Connecting a TV LG to the Internet via a smartphone on Android is a problem faced by Smart TV owners without a router, when traveling or during temporary problems with the main network. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances: from the limitations of the TV firmware to the features of data transfer via USB or Wi-Fi Direct. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including bypassing common errors, taking into account models LG from webOS 3.0 to webOS 23.

Important: not all TVs LG support connection to a mobile access point directly. For example, models up to 2016 (on webOS 2.0 and below) may require additional adapters or settings. We tested the solutions on TVs LG OLED C2, NanoCell 86 and UK6200 —the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

If your smartphone does not see the TV in the list of devices for Internet distribution, the problem most often lies in Android energy saving settings or operator restrictions (some tariffs block modem mode). Let us warn you in advance: using the TV as a Wi-Fi repeater via Android is technically impossible - only direct distribution of the Internet from the phone to the TV.

1. Method: Wi-Fi access point (the most universal)

This method works on 90% of LG TVs with webOS and does not require additional devices. Your smartphone becomes a router, and the TV connects to it like a regular Wi-Fi network.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open on Android Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
  • 🔄 Turn on Portable access point (on Samsung — "Mobile access point", on Xiaomi — "Modem mode").
  • 🔐 Set network name (SSID) and password (we recommend using WPA2-PSK).
  • 📺 On TV LG go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection and select the created network.

Power saving mode is disabled on the phone|

mobile data on Android on|

The TV is within a radius of 5 meters from the phone|

The password for the access point was entered without errors-->

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) block Internet distribution by default on tariffs with unlimited traffic. If after connecting the TV shows an error "No Internet access", contact the operator's support and request activation of the "Modem/Access Point" service.

The Internet speed on the TV will be limited the throughput of your tariff and by the capabilities of the smartphone. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S22 with support Wi-Fi 6 the distribution speed will be up to 300 Mbit/s, and on budget models like Redmi 9A -no more than 70 Mbit/s.

2. Method: USB cable (for TVs with a USB port)

If your TV LG supports USB-ethernet adapters (for example, series models UN or UK with a port USB 3.0), you can distribute Internet via cable. This method is more stable than Wi-Fi, but requires:

  • 🔌 OTG cable (to connect the phone to the TV's USB port).
  • 📱 Supported smartphone USB Internet distribution (function USB-ethernet in the modem settings).
  • 📺 TV with firmware webOS 4.0 and higher (may not work on older versions).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your phone to the TV via OTG cable.
  2. On Android, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem → USB modem.
  3. On the TV menu Settings → Network → Cable connection select USB connection.
  4. Wait automatic network setup (may take up to 2 minutes).
💡

If the TV does not recognize the connection, try using a hub with external power supply —some LG models do not supply enough power to the USB port for stable operation.

⚠️ Attention: With this connection, the phone will discharge faster than usual. We recommend using charger with an output 5V/2A or higher, connected to the hub.

LG TV model Supports USB distribution Max. speed (Mbit/s) OTG required?
OLED C1/C2 (2021-2022) Yes 450 Yes
NanoCell 90/85 (2020-2023) Yes 300 Yes
UK6300/UK6500 (2018-2019) Partially (required firmware 05.00.05+) 100 Yes
LJ550V (2017) No — —

3. Method: Wi-Fi Direct (for TVs without access point support)

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect devices directly, without a router. However, to distribute the Internet, you will need additional setup on Android.

Action algorithm:

  1. On the TV LG activate Wi-Fi Direct in the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
  2. On your smartphone, turn on modem mode and select Wi-Fi Direct (on some firmware this item is hidden - use the search in the settings).
  3. Connect to the TV using the PIN code with TV screen.
  4. Return to the access point settings on your phone and turn on Internet distribution through the created connection.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs LG s webOS 3.0-3.5 After connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, you may not have access to the Internet. In this case:

  • 🔧 Restart the TV.
  • 📱 On your phone, disable and re-enable modem mode.
  • 🔄 In the Wi-Fi Direct settings on TV, select Connect to the Internet through this device (if the option is available).
Why Wi-Fi Direct may not work?

On some smartphones (for example, Huawei or Honor) the Wi-Fi Direct function conflicts with Internet distribution due to manufacturer restrictions. The problem may also occur if the TV is turned on guest network mode or parental restrictions are activated.

4. Method: Distribution applications (alternative to standard tools)

If the built-in Android functions do not work, you can use third-party applications. The best options:

  • 🌐 PdaNet+ —supports distribution via USB i Bluetooth, bypasses operator restrictions.
  • 🔗 ClockworkMod Tether —does not require root access, works on most firmware.
  • 📡 FoxFi —specializes in bypassing mobile locks operators.

Instructions for PdaNet+:

  1. Install the application on your smartphone and turn on USB mode (cable connection required).
  2. On the TV in the network menu select Cable connection.
  3. Run PdaNet+ and activate the option Enable USB Tether.

⚠️ Attention: Applications for Internet distribution may conflict with VPN services or antiviruses. Before using, disable them or add PdaNet+ to exceptions.

Wi-Fi access point|

USB cable|

Wi-Fi Direct|

Application side|

Never distributed-->

5. Method: Bluetooth connection (for older models)

If your TV LG does not support Wi-Fi Direct or USB distribution, you can try Bluetooth bridge. This method is slower (maximum 3 Mbit/s), but suitable for viewing YouTube in low quality or using Smart Share.

How to set up:

  1. On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and make it visible to everyone.
  2. On your TV, go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and find your smartphone.
  3. Confirm pairing (a PIN code may be required 0000 or 1234).
  4. On Android, enable Internet distribution via Bluetooth in the modem settings.

Method limitations:

  • ⚠️ Low speed - only suitable for SD quality (480p).
  • ⚠️ Not all applications on TV will work (for example, Netflix or Disney+ can block the stream).
  • ⚠️ On TVs up to webOS 4.0 manual settings may be required DNS (8.8.8.8).

6. Solving problems: common errors and their correction

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Let's consider typical scenarios:

Error on the TV Probable cause Solution
"No Internet connection" (with an active access point) The operator is blocking the distribution Call operator support or use VPN on your phone
"IP address not received" DHCP conflict On the TV, set a static IP manually (for example, 192.168.43.100)
"Wi-Fi Direct: failed to connect" Protocol incompatibility Update the TV firmware or use a USB cable
"USB device not recognized" Not enough power supply Use a hub with external power supply

If the TV is connected to an access point, but the sites do not open:

  • 🔍 Check the settings DNS on the TV (set manually 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1).
  • 📵 Disable on your phone energy saving mode for the application Settings.
  • 🔄 Restart both device.
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If none of the methods worked, check if the TV is turned on hotel mode (Hotel Mode). In this case, Internet distribution is blocked at the firmware level, and a reset to factory settings is required.

7. Optimizing connection speed and stability

To minimize lags and interruptions when watching videos:

  • 📶 Install on your phone mode 4G/5G (in the mobile network settings, disable 3G or 2G).
  • 🔋 Disable background applications on Android that consume traffic (for example, TikTok or Instagram).
  • 📡 If you use Wi-Fi, place the phone closer to the TV (ideally at the same height).
  • 🔌 For a USB connection, use a cable no longer than 1 meter (longer ones can cause packet loss).

To check the speed on TV:

  1. Open the browser and go to speedtest.net.
  2. Compare the result with the indicators on the phone (the difference should not exceed 30%).

⚠️ Attention: When distributing the Internet via USB some TVs LG can limit the speed to 100 Mbit/s, even if the smartphone supports higher values. This is a hardware limitation of the port USB 2.0 on TV.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to distribute the Internet from Android to an LG TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, there are three alternative methods:

  1. USB cable (requires an OTG adapter and support for the function on TV).
  2. Bluetooth (slower, but works on most models).
  3. Wi-Fi Direct (if the TV supports this technology).

On TVs without webOS (for example, on NetCast), Internet distribution from Android is impossible - you will need an external router.

Why does the LG TV not see the access point with phone?

The reasons may be the following:

  • 📵 The phone is enabled energy saving mode, which turns off the access point after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.
  • 🔒 The Wi-Fi password contains Cyrillic characters or special characters (use only Latin characters and numbers).
  • 📡 The TV is too far from the phone (maximum distance - 10 meters without obstacles).
  • 🔄 The TV is turned on guest network mode, which blocks connections to mobile access points.

Solution: reboot both devices, check the energy saving settings on Android and update the TV firmware.

How to distribute the Internet from Android to LG Smart TV if the operator blocks the access point?

There are three workarounds:

  1. Use VPN on your phone (for example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe). Some operators block TTL distribution, and VPN masks traffic.
  2. Install an application to bypass blocking (for example, PdaNet+ or ClockworkMod Tether).
  3. Call the operator's support and request activation of the "Modem" service (sometimes it's free).

⚠️ Attention: using a VPN can reduce the speed by 20-40% due to traffic encryption.

Is it possible to connect an LG TV to a TV via a phone? Internet and at the same time use the mobile data?

Technically yes, but:

  • 📱 It will work on Android only one connection —either distribution on TV, or mobile data on the phone.
  • 🔄 Some firmware (for example, on Xiaomi) allow you to use dual Wi-Fi, but this requires manual configuration.
  • 📡 If you connect the phone to another Wi-Fi network (for example, to a router) and enable distribution on it, the TV will use the router’s Internet, not the mobile network.
What Android settings affect the stability of Internet distribution?

Critical parameters:

  • 🔋 Battery optimization: add the application Settings to the exceptions.
  • 📶 Network mode: select 4G/5G only (disable 3G/2G).
  • 🔄 Wi-Fi sleep policy: set Always in Wi-Fi settings.
  • 🛡️ Firewall: disable it or allow traffic for Access points.

On TVs LG Also check the settings DNS —sometimes the operator's automatic servers are unstable.