Smart TV and Wi-Fi are like best friends – they’re inseparable!
A good Wi-Fi connection is needed to make the most out of your smart TV.
But what if you don’t have Wi-Fi right now?
And you badly want to chill and watch a movie?
Good news – there are workarounds for that!
So how do you use your smart TV without Wi-Fi?
Read on to find out:
- 5 surefire ways to enjoy your smart TV without Wi-Fi.
- How to use your phone as a Wi-Fi source for smart TV viewing.
- Why Google Chromecast is a good idea for smart TVs without Wi-Fi.
- How to use HDMI for videos on your smart TV when there’s no Wi-Fi.
- How to screen mirror content from your phone if you don’t have Wi-Fi.
- And much, much more…
Can I use my smart TV without WiFi?
You can use your smart TV without Wi-Fi by setting up your phone as a mobile hotspot. Then, you can launch Google Chromecast or mirror your phone’s screen on your smart TV. Connect an HDMI cable to display content from another device. And use a cable box or DVD player to watch more media.
How to use smart TV without WiFi
#1: Make your smartphone as a hotspot
When your Wi-Fi router just doesn’t want to work with you today. It’s as painful as heartbreak.
Fortunately, you can use your smartphone as a mini router.
Most smartphones can now be used as a mobile hotspot. This means it becomes a source of Wi-Fi. And you can use it for other devices.
As long as your phone has enough data, watching videos on your smart TV is possible.
The 2 ways to use your smart TV with your smartphone’s hotspot are:
- Connecting your smart TV to the hotspot.
- Connecting a tablet or a laptop to the hotspot.
“How much data do I need to use my phone as a hotspot?”
This depends on 2 factors:
- How long you’ll use the hotspot.
- The stream quality you choose for viewing.
Watching on your favorite streaming service at 1080p would need around 3 GB per hour.
If you plan to watch a 2 and a half-hour-long movie, you’d consume 7.5 GB.
“How do I connect my smart TV to the hotspot?”
The process would be the same as pairing your Wi-Fi router to your smart TV.
Note: Make sure to turn on your phone’s hotspot. Switch on Mobile Data on the Control Center. Then, toggle the Mobile Hotspot switch in Settings.
Step 1: With your smart TV’s remote, press Menu.
Step 2: Open Settings.
Step 3: Select General. Then, choose Network.
Step 4: Tap Open Network Settings. The 2 network types will appear – Wireless and Wired.
Step 5: Choose Wireless. Then, select your phone’s name.
Step 6: Type your hotspot’s password. Hit Done.
Now, your smart TV is connected to the internet! You can now access your favorite streaming sites.
“How do I use the hotspot to show content from another device?”
Got a laptop or another phone? Is it logged in to Netflix, and you just want to watch it on a bigger screen?
Step 1: Connect the mobile hotspot to your extra device. Turn on your device’s Wi-Fi, and select your hotspot’s name. Enter the password. And confirm.
Step 2: Once it’s connected, get an HDMI cable.
Step 3: Plug in the HDMI cable to your extra device.
Step 4: Connect the HDMI cable to your smart TV. A menu will appear on your phone or laptop. Select Mirror or Mirror Screen.
Now, everything you play on your device will also be on your smart TV!
#2: Use Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is a handy hardware you can use. Especially when you can’t connect your smart TV to Wi-Fi.
You plug it in your smart TV’s HDMI port. Then, any content you have on your phone or tablet can be played on your smart TV.
The best thing about Google Chromecast is that it works even without Wi-Fi!
Editor’s pick: Is Chromecast Better Than Screen Mirroring? Key Differences
“What should I prepare for Google Chromecast without Wi-Fi?”
Now that you’ve set up your mobile hotspot, the next few steps become easier.
Make sure the device you want to cast on your smart TV is connected to the hotspot.
To test its speed, open the streaming service. Or any content you want to be shown on your smart TV.
“How do I connect Google Chromecast to my smart TV?”
Time to get started on Google Chromecast.
Step 1: Plug in your Google Chromecast to a power source.
Step 2: Wait for Google Chromecast to turn on. Hold its power button until its light stops moving.
Step 3: Connect the other end of Google Chromecast to your smart TV. This should be done through the HDMI port.
Step 4: Now, you’ll connect Chromecast to your hotspot. Download the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
Step 5: Input your email address. Select Add Another Home. Then, enter a name.
Step 6: Google Home will search for devices. It will ask you to connect to Chromecast. Select Yes.
Step 7: A code will appear on your smart TV and phone. Follow the instructions for verifying.
Step 8: Chromecast will ask you to choose a network. Select your mobile hotspot.
After this, you can now start streaming!
Got lost in connecting Google Chromecast to your smart TV? Watch this quick setup guide to learn more:
Season 3 of Breaking Bad looks pretty good on your smart TV, doesn’t it?
You may also wonder: Does Chromecast work with an iPhone hotspot?
#3: Turn on screen mirroring
Did you know? Most Android and iOS devices have a built-in screen mirroring feature.
This is possible even without an external device like Google Chromecast.
In some devices, screen mirroring is called Screencast.
With this, videos, photos, and your social media feed can be displayed on your smart TV.
“How do I activate screen mirroring on my device?”
Instructions are different, depending on the operating system.
To turn on screen mirroring on your Android:
Step 1: Connect your TV and your chosen device to the hotspot.
Step 2: Launch Settings. Or the Control Center. You can find the Control Center by swiping up or down on your Home screen.
Step 3: Find Screen Mirroring or Screencast.
Step 4: A list of devices will show. Choose your smart TV.
Step 5: There will be instructions for the connecting process. Follow it and confirm on your phone/tablet or TV.
Step 6: Your Android screen will show on your smart TV.
To turn on screen mirroring on your iOS device:
Step 1: Connect your iOS device and smart TV to the hotspot.
Step 2: Open the Control Center. You may need to swipe up or swipe down to see it.
Step 3: Select Screen Mirroring.
Step 4: Choose your smart TV in the list of devices.
Step 5: Wait for your iOS screen to appear on your smart TV.
#4: Display games with an HDMI cable
If you’re more of a gamer than a binge-watcher, I’ve got you covered.
You can display games from your gaming console to your smart TV.
All you need is your gaming console and an HDMI cable – then, voila! Enjoy seeing your character battle it out on the big screen.
The best gaming consoles to connect on your smart TV are:
- Nintendo Switch.
- Microsoft Series S.
- Sony Playstation 5.
- Microsoft Xbox Series X.
Got a Google Chromecast or Apple TV?
These devices can also support your gaming needs. With a large library of top-rated titles for $4.99 to $10 per month.
#5: Connect a DVD player
This sounds pretty old-school. Well, not having Wi-Fi for your smart TV can sound prehistoric to Gen Z-ers.
But if you still got your BluRay collection – why not give them a little bit of love again?
“How do I connect the DVD player to my smart TV?”
Some newer DVD players have an HDMI output. With this, you can connect it straight to your TV. Just by using your trusty HDMI cable.
If you’re vintage and still got an older DVD player, it usually has the composite and component video input.
You may know composite and component as the colorful wires and holes on devices. Both of these are analog connections – with the latter having better quality.
On the back of your smart TV, check if your smart TV has a composite or component video input. Many smart TVs over 65 inc (165 cm) still have this.
To connect your smart TV to your older DVD player:
Step 1: Plug in the video cable to your DVD player. For composite, it’s the yellow wire. While green, blue, and red wires are used for the component video input.
Step 2: Connect the white and red audio RCA cables to the back of the DVD player.
Step 3: Plug the other side of the video and audio cables to your smart TV.
Step 4: Turn on your DVD player.
Step 5: Wait for the DVD player’s logo to appear on your smart TV.
“How about cable boxes?”
Newer cable boxes no longer use composite or component cables.
Connect your smart TV and cable box with an HDMI cable. Then, your favorite channels will appear on the screen.
Read also: Will a Smart TV Work With an Antenna? 5 Device Facts