Connecting a Wii to a Smart TV using AV, HDMI, Component + More

Do you want to hook up your old Wii but have a smart TV that doesn't have the same plugs as the console? While many older TVs are simply plug-and-play, newer ones have different cable connections. Fortunately, there are simple fixes that make it easy to connect your Wii to an LG, Samsung, or any other model of smart TV. This wikiHow article will show you all of the cables and adapters you'll need to get your Wii working with your smart TV.

Things You Should Know

The best way to connect a Wii to a smart TV is using the cables that came with the console.
If you don't have the proper ports on your smart TV for the Wii cables, you'll just need an HDMI adapter, which you can find easily.
You can also use a Wii component cable, which is sold separately.
Alternatively, try using a VGA adapter, a SCART converter, or an S-Video Cable.

Section 1 of 6:

Using the Default Wii Cables

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1
If your smart TV has RCA ports, you won't need to buy an adapter. Check your smart TV for three round RCA port. They may appear below a "TV input" header. If the ports match the cable that came with your Wii, then it can hook up to your Wii without any adapters or plug-ins.
- Connect the Wii cables to the same colored ports on the TV. This means that the yellow cable plugs into the video port, and the red and white cables plug into the audio ports.^{[1]
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- Once the Wii is connected to your smart TV, plug the other end of the cable into the back of your Wii.
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Turn on your TV and console, press the input select button your TV remote to select your Wii. This button may be called "Source", "EXT", "AUX", "AT", or "TV/Video".
- If you don't see your Wii's screen, you may need to go to a specific channel. Try channel 00 or 99.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 6:

Using an HDMI Adapter

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Purchase an HDMI adapter for your Wii. Make sure the product listing specifies that the HDMI adapter is for Wii, as a non-Wii specific adapter will mostly not fit into the port on the back of your console.
- Since many smart newer TVs, like the Samsung Smart TV, only have an HDMI port, this is the best option to connect your Wii to a TV. If you're looking to connect a Wii to your TV without AV cables, this is your answer.
Plug in the HDMI adapter to the HDMI port on your TV, then plug the other end into the back of your Wii console.
Once powered on, press the "Input" or "Source" buttons on your TV remote until you find the HDMI source that you plugged into.

Section 3 of 6:

Using Component Cables

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1
Purchase component cables for your Wii. Ensure that your TV has component ports before you purchase the Wii component cable! There should be five ports on the back of your TV; two for audio and three for video.^{[3]
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- If you want high-quality gaming without using an HDMI adapter, this is your answer! Many modern TVs, like LG, Vizio, and Hisense, offer component ports. Nintendo sells a Wii Component Video Cable, which is more likely to work for you than a 3rd party video cable.
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Connect the component cables to your TV and Wii. The component cable will split into two groups so you can easily match the colors on the cables to the appropriate ports and groupings. For example, there will be a group of two ports on your TV and a matching group of two jacks on your component cable that you can match up and connect.
- Once you have the jacks plugged into the corresponding ports on the TV, you can plug the other end of the component cable into your Wii.
3
Turn on your TV and Wii. Once connected, locate the Wii Home screen on your TV screen by pressing the "Input" or "Source" button on your TV remote until you find the component source.
- Make sure your TV is in the right format to see your game clearly. Go to Settings > Wii Settings > Screen > EDTV/HDTV(480p) > Widescreen Settings > Widescreen 16:9 > Confirm.^{[4]
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Section 4 of 6:

Using a SCART Converter

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Get an RCA to SCART converter. If your smart TV has a SCART input, you can use an RCA to SCART converter to connect your Wii. With one of these converters, you can use the default RCA cables that came with your Wii to connect to your smart TV.
- This can be useful if your smart TV is low on HDMI ports or you don't have an HDMI adapter.

Section 5 of 6:

Using S-Video Cables

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You won't need any special adapters, but because the Wii doesn't come with an S-Video cable, you'll need to purchase one.^{[5]
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Once connected, power on your TV and Wii, then use your TV remote to switch to the S-Video input.

Section 6 of 6:

Connecting to a VGA Monitor

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Buy a VGA converter for your Wii. If you can't connect your Wii to a TV, but have a VGA monitor, you can use a VGA adapter to connect your Wii to the monitor. The adapter isn't a default option, but it's the best way to connect if you want to play your Wii on a computer screen.
- Keep in mind that VGA is pretty low-quality, so you won't get HD-quality video. Fortunately, the Wii doesn't support higher than 720p resolutions anyway!

Community Q&A

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Question

Will you still need a sensor bar?

Todd

Community Answer

Yes, as the Wii remote uses infrared signals released from the sensor bar to navigate through menus. If you do not have a sensor bar, using a lit candle (or two) will sometimes work as a quick fix.

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Tips

When you've connected your Wii to your TV, make sure you connect it to the Internet if you want to play online!

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Pair a remote so you can use your Wii remote to control it once it's set up.

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