How To Browse the Internet on Your Smart TV (Samsung, Sony, LG)

a website is opening on Samsung TV

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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!

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.

press the Home button on the Samsung TV remote

Step 2: Navigate to the built-in web browser app, then open it.

select the built-in web browser on Samsung TV

the home page of Samsung TV's built-in web browser

LG TVs

Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote.

press the Home button on the LG TV remote

Step 2: Navigate to the built-in web browser, then open it.

select LG TV built-in web browser

the home page of LG TV's built-in web browser

Sony TVs

Step 1: Press the Home button on the remote.

highlight Home button on Sony TV remote

Step 2: Select Apps.

select Apps on Sony TV

Step 3: Select the Internet Browser to launch it.

select Sony TV's built-in internet browser app

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.

select the Apps menu on a Google TV

Step 2: Type “Puffin TV browser” in the search bar and hit OK.

search the Puffin TV browser app in the Google TV app store

Step 3: You’ll see a few options pop up. From these, pick the Puffin TV browser app and install it.

Puffin TV browser Install option

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!

Puffin TV browser app Open option

Puffin TV browser home page

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.

Downloader app Install option

Step 2: Open the Downloader app and select Allow if it asks for permission.

Puffin TV browser app Open option

Select Allow Downloader app to access photos and media on your device

Step 3: In the Downloader app, use the Browser tool and type in “TV web browser download.”

select the Browser tool on the Downloader app

search tv web browser download in Downloader app

Step 4: You’ll see a list of web browsers you can install. For instance, I chose Browser TV Web.

select the BrowseHere APK download site on the Downloader app

Step 5: Click on Download APK.

select the Dowloander APK option on the Downloader app

Step 6: A prompt might appear, taking you to your TV’s Settings.

select the SETTINGS option of the Downloader app

Step 7:  In Settings, enable the option for the Downloader app.

turn the Downloader on to let it install unknown app on Google TV

Step 8: Click Install to add your chosen web browser to your TV.

select Install to install the BrowseHere app on Google 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!

the BrowseHere browser home page

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.

open the Google Chrome on an iPhone

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.

select the Screen Mirroring icon on an iPhone

select Samsung TV in the iPhone Screen Mirroring device list

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.

Chrome browser is cast from an iPhone to a Samsung TV 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.

unplug a Fire Stick from the TV 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.).

select the HDMI1 option on the Samsung TV Source setting

Step 3: Go to Apps on your Fire Stick, and select the Silk Browser to start surfing the web on your TV.

select the Apps icon of Fire TV on Samsung TV

select Silk browser of Fire TV on Samsung TV

Silk browser home page on Samsung TV screen

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.

a HDMI input port on a laptop

plug an HDMI cable into an HDMI port of an lg tv

Step 2: Switch your TV’s input to HDMI.Sony TV is showing the HDMI source named Living Room on the screen

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!

screen mirror laptop to tv using hdmi cable

Tips To Enhance the Browsing Experience on Your TV

1. Connect a Keyboard and Mouse for Easier Navigation

Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse with LG TV on a table

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.

The Hidden Trick to Skyrocket Your TV Typing Speed

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.

Block Ads option of LG TV built-in web browser

The BrowseHere browser I mentioned before can also block ads.

Ad Blocker option of BrowseHere web browser app

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.

Ethernet port on Samsung TV

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.

select Device Care in the Samsung TV Support setting

select the Manage Storage setting on the Samsung TV

Step 4: In Manage Storage, find your web browser app, select it, and then click on View Details below the app.

select View Details settings of Samsung TV built-in web browser

Step 5: A small window will appear. Here, click on Clear Cache to clear the browser cache.

select the Clear Cache option of the Samsung TV built-in web browser

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.

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (RBK13) – Router replacement covers up to 4,500 sq. ft. with 1 Router & 2 Satellites
TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total,...
Tenda Nova Mesh WiFi System MW12 - Covers up to 6000 sq.ft - Tri-Band AC2100 Whole Home WiFi Mesh System - Gigabit Mesh Router for 100+ Devices -...
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (RBK13) – Router replacement covers up to 4,500 sq. ft. with 1 Router & 2 Satellites
TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total,...
Tenda Nova Mesh WiFi System MW12 - Covers up to 6000 sq.ft - Tri-Band AC2100 Whole Home WiFi Mesh System - Gigabit Mesh Router for 100+ Devices -...
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (RBK13) – Router replacement covers up to 4,500 sq. ft. with 1 Router & 2 Satellites
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (RBK13) – Router replacement covers up to 4,500 sq. ft. with 1 Router & 2 Satellites
TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total,...
TP-Link Deco WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X20) - Covers up to 5800 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Routers and Extenders(3-Pack, 6 Ethernet Ports in total,...
Tenda Nova Mesh WiFi System MW12 - Covers up to 6000 sq.ft - Tri-Band AC2100 Whole Home WiFi Mesh System - Gigabit Mesh Router for 100+ Devices -...
Tenda Nova Mesh WiFi System MW12 - Covers up to 6000 sq.ft - Tri-Band AC2100 Whole Home WiFi Mesh System - Gigabit Mesh Router for 100+ Devices -...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / 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:

What is Mesh Wifi (& Why You Should Absolutely Get One)

Mesh Wi-Fi vs. range extenders: The best option for your home

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