The fastest way to update apps on Samsung Smart TV
Most Samsung Smart TVs update apps automatically in the background, but you can also update them manually through the Samsung App Store or the individual app settings. The method depends on whether you want to update one app at a time or check all of them at once.
The quickest route is to open the Samsung App Store, find the app you want to update, and look for an "Update" button next to the app name. If you see "Open" instead, the app is already current. For a full check of all your apps at once, go to Settings, then Apps, then look for an update option in the app management menu — the exact path varies slightly by TV model and software version.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Smart TVs can update apps automatically, but you can also update them manually through the Samsung App Store by selecting each app and tapping Update.
- The Settings menu path to check all apps at once is Settings > Apps, though the exact submenu names vary by TV model and software year.
- Automatic updates happen in the background when your TV is in standby mode, so you may not need to do anything if you leave your TV plugged in overnight.
- Some apps update through their own internal settings rather than the App Store, so check inside the app itself if the App Store shows no update available.
- A slow internet connection or a TV that powers off completely can prevent automatic updates, so keep your TV plugged in and connected to WiFi for regular updates.
Update a single app through the Samsung App Store
Open the Samsung App Store from your TV's home screen — it is usually labeled "Apps" or "Samsung Apps" and appears as a tile on the main menu. Use your remote to navigate to it and press Enter or the center button.
Once inside the App Store, use the search function or browse to find the app you want to update. When you select the app, a details page will appear. If an "Update" button is visible, the app has a newer version waiting. Press it, and the TV will read and install the update — this usually takes one to three minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. If you see "Open" instead of "Update", that app is already on the latest version.
During the update, your TV may briefly show a loading screen or progress bar. Do not unplug the TV or turn it off while an update is running, as this can corrupt the app or leave it in an unusable state.
Check and update all apps at once
To see which of your installed apps have updates waiting, go to Settings on your TV's home screen. Navigate to Apps or Applications (the exact name depends on your TV model and software version). Inside this menu, look for an option called "Auto Update", "Update Apps", or "Manage Apps" — Samsung has used different names across different TV models.
Some TV models show a list of all installed apps with a status next to each one. If an app has an update, it will show "Update Available" or a similar indicator. Select the app and choose Update. If your TV model does not show individual app statuses, you may need to go back to the Samsung App Store and check each app separately.
If you see an option for "Auto Update Apps" or "Automatic Updates", turning this on will let your TV update apps in the background without you doing anything. The TV will read and install updates when it is in standby mode and connected to WiFi, usually overnight.
Enable automatic app updates
Automatic updates are the easiest option because they happen without any action on your part. To turn them on, go to Settings, then Apps, then look for "Auto Update" or "Automatic Updates". Toggle this setting to On.
When automatic updates are enabled, your TV will check for app updates regularly and install them during off-hours — typically when the TV is in standby mode (the screen is off but the TV is still plugged in and connected to WiFi). This means you may wake up to find an app has been updated overnight, but you will not have to do anything yourself.
For automatic updates to work, your TV must stay plugged in and connected to your WiFi network. If you unplug your TV completely or disconnect it from WiFi, automatic updates will pause until it is connected again.
Update apps from within the app itself
Some apps, especially streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, manage their own updates separately from the Samsung App Store. If you check the App Store and see no update available, but you suspect the app is out of date, open the app itself and look for a Settings or About section.
Inside the app, look for menu options like "Settings", "About", "Help", or "Check for Updates". Some apps will show you the current version number and offer a button to check for updates. If an update is available, the app will read and install it directly without returning to the App Store.
This is less common on Samsung Smart TVs than on phones or tablets, but it does happen with major apps that are frequently updated. If you are unsure whether an app is current, checking inside the app itself takes only a few seconds.
Troubleshoot when apps won't update
If an app refuses to update or gets stuck during the update process, the most common cause is a weak WiFi connection or a temporary internet outage. Check that your TV is connected to WiFi by going to Settings > Network and confirming the connection status. If the connection is unstable, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If the WiFi connection is strong but the update still will not start, try restarting the TV. Unplug it from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it boots up, go back to the App Store and try the update again. This clears temporary files that may be blocking the update process.
If an update gets stuck partway through (the progress bar stops moving for more than five minutes), unplug the TV, wait one minute, and plug it back in. The TV will resume the update or restart it from the beginning. If the same app keeps failing to update after two or three attempts, that app may have a compatibility issue with your TV model. In that case, uninstall the app completely, restart the TV, and reinstall it fresh from the Samsung App Store.
What to expect during and after an app update
Most app updates take between one and five minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. During the update, you will see a progress bar or loading screen. The TV may become unresponsive to your remote during this time — this is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.
After the update finishes, the app will either open automatically or return you to the App Store. You do not need to restart your TV after an app update. The next time you open the app, it will run the new version. Some apps show a "What's New" screen the first time you open them after an update, explaining new features or changes.
If an app behaves strangely after an update — crashing, running slowly, or showing error messages — try closing it completely and reopening it. If the problem continues, restart your TV and try again. Rarely, an app update may introduce a bug that affects your specific TV model; in that case, you can uninstall the app and reinstall the previous version by going to the App Store, selecting the app, and choosing "Uninstall" followed by "Install".
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Samsung TV say an app needs an update but I just updated it?
This usually means the app updated through a different method than the Samsung App Store — for example, the app updated itself internally, or a system update included a newer version. Check inside the app itself (Settings or About) to see the current version number. If the version is recent, the App Store may be slow to recognize the update, and it will sync within a few hours.
Can I update apps while I'm watching TV?
Yes, you can start an update and continue watching, though the TV may slow down slightly while the update downloads in the background. For the smoothest experience, update apps when you are not actively using the TV. Automatic updates are designed to happen during standby mode so they do not interfere with viewing.
What happens if I unplug my TV during an app update?
Unplugging during an update can corrupt the app, leaving it unable to open or function properly. If this happens, uninstall the app from Settings > Apps, restart the TV, and reinstall it fresh from the Samsung App Store. The reinstall will read the latest version without any corruption.
Do I need to pay for app updates?
No. Updates to apps you already own are always free. If an app originally cost money to purchase, the update does not charge you again. Free apps remain free when they update.
How often should I manually update my apps?
If you have automatic updates turned on, you do not need to manually update at all — the TV handles it. If you prefer manual updates, checking once a month is reasonable. Apps that you use frequently, like streaming services, may update more often than apps you rarely open.