My parents have wanted to do a complete makeover of their living room, which obviously included the TV. Not that they sit there and watch movies all day, or hardly at all, but they desire something fancy for the Sunday mornings that mum sips her tea while watching Joel Osteen and the evenings that dad watches the English Premier League.
Naturally, they had questions such as the type of TV brand, size, and spec the TV should have. They want a device that will be easy to work with, offering numerous viewing options. They wondered whether they needed Wi-Fi to operate their dream device and if it would be just as great without an internet connection.
So, do you need Wi-Fi for Smart TV?
You do not need Wi-Fi to operate a Smart TV. However, there will be inaccessible sites and platforms like streaming apps that need the internet. Moreover, some features which enrich the visual experience of a good quality Smart TV will be out of reach.
This notwithstanding, there are many ways to enjoy the TV, whether you have Wi-Fi or not.
Why Should You Buy a Smart TV?
A Smart TV is a notch above standard television sets with conventional programming and DVD and Blu-Ray player features. In addition, it has in-built applications like Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook that allow you to stream content as long as there is the internet. However, unlike an Android Tv, there is no room to upgrade the operating system and add more features or applications.
Smart TVs give stellar quality images, and most are 4K, Full HD, or HD for greater resolution.
1. Numerous Content Streaming Options
The biggest selling point is the streaming apps compatible with the screen, meaning that there is no need for a smaller laptop screen to watch the latest Peaky Blinders season on Netflix. In addition, a Smart Tv will allow access to more apps and products like Hulu, Roku, Apple Tv, and Chromecast, which greatly multiply the content available from across the globe.
2. Better Hardware
The aesthetics aside, Smart TVs come with add-ons like extra HDMI ports to allow linking with external devices. Smart TVs today have about four ports that increase the viewing capacity, especially where there is no internet.
3. Voice-Control Features
Remember the frustration of hunting for the remote beneath pillows and the couch, which quickly becomes vehement accusations of sitting on it? Newer Smart TV models come with voice-control features and command prompts to turn it on and off, switch channels and adjust the volume. In the digital age where tech aims to solve every possible problem, this is a win for Friday night in.
How to Set up a Smart TV Without Internet
Many features require internet connectivity to operate on a Smart TV. Yet plenty more make the viewing experience worth it without Wi-Fi.
1. Alternative Streaming Channels
Netflix and HBO Max may be out of reach without Wi-Fi, but discs are still in the entertainment game. Connect the TV to a DVD player, Blu-Ray player, or gaming console, and watch the latest series or comfortably play God of War. The wider the disc array, the greater the experience, and you are not limited to local channels.
2. Hotspot Features
The absence of Wi-Fi is not a total absence of internet connectivity. A Smart Tv allows you to use a hotspot such as a mobile phone to access the internet, unlocking the connectivity-dependent features and apps. However, watch out for data usage costs that could run higher than what you would have paid for Wi-Fi if left unchecked.
3. PlayOnPlus
Sometimes, one device may have a Wi-Fi connection while another does not. The PlayOnPlus feature gives room to view shows on streaming apps like Netflix even if the Smart Tv is not connected to Wi-Fi. It is similar to mirroring content from a mobile phone or laptop to another device and works by choosing the show to watch on the wifi-connected phone and linking the gadget to the TV using the HDMI port and an HDMI cable.
Both devices must have settings that allow syncing; Otherwise, PlayOnPlus will not work. Unfortunately, not all devices have the mirror casting feature, so you may be limited even if the Smart TV supports the feature. Moreover, the phone or laptop’s internet speed will influence the streaming success as the TV should recognize the former’s internet signal to work without buffering or losing the connection. So check how fast your internet is before connecting the two devices and ensure that it is steady enough to allow uninterrupted viewing.
Features That Cannot Work Without Wi-Fi
The key advantage of a Smart TV over traditional models is its ability to access the internet and the available content online. The internet is a must to enjoy platforms like YouTube TV and download products from an online streaming provider like Roku.
The best Smart TV in the market will fall short of these features without internet connectivity:
1. Setting up an Account
Newer Smart TV models require you to set up an account, and some set-up steps will be difficult without internet connectivity. Moreover, some TVs have a software update ready for installation after creating the account. This account influences the screen’s performance even if it doesn’t deny access to the TV.
2. Firmware Updates
A Smart TV needs regular updating like any laptop or computer to improve its home screen navigation and performance. These updates occur automatically if the TV is connected to Wi-Fi but will stall if there is no internet. Of course, the TV will still work, and a less keen eye may not notice the difference, but a frequently updating device will enhance the user experience.
3. Connection With Other Devices
Though you can stream content on a Smart TV using another device like a mobile phone, the latter still needs internet connectivity. Poor internet will compromise the image and video quality, while data usage costs will be an extra expense in the monthly budget.
There is no doubt that Wi-Fi enriches the Smart TV experience. Lack of access to streaming platforms may feel like the buy was not worth it; however, the TV will still offer amazing visual perks. The screen has a high resolution for top-notch video and image quality and hardware features like extra HDMI ports for multiple devices. Mirroring with another device will allow you to watch your favorite show as long as the phone has internet connectivity and is compatible with the TV.
Do You Need Wi-Fi for Smart Tv FAQs
Can You Use a Smart TV Without WI-Fi?
Yes. A Smart TV is superior to traditional TVs because it has inbuilt applications like YouTube TV and Netflix that allow online streaming with the internet. In addition, if you do not have Wi-Fi, the HDMI ports allow connection to external devices like the DVD or Blu-Ray player, a gaming console, mobile phone, or laptop.
Can You Watch Netflix Without the Internet on Smart TV?
Yes. A Smart TV allows a direct connection with a mobile phone or laptop through which you can cast your favorite show onto the screen. However, successful mirroring depends on a stable internet connection on the external device, and the two screens must allow syncing. Moreover, the HDMI port and cable must work seamlessly to avoid interruption.
Can I Stream Without WI-Fi?
Streaming without Wi-Fi on a Smart TV is difficult because you need the internet to view content through online apps like Netflix and HBO Max. If there is no Wi-Fi, consider direct connection alternatives like a mobile phone that will use the device’s internet. Also, beware of the data usage costs while streaming to avoid incurring too high expenses.
How Do I Get Basic Cable on My Smart TV?
A Smart TV comes with pre-installed access to basic cable as long as you pay for the ideal package with channels from major networks like ABC, CBC, and PBS. Cable is an ideal alternative if you prefer not to stream content and the average cost for a good package is $50 per month.
