What to Do When Your Smart TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

You’re ready to stream your favorite show, but your smart TV refuses to connect to Wi-Fi. Frustrating? Absolutely. But before you start unplugging things or calling tech support, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue yourself. 

In this Tuesday Tip, we’ll walk through the most common reasons smart TVs lose their internet connection—and how to get yours back online quickly. 

Start with the Basics

Before diving into advanced settings, check the obvious: 

• Is your Wi-Fi working on other devices? 

Try connecting with your phone or laptop. If they’re offline too, the issue may be with your internet service or router. 

• Is your TV too far from the router? 

Wi-Fi signals weaken with distance and obstacles like walls or furniture. If your TV is far from the router, consider moving it closer or using a Wi-Fi extender. 

• Have you restarted your TV and router? 

A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches. Unplug both devices for 30 seconds, then power them back on. 

Check Your Network Settings

If your Wi-Fi is working elsewhere but your TV still won’t connect, dig into the settings: 

• Verify the network name and password 

Make sure you’re selecting the correct SSID and entering the right password. Typos are more common than you think. 

• Forget and reconnect 

On your TV, go to the network settings and “forget” the current Wi-Fi network. Then reconnect from scratch. 

• Check for MAC address filtering 

Some routers block devices unless their MAC address is whitelisted. You can find your TV’s MAC address in its network settings and add it to your router’s allowed list. 

Update Your TV’s Software

Smart TVs rely on firmware to manage network connections. If your TV hasn’t been updated in a while, it might struggle to connect. 

• Check for updates in your TV’s settings menu. 

• If you can’t connect to Wi-Fi to update, try using a USB drive with the update file downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. 

Consider Wired Alternatives 

If Wi-Fi continues to be unreliable, consider using a wired Ethernet connection. Many smart TVs have an Ethernet port, and a direct connection can offer faster speeds and fewer interruptions—especially for streaming high-definition content. 

If running a cable isn’t practical, powerline adapters can transmit internet through your home’s electrical wiring, offering a stable connection without the need for long cables. 

When to Call for Help

If you’ve tried all the above and your TV still won’t connect, it might be time to: 

• Contact your internet service provider to check for outages or router issues 

• Reach out to the TV manufacturer’s support team for device-specific troubleshooting 

• Or, get in touch with a local tech expert who can diagnose and resolve the issue in person

Stay Connected with Confidence

A smart TV that won’t connect to Wi-Fi can disrupt your evening plans, but most issues are fixable with a few simple steps. Whether it’s a settings tweak or a hardware upgrade, you don’t have to settle for spotty streaming. 

Give us a call, or fill out the contact form to the right, for a personalized consultation to secure your family's digital life—starting with a smarter, more reliable home network.