A smart TV in a living room is like a cherry on top of a sundae.
But when there’s a TV…
There MUST be cable, right?
Great news – smart TVs are built to work even without cable!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to these screens.
So how can you use a smart TV with no cable?
Read on to find out:
- 5 easy ways to enjoy your smart TV without cable.
- The best streaming services to get if you don’t have cable.
- How to do screen mirroring to watch content without cable.
- Which apps to download to make the most out of your smart TV.
- And much, much more…
Can I use my smart TV without cable?
You can use your smart TV without cable if you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. This allows you to utilize streaming subscriptions. You can even download apps that provide music and videos on your smart TV. Also, you can mirror your phone or tablet’s screen and browse the internet.
How to use smart TV without cable
#1: Connect the smart TV to the internet
With just Wi-Fi, your smart TV would get even better. Way better than cable.
Connect your smart TV to Wi-Fi. And you’ll be able to do everything on this list.
Step 1: Get your smart TV’s remote. Press Menu.
Step 2: Launch Settings.
Step 3: Choose General. Then, select Network.
Step 4: Tap Open Network Settings. You’ll be asked to choose the Network Type.
Step 5: Select Wireless. Then, choose the name of your Wi-Fi network.
Step 6: Enter your Wi-Fi password. Hit Done.
Wait for your smart TV to finish connecting. Once successful, you can now open your favorite apps and websites! You can also manually check your smart TV’s network status.
To see your smart TV’s network status:
- Press the HOME button on your remote.
- Select Settings.
- Choose General. Then, tap Network.
- Select Network Status.
- Look at the network status on screen. It should show that your TV is connected to the internet.
“What is the best internet speed for smart TV?”
An internet speed of 5 Mbps is enough for watching YouTube videos at 720p.
For streaming services like Amazon and Netflix, 15 to 25 Mbps is needed.
Got many devices in the house that also use Wi-Fi? You may want to get an internet plan higher than 25 Mbps.
#2: Subscribe to streaming services
Now that you’ve got your Wi-Fi set up – here comes the fun bit!
You can now sign up for a streaming subscription!
With so many streaming services, it’s up to you to choose one that fits your tastes.
“Why should I pay for a streaming service?”
You’ll be able to access a wide array of content. For just a monthly price. And you can cancel anytime.
Also, you can hit pause and play on your favorite TV shows. Anytime, anywhere.
“Which streaming service should I get?”
The most popular streaming services are:
- Hulu.
- Netflix.
- HBO Max.
- ESPN Plus.
- Disney Plus.
- Amazon Prime Video.
Curious about the best streaming apps? Watch this video to find out:
Prefer having different genres of TV shows and films in one place? Most people would choose Netflix. However, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO are also favored by many.
Netflix also provides family-friendly content on Netflix Kids. Disney Plus is also the best option for the young ones and young-at-heart.
Sports fans would opt for ESPN Plus.
Learn more: Do I need an Android box if I have a smart TV?
“How do I use these streaming services?”
In most smart TVs, these apps are already installed.
Some smart TV remotes even have dedicated buttons for Netflix and Amazon Prime. For easy access.
To download your chosen streaming service app:
- Make sure your smart TV is Wi-Fi connected.
- Get your remote control. Press Home.
- Select Apps.
- Tap the Search icon. It’s on the top right corner.
- Type the name of the app you want to download. Then, select it.
- Choose Install. Wait for it to finish downloading.
Once it’s ready, press the Home button. And you’ll see the app icon.
Don’t have an account on your chosen app yet?
You’ll see a sign-up option after downloading. Be prepared to enter your email address and payment details.
Also, some streaming services have external devices that let you access them without an app.
#3: Use screen mirroring
Already signed in to Hulu on your phone?
Got some holiday photos to show to the family on your tablet?
Go for the quickest way to display content – screen mirroring!
With this, anything displayed on your phone or tablet’s screen appears on your smart TV.
This includes videos, photos, or even your social media feed.
Both Android and iOS devices have a built-in screen mirroring feature. Some devices may call this screencast.
“How do I use screen mirroring on my device?”
Your device may support screen mirroring or screencast.
To do screen mirroring on your Android:
Step 1: Connect your Android to the same Wi-Fi network as your smart TV.
Step 2: Open Settings. Or open the Control Center. You can find the latter when you swipe up or swipe down on your Home screen.
Step 3: Look for Screen Mirroring or Screencast.
Step 4: Select your smart TV in the list of devices.
Step 5: Follow the instructions for the connect process. You may need to confirm it on your phone/tablet or TV.
Step 6: Wait for your Android screen to show on your smart TV.
To do screen mirroring on your iOS:
Step 1: Make sure your iOS device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
Step 2: Open the Control Center.
Step 3: Choose Screen Mirroring.
Step 4: In the list of devices, choose your smart TV.
Step 5: Confirm the connect process. You may need to enter a passcode from the TV on your device.
Step 6: Your iOS screen will appear on your smart TV.
“What if my device doesn’t support screen mirroring?”
There are apps that you can download to make screen mirroring possible.
You might also want to know: How To Screen Mirror a Non-Smart TV? 3 Easy Methods
#4: Open the smart TV’s internet browser
Does screen mirroring sound like a lot of work?
You can directly access your favorite websites on your smart TV’s browser.
This is even a smart choice if you have a Bluetooth keyboard and wireless mouse.
That way, it would feel like you’re using a computer. But on a bigger screen!
Most smart TVs have internet browsers pre-installed.
To access your smart TV’s internet browser:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- A ribbon menu with apps will appear. Use your remote’s left and right buttons to navigate.
- Look for the Internet icon, and select.
Note: Smart TV internet browsers have limited features. Some limitations include not being able to download files. And some websites take longer to load.
#5: Download video and music apps
Is paying for a monthly subscription outside your budget?
Free apps like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Facebook Watch work well on your smart TV.
Some smart TVs already have these apps downloaded. You’ll see their icons on your smart TV’s Home menu.
Couldn’t find them? Follow the same steps for downloading streaming apps. And have your Wi-Fi connection ready.
Having these apps, you’ll never run out of things to do on your smart TV!
#6: Get a gaming console or app
If you’re more of a gamer than a music listener, your smart TV’s got you covered.
With an HDMI cable, connect your gaming consoles to your smart TV. And enjoy playing on the big screen!
You can also download the Steam app. Simply go to Apps on your smart TV’s Home Menu to download and access.
Check out: 6 Easy Ways To Use Alexa As A Speaker For Your Xbox