV? 15 Solutions to the Most Common Issues
Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Connect an LG TV to Your WiFi Network
Follow these 15 simple steps carefully to successfully connect both older and newer LG TV models to your home WiFi network:
Step 1: Find Your Exact Wireless Network Name and WiFi Password
First, you’ll need to locate your precise WiFi network name (SSID) and WiFi password before you can connect your LG TV. Check the label on your wifi router or log into your router admin console to find your network name and wifi password. Also check a device like a smartphone, tablet or computer that’s already connected to your network. Write down or copy the exact network name and password.
Step 2: Access the Settings Menu on Your LG Smart TV
Pick up your LG TV remote control and press the Settings button (gear icon) to open the main settings menu. From there, select All Settings, then open the Network category. Next, choose Wi-Fi Connection or Wireless Connection. This will display the menu to configure wireless network connections on your LG TV.
Step 3: Highlight “Add Hidden Network” to Connect Your LG TV to WiFi
When the list of available wireless networks appears, your own network may not show up if the SSID broadcast is disabled. To manually connect, go down and highlight the “Add Hidden Network” option at the bottom of the list and press the OK button on your remote.
Step 4: Carefully Input Your Exact Wireless Network Name
In the network name field in the hidden network menu, carefully type in the exact name of your home wireless network using the on-screen keyboard. Make sure to match the spelling, capitalization and any special characters exactly. This field is case-sensitive.
Step 5: Select Your Specific WiFi Security Protocol
The next option in the menu will be to select the security protocol that your wireless network uses. Most modern WiFi networks will use either WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. However, some older networks may use WEP or WPA, or have no security enabled. Choose the protocol that matches your router security settings.
Step 6: Enter Your Precise Wireless Network Password
Now you’ll need to input the password to access your home WiFi network. Using the on-screen keyboard, carefully type in the exact password in the password field. Ensure capitalization, special characters and spelling match precisely. This must match the password configured on your router.
Step 7: Connect to Your Hidden Home Wireless Network
Once the network name, security protocol and password fields are filled out 100% accurately, use the remote to select Connect at the bottom of the menu. This will connect your LG Smart TV to your hidden home WiFi network.
Step 8: Verify You Are Now Connected to Your WiFi Network
After connecting, your LG TV should display a “Connected to Internet” confirmation message. To double check, go back to the Network settings menu and confirm the WiFi status shows as “Connected” and is displaying the name of your wireless network.
Step 9: Test the WiFi Connection by Loading an App or Website
To ensure your connection is active, try loading an internet app like Netflix or YouTube and playing a video. You can also use the web browser app to navigate to a website. This will verify your LG TV now has access to the internet through your WiFi connection.
Step 10: Troubleshoot and Debug Any WiFi Connection Issues
If your LG TV does not successfully connect to your wireless network, don’t panic. There are a number of troubleshooting steps to resolve any issues getting online:
- Double and triple check that the network name, security protocol and password were entered 100% correctly. A simple typo here will prevent connectivity.
- Temporarily relocate your LG TV closer to your wireless router and re-try the connection. This will determine if the issue is related to distance or interference.
- Power cycle your broadband router and LG TV before attempting to connect again. Rebooting can clear up temporary glitches.
- Delete the network connection on your TV entirely and re-enter the wireless details from scratch.
- Check for firmware updates for your LG TV that may improve connectivity capabilities.
After troubleshooting and verifying your wireless details, carefully follow the connection steps again to get your LG TV communicating with your home WiFi.
Step 11: Connect Wired Devices Like Game Consoles to Your LG TV
With your TV now connected to your home WiFi network, you can also connect wired devices like gaming consoles, streaming media players, Blu-ray players and more via the HDMI and USB ports. This allows you to combine both wired and wireless connectivity.
Step 12: Adjust Your WiFi Settings for Optimal Performance
If needed, you can further tweak settings like the IP address configuration, DNS servers, firewall and more in the network settings menu. Adjust these to optimize WiFi connectivity and performance if you experience any issues.
Step 13: Configure Home Network Sharing Options
In network settings, enable sharing protocols like DLNA to allow connectivity and sharing between your LG TV and other devices like PCs on your local home network. This allows you to access media files from other TVs and computers in your house.
Step 14: Leverage WiFi Direct to Connect Wireless Speakers, Headphones and Other Accessories
Your WiFi connected LG TV may support WiFi Direct, allowing you to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remote controls and other accessories directly without a router required. Check your manual for compatible devices.
Step 15: Enjoy Your LG TV Now Connected to Your Home WiFi Network!
With all steps completed, your LG Smart TV should now be connected to your wireless network! You can now stream movies and shows, browse the web, enjoy apps and take advantage of everything internet connectivity has to offer to enhance your LG TV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecting an LG TV to Your Home WiFi Network
Here are detailed answers to some of the most common questions people have about getting their LG TV hooked up to their wireless network:
What is the simplest and easiest way to connect my LG TV to my home WiFi network?
The easiest method is to use the “Add Hidden Network” option to manually input your exact network name (SSID), security protocol, and password rather than hoping your network is detected in the list of available connections.
Why can’t my LG TV find or detect my home WiFi network when I search for available wireless networks?
If your LG TV can’t see your WiFi in the list, it is likely because your router has SSID broadcast disabled, making your network hidden. The TV can still connect to a hidden SSID using the “Add Hidden Network” option and entering details manually.
How can I confirm once my LG TV is successfully connected to my home WiFi network?
Go into the Network settings menu on your LG TV and verify it shows WiFi as “Connected” and is displaying the correct network name. Also load an internet app or website to confirm active web connectivity.
My LG TV keeps disconnecting from my home WiFi – how do I troubleshoot this?
Frequent disconnects are most commonly caused by distance from your wireless router being too far and/or interference from other devices. Try relocating the TV closer to your router and removing obstacles between the devices.
Is it possible to connect my LG TV to my home WiFi network if I don’t have the remote control handy?
Yes! You can download the LG TV Plus app on your smartphone and use it to configure your WiFi networks without needing the actual remote nearby.
What is the most secure and best WiFi encryption protocol to use when connecting my LG TV?
Your LG TV will be compatible with any common protocols like WEP, WPA, WPA2 or WPA3. For maximum security, use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption if available from your wireless router.
Conclusion
Following this detailed, step-by-step guide makes the process of connecting your LG Smart TV to your home WiFi network quick, easy and painless. With your LG TV now connected to the internet, you can enjoy seamless streaming, apps, web browsing and other great smart TV features.
While getting everything initially set up can take some time and troubleshooting, having your LG TV hooked up to your WiFi opens up many great capabilities. The benefits and added functionality are well worth the effort for an ultimate entertainment experience.
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