All brands of televisions can encounter internet connection issues, and Philips is no exception. If your Philips TV isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi, here are some tips to help you resolve the problem.
What to Do if Your Philips TV Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
If your Philips TV is unable to connect, follow these initial steps: first, restart your internet router. Next, unplug your television for at least 30 seconds before turning it back on. Lastly, check your Wi-Fi password.
1. Restart Your Internet Router
The first step is to restart your internet router, also known as your modem or internet box. Refer to the router’s manual for proper instructions.
Typically, unplugging the router for about 30 seconds ensures its memory is cleared. After turning it back on, wait for it to initialize before attempting to connect your Philips TV to Wi-Fi.
2. Recheck Your Wi-Fi Password
It’s possible that your Philips TV can’t connect to the internet due to an incorrect Wi-Fi password.
To verify, press the Settings button on your remote, then navigate to: All Settings > Wireless and Networks > Wired and Wi-Fi Connection > Connect to a Network > Wi-Fi Connection. Select the network you want to connect to and re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
If the issue is resolved, the previous password was incorrect.
3. Restart Your Philips TV
Performing a power reset can help clear your TV of any residual electrical charge and fix certain issues. To do this, unplug the power cord for about 60 seconds, then plug it back in and press the Power button on your remote.
For Android TVs, you can perform a soft restart. Go to the home page, click the gear icon in the top right corner to access your TV’s Android settings.
Navigate to the About section and click on Restart.
4. Avoid VPNs and Proxies
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a software that allows users to remain anonymous on the internet by hiding their online activities through various servers. It is a legal system that is increasingly used to bypass location restrictions on certain websites or avoid being tracked while browsing the internet.
Proxies and web proxies act as technical intermediaries when connecting to the internet.
It’s best to avoid using these tools when using your Philips TV, as its internet connection may not always be reliable. This can lead to difficulties or even an inability to connect to the internet.
5. Weak Wi-Fi Signal
Your Philips TV may struggle to connect to Wi-Fi, resulting in no streaming, no music, and slow apps. This could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal.
To check your Wi-Fi signal strength, you can run a SpeedTest from your phone connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Simply search “SpeedTest” online and run a test. The results will indicate if your connection is too weak to use the internet effectively and under what conditions.
Possible reasons for a weak signal include the distance between the router and the Philips TV, the presence of thick walls between the devices, or electromagnetic interference from various electrical equipment.
The first step is to move the router closer to the TV, if possible. If this doesn’t work or isn’t possible, connect the TV (or TV Box) to the internet router using an Ethernet cable, which will eliminate Wi-Fi transmission issues.
6. Electromagnetic Interference
Wi-Fi relies on radio waves to function. If you are in an area with magnetic interference, it can disrupt the signal sent by your internet router or modem, making it difficult for your Philips TV to connect to the internet.
In general, all electrical devices generate a magnetic field, including TVs, energy-efficient light bulbs, and stovetops. The most powerful sources of interference are often microwave ovens, hair dryers, and cordless phones.
However, even a poorly connected electrical outlet can cause issues.
An electrician can help you manage electromagnetic emissions in your home.
7. ISP Outage
If your Philips TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi, the issue might not be with the TV but with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). ISPs sometimes experience temporary issues. Check if your smartphone can connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
If the connection is impossible, the ISP might be responsible.
Most ISPs keep their subscribers informed of any incidents or outages on their websites or social media accounts, where you may find information about the issue you’re experiencing.
8. Update Your Philips TV
If your Philips TV can no longer connect to Wi-Fi, it may simply need an update.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the Philips website’s dedicated update page.
- Identify your TV model and reference number. These can be found on the sticker at the back of the TV or in the user manual. An example model: 43PUS7334.
- In the Software & drivers section, download the operating software to your computer.
- Extract the contents of the Zip file to the root of a USB drive compatible with your Smart TV.
- Insert the USB drive into the TV.
- The TV screen will go black for 5-10 seconds as the update begins.
- Keep the TV plugged in and turned on for the duration of the update, which will last 10-15 minutes.
The TV will restart automatically, and the update will be complete.
9. Reset Your Philips TV
If there’s no update for your Philips TV or if the update doesn’t solve your Wi-Fi issues, you can reset your Philips TV.
For Android TVs, do the following:
- Go to Settings > General settings > Reinstall TV.
- Confirm the reset with OK.
- If needed, enter your PIN, select yes, and confirm.
Note that the default PIN is 8888 if you’ve never changed it.
For non-Android Philips TVs, press the Home button, then follow this path: TV Settings > General settings > Factory settings (or Reinstall TV).
Alternatives to Wi-Fi for Connecting Your Philips TV
If you can’t connect your Philips TV to the internet, there are other options.
Ethernet Cable
If your router and TV are not too far apart, you can connect them with an Ethernet cable (yellow-tipped cable). The TV will automatically connect to your modem if it’s properly connected to the internet.
TV Box
TV boxes can make any TV smart. They usually plug into an HDMI port and automatically connect to Wi-Fi, even if it’s not available on the TV. This allows you to use the apps on the box, which typically run on Android. Of course, this will only work if the connection issue is with your TV, not your router.
Gaming Console
Modern gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are constantly connected to the internet and function as multimedia platforms. By connecting a console to your Philips TV, you’ll have access to the internet and all music and video streaming apps like Netflix.
Activate Wi-Fi on Your Philips TV
Here’s how to activate Wi-Fi on your Philips TV:
- Ensure your router or modem is connected to the internet.
- Use your remote control to access your TV settings.
- Follow this path to find the Wi-Fi settings: All settings > Wireless and networks > Wired and Wi-Fi connection > Connect to a network > Wi-Fi connection.
In Summary
Wi-Fi issues with a Philips TV are relatively easy to resolve:
- Start by restarting the TV and the internet router.
- Then, re-enter the Wi-Fi password.
- Also, ensure external factors like electromagnetic interference or issues with your ISP aren’t causing Wi-Fi problems on your TV.
