For people who are just signing up with certain broadband packages, you’ll likely get a Youview box with your new deal. You can also buy Youview boxes directly, or Youview is integrated into some Sony TV’s as well.
Either way, when you’re setting your Youview box up, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got a good and stable connection. Having a strong wi-fi connection is going to have an effect on your viewing experience.
But how can you connect your Youview box to the internet – can you do this wirelessly, or can you only do this via a wired ethernet connection? Well, let’s find out.
How to Connect a Youview Box Wirelessly
If you’re trying to connect your YouView box to your wifi, then unfortunately it isn’t possible for you to connect to it via a wireless connection. This isn’t inbuilt into a Youview box like it is with other TV watching options out there. However, a powerline adapter can provide a solution.
Whilst this probably isn’t what you’re wanting to hear, unfortunately this is just how Youview boxes are currently built – future versions of the box may have wifi capabilities.
As I mentioned, there is a potential solution. For now, let’s look at the ways you can connect your Youview box to the internet.
Using a Powerline Adapter
Whilst you can’t actually connect to your Youview box without using a wired connection, there is a solution for you if you find that your ethernet port is too far away from your box. This is called a powerline adapter.
This works by essentially using your households electric wiring to connect the two together via a different plug port. So, you plug the powerline adapter into the wall and then use this to connect to your Youview box via ethernet cable. You will need an ethernet cable to connect the two together.
Powerline adapters are a great way for you to get a stable internet connection in a room that isn’t where your wi-fi router is. They’re typically fairly cheap, too.
So whilst you cannot do it wirelessly, there is usually a solution to your problem. You can watch Youview with a wireless connection via other methods through your smart TV or an alternative box.
How to Connect a Youview Box – Wired
Now, if you want to go ahead and set your Youview box up with a wired connection, then here’s a quick guide to help you do this properly.
This is a basic guide for setting up your Youview box via a wired ethernet connection. It’s fairly straightforward, and it’ll enable you to get both TV reception for your main channels as well as giving you access to catch up services and on demand services too.
What is a Youview box?
If you’re thinking about getting a Youview box but you’re not entirely sure what it is, then it’s quite easy to understand. You’ve likely got a Youview box from signing up to a new broadband subscription service from one of several suppliers, with the main ones being BT and and TalkTalk.
Essentially, Youview has all of the channels that you’ll find on Freeview – many people think that they’re the same thing. However, on a Freeview box you typically won’t have access to a variety of different streaming services like you do with Youview.
A Youview box will come with apps like Netflix pre-installed on it and ready for you to use (at an additional cost, of course). So if you want to watch Sky Sports, then you can do this with your Youview box by using the Now TV app (all of Sky Sports are part of the listed Now TV channels).
As well as on demand streaming services, you’ll also have access to all of the main UK catch up services as well, like BBC iPlayer and the ITV Hub. So, it’s definitely a bit better than just Freeview.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Youview boxes don’t actually have the in built functionality for you to connect to them wirelessly. So, you can’t use your wifi to connect to the both without using an ethernet cable.
Most people want to connect to their Youview wirelessly because their ethernet port is too far away to connect the two together. One main solution to this can be using a powerline adapter, which can help to connect them together by using your household electrics.
