Set up your internet & TV network using wireless connection
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
If you have recently moved or got a new home or apartment, one of the first things you'll need to do is set up your Internet and TV. This can be done in many ways, but using a wireless connection is the most common and convenient way.
Not sure what to do? No worries! HomeLinkd is here to help. Connecting your TV to the internet is easier than it sounds with our step-by-step guide. Once you're connected to the wi-fi network, you'll be able to stream your favorite shows and movies on Netflix.
Read on to enhance your streaming experience.
Let's set up your internet connection
If you haven't done so already, the first step is to set up your Internet connection. Many people choose to use a wireless connection because it's more convenient and can be used with multiple devices.
To get started, you will need the following:
A modem
A router
An Ethernet cable (optional)
Follow these steps to connect to the internet:
Connect the modem to the power outlet and wait for it to power.
Connect the router to the modem using an Ethernet cable.
Wait for the lights on the router to stop blinking. This means that the connection is successful.
Open your computer or laptop and find the Wi-Fi icon. Click on it and select your Wi-Fi network name from the list of available networks.
Enter your password when prompted and click "Connect." If your default password is "admin", be sure to set your password to a new one and change your SSID, or wireless network name, to something you're familiar with and will be able to remember.
Sometimes, you'll need to configure your connection. In order to do this, you will need to type your modem's IP address into your URL bar, which you can find on the back of the modem, to access your modem's administration panel. Thereafter follow the prompts.
That's it! You are now connected to the internet.
Now that you have a working internet connection, let's move on to the next step.
How to connect your smart TV to your wireless network
Smart TVs, which can be Android or iOS enabled, are becoming more and more popular as they offer a wide range of features and apps that traditional TVs simply don't have. In order to take full advantage of your smart TV's capabilities, you will need to connect it to your home's wireless network.
Follow these steps to connect your TV to the internet:
On your remote control, find the "Menu" button and click it.
Scroll down to "Network" and click on it.
Select "Wireless."
A list of available networks will appear. Choose your network and enter the password when prompted to connect to your wireless network.
That's it! Your TV is now connected to the internet. Use the browser function to search the internet to ensure your connection is working.
You can now begin exploring all the features and apps that your smart TV has to offer.
Important: This is the standard setup procedure. This can differ based on the type of wired or wireless LAN router you're using.
Five ways to connect your TV to Wi-Fi
Not everyone has a smart TV. In fact, many people still have regular TVs that don't offer any of the features or apps that smart TVs do. But that doesn't mean you can't connect your TV to the internet.
There are a few different ways to connect your TV to the internet for movie night, and we've listed them below:
1. Use an HDMI cable to connect your TV to a laptop or computer
This is probably the easiest way to connect your TV to the internet, as most laptops and computers already have an HDMI port. Simply connect one end of the HDMI cable to your TV and the other end to your laptop or computer.
Note: You may be required to purchase a USB C-to-HDMI or USB micro-to-HDMI cable, depending on the connection port that is on your device.
2. Connect your TV to the internet using an Ethernet port and cable
This is a bit more complicated, as you will need to connect your TV to a router using an Ethernet cable. If your router is in a different room, you may need to use a powerline adapter to extend your internet connection.
3. Use a media streaming device, such as a Roku or Apple TV, to connect your TV to the internet
This is one of the easiest ways to connect your TV to the internet, as all you need to do is plug the media streaming device into your TV and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Connect your Blu-ray player or gaming console
If you have a Blu-ray player or game console, like your PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, that offers internet connectivity, you can simply connect it to your Wi-Fi network and start streaming.
5. Use a wireless display adapter
A wireless display adapter is a device that allows you to connect your TV to the internet without any cables. Simply connect the adapter to your TV and follow the instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Whichever method you choose, you'll be able to enjoy all your favorite streaming content in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best router to purchase for your home?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the size of your home and the number of devices that you need to connect to the internet.
Any basic router will do if you have a small home and only need to connect a few devices. However, if you have a larger home or need to connect more than a few devices, you may want to consider purchasing a mesh router.
Mesh routers are becoming increasingly popular as they offer better coverage than traditional routers. If you have a large home or live in an area with spotty Wi-Fi coverage, a mesh router may be your best option.
How can you get the most out of your internet connection?
There are a few things you can do to get the most out of your internet connection:
1. Connect your devices to the 5GHz network. Most routers have two wireless networks — a 2.4GHz network and a 5GHz network. The 5GHz network is typically faster and has less interference than the 2.4GHz network, so you should connect your devices to it whenever possible.
2. Place your router in a central location. If your router is placed in the corner of your home, you may not be getting optimal coverage. Place your router in a central location, such as on a table or shelf, to ensure that all areas of your home have strong Wi-Fi coverage.
3. Avoid using your Wi-Fi network for tasks that require a lot of bandwidth. If you need to download a large file or stream video in 4K, it's best to do so over a wired connection. Using a wired connection will free up bandwidth on your Wi-Fi network, which will make it faster for other devices to connect to the internet.
By following these tips, you can ensure you're getting the most out of your internet connection.
Where should you put your router to get the most out of your internet connection?
For the best possible Wi-Fi coverage, you should place your router in a central location. This will ensure that all areas of your home have strong Wi-Fi coverage.
If you have a large home or live in an area with spotty Wi-Fi coverage, you may want to consider purchasing a mesh router. Mesh routers are becoming increasingly popular as they offer better coverage than traditional routers.
No matter which router you choose, placing it in a central location will help you get the most out of your internet connection.
What are the benefits of using a wireless router?
Wireless routers offer a number of benefits over wired routers. First, they're much easier to set up — all you need to do is plug the router into an electrical outlet and connect it to your modem.
Second, wireless routers allow you to connect devices to the internet without any cables. This is particularly convenient for devices that can't be physically connected to a router permanently, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Finally, wireless routers offer more flexibility than wired routers. If you need to move your router to a different location, you can simply unplug it and plug it back in at your new location. With a wired router, you would need to physically reroute the cables, which can be a daunting task. You can also use wireless access points across your home to strengthen the connection provided by your wi-fi router.
For these reasons, wireless routers are becoming increasingly popular. If you're in the market for a new router, you should strongly consider purchasing a wireless model.
In Closing
Now you have an in-depth guide on how to set up your TV (smart or not) to be able to connect to the internet - you'll be using your TV to binge the best shows and movies on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in no time!
Make sure you choose the right internet service provider (ISP) to enhance your streaming experience. With HomeLinkd, you'll have access to the best providers and the best deals at the most affordable rates.
Browse our list of internet providers to find the perfect deal for you.
Written by:
Matthew Harrington
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
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