Many of us use our Sony TVs to watch streaming shows on platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and YouTube or just browse the internet. And we can do it all on your Sony TV by connecting it to our Wi-Fi network. Connecting your Sony TV to Wi-Fi also allows you to control your smart home devices through the TV and use features like voice control.
Read on for instructions on how to link your Sony TV to a Wi-Fi network to enhance your entertainment experience.
Connect Your Sony TV to WiFi Using a Remote
To use this step, your Sony TV model must have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Ensure you’ve got your login info for your Wi-Fi network, then do the following to link it to your Sony TV:
- On your Sony TV’s remote control, press the “Home” button.
- Go to “Network Settings,” then “Network setup”
- Choose “Setup network connection.”
- Choose “Wireless Lan.”
- Select “Scan.” Your Sony TV will be programmed with all available networks.
- Select your Wi-Fi network name and input your login details, then connect.
- Launch a streaming service on your Sony TV to determine if you have internet access.
Connect Your Sony TV to WiFi Using a Mobile or Tablet
If you don’t have your Sony TV remote control available, or it’s not working, you can use the TV SideView mobile app as a virtual remote from a tablet or phone. Here’s how to connect to a Wi-Fi network using the TV SideView app:
- Download and install the TV SideView app on your tablet or phone.
- Check that the Sony TV and tablet or phone are using the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the app.
- Select “Menu.”
- Choose “Add device.”
- Select a home device compatible with Video & TV SideView below.
- Choose “Yes” to use location information for device registration.
- Select “Allow” to allow Video & TV SideView to access the device location.
- Tap on “OK,” and your Sony TV will connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Connect a Non-Smart Sony TV to WiFi Using a Streaming Device
If you’re using a non-smart Sony TV, you can link it to your Wi-Fi network via a streaming device. Streaming devices give your non-smart TV access to live-streaming platforms such as HBO Max, Hulu, and Netflix. Some great streaming devices include:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Google Chromecast
- Roku Streaming Stick
Steps for How to Connect a Streaming Device to Your Non-Smart Sony TV
Step 1: Power Up Your Streaming Device
Your streaming device comes with a USB power adapter. If your Sony TV has a USB port, you can power your streaming device by connecting the two, but it’s better to plug it directly into a wall outlet because some TV USB ports might not provide adequate power.
Step 2: Connect the Streaming Device to Your Sony TV
Plug your streaming device’s HDMI cable into an HDMI port on your Sony TV. Take note of the port you’ve used – you’ll need to switch to that port to view the streaming service.
Step 3: Use the Remote of Your Streaming Device
Add batteries to the remote that comes with your streaming device, and your remote will auto-pair with your streaming device. If you’re using a Fire Stick, press down for 15 seconds on the “Home” button to pair.
Step 4: Switch Your Sony TV to the HDMI Connected to Your Streaming Device
Using your Sony TV remote, switch to the HDMI port you connected your streaming device to on your Sony TV. You’ll see a welcome screen once connected.
Step 5: Connect the Streaming Device to Your WiFi Network
Once you’ve switched your Sony TV to the HDMI channel connected to your streaming device, you should be given on-screen instructions to add your Wi-Fi network.
Connect Your Non-Smart Sony TV to WIFI via a Computer
If you don’t have a streaming device to connect to your Sony TV, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network via your computer with an HDMI port. To do this, connect your HDMI cable to both your Sony TV and computer, then switch your Sony TV to that HDMI channel. You can now use your Sony TV as an external monitor.
Connect Your Non-Smart Sony TV to WIFI With a Gaming System
All gaming systems can connect to Wi-Fi. You can use one of the following gaming systems to link your non-smart TV to your Wi-Fi network:
- Sony PS3, 4, and 5
- Microsoft Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Nintendo Switch
You can access most streaming services using these systems.
Troubleshooting for Connecting Your Sony TV to Your WiFi Network
If you’ve tried to connect your Sony TV to your Wi-Fi network and you’re getting the “Sony TV won’t connect to the internet” message, you can try the below troubleshooting:
- Check that your Wi-Fi connection is active by attempting to connect from another device.
- Restart both your Sony TV and Wi-Fi router.
- Check that your Sony TV’s firmware is updated, as most updates have fixes for connectivity issues.
- Reset or change your Wi-Fi network password.
- Check whether the date and time on your Sony TV are current. (Some routers use this info to verify connections.)
- If all else has failed and you still can’t connect your Sony TV to your Wi-Fi network, you might have to do a factory reset on your Sony TV.
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength for possible interference. It’s advisable to ensure that your router is near your Sony TV, no more than 25 feet from each other.
Ways to Check if Your Sony TV Has Built-in WiFi
If you’re not sure whether your Sony TV has built-in Wi-Fi, you can check this by using one of the following options:
- Your Sony TV’s display: Some Sony TVs will display the Wi-Fi logo on the device, and if you see this, you’ll know that your Sony TV has built-in Wi-Fi.
- Your Sony TV’s manual: Find and read the section in your manual on internet or network connections.
- The Sony TV website: Look for your Sony TV model number, which you can usually find on the box, a sticker on the device, or your TV settings menu. Use the model number to search for your TV model’s product page on Sony TV’s website, and search for information on the internet or Wi-Fi.
- The settings menu on your Sony TV: If you can’t find a section for internet or Wi-Fi settings in your Sony TV settings, your device may not have Wi-Fi.
Limitless Viewing Pleasure With WiFi on Your Sony TV
Whether you’re using an old non-smart Sony TV or a modern one with connectivity, we hope these steps have helped you connect your device to your Wi-Fi network. Now you can enjoy great benefits like live-steaming shows, web browsing, and controlling your other smart home devices.
Sony TVs with inbuilt Wi-Fi let you connect using your TV remote or by downloading and installing Sony’s TV SideView app to a mobile or tablet device. Try the above troubleshooting tips if you have problems connecting your Sony TV to your Wi-Fi network.
Aside from streaming and web browsing, why do you use Wi-Fi on your Sony TV? If you have a non-smart Sony TV, which option for a Wi-Fi connection is your preference? Let us know in the comments section below.
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