Troubleshooting TV internet connection problems

But before that, let’s look at some tips for troubleshooting TV internet connection problems first. 

1. Unplug and replug all your devices:

   It is usually the first step of troubleshooting any electronic appliance issues. So, when you are unable to connect your smart TV to the internet, unplug all your devices like TV, router/modem from the power source for a few minutes. Replug the router/modem first and then wait for the lights to turn on to confirm that the connection has been established. Then connect the TV to the power source. 

2. See if your TV detects wifi network:

   Go to the network settings and see if your network is listed in the available networks. In case your network is not listed but many other networks are listed, it means that the wireless network card in your TV is working properly. Look for the name of your network that you have set, and if you didn’t give it any name it can show as the name of the network provider. Modems/ Routers usually have their name mentioned on the bottom of the device. 

3. Check if your wifi is visible to the devices:

   If you can’t find the name of your network anywhere in the list of available networks, go to the settings of your device and check if it is set to ‘visible for nearby devices’. Many times the wifi networks are marked hidden for security purposes but, it is usually not a default setting on the modems/routers. In case your wifi network is marked hidden, you can connect to it by manually adding the name of your network in the ‘add new network’ section. 
   Image credit: Pxfuel

4. Make sure that your wifi is compatible with your TV:

   The basic internet requirement varies in different TVs. The network required by a TV is mentioned in the user manual and it usually varies from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz. The TV that needs 2.4 GHz will not even show any other network in the list. Therefore, make sure that the network available in your home is compatible with your TV, otherwise, it won’t connect, and you won’t be able to enjoy your favorite shows.
5. Disconnect some of the devices connected to your wifi:

   When too many devices are connected to one wifi network, the signal becomes weak. Thus, you can fail to connect your TV to the network. Disconnect some or all the devices from the router/modem and then try to connect your TV. If you are able to connect your TV by following this tip, this means your router/modem is overloaded. To prevent the router/modem from overloading, you need to either upgrade it or connect fewer devices to it. 
   Image credit: Pixabay

6. Look out for things that cause network interference:

   There are some items or devices in your home that can also cause interference with your wifi connection. Some of these devices are other routers on the same frequency, baby monitors, cordless phones, and microwave ovens, etc. Other reasons behind the inability to connect with the network can be the failure to update the software, issues with authentication type on the router/modem, incorrect time zone and date set in the TV, and a USB device attached to your TV. 

7. Try the hotspot test:

   Do the mobile hotspot test. If your mobile phone has a hotspot functionality, try connecting your TV to that hotspot network. If it connects that means that your TV is fine and the real issue is with the network. In that case, you will have to contact your network provider or the router manufacturer for a service to solve the issue. 
   Image credit: Flickr

8. Request technician visit:

   If you have tried all the above tricks but still are unable to detect and connect your TV to the network, be it wifi or hotspot, you need to place a service request. When the TV doesn’t detect any network at all, the problem is with the TV itself and you need to get it resolved at the earliest.