If you’re trying to connect your Samsung Smart TV to WiFi and wondering whether you need a separate wireless adapter, here’s the short answer: you probably don’t. Samsung has included built-in WiFi in virtually every Smart TV it has shipped since 2015. That external Samsung wireless LAN adapter was only required for certain models made between 2010 and 2014.
So unless you’re working with a TV that’s more than a decade old, connecting to WiFi is already built into the hardware. All you need is your network name and password.
Does My Samsung Smart TV Have Built-in WiFi
Any Samsung Smart TV running the Tizen operating system (2015 and later) has a WiFi module built directly into the TV. This covers every Samsung 4K, 8K, QLED, Neo QLED, The Frame, and Crystal UHD model sold in the last ten years.
Older Samsung Smart TVs from the 2010-2014 era are a different story. Some of those models had built-in WiFi, but several required Samsung’s external wireless LAN adapter (model WIS12ABGNX or WIS09ABGN) to connect wirelessly. Samsung discontinued those adapters years ago, so finding one today means buying used.
| Samsung TV Era | Built-in WiFi | Adapter Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2026 (Tizen/Eden OS) | Yes – all models | No |
| 2015-2018 (Tizen OS) | Yes – all models | No |
| 2012-2014 (Smart Hub) | Some models | Some models (check specs) |
| 2010-2011 (Smart Hub) | Few models | Most models |
To check your specific model, look at the sticker on the back of the TV for the model number. Search that number on Samsung’s support site and check the spec sheet under “Connectivity” or “Wireless.” If it lists “Built-in” next to WiFi, you’re good to go.
How to Connect Samsung Smart TV to WiFi Step by Step
This process works on all Samsung Smart TVs with built-in WiFi (2015 and newer). The menu layout may look slightly different depending on your TV’s year, but the path is the same.
- Press the Home button on your Samsung remote.
- Go to Settings (the gear icon).
- Select General, then Network.
- Choose Open Network Settings.
- Select Wireless.
- Your TV scans for available networks. Pick your WiFi network from the list.
- Enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard.
- Select Done, then wait for the connection confirmation.
Once connected, you’ll see a confirmation message on screen. The TV stores the network credentials, so it reconnects automatically every time you turn it on.
How to Connect Samsung TV to WiFi on Newer 2022-2026 Models
Samsung updated the settings menu on its newer TVs. If your TV runs Tizen 7.0 or later (2022 models and newer), the path is slightly different.
- Press Home on the remote.
- Go to Settings and then All Settings.
- Select Connection.
- Choose Network, then Open Network Settings.
- Select Wireless and pick your network.
- Enter the password and select Done.
The main difference is that “General” was renamed to “Connection” on these newer models. Everything else works the same way.
Alternative Ways to Connect Samsung TV to Internet Without WiFi Adapter
WiFi isn’t the only option. If your wireless connection is unstable or your router is in the same room as the TV, these alternatives might actually work better.
Ethernet Cable (Wired Connection)
Plug an Ethernet cable directly from your router into the LAN port on the back of your Samsung TV. The TV detects the wired connection automatically – no setup required. Wired connections are faster and more reliable than WiFi, especially for 4K streaming.
Mobile Hotspot
You can share your phone’s cellular data with your TV. Turn on the mobile hotspot feature on your phone (Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot on most Android phones, or Settings > Personal Hotspot on iPhone). Then follow the standard WiFi connection steps on your TV and select your phone’s hotspot name. Keep in mind that streaming eats through cellular data quickly – one hour of 4K content uses roughly 7 GB.
WiFi Direct
WiFi Direct lets your phone connect to the TV without a router. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > Network > WiFi Direct. Your phone appears in the list of available devices. Select it to connect. This is mainly useful for screen mirroring and sharing content from your phone, not for streaming apps on the TV itself since the TV won’t have internet access through WiFi Direct.
What Is the Samsung Wireless LAN Adapter
The Samsung wireless LAN adapter was an external USB dongle that added WiFi capability to older Samsung TVs that didn’t have it built in. Samsung sold two models: the WIS09ABGN and the WIS12ABGNX. Both plugged into a USB port on the TV and provided wireless connectivity.
Samsung stopped manufacturing these adapters after 2014. If you have an older TV that requires one, your options are limited to buying a used adapter or using a wired Ethernet connection instead. A cheaper workaround is connecting a streaming device like a Roku, Fire TV Stick, or Chromecast to the TV’s HDMI port – these have their own built-in WiFi and give you smart TV features regardless of the TV’s age.
Samsung TV Can’t Find WiFi Network
If your TV doesn’t show your WiFi network in the list, start with the basics. Make sure your router is powered on and other devices can see the network. Move the router closer to the TV if possible, or at least make sure there aren’t thick walls or large metal objects between them.
Some Samsung TVs have trouble detecting 5GHz networks, especially older models. Try connecting to the 2.4GHz band instead. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same network name, log into your router settings and temporarily separate them so you can see each band individually.
Also try resetting the TV’s network settings: go to Settings > General > Network > Reset Network. This clears all stored WiFi data and lets you start fresh.
Samsung TV Connected to WiFi but No Internet
Your TV shows “Connected” but apps won’t load and nothing streams. This usually points to a DNS or IP address issue rather than a WiFi problem.
- Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Restart your Samsung TV (unplug it from the wall for 60 seconds, not just the remote power button).
- Check if other devices on the same network have internet. If they don’t, the issue is your ISP or router, not the TV.
- Try setting the DNS manually on your TV: go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status > IP Settings. Change DNS to manual and enter 8.8.8.8 (Google’s public DNS).
If none of that works, check for a firmware update. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. Outdated firmware occasionally causes network connectivity problems.
Why Does My Samsung TV Keep Disconnecting from WiFi
Frequent WiFi drops on a Samsung TV are frustrating, but they’re almost always fixable. Here are the most common causes.
Weak signal strength. If the TV is far from the router or separated by multiple walls, the connection will be inconsistent. Move the router closer or add a WiFi extender to boost the signal in that room.
IP address conflict. Two devices on your network might be trying to use the same IP address. Restart the router to reassign IP addresses, or assign a static IP to the TV in your router’s admin panel.
Power saving mode. Some Samsung TVs have a power saving feature that turns off the WiFi module when the TV enters standby. Go to Settings > General > Power and Energy Saving and disable any options that cut network access during standby.
Outdated firmware. Samsung releases firmware updates that fix known WiFi bugs. Check Settings > Support > Software Update and install any available updates.
Samsung TV WiFi Slow or Buffering During Streaming
Slow streaming on your Samsung TV doesn’t always mean slow internet. The TV might be connected to the weaker WiFi band, or there could be congestion on your network.
Switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz if your router supports it. The 5GHz band offers faster speeds at shorter distances. For 4K streaming, you want at least 25 Mbps of consistent bandwidth.
Close any apps running in the background on the TV. Hold the Home button, then close apps you aren’t using. Each open app uses a small amount of bandwidth and system resources.
If the problem persists, run a network test on the TV: Settings > General > Network > Network Status > Speed Test. Compare the result to what you’re paying for from your ISP. If the TV shows significantly lower speeds than your plan, the issue is likely WiFi signal strength or router placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Samsung TV have built-in WiFi?
If your Samsung Smart TV was manufactured in 2015 or later, it has built-in WiFi. All Samsung TVs running the Tizen operating system include a wireless module. Only certain models from 2010 to 2014 required a separate wireless LAN adapter. Check the model number on Samsung’s support page to confirm your TV’s specifications.
Can I connect my Samsung TV to the internet without a router?
Yes, but with limitations. You can use your phone’s mobile hotspot to share cellular data with the TV. WiFi Direct also connects your phone to the TV directly, but it only allows screen mirroring and file sharing – not internet access for streaming apps. For full internet functionality, you need either a router or a mobile hotspot.
Why does my Samsung TV keep disconnecting from WiFi?
The most common causes are weak signal strength, IP address conflicts, power saving settings that disable WiFi in standby, and outdated firmware. Start by moving your router closer to the TV and restarting both devices. Then check for firmware updates under Settings > Support > Software Update. If the problem continues, try assigning a static IP address to the TV through your router’s settings.
What can I do if my old Samsung TV needs a wireless adapter I can’t find?
Since Samsung discontinued the WIS09ABGN and WIS12ABGNX adapters, buying one new is nearly impossible. You can try used marketplaces, but a better option is connecting via Ethernet cable for a wired connection. Another practical solution is plugging a modern streaming device (Roku, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast) into the TV’s HDMI port. These devices have their own WiFi and give you access to all the same streaming apps.
Sources
Samsung – Connect Your TV to a WiFi Network | Samsung – Troubleshoot Network and Internet Issues on Your TV
