LG is a global smart TV powerhouse, best known for their OLED TVs, easy-to-use webOS, and distinctive wide-angle views.
However, like any tech product, LG TVs can face occasional issues. Among those frequently reported is the problem of LG TVs not connecting to Wi-Fi.
Obviously, you can’t get the most out of your smart TV without internet access, but don’t worry, this issue is fixable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most likely causes and the methods to address them.
How to turn on Wi-Fi on an LG TV
Connect your LG TV to Wi-Fi by following these steps:
- Tap your LG TV remote’s Settings button (gear icon).
- Navigate to Network, then Wi-Fi Connection.
- Switch the Wi-Fi Connection toggle on, then select your wireless network.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password, then press Connect.
Now, your LG TV should be able to surf the web.
If it’s still not connecting to Wi-Fi, several potential issues might be causing that.
Why is my LG TV not connecting to Wi-Fi? The 10 most common causes and fixes.
Often, the culprits behind your LG TV not connecting to Wi-Fi are software glitches, the LG Services Country issue, or damaged Wi-Fi cables.
But there are other potential problems too, like router complications, Quick Start or Simplink feature bugs, Wi-Fi interference, outdated software, MAC address errors, or hardware issues.
Problem 1: Software bugs
When you shut down your LG TV, it doesn’t actually reboot; it just enters standby mode for quick start-up next time.
However, this very convenience might lead to complications over time. Constant standby mode can result in software glitches accumulating if your LG TV hasn’t truly rebooted in awhile.
These software glitches can lead to various hiccups, including your TV not powering on, troubles with internet connectivity, or Wi-Fi errors.
How to fix: Do a soft or hard reset
To get your LG TV hooked up to Wi-Fi, a soft or hard reset might do the trick.
Soft reset: Unplug your TV from the power source. Hold down your TV’s power button for a good 30 seconds. Plug it back in afterwards and give Wi-Fi connection another go.
Hard reset: Push the Smart button on your remote. Make your way to Settings, then General. Select Reset to Initial Settings. Your LG TV will then take a moment to refresh and restart itself.
In some circles, a soft reset might be referred to as a power cycle. It helps discharge any remaining power from your TV. Additionally, it provides a fresh start to your TV’s main board, sweeping away any persistent bugs or glitches.
Meanwhile, a hard reset, often known as a factory reset, takes your TV back to its out-of-the-box state. It erases all your previous tweaks and sweeps any personal data.
Problem 2: LG Services Country glitch
A number of users have faced Wi-Fi issues due to a peculiar glitch tied to the LG Services Country setting.
A key symptom to watch for is your TV endlessly scanning for a wireless network. It seems stuck in some kind of loop, and frankly, it’s as if the software is a little lost.
Seems like when your LG Services Country is set to Set Automatically, the TV’s software may run into trouble pinpointing a location.
Consequently, this can cause a hiccup when trying to latch onto a wireless network connection.
How to fix: Update your LG Services Country manually
To sort out this issue, you can manually update your LG Services Country.
- Press the Settings button (the gear icon) on your remote.
- Go to General, then Location.
- Select LG Services Country.
- Uncheck Set Automatically, then select a different country (not yours).
- Select Yes, and wait for your TV to restart.
- After the restart, go back to Settings > General > Location > LG Services Country.
- This time, choose your country from the list.
- Select Yes, and your TV will restart again.
- After the second restart, go back again to Settings > General > Location > LG Services Country.
- Reselect Set Automatically.
Your TV will then prompt you to connect to a wireless network. Simply reconnect and key in your password. Your internet should be all set!
Problem 3: Bent or crimped Wi-Fi cables
Are you getting a message saying ‘Wi-Fi is turned off. Turn it on to see the list of available networks…‘ with no option to actually turn the Wi-Fi on? It can be maddening, right?
The troublemaker here might be bent or crimped Wi-Fi cables inside your LG TV.
Some LG TVs (typically older versions) have this design flaw. Their Wi-Fi cables are flat and somehow end up bent or crimped, resulting in the Wi-Fi being turned off.
How to fix: Open your LG TV and straighten the cables
A word of caution before you dive in: opening or taking apart your LG TV might void its warranty. Only move forward with this if your TV isn’t covered by its warranty and if you’re okay with handling the fix yourself.
To inspect and straighten your TV’s internal Wi-Fi cables:
- Carefully position your TV facedown on a flat surface (you don’t want a scratched or broken TV screen).
- Unfasten the screws at the back of your LG TV and remove the backplate.
- Check the flat wires connected to the Wi-Fi module at the bottom of your TV.
- Carefully straighten any bent or crimped cables, being sure not to yank anything.
- Make certain there are no cables that could get pinched by the back cover.
- Re-attach your TV’s back cover and see if it can now connect to Wi-Fi.
For visual help, you may want to watch this informative video on how to carry out the process:
Problem 4: Spotty Wi-Fi signal
If you find your Wi-Fi signal choppy and the connection sporadically dropping, the distance between your router and your LG TV might be the culprit.
Much like other radio waves, Wi-Fi signals tend to weaken as they drift farther from the source. Physical barriers, such as concrete walls, and various metal objects can further dampen the Wi-Fi signal.
Your LG TV may struggle to maintain a steady Wi-Fi connection if the signal has to navigate through a maze of dense walls and cluttered spaces.
How to fix: Move your router closer
A healthy Wi-Fi signal strength is crucial for a robust connection for your LG TV.
So, if your router is remotely situated, think about relocating it closer to your TV. Even if it can’t be in the same room, placing it centrally in your home can also work.
Elevating the router can also boost signal dispersion, ensuring better coverage.
If moving the router isn’t an option, consider investing in a Wi-Fi repeater or a signal booster.
Problem 5: Wi-Fi interference
Yet another reason your LG TV might be struggling with Wi-Fi connectivity is due to signal interference.
Wi-Fi interference occurs when signals from other gadgets or electronic devices scramble the signals from your Wi-Fi network. This typically happens when these signals share the same frequency range.
Common culprits causing interference in most households include microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless phones, and even USB devices plugged into the TV.
Just for fun, I remember a buddy of mine who had Wi-Fi issues whenever their microwave was running because the router was in the kitchen!
How to fix: Remove interfering devices
If feasible, check for and remove any potential interfering items.
Try not to place electronic devices like microwaves or cordless phones too close to your router or LG TV.
Check the back of your LG TV for any plugged-in USBs. Unplug them before attempting to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Problem 6: Quick Start feature bug
Not every LG TV comes with a Quick Start feature, but for those that do, it could be the reason behind your Wi-Fi woes.
The Quick Start feature puts your TV into a low-energy standby mode when you switch it off. As the name suggests, this feature allows your TV to power back up swiftly when you’re ready to watch again.
However, as I mentioned earlier, having your TV constantly on standby can lead to a pile-up of software bugs. Your TV needs a proper reboot every now and then to clear out these bugs and glitches.
How to fix: Disable Quick Start
If your LG TV is struggling to connect to Wi-Fi, it might be worth turning off your TV’s Quick Start feature.
- Press the Settings button (gear icon) on your LG remote.
- Navigate to All Settings, then General.
- Scroll down to Quick Start, then switch the toggle off.
After turning off Quick Start, it’s a good idea to perform a power cycle or soft reset on your LG TV.
- Unplug your LG TV from the power outlet.
- Press and hold your TV’s power button for 30 seconds.
- Plug your TV back in and turn it on.
Once it’s back on, check if your LG TV can now connect to Wi-Fi.
Problem 7: Simplink feature bug
Simplink is a nifty LG TV feature that allows you to control basic features of your connected external devices using your TV remote.
For instance, if you’re using a Blu-Ray player, you can use your LG remote to play, pause, and perform other basic functions.
This handy feature lets you juggle multiple external devices with just a single remote. No more swapping remotes for each device!
However, sometimes the Simplink feature encounters a bug that prevents your LG TV from establishing a Wi-Fi connection.
How to fix: Turn off Simplink
Try disabling the Simplink feature to see if it’s the reason your LG TV isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi.
For older LG smart TV models:
- Press your remote’s Home button.
- Go to All Settings, then General.
- Scroll down to Simplink (HDMI-CEC).
- Switch the toggle off.
For newer LG smart TV models:
- Press your remote’s Settings button (gear icon).
- Go to All Settings, then Connection.
- Proceed to Device Connection Settings.
- Switch the Simplink (HDMI-CEC) toggle off.
Once you’ve turned it off, try connecting your LG TV to Wi-Fi again.
Problem 8: Outdated firmware
One potential reason your LG TV is having trouble getting online could be outdated firmware.
LG periodically releases firmware updates for its line of smart TVs. These updates serve to enhance performance, squish bugs, and introduce new features.
Usually, these firmware updates are automatic, requiring no effort from you. However, there might be times when an update fails to install, and you’ll need to handle it manually.
How to fix: Manually update your LG TV firmware
Since your LG TV is struggling to connect to Wi-Fi, you’ll need to use a separate computer and a USB stick to update its firmware.
Head over to LG Software, Firmware & Driver support page on your computer’s browser. Find your TV’s model by typing in the model number or selecting it from the list.
Pop your USB into your computer and create a folder named LG_DTV on it.
Next, download the most recent firmware version for your specific LG TV model. It’ll be a zip file. Once it’s downloaded, right-click the zip file, choose Extract All, and move the extracted files into the LG_DTV folder.
After the extraction process completes, unplug your USB from your computer and plug it into your LG TV’s USB port. A notification that says ‘USB UPDATE READY’ will show up. Click Install and follow the on-screen instructions on your TV.
Once the installation finishes, power off your LG TV for about 10 seconds. Then, turn it back on and see if it can now hook up to Wi-Fi.
Problem 9: Connected to the network but no internet
Every now and then, your LG TV might connect to the wireless network successfully, but still not have internet access.
The first step in troubleshooting this is to check your other devices.
If your other devices also can’t access the internet, it could either be an internet outage in your area or an issue with your router.
How to fix: Contact your ISP
If none of your devices, including your LG TV, can connect to the internet, it’s time to call your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
In case of an ISP outage, all you can really do is wait it out. ISP outages aren’t common nowadays, and they are usually resolved quickly.
If possible, check your ISP’s social media pages. They will likely post updates about the outage, including an estimated time for restoration.
If your router seems to be the problem, get in touch with your ISP and follow their guidance. They may walk you through some basic troubleshooting steps.
Problem 10: Hardware issue
If none of the above remedies work, you could be dealing with a hardware problem. There’s a chance that your LG TV’s Wi-Fi module might be malfunctioning.
The Wi-Fi module in an LG TV is nestled in between the speakers at the bottom of the TV. Typical issues with an LG Wi-Fi module can range from poor flex cable connections to a damaged Wi-Fi module itself.
In some scenarios, all that’s needed is a reinstallation of the flex cables. Other times, it may require replacing the Wi-Fi module.
How to fix: Contact LG TV support
If you suspect your TV’s Wi-Fi module might be the root of the trouble, it’s time to get in touch with LG support.
If your LG TV is still within the warranty period and the Wi-Fi issue turns out to be a manufacturing defect, they may handle its repair or replacement for you.
To be sure, it’s a good idea to review your TV warranty or directly ask LG support about it.
What are my other options to connect my LG TV to the internet?
1. Connect with an ethernet cable
If Wi-Fi connectivity remains a challenge, you can always fall back on a wired connection.
Use an Ethernet cable to link your LG TV directly to your router. Generally, a wired Ethernet connection outpaces Wi-Fi. Plus, it provides a more secure and reliable internet connection.
Honestly, there aren’t many downsides to using a wired internet connection. A TV isn’t a portable device like a smartphone. It holds its ground in one spot, making a hard-wired connection quite feasible.
2. Buy a streaming device
You can bypass the need for Wi-Fi on your LG TV by using a streaming device or a streaming stick.
The market offers a range of streaming sticks, with Roku, Chromecast, Fire Stick, and Apple TV being some of the most popular choices.
Do some research, read reviews, ask around, and find the one that’s just right for you.
3. Use gaming consoles
If you own gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, you’re in luck!
Gaming consoles allow access to streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video, all without needing your LG TV to be connected to Wi-Fi.
Simply hook up your gaming console to your LG TV and you can enjoy digital streaming content alongside your video gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Activating Wi-Fi on an LG TV is a breeze.
Press the Settings button (the gear icon) on your LG TV remote, then navigate to Network > Wi-Fi Connection. Enable the Wi-Fi Connection, select your wireless network, input your password, then hit Connect.
If your LG TV is struggling to connect to Wi-Fi, don’t fret. There are multiple tested solutions you can try:
- Perform a soft or hard reset.
- Update your LG Services Country manually.
- Check if your Wi-Fi cables are crimped or bent.
- Move your router closer to your TV.
- Remove devices or electronics that cause Wi-Fi interference.
- Disable Quick Start and Simplink.
- Update your LG TV’s firmware manually.
If none of your devices can access Wi-Fi, it’s time to contact your ISP.
Finally, if you suspect a hardware issue with your LG TV, get in touch with LG support. In the US, you can call them at 850-999-4934 or 800-243-0000, any day of the week, from 8 AM to 9 PM (EST).