Modern users are often faced with a situation where landline Internet is unavailable for some reason, and access to online cinemas or YouTube on a big screen LG Smart TV is extremely necessary. In such cases, a smartphone based on Android becomes a real salvation, turning into a full-fledged modem. Connecting your TV to the global network via a mobile device is not just a temporary solution, but also a convenient way to provide access to content while traveling or at the dacha.
The setup process may vary depending on the model of your phone and the firmware version of the TV. However, the basic principles remain the same: the device must create a network, and the TV must find and connect to it. It is important to understand that the connection speed will directly depend on the quality of the cellular signal and the capabilities of your tariff plan. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods and possible pitfalls.
Before taking active steps, it is worth assessing the current state of the equipment. Make sure that mobile data is active on your smartphone and there is a sufficient balance or traffic package. Also check that the TV LG is in working order and the remote control is functioning correctly. Sometimes the problem lies not in the settings, but in a simple lack of network resources.
Preparing devices for synchronization
The first step towards a successful connection is the correct preparation of both devices. On a smartphone Android You need to make sure that the data transfer function is activated. Go to settings and check the status of connection to the operator's network. If the 4G or 5G indicator is not lit, the Internet on the TV will not work, even if the access point is turned on.
On the TV side LG you also need to perform a number of preliminary steps. Go to the network settings menu to make sure that the Wi-Fi module is working. Sometimes it is useful to reset your TV's network settings if you have previously had problems connecting to other routers. This will clear the cache of old connections and allow you to start with a clean slate.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that your mobile operator tariff plan supports modem mode. Some operators block Internet distribution or charge an additional fee for it.
It is also important to check the software version on both gadgets. Outdated firmware on the phone may not work correctly with the new security standards WPA3that the TV uses. Update the system to the latest available version through the device settings. This minimizes the risks of incompatibility of encryption protocols.
☑️ Preparing for connection
Method 1: Classic Wi-Fi access point
The most common and universal method is to use modem mode via Wi-Fi. In this case, your smartphone acts as a regular wireless router. The TV LG sees this network in the list of available connections and joins it in the standard way.
To activate this function on your phone, go to the settings section, which is usually called Connections or Network and Internet. Find the item Access point and modem and activate the switch opposite the inscription Wi-Fi access point. Here you can also set the network name (SSID) and come up with a strong password that you will need to enter on the TV.
After turning on the access point, take the remote control from the TV. Click the Settings button (gear icon) and go to the All settingssection. Next, select a category Network and click on the item Connecting to a Wi-Fi network. In the list that appears, find the name of your network that you set on your phone and select it.
- 📱 Enter the password that is displayed in the access point settings on your smartphone.
- 📡 Make sure that the network frequency matches (some older TVs do not see 5 GHz).
- 🔒 Use WPA2-PSK encryption for maximum compatibility.
- ⚡ Turn off the power saving mode on the phone during distribution.
If the connection is successful, A notification will appear on the TV screen and a Wi-Fi icon will appear in the upper corner of the display. Now you can launch applications Smart TV and check the video loading speed. It is worth noting that during active high-quality streaming, the smartphone can heat up significantly.
Place the smartphone next to the TV, but do not cover it with pillows or cloth while distributing the Internet to avoid overheating of the battery.
Method 2: Connect via a USB cable (USB Tethering)
An alternative option that is often ignored by users is connecting via wire. The method USB modem provides a more stable connection and simultaneously charges the smartphone. This is an ideal choice for long-term movie watching, when the wireless connection may be unstable.
To implement this method, you will need a working USB cable. Connect one end to your smartphone and the other to the TV's USB port LG. Typically the ports are located on the side or back of the case. After the physical connection, a request for USB operating mode may appear on the phone screen; you can ignore it or select “Charging only”, since the settings will be made in the menu.
Then you need to activate the function on the smartphone USB modem. The path to it is similar to the previous method: Settings → Connections → Access point and modem. Activate the switch USB modem. If the item is inactive (gray), check the cable or try another USB port on the TV.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi distribution | USB modem |
|---|---|---|
| Signal stability | Average (depending on interference) | High (direct connection) |
| Phone charging | No (fast discharge) | Yes (continuous charging) |
| Transmission speed | Up to 150 Mbit/s (theoretically) | Up to 480 Mbit/s (USB 2.0) |
| Ease of use | High (wireless) | Medium (cable required) |
The TV LG should automatically recognize the new wired connection. In the network settings, select the connection type Wired network (LAN), even if the cable is physically connected to USB. The system will redirect traffic through this interface. If automatic detection does not occur, try rebooting the TV with the cable connected.
Why doesn’t the TV see the USB modem?
Some LG TV models require the installation of additional drivers or do not support the RNDIS protocol used by Android for USB tethering. In such cases, only updating the TV firmware via a USB flash drive to the latest version or using the Wi-Fi method will help.
Configuring network settings on an LG TV
Sometimes automatically receiving settings (DHCP) fails, and the TV sees the network, but does not have access to the Internet. In this case, manual configuration of the IP address is required. Go to the network menu on the TV and select Advanced settings or Edit for the current connection.
In the menu that opens, uncheck the item Automatic. You will need to enter the data manually. Typically the gateway address is the same as the IP address of your phone in modem mode. Most often this is an address of the form 192.168.43.1 for Android devices. Leave the subnet mask standard 255.255.255.0.
For the DNS servers field, it is recommended to use public addresses from reliable providers, for example, Google or Cloudflare. This will help speed up domain name resolution and fix application download errors. Enter the primary DNS address in the field 8.8.8.8, and in the alternative - 1.1.1.1.
Manual registration of DNS servers often solves the problem when the TV is connected to the network, but applications write "No Internet access."
After entering all the parameters, press the button OK or Connect. The TV will check the connection. If all numbers are entered correctly, you will see a green check mark and a successful connection message. Now try opening a browser on your TV or launching YouTube.
Wi-Fi Direct technology for direct transmission
The technology deserves special mention Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to connect devices directly without creating a classic access point. This method is often used for broadcasting the screen (Screen Share), but some models LG allow you to use it to access the network if the phone supports the appropriate routing functions.
To activate this mode, on the TV go to the menu Network and select Wi-Fi Direct. Turn on the function and the TV will begin searching for available devices. On your smartphone, go to the Wi-Fi settings, find the section Wi-Fi Direct and select your TV from the list LG.
A request to confirm pairing will appear on the screens of both devices. Receive it on the TV remote control and on the smartphone screen. Once the connection is established, the devices will exchange security keys. However, it is worth noting that this method is more often used to duplicate the image, and not for full access to the Internet for TV applications.
- 🔄 Ideal for mirroring the smartphone screen.
- 🚫 Does not always provide Internet access for Smart TV applications.
- ⚡ Consumes less energy than a classic point access.
- 🔗 Creates a direct connection without the participation of an external router.
If your goal is to watch online content through TV applications, and not broadcast from your phone, it is better to use the first or second method. Wi-Fi Direct is more focused on multimedia file and picture sharing than on a network gateway.
Solving common problems and connection errors
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter a number of difficulties. One of the most common problems is that the TV finds the network, enters the password, but says “Could not connect.” In this case, first check the frequency range. Many old models LG do not support the 5 GHz network, which modern phones distribute by default.
To fix this, go to the access point settings on your phone. Find the item Frequency range or AP Band and switch it from 5.0 GHz to 2.4 GHz. After that, turn off and turn on the access point again. The TV should see the network and connect successfully.
⚠️ Attention: Android and WebOS (LG operating system) menu interfaces may differ depending on the firmware version. If you do not find the described item, look for a similar one in the adjacent settings sections.
Another common mistake is “Limited” or “No Internet access”. This often indicates that your phone has data saving mode enabled or background data blocking for tethering mode is enabled. Go to the mobile data settings and make sure that there are no restrictions for the access point mode.
It is also worth checking the date and time settings. If the time on the TV is wrong, site security certificates will not be verified, and the Internet will not work. Set automatic time synchronization in the TV settings or set the correct values manually.
Why is the Internet slow when connected via a phone?
The speed depends on the level of the cellular signal at the location of the phone. If the phone is placed behind the TV or in a niche, the signal may be shielded. Try taking your smartphone out into the open. Also, the speed is reduced if the tariff plan has a speed limit after a certain amount of traffic.
Is it possible to share the Internet if VPN is enabled on the phone?
By default, Android does not allow access point traffic through the VPN tunnel. For this to work, you need root access and special applications (for example, Every Proxy) that redirect traffic. Without them, the TV will be connected to the network, but will not access the Internet.
Does Internet distribution drain the phone's battery?
Yes, modem mode significantly increases power consumption. When using a Wi-Fi hotspot, the phone may discharge after 2-3 hours of active use. It is recommended to keep the phone on charge or use the USB method, which simultaneously powers the device.
How can I learn how many devices are connected to my hotspot?
In the hotspot settings on Android there is usually a "Connected devices" section or a similar icon with a number. A list of MAC addresses of connected gadgets is displayed there. You can block unknown devices directly from this menu for security.
What to do if the TV does not see the phone’s network at all?
Try to hide the network name (SSID) in the phone settings and register it on the TV manually. Also check if your phone has a limit on the number of connected devices (sometimes there is a limit of 1 device). Rebooting both devices often solves the visibility problem.