A smart TV is simply a television with internet access built in. This means it can run apps — like Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+ — directly on the screen without needing a separate streaming box. If you have recently got a new television or are wondering what all those coloured icons on your TV home screen are for, this guide is for you.
Connecting Your Smart TV to the Internet
To use the smart features, your TV needs to be connected to the internet. You can do this in two ways:
- Wi-Fi — go into your TV’s settings, find the network or Wi-Fi section, choose your home network from the list, and enter your Wi-Fi password
- Ethernet cable — plug a cable directly from your router into the back of the TV for a more stable, faster connection
A wired connection is more reliable for streaming, especially for HD or 4K video, but Wi-Fi works perfectly well for most people.
Finding and Installing Apps
Smart TVs have an app store, sometimes called the App Store, Google Play, or LG Content Store depending on the brand. You can browse for apps, search by name, and install them for free. Most streaming services have a TV app available this way. Once installed, apps appear on your home screen and you can launch them with the remote.
Using a Streaming Account on Your TV
Most streaming services — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others — require you to log in with an account. When you first open the app on your TV, it will ask for your email address and password. You only need to do this once. After that, the TV remembers your login.
Some services let you use a code instead of typing your password with the remote — the app shows a short code on screen and you type it on your phone or computer to approve the login. This is much easier than entering a password letter by letter with a remote control.
Keeping Your Smart TV Updated
Smart TVs receive software updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes add new features. Many TVs update automatically overnight when connected to the internet. To check manually, go into your TV’s settings and look for a section called Software Update or System Update.
Privacy Settings Worth Knowing About
Smart TVs collect data about what you watch in order to serve recommendations and targeted adverts. If this concerns you, most TVs have a privacy settings section where you can opt out of viewing data collection or interest-based advertising. It is worth spending five minutes in the settings to see what options are available.