No Connection? 5 Potential Reasons Why Your TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
You’re ready to kick back, popcorn in hand, and stream your favorite show—but your smart TV has other plans. The dreaded “No Internet Connection” message pops up on your screen, and you realize your TV cannot connect to Wi-Fi.
Here are some reasons why your smart TV might be dropping internet connection and how you can get back to seamless streaming again.
5 Reasons Why Your Smart TV is Not Connecting to the Internet
1. Your Device Needs a Firmware Update
“Firmware” is the software that enables electronic devices to perform their basic functions, like starting up and connecting to Wi-Fi. Just like your phone or laptop, your smart TV needs regular firmware updates to stay connected and function smoothly.
If you’ve been hitting “Remind Me Later” on update prompts for a while, your TV might be struggling to communicate with your Wi-Fi network. Different TV models have their own update schedules, so be sure to check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for update instructions.
2. Your Wi-Fi Signal is Too Weak
If your Wi-Fi router is tucked in a corner far from your TV, it might not be sending a strong enough signal. Walls, furniture, and even too many other electronic devices on your network can interfere with your connection, causing frustrating buffering interruptions if your TV gets any signal at all.
The solution might be as simple as moving your router closer to your smart TV for a stronger Wi-Fi signal. For an even better connection, you could use an ethernet cable to connect your TV directly to your network. But before you go rearranging routers and cables, check the network settings on your TV to assess signal strength and determine if the connection has been lost.
3. Your Wi-Fi Router is Having Connection Issues
Sometimes, connection problems don’t stem from your TV or router location, but from the network itself. A temporary loss of connection from your router or internet service provider can often be resolved by resetting the network or rebooting your router. It could be as simple as unplugging the router, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in to refresh the connection. If, however, you notice your internet works on your phone but not the TV, chances are the problem lies with your smart TV rather than your network quality.
4. Your Default Settings Need a Reset
Another way to reestablish your TV’s internet connection is to reset your settings. The simplest way to do this is to “forget” your home Wi-Fi, then reconnect again. Some smart TVs make this easier by giving you the option to reset your network at the press of a button when you open network settings. Just make sure you’ve saved your Wi-Fi name and password somewhere beforehand! You’ll likely have to manually re-enter your network information as your previous settings won’t be saved.
If all else fails, you may need to restore all of your TV’s default settings with a factory reset. A complete factory reset will clear out old data and potentially clear up any network conflicts preventing your TV from connecting to the Wi-Fi. The downside is that you will lose things like display preferences and auto-fill app logins, so be sure to backup any information or settings you want to keep first.
5. Your TV Might Be Too Old to Keep Up
Believe it or not, smart TVs have been around for over a decade now. What worked back then may not work now as Wi-Fi standards improve and streaming apps get more advanced. Even if the screen still looks great on an older TV model, its internal hardware might be showing signs of age by running slowly or dropping your internet connection frequently. Think about when you originally purchased your smart TV. It could be time for an upgrade.
Stay Connected with a Reliable Upgrade
If you still can’t figure out why your TV will not connect to the internet, you’ve got one final option: retire your TV and opt for something new. Thankfully, switching to a better TV experience is as easy as visiting your local Rent-A-Center.
At Rent-A-Center, you can rent-to-own top brands like LG and Samsung, with flexible rental payment options. You’ll get a new smart TV with a reliable internet connection, crisp picture quality, and uninterrupted access to all your favorite streaming options. It’s your no-commitment ticket to finally kicking back and relaxing with a smart TV you can count on.
Make the Smart Choice with a Smart TV from Rent-A-Center
Struggling with your TV’s internet connection? It might be time for an upgrade! Explore using the rent-to-own option for new smart TVs, and enjoy seamless streaming with free delivery straight to your door!