“OMG! Cheong-san, watch out for Gwi-nam! He’s right behind youuuu……huh?”
*the zombie freezes*
Imagine watching an intense heart-stopping scene of a Netflix series.
Then your Samsung TV suddenly disconnects from your WiFi.
I bet you’d freeze on your seat, wondering what the heck happened next.
Frustrating, isn’t it?
Luckily, there are several ways to prevent that from happening. So…
Continue reading to learn:
- When to use a WiFi repeater or wired connection.
- 11 quick fixes to keep your Samsung TV connected to WiFi.
- How updating your Samsung TV improves WiFi connectivity.
- Steps on creating a guest network for uninterrupted streaming.
- And so much more…
Why won’t my Samsung TV stay connected to WiFi?
Your Samsung TV won’t stay connected to WiFi if your router and TV have glitches. It can also disconnect due to unstable or out-of-range WiFi and insufficient internet bandwidth. Disabling the UPnP on the router and having an incorrect DNS in the IP setting can also be a reason.
Samsung TV won’t stay connected to WiFi: 11 fixes
#1: Soft reset the TV
It’s normal for smart devices to have glitches from time to time, especially smart TVs like Samsung’s.
Smart TVs store and run multiple apps and data on their system. Sometimes causing it to freeze or run into some software errors.
As a result, the device can fail to establish a stable connection with your WiFi. Causing it to disconnect while in use.
If this happens to your Samsung TV, the first and easiest solution you can do is to soft reset your device.
Soft resetting is rebooting your TV by completely shutting down its power and system.
There are 2 ways you can soft reset a Samsung TV:
- By using a Samsung TV remote.
- By unplugging the TV from the power socket.
To soft reset a Samsung TV using a remote:
- Press and hold the power button.
- Hold it for about 5 seconds or until the TV turns OFF and ON once.
Important note: This method may vary depending on your Samsung TV model. Make sure to review your user’s manual as well.
To soft reset a Samsung TV by unplugging:
- Ensure that your TV is powered ON.
- Unplug the TV from the power socket for about 30 seconds.
- Replug and turn ON the TV.
#2: Soft reset the WiFi router
Ah, the router… It just sits there on the shelf. You’d think it wouldn’t cause you any trouble.
However, it experiences glitches.
How come?!
Well, WiFi routers have a whole system of their own.
Which can run into some errors as well. Causing your internet connection to disconnect or become unstable sometimes.
Unlike software bugs, you can easily resolve router glitches by restarting your device.
That said, you should soft reset your router once your TV randomly disconnects to WiFi.
To soft reset a WiFi router:
- Ensure that your router is powered ON.
- Unplug the router from the power socket.
- Wait for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Replug the power cable and power ON the router.
Bear in mind soft resetting your router will temporarily disconnect your connected devices.
Just wait for the router to reboot and automatically reconnect with your devices.
#3: Update the TV firmware
Have you soft reset your TV and router already?
But your Samsung TV continues to disconnect to WiFi?
Then, probably your TV’s firmware is outdated.
Unlikely regular TVs, smart TVs like Samsung’s have firmware that run the apps on your device.
And you have to keep them updated to ensure fast and glitch-free streaming sessions.
Updating the TV’s firmware renews or upgrades its system. Ensuring that your TV has a stable connection to devices, including your WiFi router.
So, make sure to always keep your Samsung TV’s firmware up-to-date.
You can update your Samsung TV in 2 ways:
- Via USB.
- Via internet.
To update a Samsung TV via the internet:
Note: This is the easiest way to update the TV’s firmware. And you can also set your TV to update automatically.
- Using a remote, go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now
To update a Samsung TV via USB:
Note: This is ideal if you don’t connect your TV to WiFi.
- Visit the Samsung Download Center.
- Look for and click “Manual & Software Downloads.”
- Select “TV & AV” or “Enter Model Number.”
- Download the “Upgrade File (USB type)” on the page of your TV model.
- Unzip the file and copy the file for update.
- Save the copy to the outside folder of a USB flash drive.
- Plug the USB into the TV.
- Using a remote, go to…
For 2016 to 2018 models: Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
For 2015 models: MENU > Support > Software Update > ENTER.
For 2014 models: Support > Software Update > Update Now.
#4: Forget and reconnect WiFi network to TV
Sometimes, the best way to refresh your TV and WiFi connection is by resetting the connection entirely.
And you can do that by forgetting the WiFi network and reconnecting it to your Samsung TV.
Doing this will allow both devices to recognize each other and reconnect without problems. It can also resolve potential glitches.
To do this:
- Ensure that your TV and router are powered ON.
- Using a remote, click Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings.
- From the selections, choose “Wireless” or “Wired,” depending on what you use.
- Scroll down and look for “Manage Saved Networks.”
- Select your WiFi network.
- Click “Delete.”
- Click your WiFi network again.
- Enter your WiFi password.
- Press “Connect.”
Reading tip: Smart TV Remote Not Working: 8 Causes & Fixes
#5: Connect to a 2.4GHz network
Still not working?
Then perhaps your Samsung TV is connected to a 5GHz band WiFi network.
Well, it’s not entirely bad…
But not a lot of Samsung TVs support 5GHz networks. Not to mention that it also has a pretty shorter range compared to a 2.4GHz network.
So, if you’re using a 5GHz network and your TV is far from the router, high chances are your TV won’t stay connected from WiFi.
“How would I know if my Samsung TV supports a 5GHz network?”
Usually, it’s stated in your user’s manual.
But it’s no secret that 2018 and below Samsung TVs don’t support 5GHz bands. So, take that as a guide as well.
Pro tip: If you’re using a dual-band router and your TV switches to both networks, rename or turn off the 5GHz network.
Doing this will ensure that your Samsung TV will only connect to your 2.4Ghz network.
To do this, you have to access your router account on the internet and change its settings.
The procedure depends on your ISP. So, review your user’s manual or contact your ISP’s support.
#6: Switch to using an Ethernet connection
If you don’t mind using a wired connection, switch to an Ethernet connection.
It means connecting your Samsung TV directly to your WiFi router.
Doing this will ensure:
- Stable connection at all times.
- Faster and glitch-free streaming.
Plus, you can also use a 5GHz network faster internet connection.
But bear in mind that your Samsung TV needs to be close to your router since you’ll be using a cable to connect it.
This is ideal for those who frequently watch movies on streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu.
As these streaming platforms require faster internet connection.
#7: Install a WiFi repeater
“Nuh, uh! Wired connection isn’t an option for me.”
Well then, consider installing WiFi repeaters.
A WiFi repeater helps distribute stable internet to other parts of your house. Ensuring that your WiFi reaches out-of-range locations.
This is ideal if your Samsung TV is on a different floor to your router.
Installing a WiFi repeater is easy. But there are some things that you should consider, especially its location.
Distance, physical barriers, and interference are factors that mostly affect WiFi stability.
That said, you should properly plan out where to position it.
To ensure stable WiFi connection, position your WiFi repeater:
- In an open space.
- Never inside a cabinet.
- Near your Samsung TV.
- Away from huge appliances and furniture.
- Far from appliances that use electromagnetic waves.
You may also wonder: Does a Wi-Fi Repeater Slow Down Internet? The Harsh Truth
#8: Factory reset the WiFi router
If nothing above works, consider factory resetting your WiFI router.
Doing this deletes data from your router. And that includes custom settings, glitches, and software bugs.
Which helps refresh the connection between your TV and WiFi.
The process depends on your ISP and your router model. So, review your user’s manual.
But usually, you just have to press the “Reset” button on the back of the router. Or use a paperclip to access the reset hole.
Important note: It’ll disconnect connected devices as well. So, you have to reconnect devices after the process.
To reconnect your Samsung TV to WiFi, follow the same process mentioned in item #4.
#9: Factory reset the TV
“Eight fixes down, and my Samsung TV still won’t stay connected to WiFi…”
Geez. It’s now time to factory reset your Samsung TV.
This is probably my most hated solution as it deletes data on the smart TV. But it’s still one of the best troubleshooting steps.
Guess, we sometimes have to sacrifice some things to achieve success *wipe tears*
Tip: Make sure to back up important data to your Samsung account or another device.
To factory reset a Samsung TV:
- Using a remote, go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Enter your PIN (default PIN is 0000).
- Click “Reset.”
- Select “OK.”
- Then, allow your TV to restart.
If the process above doesn’t apply to your TV model, try Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset.
Learn more on how to factory reset a Samsung TV by watching this video:
#10: Create a guest WiFi network
Sometimes low internet bandwidth plays a role in why your Samsung TV disconnects to WiFi.
When too many devices connect to one network, some devices like your TV may fail to connect.
This is because each device fights to receive the amount of bandwidth they need to work.
Disconnecting other devices to the network may look like the best option.
But did you know that you can create a guest network entirely for your Samsung TV?
That way, your TV won’t have to fight to receive enough bandwidth for it to work. Meaning, you can experience uninterrupted streaming with it.
What a smart move, isn’t it?
To create a guest WiFi network:
- Enter your IP address to any browser.
- Log into your router account.
- Look for the guest network settings.
- Tick or toggle on the guest WiFi access option.
- Set your desired network name and password.
- Click “Save.”
Note: Not all routers allow the creation of guest networks. So, contact your ISP first so as not to waste time.
#11: Enable UPnP on the router
Another solution you can try is enabling the UPnP on your router.
By default, UPnP is enabled in routers. But some users disable it for privacy reasons.
UPnP helps your devices find and connect with each other easily.
So when it’s disabled, your Samsung TV may struggle to find your WiFi network. Causing it to disconnect.
That said, you should check whether the UPnP on your router is enabled.
To enable UPnP:
- Enter your IP address to any browser.
- Log into your router account.
- Search for and click Advanced > Advanced Setup/Network > UPnP.
- Tick the box next to “Turn UPnP On.”
- Click “Apply.”
Note: The steps may vary depending on your ISP. So, review your user’s manual or contact your ISP’s support.
BONUS: Change DNS server
Last but not the least, change your network’s DNS.
In simple terms, DNS is a system that helps you easily connect to websites or services on your Samsung TV.
Meaning, it can also contribute to the speed of the apps on your Samsung TV.
There are many public DNS servers out there. And you have the freedom to choose which one to use.
But you have to be careful as some may compromise your privacy.
Some of the best and most trusted ones are:
- Quad9: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112.
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cisco OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
To change your DNS server:
- Using a remote, press “Menu.”
- Click Network > Network Status > IP settings > DNS settings.
- From the options, select “Enter Manually.”
- Enter your desired DNS server.
- Press “OK” to save.
After this, check whether the WiFi connection on your Samsung TV has improved.
If not, try the other trusted DNS servers.
Read also: 9 Ways To Fix “Samsung TV Error 118” (Apps Not Downloading)