A built-in internet connection is what really makes smart televisions “smart.” But do you really need to use this capability? Will a smart TV work without internet connection?
- Learn about the Popular Questions About Smart TVs
Smart TV without internet connection
Your smart TV won’t require an internet connection to function as a regular TV. You can still watch TV channels with a traditional cable box or antenna, play DVDs and CDs, connect speakers, etc.
However, you won’t be able to access the smart features and the many video streaming apps that come preloaded on most models. You can also browse the web, since there are many web browsers for Smart TVs out there.
There are many things you can do with a smart TV. You can watch Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, CBS All Access, Showtime Anytime, STARZ Play, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV, Crackle, Sling TV, and more.
What is a Smart TV?
A smart TV is basically a regular TV with internet access. With internet access you can interact with apps. You can also watch videos online or stream content from other devices.
Video streaming services were around before 2005, but didn’t become popular until after that time. Nowadays, there are numerous video streaming apps available.
Some offer great content while others are more focused on certain types of programming.You can download each of these specific apps directly to your smart TV. These streaming services can be used as a nice addition to your basic cable plan or even replace your cable entirely. Or you can simply watch videos online using your smart TV. However, you’ll need internet to do this.
Some new TVs now include built-in voice recognition. You can use your voice to turn on or off the TV, change channels, or play movies. In addition, some TVs are connected to the Internet and let you access content from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
Why Buy a Smart TV Without an Internet Connection?
Even if you don’t have an internet connection, Smart TVs still offer benefits and reasons to have them.
Smart TVs Are What’s Available
While smart TVs are still new, manufacturers have recognized them as a great opportunity. As a result, you’ll probably be buying a smart TV if it’s the most readily available option.
Whether you use it as a Smart TV or not, the idea that you’d buy one just because it was what was available wasn’t that farfetched. But now that smart TVs are becoming more common, their prices are getting closer to dumb TVs. And soon, most if not all TVs will be smart.
Smart TVs Offer Additional Features
Smart TVs offer more functionality than standard, dumb TVs, but they’re still pretty basic. Most of them have more HDMI ports than other TVs. And while we may be using more devices connected to our TVs now, there’s no reason why we need to use them all at once. You can still stick with your old TV for a while longer.
Smart TVs provide enough connectivity that you rarely need to connect or disconnect anything. They also typically offer better video quality than dumb TVs. This has everything to do with the fact that companies put a lot of effort into making smart TVs and putting the most advanced technology into them.
Streaming Device Alternatives
Smart TVs are becoming more popular as they allow users to stream content directly from the Internet without having to plug into another device.
Many households have computers or laptops that they use to access the internet, but many others use smartphones or tablets. These devices work great for accessing streaming content, but there is still a need for a dedicated device with a much larger screen.
Some of the most popular video streaming devices include Amazon’s Fire Stick, Google’s Chromecast, and Apple’s Apple TV. These streaming devices make it easy to stream content from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Vudu, YouTube, and others.
In addition, many gaming systems, such as Xbox and PlayStation, allow users to download video streaming apps and access them through their system.
Smart TV Issues Without An Internet Connection
Even though there are still benefits to a Smart TV without the internet, there are some potential concerns with buying and operating a Smart TV.
Smart TV Cost
A Smart TV costs around $100 more than a dumb TV, but the price difference is decreasing yearly. That small difference is negligible when thinking about the higher quality and extra features that you get with a Smart TV though.
Smart TV Firmware Updates
Your smart TV may be unable to receive firmware updates. This means that you’ll need to contact your manufacturer and ask them how to update the firmware without the internet.
Why does a smart TV need firmware updates?
Firmware updates typically come as part of new functionality being added to the TV, or to fix a problem the TV may have.
After updates, your TV will be more responsive, faster, and easier to use. This won’t be a big issue if the TV is already working well.
Account Creation During Setup
In order to avoid having to go through this process every time, you should make sure that your TV is set up to automatically download any required software updates. This way, you won’t need to worry about it.
How to Connect a Smart TV to the Internet
Your smart TV will still work without the internet. However, there are several options available that allow you to connect your Smart TV to the internet.
How to Connect a Smart TV to WiFi
Most homes have WiFi now at home, so this is the easiest way to connect your Smart TV to the internet.
You can simply enter your WiFi network’s name and password through the TV’s menus. These are the general instructions for most Smart TVs, but yours may vary slightly:
- Press the Menu button
- Access the TV’s Wireless Network Settings
- Select your WiFi network from the list
- Enter your WiFi password
That should be it!
You may need to move the router closer to the TV or vice versa if the signal isn’t strong enough.
- Read a more in-depth, related article: Connecting a Samsung TV to Wi-Fi
How to Connect a Smart TV With an Ethernet Cable
Connecting your smart TV to the Internet using an Ethernet cable is the best option if you’re looking for the fastest speeds possible. The Ethernet cable will also help ensure your connection stays strong and stable.
The downside to this option is your router and Smart TV can’t bee too far apart. There are some really long ethernet cables, but you’ll need to try and hide the cables if the two are far from each other.
- Related Article: How to Use a LAN Adapter with Smart TV.
Stream with an Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV
There are a number of streaming devices that can help with streaming videos on a TV. These types of devices are meant to be plugged into your television and connected to your home’s Wi Fi network.
Once connected, you can then access various content providers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, iTunes, Netflix, etc.
Connect an Amazon Fire Stick
The Amazon Fire Stick is Wi-Fi enabled, so it will connect to your home’s WiFi network.
- To connect the Fire Stick to your TV, you need to plug it into the HDMI port of your TV.
- Connect the power adapter to a wall outlet.
- On your TV, select the HDMI input channel you connected the Fire Stick to.
Your Fire remote should be paired with your television. If it’s not paired yet, you’ll need to go from the Fire’s Home and follow the instructions to connect the Fire Stick to your WiFi network.
You’ll then need to sign in to your Amazon account.
Connect an Apple TV box
The Apple TV set top box is also WiFi enabled, so it will use your home’s WiFi network to let you stream shows on your regular or Smart TV.
- Connect the Apple TV to one of the available HDMI ports on your TV.
- On your TV, select the HDMI input channel of the port you connected to.
- Connect to your home WiFi network by following the Apple TV’s instructions and inputting your WiFi password.
- Use your Apple TV credentials to sign in to your Apple TV account.
Stream from Mobile Devices
Google Chromecast is an innovative product that allows users to cast media from their phones, tablets, laptops, etc., onto their TVs.
All you need to do is connect your device to your TV using the included HDMI cable. Once connected, simply download the Google Home app to your smartphone or tablet, open the app and follow the steps to set it up. You can then cast any video, picture, or song you want onto your TV screen.
Use the iPhone to connect to your smart TV with AirPlay2. You’ll need to have an Apple TV as well as an iOS device running iOS 11 or later.
Smart TV Without Internet Connection Final Thoughts
Yes, a smart tv will work without an internet connection. No, you wont be able to use its builtin apps and video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu without the internet.
Even if you buy a Smart TV now, you can always connect to the internet later and take advantage of streaming various TV shows and movies.
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