Modern LG refrigerators with the function Smart ThinQ require connection to the home network for full operation of all intelligent functions. However, users are often faced with a situation where they need to find out the current WiFi password in order to connect a new gadget or restore communication after changing a router. Unlike simple household appliances, LG smart refrigerators have a specific logic for the operation of network modules, which is not always obvious.
It is important to understand that itself LG refrigerator WiFi password is not a fixed factory code that can be found on a sticker. In most cases, we are talking about the password from your home network, which the device remembers, or about the temporary password of the access point of the refrigerator itself for initial setup. Understanding these nuances is necessary for the successful integration of the device into a smart home system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the methods for obtaining the necessary data, methods for resetting network settings and features of the application LG ThinQ. You'll learn how to avoid common pairing mistakes and what to do if standard methods don't work. The information is relevant for most modern models with Wi-Fi support.
The difference between the network password and the device password
The first step to solving the problem is a clear understanding of exactly what code you need. Users often confuse the password for their home Wi-Fi network with the password that the refrigerator itself generates for the setup mode. LG refrigerator can work in two main network modes: as a home network client or as an access point (AP).
If your goal is to connect the refrigerator to the Internet, you will need the password from your router. The device does not store this password in clear text in a menu accessible to the user for security reasons. In the case when the application ThinQ asks you to enter a code to connect to the refrigerator itself, we are talking about a temporary PIN code.
There is a common misconception that there is a universal factory password for all models. This is not true. For each specific setup session or model, a unique code can be generated, which is displayed on the display or in the instructions. Confusion arises because the pairing process requires entering data into different fields at different stages.
- 🔑 Router password: The access code for your home network (WPA2/WPA3), which you enter when connecting phone.
- 📱 Access point password: A temporary code that the refrigerator creates so that the phone can transfer the router settings to it.
- 🔄 Pairing code: A digital key that appears on the screen to confirm ownership of the device in the application.
⚠️ Attention: Never use simple passwords like “12345678” for your home network if a smart refrigerator is connected to it. A router vulnerability can become an entry point for attackers into your local network of devices.
Where to find the password in the instructions and on the case
Searching for factory data is the first thing to do if you are trying to connect to the refrigerator as an access point. An information sticker is located on the device body, usually on the inner wall or side. It shows the serial number, model and, often, the MAC address of the network module.
In some models, especially earlier versions of the line LG InstaView, the factory password for setup mode may be printed directly on this sticker. Look for the designations "PIN", "WPS PIN" or "Default Password". If it states that the password is a MAC address, then you need to enter it in lower case, without colons.
The paper instructions included in the kit also contain a section on security and initial setup. There may be a standard code used for reset or initial login if it has not been changed by user_modules. However, if the refrigerator has already been in use, this data may not be relevant due to previous settings.
It is worth noting that in new models of 2026-2026, manufacturers are increasingly are moving away from printing passwords on the case, requiring the use of NFC tags or QR codes for instant pairing. In such cases, a physical search for the code will not yield results, and a soft reset will be required.
Using the refrigerator display to obtain data
Many models LG smart refrigerators are equipped with a touch screen through which you can control basic parameters, including the network. To find connection information, you need to enter the settings menu. This is usually done by long pressing the "Settings" button or through the combination of buttons described in the manual.
In the navigation menu, select the item Network or Wi-Fi. If the device has already been connected to the network, it may display the connection status, but not the password itself (this is a standard security practice for Android and other OSes). However, if you press the "Connect" or "Add Device" button, the refrigerator may enter pairing mode and show a new temporary password on the screen.
To enter setup mode, you often need to press and hold the "Wi-Fi" button on the control panel for 3-5 seconds. After the beep, the indicator will flash and the display may show a message indicating that you are ready to connect. It is at this moment that the required PIN code sometimes appears on the screen.
☑️ Checking the display
If the network error icon is on the display or the indicator is flashing, this means that the saved data is incorrect. In this case, displaying the password is not possible, since the device cannot be authorized. It is necessary to reset the network settings so that the refrigerator goes into connection standby mode.
Resetting the network settings through button combinations
If it was not possible to find out the password using standard methods, the most effective solution is to completely reset the network settings. This action will remove the saved password for your router from the refrigerator’s memory and return the Wi-Fi module to its factory state. After this, you can re-enter the current data.
For most LG models, the following sequence of actions is relevant. Find the Wi-Fi or Smart ThinQbutton on the control panel. Press and hold it for 5 seconds. Some modifications require simultaneous pressing of the Ice Plus and Freezer (or Cold Saver) buttons for 3-5 seconds.
A successful reset is confirmed by a sound signal and a change in the behavior of the Wi-Fi indicator. It should start flashing quickly, indicating that it has entered AP (Access Point) mode. Now the refrigerator creates its own network, which you can connect to from your phone.
What to do if the buttons do not respond?
If you have a model with a touch panel, make sure you are not in Child Lock mode. Typically, to unlock, you need to hold the button with the image of a lock for 3 seconds. Also try wiping the panel with a soft, dry cloth - greasy stains can reduce the sensitivity of the sensor.
After the reset, you will not need to “learn” the old password. You simply enter your current Wi-Fi password again through the app. This is the most reliable way to restore the connection if the router has been replaced or the network security key has been changed.
Configuration via the LG ThinQ application
The main management and configuration tool is the mobile application LG ThinQ. It is through it that the main part of interaction with the refrigerator occurs. If you want to find out what password a device uses or reset it, the app is the main intermediary in this process.
The process of adding a device begins by clicking the "+" sign in the application. Select "Add device" and find your refrigerator model in the list. The application will ask for permission to use geolocation and Bluetooth - this is necessary to find a device nearby. Next, follow the instructions on the screen.
During the setup process, the application will ask you to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter its password. It is this password that the refrigerator will save in its memory. If you have forgotten the password for the router, you can view it in the phone settings (in the saved networks section) or on the router sticker, but not in the refrigerator.
| Setting stage | User action | Refrigerator reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Search | Start scanning in the application | Blinking Wi-Fi indicator |
| Pairing | Entering a PIN code (if required) | Audio confirmation signal |
| Data transfer | Entering the password from the Wi-Fi router | Trying to connect to the Internet |
| Completion | Clicking "Finish" | Constant light of the indicator |
It is important that the phone and refrigerator are in the area of reliable reception of the router signal during setup. If the signal is weak, the password transmission process may be interrupted and the device will display an error. In such cases, repeat the procedure, moving closer to the router.
Problems with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies
One of the most common reasons why users think that they have the “wrong password” is incompatibility of frequencies. Wi-Fi modules in most LG refrigerators, especially those released before 2023, operate exclusively in the range 2.4 GHz. They physically do not see and cannot connect to 5 GHz networks.
Modern routers often combine both frequencies under one name (SSID). In this case, the refrigerator may try to connect to the 5 GHz network, receive an authorization refusal (since it does not support the protocol) and display an error that the user perceives as an incorrect password.
To solve this problem, you need to enter the settings of your router (via a browser on your computer) and separate the networks. Create a separate network name for the 2.4 GHz band, for example MyHome_2.4. Then, when setting up the refrigerator, select this particular network and enter the password for it.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of routers and mobile applications are constantly updated. The location of buttons and names of menu items may differ from those described. Always check the current documentation from the manufacturer of your router.
Frequent connection errors and their solutions
Even knowing the correct password, you can encounter difficulties. Often the problem lies not in the code, but in special characters. If your Wi-Fi password contains complex characters (for example, #, &, "), the refrigerator module may not interpret them correctly. It is recommended to temporarily simplify the password, leaving only letters and numbers, configure it, and then possibly change the router password back (although the refrigerator may require reconnection).
Another common mistake is using the WPS function. Some users try to connect the refrigerator using the WPS button on the router. However, in new versions of firmware and applications ThinQ this method is often blocked for security reasons. Use only the method of entering the password through the application.
If all else fails, there may be a problem with MAC filtering on the router. Check the list of blocked devices. It is also worth trying to disable the "Guest Network" function or client isolation if they are activated during setup.
In rare cases, updating the Wi-Fi module firmware is required. This can be done through the menu of the refrigerator itself, if it has access to the Internet via cable (rarely) or through a hidden service menu, but this is a task for service center specialists.
Is it possible to connect an LG refrigerator without the Internet?
Yes, the basic cooling functions work autonomously. However, Smart ThinQ, remote control, troubleshooting, and voice control will not work. The refrigerator will perform its main function, but the “mind” will remain unused.
What to do if the application does not see the refrigerator after a reset?
Make sure Bluetooth and geolocation are turned on on your phone. Come close to the refrigerator (up to 1 meter). Restart the application completely (close and open again). If it doesn’t help, reboot the router.
Does resetting the network reset temperature settings?
No, resetting Wi-Fi settings (Network Reset) affects only the network module. All temperature modes, schedules and user settings you have set will remain unchanged.
Where can I get the password if I bought a used refrigerator?
You do not need the password of the previous owner. You need to perform a network reset on your refrigerator (by holding down the Wi-Fi button) to erase its old data. Then connect it to your network as a new device using your Wi-Fi password.