Connect a Hisense TV to Wi‑Fi without a remote
A Hisense with no remote and no network is stuck, because the TV's button often cannot get you to the Wi‑Fi menu and phone apps need the TV online. Here are the routes that work.
Why the TV's button is often not enough
On many Hisense models the button on the TV only switches it on and off, or cycles through inputs. That is not enough to join a network. Some models do more, so try it and see whether a menu appears.
Plug in a cable
Many Hisense TVs have an Ethernet port on the back. Plug it into your router, and the TV joins by itself. Your phone, on the same router, can then reach it. Tuned finds the TV and shows a 4-digit code on it, which you type on your phone.
Use the hotspot trick
If the TV has your old Wi‑Fi saved, set your phone's hotspot to the same name and password. Switch the hotspot on and restart the TV. The TV joins the hotspot and your phone is on the same network. Use Tuned to open the network settings and choose your real Wi‑Fi. This depends on the old name and password matching exactly, and it does not work if the TV has never joined that network.
Borrow a remote
- A replacement infrared remote for your model, or a universal remote set to Hisense. Infrared needs no pairing and no network.
- An Android phone with an infrared blaster. Tuned has an infrared mode for these phones.
Hisense's RemoteNOW app also needs the TV online first. It cannot connect an offline TV to Wi‑Fi either.
After the TV is online
Open Tuned on the same network. Tap the Hisense, type the 4-digit code, and you have the remote, with your phone's keyboard for the Wi‑Fi password. Tuned cannot join an offline TV to Wi‑Fi by itself.
If your Hisense runs Google TV or Roku, use the Google TV or Roku version of this page instead.
Questions about Hisense Wi‑Fi without a remote
Can I set up a new Hisense TV from my phone alone?
Not with Tuned. A TV that is offline cannot be reached. Use a cable or an infrared remote to get through set-up.
Does my phone's hotspot use mobile data?
Only if the TV goes out to the internet through it. For this trick you only need the TV to join, then you move it to your real Wi‑Fi.
How do I know my Hisense runs VIDAA?
The home screen is Hisense's own. If it shows the Roku or Google TV look, it is one of those instead.
Will a cable work as well as Wi‑Fi with Tuned?
Yes. A TV on a cable counts as being on your network if your phone is on the same router.
Get Tuned
Free to download for iPhone and Android.