Smart TVs are best for super experiences whether you have to stream movies, browse YouTube videos, or even mirror you smartphone. But what if somehow you lose your TV remote or it stops working? Connecting your Smart TV to Wi-Fi without a remote might sound tricky, but it isn’t that hard there are several ways to do it.

Losing your TV remote can feel like a major inconvenience—especially when you’re trying to connect your smart TV to Wi-Fi. Whether your remote is broken, lost, or simply out of battery, there are several clever ways to get your TV online without it.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about connecting your Wi-Fi to TV— from using a mobile app and a USB keyboard to connecting via Ethernet cable and using HDMI-CEC. It doesn’t matter which Smart TV you have, we have got everything covered, you’ll find a solution that works for you.

Why You Might Need to Connect Without a Remote

Look, losing or breaking TV remote is quite common nowadays, yes common than you think. Below are few situations where you might need to connect your Smart TV to Wi-Fi without one:

• The remote battery is dead, and you don’t have replacements.
• The TV remote sensor is damaged or unresponsive.
• You’ve misplaced the remote and need to use your TV immediately.
• You just bought a used smart TV that doesn’t include a remote.

Just by connecting your TV to Wi-Fi will let you regain full control through apps or casting from your phone.

Method 1: Use a USB Keyboard or Mouse

One of the most easiest and simplest way to connect TV to Wi-Fi without remote is by using USB keyboard or mouse to your TV.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Plug in a USB keyboard or mouse into one of your TV’s USB ports.
2. Turn on the TV using the physical power button.
3. Once the TV boots up, use the arrow keys of the keyboard or cursor (mouse) to navigate the on-screen menus.
4. Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
5. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password using the keyboard.

Why It Works

TV usually detects USB input devices, just like a computer does. Connecting keyboard and mouse using USB gives you control over settings and let you connect to Wi-Fi easily.

Works Best For:

• Samsung Smart TVs
• LG webOS TVs
• Android TVs (Sony, TCL, Hisense, OnePlus TV)

Method 2: Use Your Smartphone as a Remote (Mobile App)

If your TV was previously connected to Wi-Fi (before you lost the remote), you can easily control it using your smartphone.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download the official remote app for your TV:
   • Samsung: SmartThings App
   • LG: LG ThinQ App
   • Sony / Android TV: Google TV App
   • Roku TVs: Roku App
   • Fire TV: Amazon Fire TV App
2. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
3. Just open the app and select your TV model from the list.
4. Use the app’s virtual remote to access network settings or other features.

What If the TV Isn’t Connected Yet?

Using a mobile hotspot, you can establish a connection that is the same as the Wi-Fi connection your TV had before. Once your TV auto-connects, your app will detect it, and you can control it again using your phone.

Example:

If your TV was connected to “Home_WiFi” with the password “12345678”:

1. Create a hotspot on your phone with the same name (SSID) and password.
2. Turn on your TV — usually it should automatically connect.
3. Open the app and start controlling it.

Method 3: Connect via Ethernet Cable (Temporary Solution)

With a network cable, you can connect your TV directly to your router if it has an Ethernet (LAN) port.

Steps:

1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your TV’s LAN port.
2. Connect the other end to your Wi-Fi router.
3. Turn on your TV, it should automatically connect to the network.
4. Once connected, use your smartphone’s TV app (same Wi-Fi network) to control your TV wirelessly.

It is also possible to connect your TV to wireless internet instead of using the cable after that by navigating to the Wi-Fi settings on the remote.

Benefits:

1. Works even without a remote or keyboard.
2. Stable and fast connection.
3. Doesn’t require entering a password.

Method 4: Use HDMI-CEC to Control TV via Another Device

Several Smart TVs support HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), allowing you to control your TV with a remote controlled by another HDMI-connected device, such as a gaming console.

For Example:

If you have a PlayStation, Xbox, Fire Stick, or Chromecast, connect it to your TV via HDMI and enable CEC control.

Steps:

1. Plug your console or streaming stick into the HDMI port.
2. Use its remote or controller to access the TV’s input and settings.
3. Navigate to Network Settings and connect your TV to Wi-Fi.

Bonus Tip:

Your Chromecast will automatically connect your TV to Wi-Fi via the Chromecast network if you use it with your phone.

Method 5: Use a Universal Remote

In case none of the above methods work, then you may want to consider using a universal remote control – these are very affordable and are compatible with most Smart TVs.

Steps:

1. Purchase a universal remote (like Logitech Harmony or GE Universal Remote).
2. Follow the manual to pair it with your TV using brand-specific codes.
3. Once paired, use it to navigate the settings and connect to Wi-Fi.

Why It’s Useful:

• Works with both old and new Smart TVs.
• Cheaper than buying an original replacement.
• Often supports multiple devices at once.

Method 6: Factory Reset TV Using Buttons

There is a possibility of a factory reset being done on your TV if none of the above solutions are working for you. If your TV has physical buttons (if it has them), you can do this.

Steps:

1. Locate the power and volume buttons on your TV (usually at the back or bottom).
2. Hold both Power + Volume Down simultaneously for 10–15 seconds.
3. Your TV should reboot and open the setup menu.
4. Use a USB keyboard or mouse to complete the initial Wi-Fi setup.

Warning:

This will erase all settings and apps, so only use it as a last resort.

How to Prevent This Issue in the Future

To avoid the frustration of not being able to connect your Smart TV again, here are some useful tips:

• You can keep your remote safe by using a wall-mountable remote holder
• Enabling HDMI-CEC so you can use other device remotes in an emergency
• Installing the official TV remote app on your phone to provide backup control
• Writing down your Wi-Fi password and SSID so you can create your own hotspot
• Labeling the USB keyboard as “TV Keyboard” and keeping it nearby as well.

Final Thoughts

Misplacing your Smart TV remote doesn’t mean you’re cut off from your favorite shows or streaming apps. Thankfully, there are several clever ways to get your TV online without it. Whether you plug in a USB keyboard, use your smartphone as a remote, connect an Ethernet cable, or activate HDMI-CEC through another device, you’ve got options.

These days—especially in 2025—Smart TVs are built with flexibility in mind. Manufacturers know remotes go missing, so they’ve made it easier to navigate settings and connect to Wi-Fi using alternative inputs. That means you can still binge your favorite series or catch the latest movie without skipping a beat.

And if you’re someone who constantly misplaces the remote, it might be time to make your phone the go-to controller. Most TV brands offer free apps that turn your smartphone into a full-featured remote. It’s quicker, more intuitive, and—let’s be honest—your phone is always nearby.