
So I was watching Mission: Impossible on my Samsung TV the other day.
When suddenly…
A 012 code appeared on the screen.
For a second, I thought it was Tom Cruise’s new mission.
Turned out it was a Samsung error code.
But unlike the movie, this one’s Mission: Easy.
Continue reading to find out:
- 3 of the most common causes of the 012 error.
- What Samsung’s 012 error code actually means.
- 9 easy ways to fix a Samsung TV’s 012 error code.
- And a lot more…
What does Samsung error code 012 mean?
The Samsung error code 012 means network interference. In other words, your TV temporarily lost internet connection. It can be due to an outage in your area. Or a glitch in your modem and router. You may also see this error if your TV’s too far from the router. Or if there’s a bug in the TV’s OS.
How do I fix error code 012 on my Samsung TV? 9 ways
#1: Check for service interruptions
Simply put, your Samsung TV’s 012 error code is a network connection problem.
You’ll see this if you’re trying to use an app that needs internet. Such as Netflix. And then your TV suddenly loses internet connection.
Now, there are many possible reasons for this. Including:
- Service outages.
- Modem or router malfunction.
- A glitch in the TV’s operating system.
So before anything else…
Check if there’s a problem with your internet service provider (ISP). Interruptions or outages do happen occasionally. Even with the most established ISPs.
“How can I verify if there’s actually a network outage?”
The quickest way to do it is by checking if your other device also can’t connect to WiFi.
Try to surf the web with your phone or laptop. And if they also have no internet access, there’s a problem on your ISP’s end.
Moreover, you may use your mobile data to check your ISP’s outage status via these sites:
These sites can provide real-time updates on the status of many ISPs. Including AT&T, Xfinity, and Verizon.
Just go to one of those websites. And then type in the name of your ISP in the search bar.
You’ll then see a report on any ongoing service interruptions.
And once you’ve confirmed there’s a service outage…
You’ll just have to wait until your ISP fixes the issue.
In the meantime, you may use an antenna to watch TV without the internet.
#2: Power cycle modem and router

I did mention that the 012 error may also be due to a modem or router glitch.
That’s why you should also try to power cycle them.
This simply means restarting the device. And it’s one of the best troubleshooting steps in fixing an unstable connection.
Here’s how to power cycle your router and modem:
- Disconnect both devices from their power source.
- Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plug both devices back into the outlet.
Usually, it takes a further minute or 2 for the internet connection to return. So wait until all of the modem’s indicator lights are green and steady.
Your Samsung TV should then automatically reconnect to the WiFi.
After which, you may try to use an app again. And check if you’re still getting the 012 error code.
#3: Restart your Samsung TV
In addition to power cycling your modem and router…
You should also restart your Samsung TV. Mainly because a glitch in the Smart Hub can also cause the 012 error.
These are the steps to perform a proper restart on your Samsung TV:
Step #1: Press and hold the remote’s Power button until the TV goes into Standby mode.
Step #2: Unplug the TV from the outlet.
Step #3: Press and hold the TV’s power button for 30 seconds. What this does is drain any remaining charge or electricity.
Step #4: Wait for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step #5: Plug the TV back into its power source. And press the remote’s Power button to turn it back on.
Then, wait until the TV re-establishes its network connection. And launch any app from the Smart Hub home page.
#4: Move the router closer to the TV
A weak WiFi signal can also cause a network interference error.
And at times, the poor signal can be due to the distance between your TV and the router.
Samsung recommends that your TV be within 50 feet (15.2 meters) of the router.
So, move the router as close to the TV as possible.
Moreover, there shouldn’t be any obstruction between the devices.
With that, try to clear out anything that may block the connection.
However, if it’s not possible to move the router closer…
You may consider using a WiFi Extender. It’s also known as a WiFi Repeater or Booster.
This device can help expand the reach of your WiFi. You may set it up in between the TV and the router for maximum signal.
If you need a guide on how to set up a WiFi Extender, watch this video:
#5: Disconnect other devices from your home WiFi
Technically speaking, most home routers can support up to 250 devices.
However, it’s certainly not practical. And ISPs generally recommend a limit of 10 to 15 devices per router.
When you connect too many gadgets to your WiFi…
Each device’s internet speed will significantly slow down.
And it’s why another fix for the 012 error…
Is to disconnect your other devices from the WiFi. At least temporarily.
Allow your TV to be the sole device connected to the internet.
This should also help boost your TV’s WiFi signal. Which, in turn, should resolve the network interference error.
#6: Verify if all apps are getting the error code
You should also check if the error code’s happening on multiple apps.
There are instances where it only happens on a particular app.
For example, you’re watching Netflix and you suddenly get the 012 error.
But when you launch Prime Video, it’s working fine.
So check if it’s also the case with your TV.
And if it is, then you may focus on fixing the problematic app.
You may try to close the app. Power cycle your TV. And then re-launch it to see if the error persists.
If you’re still getting an error, consider deleting it.
And then just download the app afterward.
Here’s how to delete and reinstall an app on a Samsung TV:
- Press the remote’s Home button.
- Navigate to Apps and select it.
- Select Settings.
- Highlight the app that you want to delete.
- Click Delete.
- Go back to the Apps menu.
- Click the Search icon.
- Search for the app.
- Click Install.
You might also want to know: (7 Ways) How to Restart Apps on Samsung TV
#7: Connect the TV directly to the modem
Another fix for the network interference error is simply connecting the TV to the modem.
By bypassing the router, you won’t have to worry about signal problems.
Modern Samsung TVs all have a dedicated port for an ethernet cable.
Use that cable for connecting the 2 devices.
After connecting, go to the Smart Hub’s Settings menu to finish the setup.
Here’s a more detailed guide on how to connect a Samsung TV to a modem:
- Connect the TV to the modem via an ethernet cable.
- Press your remote’s Home button.
- Select Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Network.
- Click the Open Network Settings option.
- Select Wired.
#8: Reset your TV’s network connection
Now, if it isn’t possible to connect your TV to the modem directly…
You should just try to reset the TV’s network connection instead.
What will happen is your TV will forget your home WiFi network. So you’ll have to reconnect.
This is pretty much the equivalent of power cycling the TV’s internet connection.
Just follow these steps to reset the network:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Select General.
- Select Network.
- Click the Reset Network option.
- Click Yes to confirm.
- Wait until the Reset process finishes.
- Click the Network Settings button.
- Select Wireless.
- Click your home WiFi network and enter your password.
#9: Install firmware updates

It’s also possible that a bug in the Smart Hub software is what’s causing the 012 error.
That’s why you should also see to it that your TV’s OS has the latest updates.
Understandably, it’ll be difficult to do it if your TV’s connection is unstable.
A workaround you can perform is to update using a USB flash drive.
Essentially, you’ll have to use a laptop to download and install updates. Then save it to a flash drive. And use that to update your TV.
But before proceeding with the steps…
Ensure that you know your Samsung TV’s product type and model number. You can find it in the TV’s user manual.
After that, proceed to…
Updating your Samsung TV using a USB flash drive:
Step #1: Open a web browser on your laptop.
Step #2: Go to the Samsung Download Center page.
Step #3: Enter your TV’s model number in the search box.
Step #4: Look for the latest firmware version. And click Download.
Step #5: Find the downloaded file on your laptop and unzip it. You should then see a folder with the updates in it.
Step #6: Copy and paste the folder into your USB flash drive.
Step #7: Plug the USB drive into your Samsung TV.
Step #8: Go to Settings and then select Support.
Step #9: Select Software Update.
Step #10: Select Update Now and click Yes to confirm.
Your TV will then search the USB drive for updates. And it’ll automatically install them.
Bonus: Contact Samsung for support
If none of the fixes work…
Then you should contact Samsung.
You may chat with an agent through their support page.
In addition, you may also call their toll-free hotline at 1-800-726-7864.