Have you lost your cord for your Smart TV, and you’re wondering if you still need that actual cable to get your Smart TV to work? Here’s what you need to know!
You can still use your Smart TV even if you don’t have a cable to connect it to your device. Since both your Smart TV and your device have a WiFi connection, they can communicate that way. Your Smart TV may also be able to download the apps you want to use directly on the Smart TV itself. Many of these apps are free to download but require a monthly subscription to use them.
Do you still need a cable box with a smart TV?
As we mentioned above, a cable box is no longer required with a Smart TV. The technology has developed so far that a Smart TV is self-contained and can be used directly as the sole source when you’re looking at accessing the apps that you need.
You can still use your cable box if you have it, but it’s no longer required for your Smart TV to work correctly.
How can I hook up my smart TV without a cable box?
If you’re looking for ways to hook up your Smart TV without your cable box, there will be 4 main ways to do just that. These include:
- Connecting via WiFi
- Connecting via ethernet cable
- Login into apps on the Smart TV
- Casting your mobile device to your Smart TV
Connecting via WiFi
This is the most popular way. You would open up the WiFi settings on your TV and connect to your home’s WiFi network. Select “remember” or similar, so you don’t have to enter it directly into the WiFi connection every time.
From there, you should be able to access the apps and anything else that is a part of the TV’s native state. The main use, of course, is to connect to your mobile devices and use their apps to stream.
Connecting via ethernet cable
If your WiFi is low speed or your TV placement is near the router. In that case, you’ll want to consider connecting via an ethernet cable from the router to the Smart TV! Just like an ethernet connection to the computer, this will allow you to have a stronger connection between the TV and the internet! Of course, the main purpose for this case will be buffering and the quality of the video itself.
Login into apps on the Smart TV
You can also choose to log into the apps built onto the Smart TV rather than using your mobile device to do so. You would log into whatever apps are built into the TV (or download them), and you’ll get the apps in the TV’s programming itself.
While the apps will be free, remember that the app subscriptions will not be. If you don’t have an account and create one, those that are paid will require you to enter payment information and more so that you can be charged the monthly rate.
If you already have subscriptions to these services, however, all you have to do is log in. You wouldn’t be required to have more than one subscription!
Casting your mobile device to your Smart TV
Isn’t the whole point of a Smart TV to use the mobile device’s apps? Yes, technically. That’s how many use them. However, you can also cast your mobile device’s screen to the Smart TV. This means you can put anything up on that screen, including YouTube, Facebook, and even your own photos and videos, to show a slideshow!
It’s pretty exciting that so many options allow you a strong and sturdy way to use your Smart TV. These are still relatively new in the world of TVs, so many are curious to see where they will continue to expand and adapt as technology does!
Can you use a smart TV without internet or cable?
So, we now know that we can connect through a few ways without a cable box. What about connecting without the internet? Can you even use a Smart TV without the internet?
You can use it with your cable or a satellite provider since it will work as your average TV in that sense. However, this implies that you have a satellite or a cable service,
You’ll have to rely on your mobile device’s data if you don’t have internet service. You can use that service to connect to whatever you want to watch and then just cast it to your Smart TV!
Can you watch a smart TV with just WiFi?
Yes, you can watch your Smart TV with just WiFi. If you have low-quality WiFi, you’ll want to consider relying on a direct ethernet connection, as that will increase your bandwidth speed and give you a buffer-free experience.
How do I get rid of cable and still watch regular TV?
If you love your local channels and want to get rid of your cable or satellite service but still get access to them, don’t worry! Many of those local providers now offer streaming platforms because it means that even those with a mobile device instead of a TV can participate.
Should I cancel my cable service if I get a Smart TV?
This is a dilemma that many face when considering what they want to do with this brilliant new device in their household. There’s not a right or wrong answer, but here are some consideration points you can consider.
First, usage. Do you rely on your cable or satellite connection for your main viewing? Do you love to record shows or schedule them so that you can sit down and watch them? If so, then it sounds like your service is still working for you! Just because you upgraded to a Smart TV doesn’t mean you can’t take full advantage of classic technology.
If, on the other hand, you don’t use your cable much, even with your old TV, and steam on your mobile device instead, it might make the most sense to get rid of the service! Most people enjoy Netflix, Hulu, Crave, etc., and don’t find that they miss their traditional service provider options.
The second thing to consider is the price difference between your cable or satellite and your various streaming apps! If there is a vast difference, you’ll probably want to let the cheaper option win out, as long as you’re happy with what you’re getting for that service price.
If you aren’t sure what’s right, keep your cable or satellite service for a few months and then see what you think when you adjust to using your Smart TV and see how you’re using it. This will support you in making the right decision, and you also will know that you won’t regret it later if you try to make it before you’re ready.
What does a smart TV need to work?
If you want your Smart TV to work, you’ll need either a WiFi connection or an ethernet connection to use the native apps already built into the TV. You can also have it work by one thing to the cable box, which is how quite a few use these kinds of Smart TVs.
You’ll also want to have a reliable WiFi connection and, of course, power for your Smart TV itself! If you don’t have reliable power to your TV (think, A/C and wall outlets), then your Smart TV won’t work!
In summary
It’s pretty exciting to think that you can have your Smart TV work without the use of a cord. While that used to have to be the case, the tech world is constantly growing and updating!
You can connect it to your home’s internet service using classic WiFi or an ethernet cable for a stronger connection. Many Smart TVs allow you to download and use native apps built right into the TV, providing you with your favorite streaming apps right in the TV rather than connected by a mobile device.
