Lost your TV remote? Don’t worry, you can still connect your Smart TV to Wi-Fi in a few easy ways.
Modern TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, and TCL come with built-in wireless adapters and app support, allowing you to control and connect them without a physical remote.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to connect your Smart TV to Wi-Fi without using a remote, using simple tools like mobile apps, USB keyboards, and HDMI devices.
How to Connect Smart TV to Wi-Fi Without Remote
If you want to connect your smart TV to Wi-Fi without a remote, there are several methods available, which are outlined below. By following these steps, you can easily connect your smart TV to Wi-Fi.
1. Use a USB Keyboard or Mouse
Most Smart TVs have USB ports that allow you to plug in a wired or wireless keyboard/mouse.
Here’s How:
- Plug a USB keyboard or mouse into your TV’s USB port.
- Wait a few seconds — your TV should automatically detect it.
- Use the arrow keys or mouse pointer to open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and type your password using the keyboard.
- Hit Enter – your TV will connect instantly.
💡 Tip: If you have a wireless USB mouse (with a dongle), you can easily navigate your Smart TV’s on-screen menus.
2. Use Your Smartphone as a Remote (TV Manufacturer Apps)
Nearly every Smart TV brand offers a mobile remote control app for Android and iOS. If your TV was previously connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, this is the easiest method.
Popular Apps:
| Brand | App Name | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | SmartThings | Android / iOS |
| LG | LG ThinQ | Android / iOS |
| Sony | Video & TV SideView | Android |
| TCL / Roku TV | Roku App | Android / iOS |
| Hisense | RemoteNOW | Android / iOS |
| Mi / Redmi TV | Mi Remote | Android |
Steps:
- Install your TV’s companion app on your smartphone.
- Ensure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network (if already saved).
- The app will automatically detect your TV.
- Use the on-screen remote to open Network Settings and reconnect to Wi-Fi if needed.
💡 If your TV isn’t yet connected to Wi-Fi, skip ahead to the next method — you’ll need to connect it manually first.
3. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection (Temporary Solution)
If your Wi-Fi network isn’t accessible because your TV isn’t connected yet, use a wired Ethernet cable first.
Steps:
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your TV’s LAN port.
- Connect the other end to your Wi-Fi router.
- Your TV should connect automatically within seconds.
- Once connected, download the official remote app on your phone.
- Use the app to switch your TV from wired to wireless connection in Settings.
✅ Once Wi-Fi setup is complete, you can remove the Ethernet cable. Your TV will stay connected wirelessly.
4. Use a Streaming Device (Fire Stick, Chromecast, Roku)
If you have a Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Chromecast, you can use these devices to control your Smart TV and even connect it to Wi-Fi.
Method Using Amazon Fire Stick:
- Plug the Fire TV Stick into your TV’s HDMI port.
- Use the Fire TV App (available on Android/iOS) as a virtual remote.
- Connect your Fire TV Stick to Wi-Fi.
- Once the Fire TV Stick is online, go to TV Settings → Network → Wi-Fi through HDMI input.
- Use the Fire TV remote app to enter your Wi-Fi password for your Smart TV.
💡 This method works best for TVs that support HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), allowing external devices to send commands to your TV.
5. Connect via Mobile Hotspot (If You Know the Previous Network)
If your TV was previously connected to a known Wi-Fi network, you can mimic that same network using your phone’s hotspot.
Here’s How:
- On your phone, go to Settings → Hotspot → Configure Hotspot.
- Set the SSID (Wi-Fi name) and password to be identical to your old home Wi-Fi.
- Turn on the hotspot.
- Your Smart TV will automatically connect to this hotspot.
- Now use your TV’s mobile app remote to reconnect to your actual Wi-Fi network.
💡 This trick is incredibly helpful if your TV remembers only one Wi-Fi name and you’ve changed routers recently.
6. Use HDMI-CEC with Another Device
If your Smart TV supports HDMI-CEC, you can use a connected device like a PlayStation, Fire TV Stick, or DVD player to navigate basic TV settings.
Steps:
- Connect an HDMI-CEC-enabled device to your TV.
- Turn on both devices.
- Press the directional buttons on your console or stick remote.
- Navigate to TV Settings → Network → Wi-Fi and connect manually.
💡 On most TVs, HDMI-CEC needs to be enabled in the Settings → General → External Device Control menu.
7. Buy a Universal Remote (Last Resort Option)
If none of the above methods work, consider buying a universal remote control. They’re inexpensive and compatible with almost all major Smart TV brands.
Steps:
- Purchase a universal remote from Amazon, Flipkart, or a local store.
- Insert batteries and follow pairing instructions (usually entering a code).
- Once paired, use it to open Wi-Fi settings and connect your TV.
💡 A universal remote is handy long-term – you can use it for multiple devices, including soundbars and Blu-ray players.
Summary: Best Way to Connect Smart TV to Wi-Fi Without a Remote
| Method | Works Without Prior Wi-Fi | Ease |
| USB Keyboard/Mouse | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mobile App Remote | ❌ (Needs prior Wi-Fi) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ethernet Cable | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Streaming Device | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mobile Hotspot | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| HDMI-CEC | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Universal Remote | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If your Smart TV is brand new and has never connected to Wi-Fi, the USB keyboard/mouse or Ethernet cable methods are the fastest solutions.
Once connected, use your phone app for wireless control — it’s more convenient and reliable than traditional remotes.
FAQs: Connect Smart TV to Wi-Fi Without Remote
1. Can I connect my Smart TV to Wi-Fi without a remote?
Yes, you can. Use a USB keyboard/mouse, a mobile app remote, or a wired Ethernet connection to access Wi-Fi settings manually.
2. How can I control my TV if I lost the remote?
Download your TV manufacturer’s mobile app (like SmartThings or LG ThinQ). It functions as a virtual remote once both devices are connected to the same network.
3. Can I use a USB keyboard on my Smart TV?
Absolutely. Plug it into your TV’s USB port — you can use the arrow keys and Enter to navigate menus easily.
4. How do I connect to Wi-Fi if my TV has never been online before?
Use a wired Ethernet connection or USB mouse/keyboard to access the Wi-Fi setup screen manually.
5. Will a universal remote work with any Smart TV?
Most universal remotes work with major brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL. Check the compatibility list or codes provided in the manual.
6. Can I use my phone hotspot to trick my TV into connecting?
Yes! Rename your phone’s hotspot with the same Wi-Fi name and password as your old network. Your TV will connect automatically.
7. Is it possible to connect my Smart TV using Bluetooth?
Some TVs allow pairing with a Bluetooth keyboard or remote, but initial setup usually requires a USB or Ethernet connection first.
Conclusion
Losing your Smart TV remote isn’t the end of the world — with a few smart tricks, you can still connect your TV to Wi-Fi and regain full control.
Whether you use a USB keyboard, a mobile app, or even a simple Ethernet cable, all these methods are quick, safe, and effective.
Once your TV is online, install the official remote app immediately — it’ll save you from future headaches and make navigation easier.
Remember, technology should make life simpler, not stressful — and with these methods, you’ll be streaming your favourite shows again in just a few minutes!
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