How to Update a Samsung Smart TV

This article explains how to update a Samsung smart TV. Instructions apply broadly to most models made after 2013.

Set Your Samsung TV to Update Automatically

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 your TV and then finish up the next time your device is turned on. Here's how to enable auto updates:

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

2. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update.

3. Select Auto Update to toggle the option On.

   

If an update is detected when you first turn the TV on, it will download and install it before you can proceed to watch anything or use the TV's other functions. This may take several minutes, depending on the nature of the update.

Update Your TV Manually via the Internet

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

1. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update.

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 Auto Update section above.

   

3. If no updates available, select OK to exit the Settings menu and proceed to use the TV.

Update Your TV Manually via USB

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

1. Visit the Samsung Download Center.

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

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

   

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

   

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

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

6. With a flash drive plugged in to 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) and do not put the files into any other folder on the flash drive (just the root of the drive).

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

   If you have more than one USB port on your TV, make sure no other devices are plugged into any of the other ports.

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

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

10. Select Yes, or choose the USB option, if prompted for either. You'll see a message on the screen that reads "Scanning USB. This may take more than 1 min."

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

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

    

12. When the process is completed, the TV will turn off automatically, then turn back on, indicating the software update installed correctly and is ready to use.

13. To further confirm you've updated the software, you can return to the Software Update page to see the latest update.

How to Update Apps on Samsung Smart TV

It's equally important to update the apps you've downloaded to your device. This is a separate process from updating the TV's system software. The easiest way to keep your apps updated is to have the TV do it automatically. Here's what to do:

1. Press the Smart Hub/Home button your remote.

2. Select Apps.

3. Select the settings/gear icon at the top right, or choose My Apps if you see that.

4. Select Options and make sure Auto Update is set to On.

   

Differences Between Samsung TVs

If you own an older Samsung smart TV, such as one released before the 2016 model year, there may be some variations in the steps needed to update apps. Try these directions instead:

• Press the Menu button your remote, then go to Smart Hub > App and Game Auto Update > On.
• Press the Menu button your remote, then go to Smart Hub > App Settings > Auto-Update.
• Press the Smart Hub button on your remote, then go to Apps > More Apps and follow any additional prompts.

Depending on what year and Samsung Menu/Smart Hub version you have, there may be some variations on the appearance of the menus, as well as how to access the System and App update features. If you're not sure of the exact steps, consult the user guide for your specific TV.