The modern TVs have outgrown their primary function and become a one-stop system for all your entertainment needs. TVs have accomplished this through an in-built Wi-Fi technology that allows them to access the internet and pair with other devices.
If you are using an older TV that lacks the in-built Wi-Fi technology, you might feel left out. However, it is not the end of the world. You can still connect your TV to a Wi-Fi network and enjoy all the features. You have to be ready to invest in a device that can connect your non-smart TV to Wi-Fi.
We have curated a list of options to get you started and connect your non-smart TV to Wi-Fi.
Table of Contents
Option 1: Screen Mirroring
This is the simplest way to connect your non-smart TV to Wi-Fi. For this, you do not have to invest in any device. However, your TV should support the screen mirroring feature. And you need to have a mobile or tablet that runs on Android 4.4.2 or higher.
This works by mirroring your phone and TV. When you have connected to Wi-Fi from your phone, your TV will also be able to access it.
Steps to Connect
- Open the screen mirroring option on your TV. The page will open and your TV will become visible to devices nearby.
- From your Android device, visit the screen mirroring option in the settings menu. The specific way to visit the option differs from one device to another.
- Once you open the page, you will see nearby devices to be paired.
- Select your TV’s name. It might prompt for a password. The password will be displayed on your TV screen.
- Enter the password and your phone will be mirrored to your TV.
Option 2: Using a Streaming Device or Dongle
If your TV does not have a screen mirroring feature, do not worry. It is for this very reason that the streaming devices or dongles were used. They are small devices that are plugged into the HDMI or USB ports.
Chromecast, Firestick, and Nvidia TV shield some of the most popular streaming devices. They come with in-built apps including games, social media, OTT, and music platforms.
Steps to Connect
The specific way to connect your streaming device to TV differs from one model to another. However, the common thing among them all is that you have to first connect the device to Wi-Fi and then plug it into the TV’s port.
- First, set up a Wi-Fi connection in your streaming device using your phone. Install the device’s app that will allow you to connect the device to your home Wi-Fi.
- Then plug the device into your TV’s HDMI or USB ports, whichever is appropriate.
- Now, change the input of your TV to USB or the respective HDMI channel.
- Your TV is now connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Option 3: Using a Laptop or PC
This is the oldest method to connect a non-smart TV to Wi-Fi. However, this is also the least preferred method. Opt for this only if the other options are not viable. In this, your TV is connected to your laptop or PC using an HDMI cable.
If your TV does not have an HDMI port, you will have to use a VGA cable. Also, ensure that your PC/laptop has a sound and video card.
Steps to Connect
- Turn off your TV and PC/laptop.
- One end of the connector cable is plugged into the HDMI port in your PC/laptop. The other end is plugged into the HDMI port or the VGA ports in your TV.
- Turn them on and change the channel to AV on your TV. Connect your PC laptop to an available Wi-Fi network.
- At this point, you will be able to see your PC/laptop screen on your TV. This means that they have been connected successfully.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and change a few settings on your TV.
- Once the changes are done, you will be able to access the Wi-Fi connection.
Option 4: Using Smart Player or Game Console
This is an expensive option and it won’t make sense to buy a game console or a smart player just for this purpose. However, if you already own one, you can use it to connect your non-smart TV to Wi-Fi.
Many DVD players come with in-built Wi-Fi technology. Almost all of the gaming consoles such as PS4, PS5, and Xbox models have in-built Wi-Fi technology as well. By connecting your TV with a gaming console or smart player, you can access the internet.
Steps to Connect
- Plug one end of the HDMI cable to your gaming console and the other end to your TV. If your TV does not have an HDMI port, you need to use HDMI converter cables.
- Turn on your TV and choose the appropriate input channel.
- Visit the settings menu and select the connectivity option.
- From the wireless connectivity option, choose your home Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the security key and your TV will be connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some non-smart TVs will have a screen mirroring option that you can use to pair your TV and phone. If not, you can use USB converter cables to connect your phone to a non-smart TV.
The option is to use a streaming device to connect your TV to the internet. Alternatively, you can use a gaming console, media player, or screen mirroring option to connect your TV to the internet.
If your TV does not have a built-in Wi-Fi technology, you can use a streaming device, a PC/laptop, or a gaming console as a hub to make your TV Wi-Fi capable.
With the help of a streaming device such as Chromecast or Fire Stick, you can stream movies and online content on a non-smart TV.
If your TV has built-in Wi-Fi technology, you can directly connect it to your phone’s data. Or else, you can use the screen mirroring option and use your phone data.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of options to connect your non-smart TV to Wi-Fi. However, it would make sense to invest in a smart TV as it has become very affordable. But, if you want to persist with your TV and want to access the internet, you can do so using any one of the above-mentioned options.
Have you connected your non-smart TV to a Wi-Fi network? Did you face any specific challenges in setting up the connection? Let us know in the comments section.
