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Yes—if you mean connecting a TV to your home network, use an Ethernet cable from the TV’s Ethernet port to a router LAN port, or connect over Wi-Fi if the TV supports it. A router does not normally connect to a TV through HDMI: HDMI carries video and audio from a device such as a streaming player to the TV, while Ethernet or Wi-Fi provides network access.
Choose the connection that matches your equipment
| Connection | What connects | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | TV to router | A TV Ethernet port, an available router LAN port and an Ethernet cable. Google Fiber Help describes connecting a wired device to a router LAN port: Connect devices to your network. |
| Wi-Fi | TV to wireless network | A TV that supports Wi-Fi and the network credentials. Google TV setup supports Wi-Fi or Ethernet, but Wi-Fi availability depends on the TV: Set up your Google TV device. |
| HDMI | Streaming device to TV | An HDMI connection for the display, not the router-to-TV network link. The streaming device then connects to the network by Wi-Fi or, when supported, Ethernet: Ethernet adapter for Chromecast: a quick start guide. |
Connect a TV to the router with Ethernet
- Check the TV for an Ethernet port and the router for an available LAN port. A router’s WAN or internet port is not the LAN port described for connecting wired devices.
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the TV and the other to an available LAN port on the router. Google Fiber Help’s general instruction is to connect the wired device to a router LAN port: Connect devices to your network.
- Open the TV’s network settings and choose its wired connection option if needed. The menu names and any additional steps vary by TV, so follow the television’s manual.
- Check the TV’s network status or try an internet-connected app to confirm it is online.
Wired networking can be a practical choice when the router is within cable reach or Wi-Fi is unsuitable. Google Fiber describes direct wiring as providing the fastest connection speeds for wired devices, but the cited guidance gives no TV-specific benchmark or guaranteed improvement. Results depend on the TV, router and network.
Connect the TV over Wi-Fi
- Confirm in the TV manual or specifications that the model supports Wi-Fi.
- Open the TV’s network or internet settings and select the home wireless network.
- Enter the password or other requested credentials, then check the TV’s network status.
Exact menu labels vary by manufacturer and model. Google TV setup documentation offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet as connection options for Google TV devices; it does not mean every television supports Wi-Fi: Set up your Google TV device.
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If the TV has Wi-Fi, connect it wirelessly. If it lacks network capability—or its built-in features do not meet your needs—an external streaming device may provide internet-connected apps. The device plugs into the TV’s HDMI port for the picture and sound, then joins the network over Wi-Fi or, on compatible devices, Ethernet.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
For supported Chromecast devices, Google documents an Ethernet adapter that connects the streaming device to the router. The adapter varies by Chromecast model, so check compatibility before buying: Ethernet adapter for Chromecast: a quick start guide.
What if the router has no free LAN port?
Check whether a LAN port is available before changing the setup. An Ethernet switch can add wired ports in some configurations, but the right arrangement depends on the router and network. Google’s instructions describe switches for specified Nest Wifi and Google Wifi products; do not assume that every router has identical requirements. Consult the documentation for your equipment: Add additional Wi-Fi points to Google Wifi or Nest Wifi.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Why HDMI or USB is not the usual router-to-TV internet connection
HDMI is the display link between a TV and a device such as a streaming player. In Google’s documented Chromecast setup, HDMI connects the device to the display, while an Ethernet connection—where supported—links it to the router. A router’s HDMI or USB socket is not the standard network path described here; check device-specific documentation for any unusual equipment arrangement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1000Mbps Hyper Speed: UGREEN usb to ethernet adapter can provide gigabit network speed. It can give a full play to the performance of LAN and ensure stable network speed for you to online gaming, online HD video streaming, upload, download, and more
- Plug and Play: UGREEN ethernet adapter for laptop is plug and play for Windows 11/10/8.1/8, macOS, and Chrome OS. (No Driver Needed) It's also driver-free and compatible with Nintendo Switch, and Switch Oled. Just plug in and enjoy a smooth wired network
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch: This ethernet to usb adapter is perfectly compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch Oled. No more suffering from slow download speeds and high network latency, enjoy smooth online gaming with friends
- Wide Compatibility: UGREEN usb to ethernet is compatible with most desktop PCs, laptops, Nintendo Switch, Switch Oled, and TV boxes with USB A port, like ThinkPad, Surface, XPS, Chromebook, Spectre, Zenbook, Macbook, Mac Mini, Mi Box, etc
- Compact and Portable: This ethernet to usb has a brand new small-size design. You can easily take it anywhere with your briefcase or pocket, very suitable for the business person
Rank #4
- 【USB 3.0 Fast Transmission】uni Ethernet Adapter supports 10/100/1000 Mbps at fast USB 3.0 speeds and is also backward compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. Note: To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables. The speed of USB 2.0 will be limited to 10/100M.
- 【Plug & Play】USB to Ethernet adapter serves as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your laptop with USB 3.0 and does not require any driver or software installed. Choose uni and enjoy your hassle-free network speed boosting experience. (Note: driver is required on Win 11. You can find the User Guide in the "Product guides and documents" section of the listing.)
- 【Secure & Stable】Wired network is known as being securer and more stable than wireless connections, and uni's USB to RJ45 adapter is the perfect solution to maintain a safe and smooth network during online classes, video conferences, downloading large files, video streaming and gaming on your USB 3.0 laptops. But Not Recommended for TV.
- 【uni's unique design】The built-in intelligent chip RTL8153 offers high-speed transmission. The USB connector fits snugly into the port ensuring stable signal transport. Nylon braided cable adds up the durability without compromising on its flexibility for easy storage. LED indicator informs you of the working status and premium aluminum case for better heat dissipation.
- 【Compatibility & Features】NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch. Compatible with ChromeOS, Windows (32/64 bit) 8/7/Vista /XP/10, Mac OS X 10.5 or later, Linux. Note that you can connect the adapter to a USB 3.0 hub. Compatible with features include Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Crossover Detection, timing recovery and IEEE 802. 3az Energy Efficient Ethernet. Compatible with IPv4/IPv6 Protocol. (If you are not sure, please feel free to let us know, we are very glad to help you.)
Rank #3
- Allows Fire TV devices to connect directly to a wired Ethernet network, providing reliable internet speeds and freeing up WiFi bandwidth.
- Easy to set up – simply connect the micro-USB Amazon Ethernet Adapter into the USB port on your Fire TV and plug in an Ethernet cable directly from your router.
- Compatible with Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick HD (1st Gen), Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, and Amazon Fire TV (3rd Gen, Pendant Design).
- As the micro-USB version, this accessory is incompatible with Fire TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) with USB-C.
- 10/100 Ethernet
Before you buy a cable or adapter
- Check the TV’s exact model for Ethernet and Wi-Fi support.
- Check the router for an available LAN port and confirm which ports are LAN.
- Measure whether an Ethernet cable can reach between the TV and router.
- If using a streaming device or Ethernet adapter, verify compatibility with that exact model.
- If adding a switch, confirm the setup against the router manufacturer’s instructions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
