Samsung TVs update automatically, but you can also force an update manually if your TV is behind

Most Samsung TVs are set to read and install updates automatically when connected to the internet, usually overnight or during idle time. If your TV has not updated in a while, or if you want to update right away instead of waiting, you can start the process yourself through the Settings menu. The steps differ slightly depending on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system) or an older system, but both routes take about 5 to 15 minutes.

Updates fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes add new features. They also patch security vulnerabilities, so keeping your TV current matters even if nothing feels broken. If your TV is not connected to the internet, it cannot update at all—you will need a wired Ethernet connection or a working Wi-Fi connection first.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TVs running Tizen (most models from 2016 onward) update through Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
  • Automatic updates are on by default, but manual updates let you control the timing instead of waiting for the TV to choose.
  • Your TV must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet before any update can read.
  • Updates typically take 5 to 15 minutes and your TV will restart during the process, so plan around a time when you are not watching.
  • If an update fails or your TV gets stuck, unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in usually resolves the issue.

Check your internet connection first

Your Samsung TV cannot read an update without internet access. Open the Settings menu (usually the gear icon on your remote), go to General > Network > Network Status, and confirm that your TV shows a connected status. If it says "Not Connected" or "Disconnected", your TV is not online and the update will fail.

If your TV is not connected, go to Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings and select your Wi-Fi network, then enter your password. If you use a wired Ethernet connection, plug the cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the TV and wait 30 seconds for the connection to register. Once the Network Status page shows "Connected", you are ready to update.

Navigate to the Software Update menu on Tizen TVs

On most Samsung TVs made in 2016 or later, press the Home button on your remote to open the main menu. Scroll right to Settings (the gear icon), then select Support. From there, select Software Update, and you will see an option that says Update Now.

If you do not see Support in your Settings menu, your TV may be running an older system. Scroll through the Settings menu and look for a section called System or About TV—older Samsung models sometimes hide the update option there instead. If you still cannot find it, check the model number on the back of your TV and search "Samsung [model number] software update" to find the exact path for your specific TV.

Start the update and let it complete

Once you select Update Now, your TV will check for available updates. If an update is ready, the screen will show the version number and file size. Select Update or Confirm to begin the read. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this process—interrupting an update can leave your TV in an unusable state.

The read and installation usually take 5 to 15 minutes. Your TV may restart one or more times, and the screen may go black or show a progress bar. This is normal. Once the update finishes, your TV will restart to the home screen and you will be back to normal operation. Check the Software Update menu again to confirm the new version number appears.

Turn on automatic updates so you do not have to do this again

To prevent your TV from falling behind in the future, enable automatic updates. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and look for an option called Auto Update or Automatic Update (the exact name varies by model year). Toggle it on. Your TV will then read and install updates on its own, usually during the night or when the TV is idle.

Automatic updates are on by default on most newer Samsung TVs, so you may not need to change anything. If you turned automatic updates off in the past and want to turn them back on, this is where you do it. Your TV still needs to be connected to the internet for automatic updates to work.

What to do if the update fails or gets stuck

If your TV shows an error message during the update, or if the screen stays frozen on a progress bar for more than 20 minutes, unplug the TV from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This usually clears temporary glitches and lets your TV restart normally.

If the update fails repeatedly, check that your internet connection is stable by opening a streaming app like Netflix or YouTube—if those work, your connection is fine. If your internet keeps dropping, move your TV closer to your Wi-Fi router or use a wired Ethernet connection instead. Once your connection is stable, go back to Settings > Support > Software Update and try again. If the update still fails after three attempts, contact Samsung support with your TV's model number and the error message you saw.

Older Samsung TVs and non-Tizen systems

If your TV is older than 2016 or does not run Tizen, the update process may be different. Some older models do not update through the TV itself at all—instead, Samsung released updates through USB drives or required a service visit. Check your TV's manual or search the Samsung support website with your exact model number to find the right method.

If your TV is very old and no longer receives updates, that is normal. Samsung typically supports TVs for 5 to 7 years after release. Older TVs may still work fine, but they will not receive security patches or new features. If you want the latest software and features, upgrading to a newer Samsung TV is the only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TV while it is updating?

No. Do not turn on the TV, change inputs, or press buttons during an update. Your TV needs to restart several times, and interrupting that process can corrupt the software. Plan your update for a time when you are not watching, and let it finish without touching anything.

Why does my TV keep saying "Update Failed"?

This usually means your internet connection dropped during the read. Check that your Wi-Fi is stable or switch to a wired Ethernet connection. Unplug your TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the update again. If it fails a second time, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds as well.

Do I have to update my Samsung TV?

You do not have to, but updates fix security holes and bugs, so it is a good idea. If automatic updates are on, your TV will update on its own at night. If you turn automatic updates off, your TV will stop receiving patches, which can leave it vulnerable over time.

How long does a Samsung TV update usually take?

Most updates take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish, including the read and restart. Larger updates or slower internet connections may take up to 30 minutes. Do not unplug your TV or turn it off during this time.

What if my TV is not connected to the internet?

Your TV cannot update without internet. Connect it to Wi-Fi or plug in an Ethernet cable, then wait 30 seconds for the connection to register. Go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status to confirm it shows "Connected" before you try to update.