How To Browse the Internet on Your Smart TV (Samsung, Sony, LG)
What To Know
- To use the web browser on Samsung and LG TVs, press Home on the remote and select the browser app. On Sony TVs, go to Apps, then Internet Browser.
- To get a third-party browser, search in the TV’s App Store, find one like Puffin TV Browser, and install it. Alternatively, sideload apps with tools like Downloader.
- For other browsing options, connect a laptop to the TV via HDMI, cast from a phone or laptop using AirPlay or Google Cast, or use streaming devices like Fire Stick or Chromecast for their browsers.
In this article, I’ll show you how to browse the internet on your smart TV, covering popular brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG TVs.
Let’s dive in!
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1. Use a Built-In Web Browser
If you have a Samsung or LG smart TV, you’ll find that it comes with a built-in web browser, making it easy to surf the internet directly on your television.
Sony Android TVs that are equipped with OS 8.0 or earlier also feature their own built-in web browsers.
However, it’s important to note that on Samsung and LG TVs, you’re limited to using only this built-in browser and can’t install a third-party one.
But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the built-in browser on your Samsung or LG TV, as I’ve got some alternative solutions for you – just take a look at the “Alternative Solutions” section below.
Read the following sections to learn how to launch the built-in web browser on your TV.
Samsung TVs
Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote.
Step 2: Navigate to the built-in web browser app, then open it.
LG TVs
Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote.
Step 2: Navigate to the built-in web browser, then open it.
Sony TVs
Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote.
Step 2: Select Apps.
Step 3: Select the Internet Browser to launch it.
I already have a detailed article discussing the internet browser on Sony TVs, which you can read here.
2. Install & Use a Third-Party Web Browser
Many smart TVs, like those with Android TV’s OS, don’t come with a built-in web browser, as they are primarily designed for an app-based user experience.
This design focus means that web browsing on a TV significantly differs from the experience on computers or phones.
However, TV browsers are still capable of effectively displaying websites, adhering to common web standards, and adapting content for larger screens.
Although popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge aren’t typically available due to a lack of optimization for TV operating systems, third-party options like Puffin TV-Browser are accessible.
To install a third-party web browser on your TV, you can use the TV App Store or sideload apps, and I’ll guide you through both methods.
Use the TV App Store
Browsing the internet on your TV is quite simple.
Start by going to your TV’s App Store.
Here’s an easy guide, using my own experience with a Sony Google TV, model KD-43X75K, as an example.
Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote and then choose Apps.
Step 2: Type “Puffin TV browser” in the search bar and hit OK.
Step 3: You’ll see a few options pop up. From these, pick the Puffin TV browser app and install it.
Before this, I discussed five popular web browsers for TVs: TV Internet Browser, BrowseHere Browser, JioPages Browser, Puffin TV Browser, and TV Bro Browser.
You can click here for more details on these web browsers.
Once the Puffin TV browser is installed, just hit Open and start exploring the internet right on your TV. It’s that easy!
Sideload Apps
Sideloading apps is a handy technique for installing apps that aren’t available in your TV’s official App Store.
Keep in mind that this method will involve installing an unofficial web browser app on your TV, so proceed with caution.
I’ll walk you through how to do this using my Sony TV and the Downloader app as an example:
Step 1: Head to the TV App Store and install the Downloader app.
Step 2: Open the Downloader app and select Allow if it asks for permission.
Step 3: In the Downloader app, use the Browser tool and type in “TV web browser download.”
Step 4: You’ll see a list of web browsers you can install. For instance, I chose Browser TV Web.
Step 5: Click on Download APK.
Step 6: A prompt might appear, taking you to your TV’s Settings.
Step 7: In Settings, enable the option for the Downloader app.
Step 8: Click Install to add your chosen web browser to your TV.
After these steps, the new web browser will be ready for you to use on your TV.
This process may be lengthy, but it’s not too complicated, even if you’re not tech-savvy!
3. Alternative Solutions
1. Cast a Web Browser From Your Phone/Laptop To Your TV
Casting a web browser from your phone or laptop to your TV is a great way to enjoy the internet on a bigger screen, and it’s done wirelessly.
This can be achieved using technologies like Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, or Miracast.
Let me show you how I cast a web browser from my iPhone to my Samsung TV, which is a common scenario.
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser on your iPhone; Google Chrome is a popular choice.
Step 2: Make sure your iPhone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for the casting to work.
Step 3: On your iPhone, swipe down to access the Control Center, then choose the Screen Mirroring option and select your TV from the list of available devices.
Once you do this, your phone’s screen, including the web browser you’ve opened, will appear on your TV.
It’s a simple and effective way to browse the internet on a larger screen.
2. Connect a Streaming Device (Fire TV Stick, Chromecast With Google TV) To Your TV
Another simple way to browse the internet on your TV is by using streaming devices such as the Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast With Google TV.
Many of them, like the Fire TV Stick, come with web browsers already installed or let you download browser apps, such as the Silk Browser.
Setting up these streaming devices on your TV is easy and, once done, you can use the browser anytime without having to connect other external devices to your TV.
Let me walk you through how to use a Fire TV Stick for internet browsing on a Samsung TV as an example:
Step 1: Insert the Fire TV Stick into your TV’s HDMI port.
Step 2: Change your TV’s input source to the HDMI port the Fire Stick is connected to (e.g. HDMI 1, 2, etc.).
Step 3: Go to Apps on your Fire Stick, and select the Silk Browser to start surfing the web on your TV.
3. Connect a Laptop To Your TV With an HDMI Cable
Easily connect your laptop to your smart TV with an HDMI cable to enjoy browsing the internet on a bigger screen.
This method allows you to use your favorite web browser, like Google Chrome or Bing, right on your TV.
It’s great because you get to use the full features of your laptop’s browser on a larger display.
Plus, typing and navigation are a breeze since you can use your laptop’s keyboard and mouse or trackpad.
Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Plug one end of an HDMI cable into your laptop’s HDMI port and the other end into your TV’s HDMI port.
Step 2: Switch your TV’s input to HDMI.
Step 3: After connecting, you’ll see your laptop’s screen appear on your TV. Now, just open a web browser like Chrome and start surfing the web!
Tips To Enhance the Browsing Experience on Your TV
Using your TV’s remote to browse the internet can be tricky and awkward.
An easy fix is to connect a keyboard and mouse to your TV.
You can use either a wired set or a wireless one.
For wireless keyboards and mouse, simply turn them on and insert their small USB receiver into your TV’s USB slot.
If your TV doesn’t have a USB slot, you can connect the keyboards and mouse through Bluetooth.
To do this, set your keyboard and mouse to ‘pairing mode’ and then choose them from your TV’s Bluetooth settings menu.
This change will make using your TV’s internet browser much smoother and more comfortable.
For further information, don’t forget to read our detailed article on this topic.
2. Use an Ad Blocker for Your TV’s Web Browser
When you browse the web on your TV, you might get annoyed by lots of ads popping up.
To fix this, you can check if your TV’s browser lets you add an ad blocker, or you can switch to a browser that already blocks ads for you.
For instance, if you have an LG TV, its web browser already has an ad-blocking feature.
The BrowseHere browser I mentioned before can also block ads.
Another option is to use the ExpressVPN app on your TV.
It’s not just for blocking ads – it also helps keep your online activity private.
If you don’t have an ExpressVPN account yet, you can sign up using this link for a free 30-day trial.
Once you have an account, just download and log into the ExpressVPN app on your TV.
3. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection (If Possible)
If your TV has an Ethernet port, consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
A direct Ethernet connection is typically more stable and faster, which can improve browsing speeds and reduce buffering when streaming videos.
4. Regularly Clear the Web Browser’s Cache
Usually, clearing the cache in your smart TV’s web browser can speed up performance and protect against malware from past browsing.
Here’s a simple guide to clearing the web browser’s cache on a Samsung TV as an example:
Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote
Step 2: Go to Settings from the Home Screen, and then select Support.
Step 3: In the Support menu, choose Device Care followed by Manage Storage.
Step 4: In Manage Storage, find your web browser app, select it, and then click on View Details below the app.
Step 5: A small window will appear. Here, click on Clear Cache to clear the browser cache.
5. Improve the Internet Connection Speed
A weak Wi-Fi signal can slow down TV browsing, but mesh Wi-Fi systems offer a solution, especially for large homes with multiple smart TVs.
These systems consist of a primary router connected to your modem and several nodes spread throughout your home, providing comprehensive coverage.
Alternatively, Wi-Fi range extenders can also improve coverage, though they are less seamless than mesh systems.
For mesh Wi-Fi, consider products like NETGEAR Orbi, TP-Link Deco, or Tenda Nova.
Last update on 2024-12-30 / Paid Link.
If you prefer range extenders, the TP-Link AC1900 and NETGEAR EX6120 are good choices.
However, first ensure your internet speed is adequate, ideally at least 25 Mbps.
You can check your internet’s actual speed using tools like Speedtest or Fast.
Learn more about mesh Wi-Fi systems and how they compare to range extenders by watching these videos:
Meet Vance. He’s a proud dad, a seasoned Electronics Engineer, and an avid tech lover. His proficiency in electronics and troubleshooting skills were instrumental in crafting Pointer Clicker. Vance is passionate about simplifying tech for those who aren’t well-versed in it.