How to Update the Software on Your Smart TV

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Keeping your smart TV's software updated is important to ensure you get the latest features, security patches, and overall improvements to your viewing experience. This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, making updating your smart TV's software simple and straightforward.

Why you should update your smart TV software

Before getting into the “how”, it’s important to understand the “why”. Updating your smart TV software offers several benefits:

• Enhanced performance: Updates can fix bugs and improve the overall functionality of your TV.
• Additional features: Software updates often include new features and enhancements to existing features.
• Security: Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities, making your TV more secure.
• Compatibility: Keeping your software updated ensures compatibility with new apps and streaming services.

Preparation stages

Before starting the update process, there are a few preliminary steps that need to be followed:

• Stable Internet connection: Make sure your TV is connected to a stable Internet connection via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Check storage: Make sure your TV has enough storage space for the update. Most modern smart TVs will alert you if you're running out of space.
• Remote control batteries: Make sure the batteries in your remote control are new, as you will need the remote to navigate the menus.

How to update the software

The process of updating the software may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your smart TV. Below are general steps for some popular brands.

Updating Samsung smart TV

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings and press Enter button.
3. Select Support, then select Software Update.
4. Select Update Now to start the update process.
5. Your TV will check for available updates. If any updates are found, it will download and install them. This process may take a few minutes.
6. Once the update is complete, your TV may need to restart to apply the changes.

Updating an LG smart TV

1. Press the Settings button on your remote.
2. Go to All Settings and press Enter button.
3. Select General, then select About this TV.
4. Select Check for updates.
5. If an update is available, select Download and Install.
6. Wait for the download to complete, then follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
7. Your TV may restart after the update is applied.

Updating a Sony smart TV

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings and press Enter button.
3. Select Device preferences, then select About.
4. Select System updates and choose Check for updates.
5. If an update is available, follow the instructions to download and install it.
6. Your TV will restart to apply the update.

Updating a Vizio smart TV

1. Press the Menu button on your remote.
2. Go to System and press OK.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. If an update is available, the TV will start the download process.
5. Once the download is complete, the TV will automatically install the update and restart.

Troubleshooting common problems

Although updating your smart TV is usually an easy process, you may encounter some common issues. Here's how to troubleshoot them:

Failed to download update

• Check Internet connection: Make sure your TV is properly connected to the Internet.
• Try again: Sometimes, simply retrying the update works.
• Restart the TV: Turn off your TV and unplug it for a minute, then plug it back in and try the update again.

The update is stuck at some percentage

• Wait: Sometimes updates can be large and take longer than expected.
• Restart the TV: If the TV appears to be stuck for a long period of time, restart your TV.
• Factory reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all your settings and apps, so make sure your data is backed up.

Problems after update

• Reset settings: Some updates may reset some settings. Check your settings and make sure they are to your liking.
• App compatibility: Some older apps may not work with new updates. Check if there are updates available for those apps in your TV's app store.

Manual update via USB

If for some reason you are unable to update your TV via an internet connection, you can do it manually using a USB flash drive. Follow these steps:

Downloading updates

1. Visit the official website of your TV manufacturer.
2. Go to the Support or Downloads section.
3. Search for your TV model and download the latest firmware update.
4. Once downloaded, extract the files (if necessary) and copy them to a USB flash drive.

Installing updates

1. Insert the USB flash drive into your TV's USB port.
2. Press the Menu button on your remote and go to System or Settings.
3. Select Software Update or Update via USB.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update from the USB flash drive.
5. Your TV will restart when the update is complete.

Conclusion

Updating the software on your smart TV is important for optimal performance, additional features, and enhanced security. Whether you follow the automatic update process or opt for a manual update via USB, ensuring your TV is up-to-date will provide a smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience. Remember, the steps may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your TV, so always refer to your TV's user manual for specific instructions.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth update process:

• Avoid interruption: During the update, avoid turning the TV off as this may corrupt the firmware.
• Back up important data: Back up any important settings or data, especially if a factory reset is required.
• Check regularly: Check for updates regularly rather than waiting for prompts, especially if you notice performance issues.

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