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Yes—if you mean connecting a network-capable TV to your home network, you can connect it to a router’s LAN port with an Ethernet cable or join the router’s Wi-Fi network if the TV supports Wi-Fi. HDMI is different: it connects a streaming device to the TV, not the TV to the router for internet access.
What “plugging a router into a TV” can mean
For internet access, the usual wired connection runs from the TV’s Ethernet port to a LAN port on the router. A wireless TV instead joins the home Wi-Fi network. Google Fiber’s instructions for connecting devices to a network describe the Ethernet-to-LAN arrangement.
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HDMI serves a separate purpose: it carries audio and video from a compatible streaming device to the TV. For example, a Chromecast can connect to the TV over HDMI while using Wi-Fi or, with a compatible adapter, Ethernet for its network connection. Google outlines these separate connections in its Chromecast Ethernet adapter guide and Google TV setup instructions.
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- Check the ports. Confirm that the TV has an Ethernet network port and that the router has an available LAN port. Port labels and locations vary by model.
- Run an Ethernet cable. Connect one end to the TV’s Ethernet port and the other to a LAN port on the router. Google Fiber’s general guidance is to connect a wired device to any available router LAN port.
- Set up the network on the TV. Open the TV’s network settings and select its wired connection option if needed. The exact menu and whether further setup is required depend on the TV; follow its manual.
Google Fiber describes direct wiring as providing the fastest connection speeds for wired devices, but that is not a TV-specific benchmark or a promise of a particular improvement. Actual results depend on the TV, router, internet service and home network.
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Connect the TV over Wi-Fi
If the TV supports Wi-Fi, choose the home wireless network in its network settings and enter the password when prompted. Google TV setup supports either Wi-Fi or Ethernet, but that does not mean every television has Wi-Fi. Check the TV’s specifications and manufacturer instructions for the exact model.
Choose Ethernet or Wi-Fi
| Connection | What you need | Practical consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | A TV Ethernet port, an Ethernet cable and an available router LAN port | Provides a direct wired connection; cable reach and available ports matter. |
| Wi-Fi | A TV with Wi-Fi and access to the home wireless network | Avoids a cable run, but support and setup differ by TV model. |
The available guidance does not establish that one option will be faster for every TV and home. Choose based on the TV’s capabilities, cable routing and the network setup you have.
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If the TV has no Ethernet port or network features
A compatible streaming device can add streaming capabilities to a TV that has HDMI. The device connects to the TV by HDMI and uses its own Wi-Fi connection, or Ethernet if that device supports a suitable adapter. Google’s Ethernet adapter guide specifically covers Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV and notes that the adapter varies by Chromecast device. Verify compatibility for the exact device before buying an adapter.
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If the TV has neither Wi-Fi nor a network port, an external streaming device may be an option, provided the TV has a compatible input such as HDMI and the device supports the services you want. The TV’s manual and the streaming-device maker’s compatibility information are the best checks for a particular setup.
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If the router has no free LAN port
Check the router for another available LAN port before changing the setup. An Ethernet switch can add ports in some networks, but the wiring and compatibility depend on the router and network. Google documents switch-based expansion for specified Nest Wifi and Google Wifi products in its Google Wifi and Nest Wifi Ethernet guidance; do not assume the same instructions apply to every router.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What not to connect
For the standard setup described here, connect the TV to the router over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Do not treat an HDMI or USB port on the router as the normal way to give the TV internet access: HDMI is used for the display connection from a compatible external device, while the network path is Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Equipment-specific exceptions are not established by the cited setup guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cat 6 performance at a Cat5e price but with higher bandwidth
- High Performance Cat6, 30 AWG, RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs,computer servers,printers,routers,switch boxes,network media players,NAS,VoIP phones
- Jadaol cat6 standard cable support Cat8 and Cat7 network and provides performance of up to 250 MHz 10Gbps and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet)
- UTP(Unshielded Twisted Pair) patch cable with RJ45 gold-plated Connectors and are made of 100% bare copper wire, ensure minimal noise and interference
- The unique flat cable shape allows for a cleaner and safer installation. You can easily and seamlessly make the cable run along walls, follow edges & corners or even make it completely invisible by sliding it under a carpet.
Rank #4
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
Check before buying a cable or adapter
- Confirm that the TV has the port or wireless feature required for the connection you want.
- Check that the router has an available LAN port if you plan to use Ethernet.
- Measure the cable route so the Ethernet cable can reach without creating an unsuitable path.
- For a streaming-device adapter, verify compatibility with the exact device model; adapters are not universal.
- Use the TV, router and streaming-device manuals for model-specific menus and setup requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
