While smart TVs have become common, many households still have non-smart TVs. After all, TV disposal can be expensive. Besides, it can harm the environment when discarded improperly.
For these reasons, most people opt to remain with their old, non-smart TVs.
The good news is that you can make your non-smart TV useful. Technological advances have made it possible to convert non-smart TVs into smart TVs
You can connect your non-smart TV to the internet and stream your favorite shows, play online games, and browse the web.
Read on to discover different ways you can connect a non-smart TV to the Internet
1. Wireless LAN Adapter
One of the quickest ways to connect your non-smart TV to the internet is to use a wireless LAN adapter. However, your TV must be Wi-Fi-ready for this method to work.
What is a Wi-Fi Ready TV?
A wireless LAN adapter is a small device that plugs into your TV’s USB port, allowing it to connect to your home or office network.
Most wireless LAN adapters connect automatically, while others use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect to your router, effectively establishing an internet connection.
Follow these steps to connect your non-smart TV to the internet using a wireless LAN adapter:
- Insert the wireless adapter into your TV’s USB port
- Press the HOME or MENU button on your TV’s remote control
- Go to Settings
- Navigate to Network, then Network Setup
- Select Wireless Settings
- Choose Scan to search for available networks
- Select your Wi-Fi name and enter your password to connect
You can also connect your non-smart TV to the internet using Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This method allows wireless devices to connect to your network without a password.
- Insert the wireless adapter into your TV’s USB port
- Press the HOME or MENU button on your TV’s remote control
- Go to Settings
- Navigate to Network, then Network Setup
- Select Wireless Settings
- Select WPS
- Select Start to initiate the connection
- Press the WPS push button on your router to establish a connection
Note: You must press the WPS button on your Wi-Fi router within 2 minutes
Samsung Wi-Fi USB Adapter
2. Ethernet Cable
Some non-smart TVs have an Ethernet port for wired internet connections. You only need to plug an Ethernet cable from the router into your TV to connect it to the internet.
Notably, the Ethernet ports are included for firmware updates, not necessarily streaming or browsing the internet.
As such, you require a compatible digital media player or smart TV box to configure your non-smart TV for streaming and online gaming.
3. Streaming Stick
A streaming stick is Wi-Fi-ready and has an operating system, allowing you to configure your non-smart TV to connect to the internet.
However, your TV must have an HDMI port. If not, you may have to purchase an HDMI-to-AV adapter.
Once connected and set up, you can use your non-smart TV to download streaming apps like Hulu and Netflix, watch your favorite shows, play online games, and browse the internet.
Popular streaming stick brands include:
Here are the steps to connect your non-smart TV to the internet using a streaming stick:
- Plug the streaming stick into your TV’s HDMI port
- Press the SOURCE button on your TV’s remote control
- Select the appropriate HDMI input source
- Use the streaming stick’s remote to configure the device
- Follow on-screen instructions to connect the streaming stick to the internet
How to Set Up and Configure a Roku Streaming Device
How to Set Up Amazon Fire TV Stick
How to Turn a Non-Smart TV into a Smart TV Using Apple TV
4. Google Chromecast
Another quick way to connect your non-smart TV to the internet is to use Google Chromecast.
Google Chromecast is a digital media player with streaming functions. It converts your non-smart TV into a smart TV, allowing you to enjoy your favorite online content.
Previous Google Chromecast models had limited features, but the latest versions have Google TV built-in for a thrilling entertainment experience.
Here are the steps to set up Google Chromecast:
- Locate the HDMI port on your non-smart TV
- Plug Google Chromecast into the HDMI port and connect the power cable
- Go to your TV’s settings and select the appropriate HDMI input source
- Next, pair Google Chromecast with its remote control. You can easily do so by pressing and holding the BACK and HOME buttons at the same time until you notice a blinking light
- Download the Google Home app
- Create a Google account or sign in if you already have one
- Launch the Google Home app on your phone and tap Setup
- Follow the on-screen setup instructions on your mobile device
- Connect Google Chromecast to your home network
Setting Up Google Chromecast with Google TV
5. Gaming Console, DVD Player, or Blu-Ray Player
The latest gaming consoles, DVD players, and Blu-Ray players do more than just play discs.
Most are Wi-Fi-enabled, meaning you can use these entertainment units to connect your non-smart TV to the internet.
You only need to:
- Connect your gaming console or Blu-Ray player to your TV’s HDMI port
- Turn on your TV and Wi-Fi-ready player or console
- Press the SOURCE button on your TV’s remote and select the appropriate HDMI input
- Using the console’s or player’s remote, go to Settings
- Select Network Settings
- Scan available Wi-Fi networks
- Select your network name from the list
- Enter your Wi-Fi password to connect to the internet
How to Browse the Internet Using Your Xbox Gaming Console
6. Cable Set-Top Box
Some cable providers provide customers with set-top boxes that have streaming features. These TV boxes combine traditional channels with smart streaming services for the ultimate entertainment experience.
You can use your cable set-top box to connect your non-smart TV to the internet. Besides, the TV box converts your dumb TV into a smart TV, allowing you to download apps, browse the web, play online games, and watch movies.
An example of a cable set-top box that combines live TV channels with smart streaming features is the Xfinity X1.
Setting Up Xfinity X1
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How can I get internet on a non-smart TV?
Answer: You can get internet on a non-smart TV using a streaming stick, an Android TV box, or a screen mirroring tool. You can also connect a non-smart TV to the internet through a Wi-Fi-enabled gaming console or a Blu-Ray player.
Question: How do I connect my non-smart TV to my wireless router?
Answer: The quickest way to connect your non-smart TV to your wireless router is through a wireless LAN adapter. If your non-smart TV has an Ethernet port, you can connect it to your wireless router using an Ethernet cable.
Question: Can I connect an ordinary TV to the internet?
Answer: Yes. You can connect an ordinary TV to the internet as long as it has a USB, HDMI, or Ethernet port. You can also use screen mirroring or screen casting to share your smartphone’s internet with your regular non-smart TV.
Question: How can I make my normal TV into a smart TV?
Answer: You can make your normal TV into a smart TV using a streaming stick or an Android TV box. You can also use Google Chromecast to convert your ordinary TV into a smart TV.
Question: How do I make my regular TV a Wi-Fi TV?
Answer: The quickest way to make your regular TV a Wi-Fi TV is to use Google Chromecast. This smart dongle plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and connects to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream your favorite shows, browse the internet, and play online games.
