Samsung TVs update automatically, but you can also check for and install updates manually
Most Samsung TVs read and install software updates on their own, usually overnight when the TV is in standby mode and connected to the internet. You do not need to do anything for these automatic updates to happen. However, if you want to check whether an update is available right now, install it when ready, or troubleshoot an update that did not complete, you can go into the TV's settings menu and run the update process yourself.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system for most models made after 2015) or an older system, but the basic path is the same: Settings, Support, Software Update, then Update Now.
Key Takeaways
- Your Samsung TV checks for updates automatically when connected to the internet, usually at night, and installs them without your input.
- To manually check for an update, go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now on your remote.
- Keep your TV plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during the entire update process, which typically takes 5 to 15 minutes.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the update again from the Settings menu.
- You cannot downgrade to an older software version once an update installs, so updates are permanent.
How to manually check for and install an update
Start with your TV powered on and your remote in hand. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to open the home screen. Navigate to Settings — this is usually a gear icon in the top right corner or accessible from a menu at the bottom of the screen.
Once in Settings, scroll down and select Support. Inside Support, you will see Software Update as one of the options. Select it. The TV will now check whether a newer version is available. If an update exists, you will see a button labeled Update Now or Install. Press it to begin the installation.
The update process usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Your TV screen may go black, show a progress bar, or display "Updating" — this is normal. Do not unplug the TV, change the input, or press buttons on the remote during this time. When the update finishes, your TV will restart automatically and return to the home screen.
What to do if your TV says no update is available
If you check Software Update and see a message like "Your software is up to date," your TV is already running the latest version. This does not mean updates will never come — Samsung releases updates on different schedules depending on the TV model and region. Your TV will read the next update automatically when it becomes available.
If you believe your TV should have a newer update available, make sure your TV is connected to Wi-Fi. Go back to Settings > Support > Software Update and select the option to Check for Updates or Update Now again. Sometimes the TV needs a moment to reach Samsung's servers and confirm the current version.
Troubleshooting a failed or stuck update
If your TV gets stuck on an update screen, shows an error message, or restarts repeatedly during an update, the installation may have been interrupted. The first step is to unplug the TV from the power outlet and wait 30 seconds. This clears the TV's temporary memory and often allows the update to complete on the next attempt.
Plug the TV back in and power it on. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now and let the process run again without interruption. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable — if your internet drops during an update, the installation can fail. If you have a weak Wi-Fi signal, move your router closer to the TV or use an ethernet adapter if your model supports it.
If the update fails a second time, unplug the TV again for 30 seconds, then try once more. If it continues to fail after three attempts, contact Samsung Support with your TV model number (found on the back of the TV or in Settings > Support > About This TV) and describe what error message you see.
Understanding what happens during an automatic update
When your TV is in standby mode (the red light is on but the screen is off) and connected to Wi-Fi, it periodically checks Samsung's servers for new software. If an update is available and your TV has enough battery or is plugged in, it will read the update file. The installation usually happens between midnight and 6 a.m., though the exact time varies.
You may notice your TV taking longer to turn on the morning after an automatic update, or you might see a brief "Updating" message when you first power it on. This is normal. Once the update completes, your TV will work exactly as before — automatic updates do not change the look or feel of your TV's menu, they only add security fixes and performance improvements behind the scenes.
Why your TV needs software updates
Samsung releases software updates to fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and sometimes add new features. Security updates are especially important because they protect your TV from hackers who might try to access your Wi-Fi network or personal information through your TV's internet connection.
Updates also fix bugs that may cause apps to crash, streaming services to buffer, or the remote to respond slowly. Because you cannot downgrade to an older version once an update installs, Samsung tests updates thoroughly before releasing them. If an update causes a problem on your specific TV model, you can contact Samsung Support, but you cannot roll back to the previous software version.
Checking your current software version
To see what version of software your TV is currently running, go to Settings > Support > About This TV. You will see information including your TV model number, serial number, and the current software version (usually labeled as "Software Version" or "Firmware Version"). Write down or take a photo of this information if you need to contact Samsung Support.
The version number looks something like "T-NSMH-1230.1" or similar. You do not need to understand what this number means — it is just Samsung's internal way of tracking which update your TV has installed. If you are troubleshooting an update problem, Samsung Support will ask for this version number to help diagnose the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off automatic updates on my Samsung TV?
Most Samsung TVs do not have a setting to disable automatic updates entirely. However, you can prevent updates from installing while you are watching TV by keeping your TV powered on instead of in standby mode. Updates typically only install when the TV is in standby. If you want to avoid updates altogether, you can disconnect your TV from Wi-Fi, but this will also prevent streaming services and other internet features from working.
What if my TV is not connected to Wi-Fi?
Your TV cannot read or install updates without an internet connection. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > General > Network > Wi-Fi Settings and connect to your home network. Once connected, your TV will check for updates automatically. You can also manually check by going to Settings > Support > Software Update.
How long does a software update take?
Most Samsung TV updates take between 5 and 15 minutes from start to finish. Larger updates or older TV models may take up to 30 minutes. During this time, your TV screen may go black or show a progress bar. Do not unplug the TV or change the input until the update is complete and your TV restarts on its own.
Will an update erase my apps or settings?
No. Software updates only change the underlying operating system and do not delete your apps, saved passwords, or custom settings. After an update, your TV will look and work the same as before, with all your apps and preferences intact.
What if the update says it failed?
Unplug your TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the update again from Settings > Support > Software Update. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and your TV stays plugged in throughout the process. If it fails a second time, wait a few hours and try again, as temporary network issues sometimes cause update failures.