Smart TVs need a stable internet connection to stream apps, receive software updates, and use connected features. If your TCL TV cannot connect to your home network or the internet, you may see messages such as “Unable to connect to wireless network,” “Not connected to the internet,” “No internet connection,” or “Connected, no internet.”
Follow the steps below to help reconnect your TV.
Note: Directions and menu options may vary depending on the TCL TV model, remote, and software version.
1. Confirm Your Home Internet Is Working
Before troubleshooting the TV, make sure your internet service is working.
- Check another device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop.
- Make sure that device can connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open a website or streaming app on that device.
- If other devices also cannot connect, restart your modem and router or contact your internet service provider.
If other devices are working normally, continue troubleshooting the TV.
2. Confirm the Correct Wi-Fi Network
Make sure the TV is trying to connect to the correct network.
- Open the TV’s network settings.
- Select your home Wi-Fi network.
- Re-enter the Wi-Fi password carefully.
- Check for uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Make sure you are not accidentally connecting to a guest network, hotspot, or neighbor’s network.
If your Wi-Fi network name does not appear, move to the next steps.
3. Restart the TV
Restarting the TV can clear temporary connection issues.
- Turn the TV off.
- Unplug the TV from the power outlet.
- Leave it unplugged for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the TV back in.
- Turn the TV on.
- Try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
4. Restart the Modem and Router
Restarting your home network can often resolve connection problems.
- Unplug the modem and router from power.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first.
- Wait for the modem lights to return to normal.
- Plug the router back in.
- Wait for the router lights to return to normal.
- Try connecting the TV again.
If you have a modem/router combination unit, unplug it for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
5. Check the Wi-Fi Signal Strength
A weak signal can prevent the TV from connecting or cause streaming issues.
- Make sure the TV is within a reasonable distance of the router.
- Remove large objects between the TV and router when possible.
- Avoid placing the router near metal objects, microwaves, cordless phones, or other devices that may cause interference.
- Move the router higher or closer to the TV if possible.
- Try connecting again.
If the TV connects when closer to the router, the original location may have a weak signal.
6. Check the Wi-Fi Password
An incorrect password is one of the most common causes of failed Wi-Fi connection.
- Re-enter the password slowly.
- Confirm the password using another device, if needed.
- Make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the password.
- Check whether the password was recently changed.
- If your router uses a QR code or app to display the password, confirm the password shown there.
7. Check Date, Time, and Time Zone
Incorrect date, time, or time zone settings can sometimes affect smart TV internet services.
- Open the TV’s settings.
- Locate the date, time, or time zone settings.
- Confirm the correct time zone is selected.
- If available, set the TV to use automatic date and time.
- Try connecting to the internet again.
8. Try a Wired Ethernet Connection
If your TV has an Ethernet/LAN port, try a wired connection.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the TV.
- Open the TV’s network settings.
- Select Wired or Ethernet, if prompted.
- Check whether the TV connects to the internet.
If the TV connects with Ethernet but not Wi-Fi, the issue may be related to Wi-Fi signal strength, router settings, or wireless interference.
Roku TV Network Troubleshooting
Use these steps if you have a TCL Roku TV.
Check Network Connection
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select Check connection.
- Follow any on-screen prompts.
The TV will check both the wireless connection and internet connection.
Set Up a Wi-Fi Connection
- Press Home.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select Set up connection.
- Select Wireless.
- Choose your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Select Connect.
Restart the Roku TV
- Press Home.
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Power.
- Select System restart.
- Select Restart.
If your TV does not show a Power menu, go to:
Settings > System > System restart
Restart the Network Connection
- Press Home.
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Advanced system settings.
- Select Network connection reset.
- Select Reset connection.
- After the TV restarts, reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Check for Roku Software Updates
If the TV is connected by Ethernet or temporarily connects to Wi-Fi:
- Press Home.
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Software update.
- Select Check now.
- Install any available update.
Google TV Network Troubleshooting
Use these steps if you have a TCL Google TV.
Connect to Wi-Fi
- From the Google TV home screen, go to Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Select Connect.
Forget and Reconnect to the Network
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Select Forget network, if available.
- Restart the TV.
- Return to Network & Internet.
- Select your Wi-Fi network again.
- Re-enter the password.
Restart the Google TV
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Restart.
- Confirm the restart.
You can also unplug the TV from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
Check Date and Time Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Date & Time.
- Turn on automatic date and time, if available.
- Confirm the correct time zone.
Check for Google TV Software Updates
If the TV is connected by Ethernet or temporarily connects to Wi-Fi:
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select About.
- Select System update.
- Install any available update.
Fire TV Network Troubleshooting
Use these steps if you have a TCL Fire TV.
Connect to Wi-Fi
- From the Fire TV home screen, go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Select Connect.
Forget and Reconnect to the Network
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Highlight your Wi-Fi network.
- Press the Menu button on the remote.
- Select Forget This Network, if available.
- Restart the TV.
- Return to Settings > Network.
- Select your Wi-Fi network again.
- Re-enter the password.
Restart the Fire TV
- Go to Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Select Restart.
- Confirm the restart.
You can also unplug the TV from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
Check Date and Time Settings
- Go to Settings.
- Select Preferences.
- Select Time Zone or Date & Time, if available.
- Confirm the correct time zone.
Check for Fire TV Software Updates
If the TV is connected by Ethernet or temporarily connects to Wi-Fi:
- Go to Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Select About.
- Select Check for Updates or Install Update.
- Install any available update.
9. Check Router Settings
Some router settings may prevent the TV from connecting.
Check the following:
- Make sure the Wi-Fi network is not hidden.
- Make sure the router is not blocking the TV.
- Make sure MAC address filtering is turned off or the TV is allowed.
- Make sure parental controls are not blocking the TV.
- Make sure the router firmware is up to date.
- Make sure the router supports the Wi-Fi band your TV is trying to use.
Some TVs may connect better to a 2.4 GHz network, while others may also support 5 GHz. If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, try connecting to the other network.
10. Try a Mobile Hotspot
A mobile hotspot can help determine whether the issue is with the TV or the home network.
- Turn on a mobile hotspot from a phone.
- Open the TV’s network settings.
- Select the hotspot network.
- Enter the hotspot password.
- Try connecting.
If the TV connects to the hotspot, the issue may be related to the home router, Wi-Fi signal, or internet service provider.
11. Perform a Factory Reset
If the TV still cannot connect after completing the steps above, a factory reset may help resolve a software-related issue.
Before resetting, please note:
- Apps and settings will be removed.
- You may need to sign back into your accounts.
- Wi-Fi and customized settings will need to be set up again.
Use the reset option for your TV type:
Roku TV:
Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Factory reset
Google TV:
Settings > System > About > Reset > Factory reset
Fire TV:
Settings > My Fire TV > Reset to Factory Defaults
Helpful Tips
- Restart the TV, modem, and router.
- Make sure the correct Wi-Fi network is selected.
- Re-enter the Wi-Fi password carefully.
- Confirm the TV has a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Check the TV’s date, time, and time zone settings.
- Try Ethernet, if available.
- Try a mobile hotspot to help isolate the issue.
- Keep the TV software updated.
Reminder: Directions and menu options may vary depending on the TCL TV model, remote, and software version.