The easiest way to find your TV’s IP address without a remote is to look it up on your router. Open your router’s app or admin page, go to the list of connected devices, and find your TV by its name. Its IP address is listed next to it. This works for any smart TV that’s already connected to your home Wi-Fi or plugged into the router with a cable.
If you can’t get into your router, use your TV maker’s phone app as a remote (such as SmartThings for Samsung, the Roku app, or the Google TV app) and open the TV’s network settings. Some TVs also accept a USB or Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, which lets you move through the menus without the remote.
Quick Answer
- Make sure the TV is turned on and connected to your home network.
- Open your router’s app or admin page and find the connected devices list.
- Look for your TV by name (for example, a brand or model name) and note its IP address.
- No router access? Install your TV maker’s official remote app on a phone connected to the same Wi-Fi.
- Use the app’s remote to open the TV’s network status screen, where the IP address is shown.
- As a last resort, plug in a USB keyboard or mouse (if your TV supports one) or use a network scanning app on your own network.
In This Guide
- What you need to know first
- Method 1: Check your router’s connected devices
- Method 2: Use your TV maker’s phone app as a remote
- Method 3: Use a USB or Bluetooth keyboard or mouse
- Method 4: Use a network scanning app
- Where the IP address lives in TV menus
- Which method should you use?
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know First
An IP address is the number your router assigns to each device on your home network, such as 192.168.1.23. Apps and other devices use it to find and talk to your TV. You may need it to connect a phone app manually, set up a sound system or home automation, or troubleshoot a connection.
This guide reflects official Samsung, Roku and Google support information as of September 2026. Menus change between TV models and software versions, so labels on your screen may differ slightly.
A few things to check before you start:
- The TV must be a smart TV and already online. A TV only has an IP address when it’s connected to a network. An older TV without Wi-Fi or an Ethernet port has no IP address at all. If your TV has never been connected to your network, you’ll need a remote (or a replacement remote) to set it up first.
- The TV must be turned on. Most TVs disappear from the network, or show as offline, when fully powered off. Use the power button on the TV itself if needed. It’s usually on the bottom edge, back or side.
- Use your own network. Everything here is meant for your home network and your own devices. Only log in to a router you own or have permission to manage.
- Your phone should be on the same Wi-Fi as the TV. Phone remote apps and scanning apps only see devices on the network your phone is connected to. Guest networks often block this.
Two related terms you’ll see: a MAC address is a permanent hardware ID for the TV’s network connection, and DHCP is the router feature that hands out IP addresses automatically. Because of DHCP, your TV’s IP address can change over time.
Method 1: Check Your Router’s Connected Devices
Your router keeps a list of every device it has given an IP address to. This is the most reliable method because it doesn’t depend on your TV brand.
Using your router’s app
Many newer routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems are managed from a phone app made by the router maker or your internet provider.
- Open your router’s app on your phone and sign in.
- Look for a section called something like Devices, Connected devices, Clients or Network map. The name varies by brand.
- Find your TV in the list. It may appear with the brand name, the model number, or a generic name.
- Tap the TV to open its details. Expected result: You see its IP address, and often its MAC address.
Example: with Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi, Google explains that you open the Google Home app, tap Home and then Wi-Fi, and tap Devices at the top to see what’s connected. Google notes that more technical details, such as IP and MAC addresses, are shown in the Google Wifi app’s device details rather than the Home app. See Google’s help page, View devices connected to your network.
Using your router’s admin page in a web browser
- On a computer or phone connected to your home network, find your router’s admin address. It’s usually printed on a sticker on the router, along with the default admin username and password. Common addresses start with 192.168.
- Type that address into your browser’s address bar and press Enter.
- Sign in with your router’s admin password. If you’ve never changed it, it’s typically the one on the sticker.
- Open the section for attached or connected devices. It’s often called Attached Devices, Device List, DHCP Clients or something similar.
- Find your TV and note the IP address next to it. Expected result: A number in the same range as your other devices, such as 192.168.1.x or 10.0.0.x.
How to tell which device is your TV
Routers don’t always label devices clearly. If you see several unnamed entries, try these tricks:
- Look for the brand. TVs often show up with names that include Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Roku or Android.
- Turn the TV off and on. Refresh the list with the TV off, then on again. The entry that appears and disappears is your TV.
- Match the MAC address. The TV’s MAC address is often printed on a label on the back of the TV or in its menus. The first part of a MAC address also identifies the manufacturer, and some router apps show the maker automatically.
- Check the connection type. If your TV uses an Ethernet cable, look for a wired device rather than a Wi-Fi one.
If you’d like to see every device on your network from a Windows PC instead, our guide on how to see all IP addresses on a network in Windows 10 walks through it.
Method 2: Use Your TV Maker’s Phone App as a Remote
Most smart TV platforms have an official phone app that works as a remote over Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can move through the TV’s menus and open the network status screen, which shows the IP address. Use a separate section below for your TV’s platform.
Samsung TVs (SmartThings app)
Samsung explains that before you can control a TV from your phone, the TV must already be added to SmartThings as a device. If it was set up earlier with your Samsung account, you’re ready to go.
- Install the SmartThings app on a phone connected to the same Wi-Fi as the TV, and sign in with your Samsung account.
- Make sure the TV is turned on.
- In the app, tap the menu option, then All devices.
- Select your TV. Expected result: An on-screen remote appears in the app, with navigation arrows, a selection button, Home and Back.
- Use the remote to open the TV’s network status screen (see the Samsung paths in the menu section below) and select IP Settings to view the IP address.
Samsung’s steps are in Control your Samsung TV or projector with your phone using SmartThings. If the TV has never been added to SmartThings, adding it may require confirming a prompt on the TV, which can be hard without a remote.
Roku TVs and Roku streaming devices (Roku app)
Roku says the free Roku mobile app finds your Roku device automatically when two things are true: your phone and Roku device are on the same Wi-Fi network, and the Control by mobile apps setting on the Roku is turned on.
- Install the Roku app and connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi as the TV.
- On iPhone or iPad, open the phone’s Settings, find Roku in the app list, and make sure Local Network access is turned on.
- Open the Roku app and select your Roku device when it appears. Expected result: The app’s remote controls the TV.
- Use the remote to go to Settings > Network > About on the TV. Expected result: The IP address is shown on this screen.
Roku’s instructions are in How to connect your phone to a Roku streaming device with the Roku mobile app. Note that if Control by mobile apps was turned off, Roku says you need a Roku remote to turn it back on.
Google TV devices (Google TV app or Google Home app)
Google supports using your phone as a remote for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer, and many TVs with Google TV built in work the same way.
- Turn on the TV and connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi.
- On Android, open the Google TV app and tap Connect TV near the bottom right. On iPhone, you can use the Google Home app instead: select the device, then tap Open remote.
- Select your device from the list.
- Enter the code shown on your TV screen and tap Pair. Expected result: A remote appears on your phone. You can also type on the TV with your phone’s keyboard.
- Use the remote to open the TV’s network settings and view the IP address. Paths vary by TV maker.
Google’s steps are in Use your phone as the remote for your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer. If your Google TV isn’t in the Google Home app yet, see our guide on how to add Google TV to Google Home.
LG and other brands
LG offers the LG ThinQ app, and other brands have their own remote apps. The setup usually requires the TV to be on and on the same Wi-Fi, and some apps ask you to confirm a pairing prompt or enter a code shown on the TV. Check your TV maker’s support site for the exact steps for your model, since they vary.
Method 3: Use a USB or Bluetooth Keyboard or Mouse
Many smart TVs accept a keyboard or mouse, which you can use to move through menus instead of the remote. This is handy if you can’t get a phone app to connect.
- Find a USB port on the TV, usually on the back or side.
- Plug in a USB keyboard, a USB mouse, or the small USB receiver of a wireless keyboard or mouse.
- Wait a few seconds. Expected result: A pointer appears on screen, or the arrow keys start moving the selection.
- Use the arrow keys and Enter key (or the mouse) to open the TV’s settings and go to its network status screen.
Samsung notes that most of its older models recognize a USB keyboard or mouse automatically, but that keyboard and mouse connections may not be supported on certain models. Pairing a Bluetooth keyboard usually requires going into Bluetooth settings first, which normally needs a remote or app. Samsung’s model-by-model details are in Connect a keyboard and mouse to your Samsung TV. For other brands, check your TV’s manual.
A simple test: if nothing happens when you plug in a USB keyboard, try a basic wired one. Keyboards with special software or gaming features may not work with TVs.
Method 4: Use a Network Scanning App
A network scanner is an app that looks for devices on the Wi-Fi network your phone or computer is connected to and lists their IP addresses. Popular options include Fing for phones, among others. These are third-party tools, not made by your TV maker, so results depend on the app.
Only scan networks you own or manage. Scanning other people’s networks, such as at work, school or in public, can break their rules or local laws.
- Connect your phone or computer to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV (not a guest network).
- Install a well-reviewed network scanner from your phone’s official app store.
- Run a scan. Expected result: A list of devices with names, makers and IP addresses.
- Look for your TV’s brand or model. Many scanners show the manufacturer based on the MAC address.
- To confirm, turn the TV off and scan again. The device that disappears is your TV.
Scanner apps can mislabel devices, and some TVs don’t respond to scans while in standby. The router’s list is usually more reliable. If you need your computer’s own network details for comparison, our guide on how to find your Windows MAC address shows where to look.
Where the IP Address Lives in TV Menus
Once you’re controlling the TV with an app, keyboard or mouse, here’s where to look. These paths come from the TV makers’ own support pages where noted. Others vary by model.
| TV or platform | Where to find network details |
|---|---|
| Samsung (2022 and newer) | Settings > All Settings > Connection > Network > Network Status, then IP Settings |
| Samsung (2021 and older) | Settings > General > Network > Network Status, then IP Settings |
| Roku TV or Roku device | Settings > Network > About |
| Sony Google TV or Android TV | Open Help, then a network status option such as Status & Diagnostics. Wording varies by model. |
| Other Google TV and Android TV models | Usually under Settings in the network or Wi-Fi section, or in System > About > Status. Wording varies by maker. |
| LG and other brands | Usually in the network or connection settings. Check your model’s manual. |
The Samsung paths come from Samsung’s support page on verifying network status, and the Roku path comes from Roku Support. On the Samsung Network Status screen, you’ll also see whether the TV can reach your router and the internet.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Works when | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Router app or admin page | You can sign in to your router | Easy |
| TV maker’s phone app | Phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi and the app can pair without a remote | Easy to medium |
| USB keyboard or mouse | Your TV supports it and has a free USB port | Easy if supported |
| Network scanner app | You’re on your own network and can’t use the options above | Medium; results can be unclear |
Start with your router. If you don’t know the router password, try the phone app next, since it also lets you control the TV until you get a replacement remote.
Troubleshooting
The TV doesn’t appear in the router’s device list
Make sure the TV is fully on, not in standby. Refresh the list. If the TV still doesn’t show up, it may not be connected to the network at all, or it may be connected to a different network, such as a second router or a guest network.
The phone app can’t find the TV
Confirm your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the TV and not on mobile data or a guest network. On iPhone, make sure the app has Local Network permission. For Roku, the Control by mobile apps setting must be on.
The TV shows an IP address of 0.0.0.0 or none at all
That usually means the TV isn’t connected to the network. Check the Wi-Fi password, move the router closer, or try an Ethernet cable if the TV has a port.
The IP address keeps changing
Your router hands out addresses automatically and may give the TV a different one after a restart. Many routers let you reserve an address for a device, often called a DHCP reservation. Look for it in your router’s app or settings.
You can’t sign in to your router
Check the sticker on the router for the default password. If you’ve changed it and forgotten it, contact your internet provider or check the router maker’s support site. A factory reset of the router erases all its settings, so treat that as a last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my TV’s IP address without a remote?
Yes, as long as the TV is a smart TV and already connected to your network. Check your router’s connected devices list, or use your TV maker’s phone app as a remote.
Can I use my phone as a TV remote without the original remote?
Often, yes. Roku’s app connects automatically on the same Wi-Fi when mobile control is enabled, and Google TV devices pair with a code shown on the TV. Samsung’s SmartThings remote works once the TV has been added to SmartThings.
Does a TV have an IP address if it’s not connected to Wi-Fi?
No. A TV gets an IP address only when it’s connected to a network by Wi-Fi or Ethernet. A non-smart TV has none.
Is the TV’s IP address the same as its MAC address?
No. The IP address is assigned by your router and can change. The MAC address is a fixed hardware ID for the TV’s network connection. You can use the MAC address to identify the TV in your router’s list.
Why do I need my TV’s IP address?
Common reasons include connecting a remote app manually, setting up a sound system or smart home hub, and troubleshooting connection problems.
Is it safe to use a network scanner app?
On your own network, reputable scanners are generally fine. Download them from official app stores, and don’t scan networks that aren’t yours.
Will a universal remote help?
A compatible universal remote or a replacement remote from the TV maker can let you open the network settings directly. It’s also the long-term fix if your remote is lost.
Summary
- Make sure your smart TV is on and connected to your home network.
- Check your router’s app or admin page for the connected devices list.
- Identify the TV by name, by turning it off and on, or by MAC address.
- If needed, use SmartThings, the Roku app, or the Google TV app as a remote.
- Open the TV’s network status screen to read the IP address.
- Try a USB keyboard or mouse, or a network scanner on your own network, as backups.
Next step: once you have the IP address, consider reserving it in your router so it doesn’t change, and order a replacement remote so you’re not stuck next time.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.