LG TV WiFi Turned Off Error – Meaning, Causes & Fixes
The 'WiFi Turned Off' message on an LG Smart TV means the TV's built-in Wi-Fi adapter has been disabled — either manually through settings, by a firmware glitch, or as a result of a hardware issue with the Wi-Fi module. LG webOS TVs display this message when you attempt to open a network-dependent app or access the network settings and the wireless adapter is not active. This is one of the more confusing LG TV errors because users assume their Wi-Fi is always on, when in fact LG's webOS includes a toggle that can disable the wireless adapter entirely. The fix is usually a settings change or a reset, but in a minority of cases a hardware failure is responsible.
What it means
The TV's Wi-Fi adapter is disabled. The wireless module is turned off and the TV cannot connect to any wireless network.
Severity
LowCan you fix it yourself?
Yes — re-enabling Wi-Fi in network settings or performing a soft reset resolves most cases.
Call a technician when
If the Wi-Fi option is grayed out and cannot be enabled, indicating a hardware module failure.
What Does WiFi Turned Off Mean?
LG Smart TVs running webOS have a dedicated toggle in the network settings that controls the Wi-Fi adapter independently of the overall network connection. This toggle can be switched off accidentally during settings navigation, by a child using the remote, or it can be turned off automatically by certain firmware versions when a wired Ethernet connection is active — some LG TV firmware versions will disable the Wi-Fi adapter when an Ethernet cable is plugged in to conserve resources.
The 'WiFi Turned Off' message appears in several locations: in the Network Settings menu, as a banner when launching streaming apps, and in the Quick Settings panel. When this message appears, the TV's wireless adapter is genuinely inactive — it is not trying to find networks, it is not connected, and it will not connect until the adapter is re-enabled.
There are two distinct hardware situations that can show the same message: the adapter is software-disabled (the common case, easily fixed) and the adapter's hardware has failed (the rare case, requires service). You can tell the difference by whether the Wi-Fi option in settings is interactive (toggle available) or grayed out and non-interactive. A grayed-out toggle that cannot be clicked indicates the TV's software cannot detect the Wi-Fi hardware — suggesting a hardware failure or a firmware-level driver crash.
What Causes This Error?
- Wi-Fi adapter was manually turned off in Settings — accidentally or by another user in the household
- An Ethernet cable was plugged in, and the TV's firmware automatically disabled Wi-Fi to prioritize the wired connection
- A firmware update changed the network settings or introduced a bug that disabled the Wi-Fi toggle
- The TV entered a sleep or eco mode that disabled the Wi-Fi adapter to save power and failed to re-enable it on wake
- A factory reset or settings restore changed network preferences and left Wi-Fi disabled
- Static electricity or a power surge causing a temporary crash of the Wi-Fi driver in the webOS system
- Physical Wi-Fi module failure — rare, but the internal Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card can fail on older LG TVs or after a voltage spike
How to Fix WiFi Turned Off
- 1
Navigate to Settings (the gear icon on your remote) → Network → Wi-Fi Connection. You should see a Wi-Fi toggle switch at the top. If it is set to Off, click it to turn it On. The TV will immediately begin scanning for networks. Select your network, enter your password if prompted, and test connectivity. This single step resolves most 'WiFi Turned Off' occurrences.
- 2
If you have an Ethernet cable plugged into the TV, unplug it. Certain LG TV firmware versions disable Wi-Fi automatically when a wired connection is detected. With the Ethernet removed, return to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Connection and attempt to enable Wi-Fi again.
- 3
Perform a soft power reset: turn the TV off with the remote, then unplug the power cable from the wall entirely. Wait 60 seconds — this is important, as it clears the TV's RAM and resets running processes including the network driver. Plug back in and power on. Navigate to network settings and check whether the Wi-Fi toggle is now active.
- 4
If the Wi-Fi toggle is available but grayed out or unresponsive, try a network settings reset: Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings (or Settings → Support → General → Reset). Note that this resets all TV settings to factory defaults — you will need to reconfigure picture settings, apps, and accounts. After the reset, the Wi-Fi adapter should be enabled by default.
- 5
Update the TV firmware. Firmware bugs can cause the Wi-Fi adapter driver to crash and not recover. If you can temporarily connect via Ethernet, go to Settings → Support → Software Update → Check for Updates. If you cannot connect at all, download the latest firmware from LG's support website on a computer, copy it to a USB drive, and install it via Settings → Support → Software Update → Update via USB.
- 6
Perform a full factory reset as a last resort: Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings. This completely wipes the TV back to out-of-box state. After the reset, go through the initial setup and check whether Wi-Fi is detectable and functional during the setup wizard. If the setup wizard also shows no Wi-Fi option or the toggle is grayed out after a factory reset, the Wi-Fi hardware has failed.
When to Call a Professional
If the Wi-Fi toggle remains grayed out and non-functional after a full factory reset, the internal Wi-Fi module has physically failed. On LG TVs, the Wi-Fi module is typically a small daughter card connected to the main board — it can be replaced as a standalone part. LG-authorized service centers can perform this repair. The part cost is typically $30–$80; labor adds $80–$150. On TVs over 5 years old, compare this against the cost of an external Wi-Fi adapter or a new TV, depending on the model's overall condition.
Can You Still Use the Device?
Yes — while Wi-Fi is disabled, the TV still functions fully for HDMI inputs, broadcast antenna/cable TV, and USB media playback. Any internet-dependent features (streaming apps, voice assistants, smart home integration, firmware updates) will not work until Wi-Fi is restored. As a temporary workaround, connect an Ethernet cable directly to the TV to restore internet access while you resolve the Wi-Fi issue.
See Also
Official Resources
Related Error Codes
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. CodeExplain is not affiliated with LG or any other brand mentioned. Always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.