Can I use usb tethering via a usb to ethernet adapter to a tv that has an ethernet port but no wifi?

[AmonNouse]

My TV can't use wi-fi. I have no router or cable internet, only a large data allowance on my smartphone. I can use the phone to provide a wifi hotspot for our tablets to use. I can also connect my phone to a laptop using usb tethering so I can use the internet on the laptop using data on my phone.

My TV has no WiFi capability, but it does have an ethernet port. I want to know if I can connect my phone via a usb and ethernet cable to the TV so the TV thinks it is plugged in to a router.

 

[Rukbat]

No, the Ethernet port on the TV is for communications, not for TV in. But if it has an HDMI port, you can use a Chromecast, and cast using Google Home on an Android device or Chrome on your laptop.

 

[John in Michigan]

With older TV's, the ethernet port is there for technicians to use in troubleshooting, you can't network your TV by connecting the ethernet port to a router or to a phone with tethering enabled.

Newer, Smart TV's can connect to the Internet, but every Smart TV I've seen has Wifi with an Ethernet port as an alternative to Wifi. If you're not sure if you have a Smart TV, check the TV manual or check with the maker online...but most likely, if the TV doesn't have Wifi, it isn't smart.

If your TV has HDMI, chromecast works great. You can get a used 1st or 2nd generation Chromecast for c. $20-30, new ones are I think $45 or so. Situations like yours are exactly why Chromecast was made. The only difference is, you'd be connecting Chromecast's Wifi to your phone which is acting as a HotSpot, instead of connecting Chromecast to your home Wifi.

Good luck!