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So I have this trusted not-so-old LG flat-screen TV chilling in my bedroom, it is still working perfectly, sharp display, sound on point, the only problem? It’s not smart. You can’t stream YouTube, Netflix, or Showmax directly unless you’re juggling cables like a DJ at an Ikorodu party. Then I discovered this trick I’ll be sharing with you in this article, and I easily turned that regular TV into a full-blown smart TV without breaking the bank.
Let’s gist about how you can make that happen, the best devices to use, where to get them in Nigeria, and a little hack to save money on the data you’ll need for streaming.
Ehn ehn, before you say “abeg leave that thing,” hear me out. You should not let yourself be stuck watching only what your decoder offers. The world has moved, and everyone is streaming! Whether it’s bingeing your favourite Nollywood series on Netflix, catching up with the latest Premier League match highlights on YouTube, or vibing to Afrobeats on Spotify, your TV can (and should) do more.
Here’s why it just makes sense:
1. More entertainment, less wahala.
You can say goodbye to plugging your phone with HDMI cables or hunting for flash drives to watch movies. Once your TV is smart, everything is just one remote click away — Netflix, YouTube, Showmax, even TikTok (if you dare ).
2. Better value for your existing TV.
If your flat-screen is still fine, why throw it away just because it’s not “smart”? Instead of buying a new ₦300k+ smart TV, you can spend just a fraction to upgrade what you already own.
3. It’s future-proof.
TV tech is evolving faster than Lagos traffic moves on a Sunday morning. Making your TV smart means you’ll keep up with updates, streaming apps, and new features without needing to replace your entire device.
4. Easier connection with your phone and gadgets.
Mirror your phone screen, stream your videos, or even control your TV with your smartphone — everything just syncs better once your TV is smart.
And lastly…
5. You’ll save money (and flex smarter).
Buying a streaming stick or Android box costs way less than a brand-new smart TV, and if you combine that with cheap data plans (like the ones on RapidBills.ng), you’ll be streaming movies all weekend without worrying about data draining your wallet.
A smart TV is basically a television that can connect to the internet — meaning you can stream movies, music, and shows directly from apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. It’s like giving your TV a brain. No need to connect laptops or flash drives — everything happens with a few clicks (or voice commands if you’re fancy).
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to buy a new TV to enjoy all that. You just need a smart device that brings the internet and apps to your existing TV.
Alright, now to the main dish — how do you actually turn your regular TV into a smart one? Simple. You just need one of these small but mighty gadgets that bring Wi-Fi, streaming apps, and smart features right to your screen.
This one is small but powerful! Just plug the Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI port, connect it to Wi-Fi, and boom — your TV becomes a streaming powerhouse. You can cast videos, music, and even your phone screen directly from your Android or iPhone.
Best for: People who love using their phones to control everything.
Price range: ₦25,000–₦40,000 depending on the version.
Where to buy: Jumia, Konga, or globally on Amazon.
Amazon’s Fire Stick is one of the easiest ways to smarten up your TV. It comes with its own remote and gives you access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more. Plus, you can even ask Alexa to search for movies — no typing stress.
Best for: People who prefer plug-and-play simplicity.
Price range: ₦35,000–₦50,000.
Where to buy: Jumia, Konga, or Amazon.
Think of this like turning your TV into an Android phone. You can download apps directly, use Bluetooth remotes, and even play mobile games. Some even come with storage for your downloaded movies. My guy, this one no be joke!
Best for: Tech lovers and gamers.
Price range: ₦30,000–₦70,000.
Where to buy: Jumia, Slot, or AliExpress.
If you’re an Apple user, this is the luxury option. It syncs with your iPhone and iPad perfectly, supports AirPlay, and delivers crisp 4K streaming. Expensive, yes, but smooth like butter.
Best for: iPhone users and anyone who wants a premium feel.
Price range: ₦90,000–₦150,000.
Where to buy: iStore Nigeria, Konga, or Amazon.
These are like mini Android boxes but cheaper. They’re fast, compact, and run Android TV, so you still get access to Netflix, YouTube, and even voice commands.
Best for: Anyone on a budget who still wants a full Android TV experience.
Price range: ₦20,000–₦30,000.
Where to buy: Jumia, Konga, or AliExpress.
If you’ve got a PlayStation 4/5 or Xbox One/Series X, congrats — you already own a smart TV converter! Just connect your console to the internet and you can stream Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more.
No need to buy anything else. That’s what we call double wahala for the smart TV market!
Got a laptop or smartphone? You can mirror your screen to your TV using an HDMI cable or wireless casting if both devices support it. Not as sleek as a full smart TV setup, but still effective.
In short, no matter your budget, there’s a smart gadget for you. And once you set it up, just connect to your Wi-Fi, log into your favourite apps, and start streaming. But hold on, streaming no go sweet if your data dey finish anyhow. Let’s talk about that shortly after my personal pick.
If you ask me, my best pick for 2025 is the Google Chromecast 4K. It’s compact, smooth, and works seamlessly with Android phones and iPhones. Plus, it updates automatically and integrates easily with Google Home for voice control.
Runner-up: Xiaomi Mi Box S — perfect blend of affordability and quality.
Plug the device (box or dongle) into your TV’s HDMI port.
Connect it to power.
Switch your TV input to the HDMI source.
Connect to Wi-Fi.
Sign in to your Google, Amazon, or Apple account.
Download your favourite apps (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, etc.).
That’s it! Your old TV just got a second life.
Streaming can eat your data faster than a hot puff-puff disappears at a Lagos wedding! That’s where RapidBills comes in.
With RapidBills.ng, you can buy cheap MTN SME data (₦300 for 1GB) and other affordable bundles for Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. Whether you’re binge-watching Big Brother Naija or catching up on Money Heist, RapidBills ensures you stream more for less.
Visit RapidBills.ng today — because smart streaming deserves smart data deals.
1. Can any TV be converted to a smart TV?
As long as your TV has an HDMI port, yes! Even older flat screens can work perfectly.
2. Do I need the internet to use a smart TV box?
Yes — the device needs Wi-Fi to stream apps and videos.
3. Which is better — Android Box or Fire Stick?
Android Boxes offer more customisation and app options, but Fire Stick is smoother and easier to use.
4. Can I watch Netflix without a smart TV?
Yes! Just connect a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Android Box and stream away.
5. What if my TV has no HDMI port?
You can use an AV to HDMI converter — they cost about ₦3,000 to ₦5,000 on Jumia.
Turning your regular TV into a smart TV in 2025 is one of the easiest tech upgrades you can do. No need to spend hundreds of thousands on a new TV — just grab a smart device, plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and boom — Netflix and chill activated.
And don’t forget, all that streaming means you’ll need data — and lots of it. So make sure you’re buying your data the smart way at RapidBills.ng — the go-to platform for cheap SME data, airtime, and bill payments in Nigeria.
Your TV’s ready. Your data’s ready. Now all that’s left? Grab popcorn and enjoy the show.
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