Using a TV LG Smart TV without a wired Ethernet connection often becomes a problem when the built-in Wi-Fi module is unstable or missing. In such a situation, a smartphone based on Android can become a salvation, acting as an external modem. Connecting via a USB cable provides a more stable signal and lower latency compared to wireless distribution, which is critical for watching high-definition videos.
Many users mistakenly believe that data transfer is only possible via Wi-Fi, ignoring the possibilities of a wired connection. However USB Tethering (USB modem) is a proven method that allows you to broadcast mobile traffic or the Internet from your phone directly to the operating system webOS. This solution is especially relevant for models where the wireless adapter has failed or does not support modern encryption standards.
In this article we will examine in detail the technical side of the process, the necessary settings and possible limitations. You'll learn how to properly prepare devices, what cables to use, and how to diagnose problems if automatic network detection does not occur. A deep understanding of these processes will allow you to enjoy content without interruption.
Technical requirements and equipment preparation
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure that your equipment is compatible. Not every smartphone and not every TV LG support USB modem function out of the box. The key element here is the phone's support for RNDIS or ECMmode, which allows you to emulate a network card when connected via USB. Without this function, the TV operating system simply will not see the phone as an Internet source.
The second important aspect is the quality of the cable. The cheap cables that come with cheap power banks are often for charging only and do not have internal data lines. You will need an original cable USB Type-C or Micro-USB with support for high data transfer rates. The port on the TV is also important: some models LG have ports with different current strengths, but any port labeled USB is usually suitable for data transfer.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that your mobile operator tariff plan allows you to use your phone as a modem. Some providers block the distribution of traffic or charge additional fees for this, which can lead to unexpected expenses.
It is also worth checking the version of the operating system on your smartphone. On older versions Android (below 4.0), the function may be unstable or require root access. Modern versions such as Android 10, 11, 12 and higher have built-in support, but manufacturer interfaces (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Huawei EMUI) may hide these settings in different places.
Setting up an Android smartphone for distribution
The process of activating the modem mode on different devices may differ visually, but the logic remains the same. You need to get to the network settings menu. Usually the path looks like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and modem. On some devices this section may be called simply Modem mode or located in the menu System.
After connecting the phone to the TV with a cable, the “USB modem” item will become active (no longer gray). If this item is inactive before connecting the cable, it means that the physical connection is not established or the cable is not transmitting data. Turn on the switch opposite the inscription USB modem. The system may warn you that existing Wi-Fi connections on the phone are interrupted - this is normal, as the antenna switches to data transfer mode.
- 📱 Connect the cable to the smartphone and wait for the battery to charge.
- 🔌 Insert the other end of the cable into the USB port of the TV LG.
- ⚙️ Go to phone settings and find the modem section.
- 🔄 Activate the toggle switch USB modem after the connection appears.
It is important to note that on smartphones Xiaomi or Huawei Additional permissions may be required. The security system sometimes blocks the creation of network bridges without explicit user confirmation. If, after turning on the toggle switch, the Internet does not appear on the TV, try rebooting the smartphone with the cable already connected.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the smartphone
Network configuration on the LG webOS TV
After the phone is switched to modem mode, the TV LG should automatically detect new network connection. The operating system webOS prioritizes wired connections, so it will try to switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet-over-USB. You don't need to manually turn off Wi-Fi on your TV; the system will choose the most stable source.
To check the status, go to the main menu, click on the gear icon Settings, then select All settings (or three dots). In the Network or Connection section you should see an active wired connection. The status should be “Connected”, and an icon may appear next to the Ethernet icon indicating the speed or type of connection.
If automatic connection does not occur, try reset network settings. This won't delete your apps, but it will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations. Reset path: Settings → All settings → General → Factory reset (or Network reset). After rebooting the TV, repeat the cable connection procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Interface webOS (updating). The location of menu items may differ on 2018, 2020 and 2023 TVs. If you do not find an exact match, look for sections with the word “Network” or “Connections.”
What to do if the TV sees USB as a drive and not a network?
In this case, the phone did not switch to modem mode. Check the notifications on your smartphone - when connecting to a PC or TV, the “USB Operation Mode” menu often pops up. Select "USB tethering" or "File transfer" there, and then activate the function in the settings. Sometimes switching to the “USB Debugging” mode in the developer menu helps.
Compatibility and possible problems table
Not all device combinations work perfectly. Below is a table that will help you quickly diagnose the situation depending on your phone model and system version. Please remember that software updates may change the operation of network protocols.
| Device / OS | USB Tethering support | Probable problems | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung (Android 10+) | Full | Operator blocking | Changing TTL or contacting the operator |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Full | Aggressive energy saving | Disable energy saving for system processes |
| Huawei (without Google) | Partial | Lack of drivers in webOS | Using HiLink mode or third-party applications |
| Old Android (4-6) | Depends on the model | Unstable IP address | Static IP setting on the TV |
As can be seen from the table, the most common problems are not related to the physical connection, but to software restrictions of operators or energy saving settings. Device owners Huawei should be especially careful, since their proprietary protocols may not be recognized by standard TV drivers. LG.
If you have a Huawei phone without Google services, try selecting the “File Transfer (MTP)” mode in the USB settings, and then turn on the modem. Sometimes this helps the TV system to correctly identify the device.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
The situation when everything is connected, but the Internet does not work, occurs quite often. First of all, check if there is Internet on the smartphone itself. Open the browser on your phone and make sure that the pages are loaded via the mobile network (it’s better to turn off Wi-Fi on your phone for the purity of the experiment). If there is no network on the phone, the TV will not receive it either.
The second step is to check the IP addressing. The TV should obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP. Go to Network settings on the TV, select Wired connection and press Advanced settings (or the information button). Make sure that the address does not start with 169.254.x.x —this is a self-configuration address, which indicates there is no connection with the distribution device.
- 🔌 Try another USB port on your TV (preferably blue USB 3.0).
- 📱 Reboot both devices at the same time.
- 🛡️ Disable VPN on your smartphone - it can block local distribution.
- 📶 Check if the “Traffic Saving” mode is enabled on your phone.
Sometimes the problem lies in the DNS format. Try setting up static DNS servers in the TV's network settings. Use public DNS from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). This often solves the problem when there is a connection, but pages do not load or applications write “No network.”
90% of connection problems are solved by replacing the cable with a high-quality shielded wire or rebooting both devices with an interval of 30 seconds.
Impact on battery and traffic consumption
Usage smartphone as a modem via USB - an energy-consuming process. Unlike Wi-Fi distribution, where the phone heats up and discharges very quickly, a USB connection allows you to simultaneously transfer data and charge the device from the TV. However, the charging current from the TV’s USB port is usually small (about 0.5A), so when actively downloading heavy content (4K video), the battery can still discharge, albeit more slowly.
Regarding traffic: modern streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, IVI) consume from 3 to 7 GB of traffic per hour at high quality. If you do not have an unlimited tariff, be sure to set limits in your phone settings or monitor your consumption through the operator's application. The TV does not know how to “save” traffic as effectively as mobile applications, and will strive to select the maximum picture quality.
⚠️ Attention: Prolonged operation in modem mode can lead to overheating of the smartphone, especially if it is in a case. Monitor the temperature of the device's body while watching movies.
To minimize data consumption, you can reduce the playback quality in the settings of the applications themselves on the TV. For example, in YouTube you can force 1080p instead of “Auto,” which will significantly reduce traffic consumption without a critical loss of quality on a medium-sized screen.
Alternative methods and conclusions
If a wired connection via USB absolutely does not work due to driver incompatibility, it is worth considering an alternative - creating a Wi-Fi access point. Although we started with the assumption that USB is more stable, the modern Wi-Fi 5 (AC) and Wi-Fi 6 standard provide sufficient speed for 4K content. To do this, enable “Wi-Fi hotspot” in your phone settings and connect the TV to the created network as to a regular router.
Another option is to use a portable 4G router with an Ethernet port. This device inserts a SIM card, and it distributes the Internet via a LAN cable, which is connected to the TV through a LAN-to-USB adapter. This is the most stable, but also more expensive method, requiring the purchase of additional equipment.
Is it possible to distribute the Internet via Bluetooth?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended for Smart TV. The Bluetooth connection speed (maximum 2-3 Mbit/s) is not sufficient for streaming video even in low resolution. Use this method only to update software or download light applications.
To summarize, connecting the Internet to the TV LG via an Android smartphone and a USB cable is an effective “crutch” that saves in situations with a non-working Wi-Fi module or lack of wired Internet in the room. The main thing is to use a high-quality cable and correctly configure the modem mode on the phone.
Why does the TV write “No connection to the server” when the USB modem is turned on?
Most likely, the problem is in DNS or blocking by the operator. Try setting static DNS (8.8.8.8) in the TV network settings or disabling VPN on your smartphone. Also check if the traffic on the SIM card has run out.
Will this method work if the phone is in airplane mode?
No. In flight mode, all communication modules are disabled, including mobile data. For a USB modem to work, at least one Internet source must be active on the phone: mobile data or Wi-Fi (if the phone distributes the Internet received via Wi-Fi, although this is a rare scenario for TV).
Is it possible to watch movies from the phone on a TV via USB using this method?
No, the USB modem transmits only the Internet connection. To display an image (screen broadcast), you need to use the Smart View, Cast or Miracast function over Wi-Fi, or connect your phone via an HDMI adapter if your phone model supports it.
Will the method work on old LG TVs from 2014-2015?
The probability is low. Older versions of webOS (1.0, 2.0, 3.0) may not have drivers to recognize modern Android smartphones as network cards. In this case, only an external Wi-Fi adapter or LAN adapter will help.
How to disable USB connection notifications on the phone screen?
You cannot completely disable Android system notifications about charging/USB connection without root access. However, you can minimize the notification shade to keep them out of the way when your phone is connected to a TV. On some shells (Samsung, Xiaomi), you can configure the default action for a USB connection.