Using a smart TV without the internet might seem counterintuitive at first. However, with the right apps installed, you can keep yourself entertained, informed, and even—dare I say it—productive.
Even without Wi-Fi, you can use your smart TV to watch content using a media player. Most smart TVs have a default media player to play videos and music directly from a USB flash drive or external hard drive.
If your TV doesn’t have a built-in player, VLC Media Player is a great alternative. It is a free app that supports virtually every audio and video format you can think of, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLAC, and more.
Once you’ve installed the VLC app on your TV, using it is simple. Just insert your USB or external storage device, open VLC, and browse your files right from the app. It’s an easy and efficient way to enjoy your favorite content offline.
Download: VLC (Free)
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FX File Explorer
Most smart TVs don’t come with a built-in File Manager app. However, if you often use a USB storage device with your smart TV, FX File Explorer is a must-have.
It works much like the File Manager on your phone and offers all the necessary file management options. With it, you can browse, manage, and transfer files between your TV, USB storage, and other devices. It even comes with a built-in image viewer and video player, so you can skip downloading a media player like VLC if your TV is running low on storage space.
You’ll also need an app like FX File Explorer if you’re into sideloading apps on your smart TV. The best part is that FX File Explorer is completely free and doesn’t annoy you with any ads.
Download: FX File Explorer (Free)
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Clock, Timer, & Stopwatch
Your smart TV isn’t just for viewing content. With apps like Clock, Timer & Stopwatch, you can instantly turn it into a digital watch.
On the app’s home page, the current date and time are displayed in large, easy-to-read text. The Countdown function allows you to set timers for various tasks, like cooking, exercise routines, or even reminders for upcoming activities. Then there’s the Stopwatch feature, which is perfect for timing workouts, games, or projects requiring precise tracking.
You can change the time format, switch between 12-hour or 24-hour modes, and even adjust the text color and background color to fit the aesthetic of your room or your personal preferences. All in all, the Clock, Timer & Stopwatch app is a fantastic way to make your smart TV more than just a screen for entertainment.
Download: Clock, Timer & Stopwatch (Free)
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Button Mapper
Depending on your smart TV brand and the operating system it runs, the layout of your remote can vary. Still, one thing most remotes have in common is dedicated shortcut buttons, usually for popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video.
However, you are not stuck with those presets. With Button Mapper, you can reprogram the buttons on your TV remote to launch different apps or perform specific actions.
For example, you can remap the Netflix button to open VLC Media Player, which gives you easy access to offline videos stored on your device or USB drive. Beyond just app shortcuts, Button Mapper also lets you customize actions for other buttons on your remote, such as volume, home, or power. You can assign different behaviors to long presses, double taps, or single taps, depending on your needs.
The basic remapping features are available in the free version of the app. However, you’ll need to upgrade to the pro version to access all the features.
Download: Button Mapper (Free, in-app purchases)
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Offline Games
If you’re looking to have some fun on your smart TV without relying on Wi-Fi, there are several offline games that can keep you entertained for hours. And it’s not just limited to simple arcade-style games. Popular titles like Asphalt 8 are available too.
You’ll find plenty of options in the racing, puzzle, and strategy categories. Of course, the availability will vary depending on your TV’s operating system, but most modern smart TVs offer a good selection of offline-compatible apps in their respective app stores. For example, if you have Google TV, you’ll find titles like Crossy Road, Ludo King, Tournament Pool, and more.
Trust me, you’ll be glad you installed some of these games the next time Wi-Fi goes down. To enhance your gaming experience, you can even use your phone as a remote control for the TV. Even better, if you have a wireless gaming controller, you can connect it to your smart TV for better control.
Download: Asphalt 8 (Free, In-app purchases)
Whatever your reason may be for using your smart TV without Wi-Fi, there’s still plenty you can do—from enjoying offline media to playing casual games. The list above is just a start—dive into your TV’s app store, and you might be surprised by the number of apps that work offline.
