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To connect a new smart TV, turn it on, follow its first-time setup prompts, choose your home Wi-Fi network when asked, and enter the network password. Have the network name and password ready. The exact screens—and whether setup offers a phone or app option—depend on the TV’s brand, model, and region.
What to have ready
- The TV remote and access to a power outlet.
- Your home Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so note capitalization and special characters.
- A nearby phone only if your TV offers or requires phone-based setup. Google TV provides phone and remote-based setup options; Samsung says SmartThings setup is available on certain models.
Keep the TV’s exact model manual handy if its prompts differ from the steps below. Manufacturer instructions can be limited to particular models, operating systems, or regions; for example, Samsung’s cited setup guide covers TVs sold in Canada.
Complete the TV’s first-time setup
- Place the TV where you intend to use it, connect it to power, and turn it on.
- Pair the remote if prompted. Choose a language and, if requested, a country or region.
- Follow the setup method displayed on screen. Depending on the TV, you may use the remote, a phone, or a manufacturer app. Use only the phone-based method offered by your TV.
- Continue until you reach the network or internet setup screen.
Prompts vary by platform. The applicable Sony setup flow includes a privacy choice and Network Setup; Samsung’s Canadian guide describes remote pairing and language selection before SmartThings or network setup; Roku asks for language and country or use mode. These are examples, not a universal sequence.
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- On the network screen, choose Wi-Fi, Wireless, or the equivalent option shown by your TV.
- Select your home network from the list. Check the network name before continuing, especially if nearby networks have similar names.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password exactly, including uppercase and lowercase letters and any punctuation.
- Choose Connect, Continue, or the on-screen equivalent. If the TV displays a connection status, confirm that it reports a successful connection.
If your network is not listed, use Scan again or the equivalent rescan option if available. Roku’s setup guidance includes a rescan option; labels differ on other TVs.
#1 Best Overall
- 720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
Finish any remaining setup prompts
After connecting, continue through the prompts that appear. A TV may offer software updates, privacy or terms choices, an account sign-in, clock settings, broadcast-channel setup, or app and channel setup. Not every TV shows every prompt, and an account may be needed only for particular services or features.
For the Sony products covered by its first-time setup article, enabling Smart TV is needed to use apps and receive software updates; that flow also allows network setup to be skipped and completed later. Samsung says some services and apps require a Samsung account, and its Canadian guide says accepting Smart Hub terms and privacy consent is needed for apps and some smart features. Read the specific prompt to understand what a choice enables before accepting or skipping it.
Rank #2
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 40" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
If the TV will not connect
The network does not appear
- Rescan from the TV’s network screen if that option is available.
- Confirm that you are looking for the correct home network name.
- If it remains missing, consult the help page or manual for your TV’s exact model for network requirements.
The TV rejects the password
- Check that you selected your own network, not a similarly named one.
- Re-enter the password carefully, checking letter case, punctuation, and other characters.
- Do not change router settings until you have checked the network selection and password.
The network type may not be supported
Some network requirements are specific to particular devices. Google says WPA2-Enterprise is unsupported in the Google TV setup described in its help guidance, and certain Google TV devices require a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. These are not general requirements for every smart TV; check the support information for your model if the connection still fails.
Skip network setup and return later
If your setup flow offers a skip option, you can use it and connect later through the TV’s network settings. Sony documents this option for the products covered by its first-time setup article; its availability elsewhere depends on the TV.
Rank #3
- 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
Use Ethernet instead, if supported
A wired connection is an alternative to Wi-Fi, not a requirement. If your TV has an Ethernet port and you prefer a cable, connect it to the router and choose Wired or the equivalent network option when prompted. Samsung’s Canadian guide documents a wired setup, while Roku notes that Ethernet availability depends on the device and that some Roku players need a USB Ethernet adapter. Check your TV’s model documentation and ports before buying a cable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
Rank #4
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 24" flat screen TV with bright 720p HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
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.
