Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Start by checking whether another device can get online using the same Wi-Fi. If it cannot, the problem is probably with your router, modem, or internet service—not just the TV. If other devices work, use the steps below to narrow down whether the issue is the TCL TV, its saved Wi-Fi settings, signal strength, or one app.
First, identify what is failing
TCL TVs use different menus depending on whether the TV runs Google TV or Roku TV, and menu names can also vary by model and software version. Identify the platform and match the symptom before changing settings.
- No networks appear: The TV cannot see nearby Wi-Fi networks.
- Your network appears, but the TV will not join: Check the selected network, password, and saved connection.
- Connected, no internet: The TV has joined the router, but internet access is unavailable.
- Wi-Fi drops or video buffers: Signal, router placement, interference, or network congestion may be involved.
- Only one app fails: Test another app before troubleshooting the Wi-Fi connection.
TCL notes that its menu wording can differ by model, remote, and software version. If a path below does not match your screen, look for the equivalent network, restart, or update option.
Check the internet connection outside the TV
Connect a phone, tablet, or computer to the same Wi-Fi network and try opening a website or app. This check helps separate a TV problem from a home-network or internet-service problem.
#1 Best Overall
- AC1300 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter for PC, Desktop and Laptop. Archer T3U provides 2.4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house.
- Archer T3U also provides MU-MIMO, which delivers Beamforming connection for lag-free Wi-Fi experience.
- Usb 3.0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere.
- World's 1 provider of consumer Wi-Fi for 7 consecutive years - according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
- If other devices also cannot get online, restart your modem and router. Wait for them to reconnect, then test again. If service is still down, contact your internet provider.
- If other devices work, confirm the TV is selecting the correct Wi-Fi network name (SSID). Re-enter the password carefully, including uppercase and lowercase letters.
- If you are using hotel, dorm, or apartment Wi-Fi, the network may require a web sign-in page. Such captive portals may not work well with a TV; try a hotspot for diagnosis or use Ethernet if your TV supports it.
Restart the TV and network equipment
A restart is a sensible first fix for temporary connection problems. TCL’s Google TV guidance recommends unplugging the TV for 60 seconds; wait for the modem and router to reconnect before testing the TV again.
- Restart the modem and router. Allow the network to come back online.
- Restart the TV. On Google TV, try Settings > System > Restart. On Roku TV, try Settings > System > Power > System restart; some versions use Settings > System > System restart.
- Run the TV’s network test: Google TV generally uses Settings > Network & Internet > Check internet connection; Roku TV uses Home > Settings > Network > Check connection.
Reconnect the TV to Wi-Fi
Google TV
- Open Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select the saved network. If the TV offers Forget, choose it.
- Select your Wi-Fi name again and enter the password.
- Run Check internet connection to see whether the TV is online.
Roku TV
- Go to Home > Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and enter its password.
- Choose Check connection to test access.
If a Roku TV continues having trouble with a saved connection, try Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Network connection reset > Reset connection. This clears the network connection so you can set it up again; it is different from a full factory reset.
Rank #2
- 1080P Wireless display: SmartSee Wireless display adapter can mirror the screen of phone, tablet, laptop, pc to your TV/projector/monitor wirelessly. Share photos, movies(unencrypted only), files to a big screen easily, up to 1080P resolution. What shows on your phone, tablet, laptop, pc can show up on another big display. Cast a small screen to a large one. Make your TV a smart TV.
- Easy to use: No App or drivers required. 3 steps to enjoy media on large screen: Plug->Connect->Mirroring: Plug the dongle into the HD port of your TV, projector, or monitor>Power it using the included USB WiFi antenna>Switch your TV to the correct HD channel. The Anycast UI will show up, recognize your IP address and match your local language automatically. > Connect your device with the Anycast dongle. Connection steps differ by systems, follow the User Manual based on your device type.
- Compatibility(Multi-Platform Support) and Limitation: Support Macbook series, iOS 9.0+, Android 5.0+, Windows 10 devices through Airplay, Miracast, DLNA. Notes: 1. NOT supports for Google Pixel or Motorola. 2. Android and Windows devices must support Miracast for screen mirroring to work. 3. Not compatible with the encrypted apps, such as Netflix/ Amazon Video/ HBO go/ Hulu Plus sky go/DIRECTV etc.
- Wide Usage Scenarios (Professional & Everyday Use): Business & Office-Mirroring screen to projector, share PPT, mail, documents and other content wirelessly. Education & Training-Mirroring screen to big screen, share teaching content, classroom teaching, live demos, and workshops wirelessly. Home Entertainment- Watch with your family at home. Mirroring screen to TV, share photos, movies(unencrypted only) wirelessly. Travel & Mobile Work- Carry it while travelling, share your phone to TV anytime. Retail & Exhibitions-Product demos, promotional files, and catalogs. etc.
- Usage Notes & Practical Tips: Anycast dongle is built-in 2 Modes-AirPlay Mode: For all iOS devices; Miracast Mode: For Android and Windows devices. A built-in mode switch button allows switching between AirPlay Mode (iOS) and Miracast Mode (Android & Windows) to match your device system. Press and hold the button for 3-5 seconds to restart the dongle(resolves most connection issues). Note: Always ensure the display is set to the correct HD input. Detailed connection please check the detailed description below or the User Manual according to your device system.
If the TV cannot see your Wi-Fi network
- Rescan for available networks and check whether another device can see the same Wi-Fi name from the TV’s location.
- Restart the TV and router, then scan again.
- Temporarily move the router closer to the TV, or reduce walls and other obstructions between them.
- Test the TV with a phone hotspot. If the TV sees the hotspot but not your home Wi-Fi, focus on the home router, network name, settings, or coverage. TCL describes this as a possible router-side issue, not proof that a particular router setting is at fault.
If the TV connects but has no internet or keeps dropping
A Wi-Fi connection to the router does not guarantee that the TV can reach the internet. Compare with other devices, restart the equipment, reconnect the TV, and run its network test. A hotspot can help isolate the cause: if the TV works on the hotspot but not your home network, investigate the home network or internet service; if it fails on both, continue with TV-side troubleshooting or contact TCL support.
Try the other Wi-Fi band
If your router gives the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands separate network names, try the other one. TCL describes 2.4 GHz as generally offering longer range and 5 GHz as often faster at shorter distances. Actual performance depends on the router, signal, and surroundings.
Rank #3
- RCA connectors provide composite video and stereo audio signal transmission.
- The av adapter work well connecting Game Consoles/ VHS/ VCD/ VCR/ DVD Player to TCL TV.
- TCL TV+AV adapter+male RCA cable, connect with other RCA device.
- The 3.5mm jack: Tip/ Ring/ Ring/ Sleeve iswired to Red /White /Ground /Yellow.
- Cable length: 6 inch.
Improve the signal or test a wired connection
- Move the router or TV to reduce distance and obstructions, and reduce interference where possible.
- If the TV model has an Ethernet port, connect it to the router or modem with an Ethernet cable and check that the TV reports Ethernet as connected. Port availability varies by model.
- If Wi-Fi works but video still buffers, consider whether the issue affects several devices or only the TV; that distinction helps point toward network conditions or the TV’s connection.
If only one app cannot connect
Open another app or service on the TV. If that works, the Wi-Fi connection may be fine and the problem may be limited to the affected app. Close and reopen it, check for app and system updates, and reinstall the app if the TV allows it.
- Google TV system updates: Settings > System > About > System update.
- Roku TV software updates: Settings > System > Software update.
Use a factory reset only as a last resort
Try restarting, reconnecting or resetting the network connection, testing a hotspot, and checking for updates before resetting the whole TV. A factory reset removes apps and settings; you may need to sign in to your accounts and set up Wi-Fi again. Follow the reset procedure for your exact TCL model if you decide to proceed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fast 1300Mbps USB WiFi Adapter - Nineplus wifi adapter provides long-range and stable wifi connections,Upgrade your desktop or laptop wifi Technology with our AC1300Mbps usb wireless Adapter. Whether your desktop pc's wifi usb is malfunctioning or you’re looking to upgrade to faster dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz speeds, this pc wifi adapter is the ideal choice. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend your device’s life and experience the benefits of modern WiFi technology
- Dual-band 5.8GHz and 2.4GHz Bands - 5.8Ghz wifi Connection speed up to 867Mbps,2.4GHz 400Mbps,With these upgraded speeds, web surfing, gaming, and streaming online meeting is much more enjoyable without buffering or interruptions,Experience the High Wi-Fi speed of our AC1300Mbps wifi dongle delivers faster internet speeds and stronger, more reliable signal penetration over long distances. It's a high-speed dual-band wifi usb adapter for pc and easy for the modern user.
- Two 5dBi High Gain Wifi Antenna – The high gain antenna of the desktop wifi adapter greatly enhances the reception and transmission of WiFi signal strengths.Equipped with dual high-gain pc wifi antenna, our wifi dongle for desktop pc ensures accurate capture of WiFi signals, providing a stable and strong connection even at greater distances, ideal for overcoming poor signal issues in bedrooms. This computer wifi adapter, wifi card, and usb wifi antenna extend your coverage.
- Super Speed USB 3.0 - wifi adapter for desktop pc Connect speeds Up to 10x faster than USB 2.0 USB, Super USB3.0 delivers faster data transfer, a more reliable network connection, and improved compatibility for wifi adapter for pc. It fully supports the high-speed demands of AC1300 wireless adapter, ensuring peak performance. Plus, it's backward compatible with standard USB 2.0 ports for added flexibility.usb wifi adapter for desktop pc 3.0
- Compatibility Systems: This Wi-Fi usb adapter is compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/8/7/XP,not supports Mac OS or Chromebook or Linux. Most Windows 11/10 systems will automatically detect and install the drivers. If the system does not detect the driver, you will need to download it from our website. For Windows 7, you will need to manually install the driver for this wifi card.or you go to the website online-setup support,we do online-setup for you.
Rank #4
- This part has been tested and fully functional operation. 100% working good
What to do based on the test result
| What you find | Where to focus next | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Other devices also cannot get online | Modem, router, or internet provider | Restart network equipment; contact your provider if the outage remains. |
| The TV sees a hotspot but not the home network | Home router, Wi-Fi name, settings, or coverage | Rescan, check router setup, and test placement and signal. |
| The TV sees the Wi-Fi name but will not join | Password, network selection, or saved connection | Re-enter the password; forget and reconnect on Google TV or reset the network connection on Roku TV. |
| The TV says connected, but has no internet | Router or internet reachability, or TV network state | Compare other devices, restart and reconnect, then test a hotspot. |
| Wi-Fi drops or streams buffer | Signal, band, placement, or congestion | Improve placement, try the other band if available, or test Ethernet if supported. |
| Only one app fails | The affected app | Test another app, then restart, update, or reinstall the affected app if possible. |
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.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
