How to update your Samsung Smart TV

what to know

  • Automatic: Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Automatic Updates .
  • Manually: Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now .
  • If your TV is not connected to the Internet, download the latest updates to a USB device from the Samsung website.

This article explains how to update your Samsung Smart TV. Instructions apply broadly to most models manufactured after 2013.

The best way to keep your Samsung Smart TV updated is to set up automatic updates. That way, you can set it and forget it; updates will arrive while you're using the TV and then complete the next time you turn on the device. Here's how to enable automatic updates:

Although there are technical differences between software and firmware updates, Samsung often uses the term "software update" to encompass both.

  1. Make sure your TV is connected to the internet.

  2. Go to Settings > Support > Software Updates .

  3. Select Automatic Updates to toggle the option On .

If an update is detected when you first turn on the TV, it will download and install it before you can continue to watch any content or use other features of the TV. This may take several minutes depending on the nature of the update.

If your TV is connected to the internet but you prefer to activate software updates manually, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Support > Software Updates .

  2. Select Update now . If an update is available, the download and installation process will be initiated in the same manner as discussed in the Automatic Updates section above.

  3. If no updates are available, select OK to exit the Settings menu and continue using your TV.

If your TV is not connected to the internet or you wish to install updates locally, you have the option of doing so via USB. To use this option, you need to first download the update to your computer and then transfer it to a USB device. Here's how to do this:

  1. Visit the Samsung Download Center.

  2. Enter your TV's model number in the text box (e.g. UN40KU6300FXZA).

  3. When you see your TV appear in the suggestions list, select it to open its download page.

  4. Find the firmware for your TV from the Firmware section and select Download next to it. If there are multiple to choose from, select the top item to get the latest version.

    The download may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the file and the speed of your internet.

  5. Save the ZIP file to your computer and unzip it to reveal its contents.

  6. After inserting the flash drive into your computer, copy all the contents of the unzipped file onto the flash drive.

    Do not copy the .ZIP file itself (only its extracted contents), nor place the files into any other folder on the flash drive (just the root of the drive).

  7. Once the files are completely copied to the USB drive, unplug it from your computer and plug it into your TV.

    If your TV has multiple USB ports, make sure no other devices are plugged into any other port.

  8. From your TV remote, select the Home or Smart Hub icon , then select the Settings icon on your TV screen (it looks like a gear).

  9. Go to Support > Software Updates > Update Now .

  10. Select Yes , or select the USB option if prompted. You will see a message on the screen that reads "Scanning USB. This may take more than 1 minute."

    Do not turn off the TV during the update process. It must remain powered on until the update is completed. The TV will automatically turn off and on again after the update is complete, which will restart the TV. Depending on the nature of the update, audio and video settings may be reset to factory defaults.

  11. Follow any further prompts to start the update process.

  12. Once the process is complete, the TV will automatically turn off and then back on again, indicating that the software update has been installed correctly and is available.

  13. To further confirm that you have updated your software, you can return to the Software Updates page to view the latest updates.

It's equally important to update the apps you download to your device. This is a different process than updating your TV system software. The easiest way to keep your apps updated is to let your TV update automatically. How to do:

  1. Press the Smart Hub/Home button on the remote control.

  2. Select application .

  3. Select the settings/gear icon in the upper right corner, or select My Apps if you see that icon.

  4. Select Options and make sure Automatic Updates is set to On .

If you update an app manually, you will be notified if an update is available when you select the app. Follow any further prompts to start the update process. Once the update is complete, the app will open so you can use it.

If you own an older Samsung Smart TV (such as one released before the 2016 model), the steps required to update the app may be different. Please try the following instructions:

  • Press the Menu button on your remote and go to Smart Hub > Apps & Games Automatic Updates > Turn on .
  • Press the Menu button on your remote and go to Smart Hub > App Settings > Automatic Updates .
  • Press the Smart Hub button on the remote, then go to Apps > More Apps and follow any other prompts.

Depending on your year and version of Samsung Menu/Smart Hub, the appearance of the menus and how to access system and application update features may vary. If you're not sure about the specific steps, refer to the user guide for your specific TV.

FAQ
  • Whenever your TV is not working properly, try updating the firmware manually to fix it. Most smart TVs have an automatic update feature.

  • To download apps on your Samsung Smart TV, press Home on the remote, select Apps , and search for the name of the app you want. You need to have a Samsung account before you can download apps on your Samsung TV.

  • To delete the Samsung Smart TV app, press Home on the remote, then go to Settings > Support > Device maintenance > Manage storage . On older models, go to Apps > Settings > Downloaded Apps or Apps > My Apps > Options > Delete .

  • To watch local channels on your Samsung Smart TV, connect an HD antenna or use a streaming service that offers local channels, such as Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, YouTube Live TV, or DirecTV Stream.