The fastest way to update an app on your Samsung TV
Most Samsung Smart TV apps update automatically if you have automatic updates turned on in your TV's settings. If you want to update a specific app right now, go to the Samsung App Store (called "Apps" on your remote), find the app, and look for an "Update" button next to its name. If you see "Open" instead, the app is already current. Press the Update button, wait for the read and installation to finish—usually two to five minutes—and the app will restart on its own.
If automatic updates are off, you can turn them on so you never have to manually update again. This keeps your apps find and running smoothly without you having to remember to check.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Apps store on your Samsung TV, find the app you want, and press the Update button if one appears next to the app name.
- Automatic updates are usually on by default, but you can check and turn them on in Settings > Apps > Auto Update if they are off.
- Updates typically take two to five minutes and your TV will restart the app when finished.
- If an app won't update, restart your TV and check that your internet connection is working before trying again.
How to turn on automatic app updates
Automatic updates save you from having to check each app manually. On most Samsung Smart TVs made in the last five years, automatic updates are on by default, but it is worth confirming.
Press the Home button on your remote. Go to Settings (the gear icon), then Apps, then Auto Update. If the toggle is off, press it to turn it on. Your TV will now read and install app updates in the background, usually overnight or when the TV is not in use. You will not see a notification—the updates just happen.
If you cannot find Auto Update in that menu, your TV model may use a different path. Try Settings > General > Auto Update or Settings > System > Auto Update. Samsung changed the menu layout across different model years, so the exact location varies.
Updating apps from the Samsung App Store manually
If you prefer to update apps yourself, or if automatic updates are off, the Samsung App Store is where you go. Press Home on your remote, then select Apps (or the app store icon, depending on your remote). The store will open to a grid of apps.
Use the arrow buttons on your remote to scroll through the list and find the app you want to update. Highlight it and press Select. A details screen will appear. If an Update button is visible, press it. The read will start, and you will see a progress bar. Do not turn off your TV during this time.
Once the update finishes, the button will change to "Open" and the app will be ready to use. Some apps restart automatically; others wait until you open them next time.
What to do if an app will not update
If you press Update and nothing happens, or if you see an error message, the most common fix is to restart your TV. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary files that sometimes block updates.
Check your internet connection next. Go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status and confirm your TV is connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak or dropping, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If the app still will not update after a restart and a strong connection, try uninstalling the app and reinstalling it fresh from the App Store. Go to Settings > Apps, find the app, press Select, and choose Uninstall. Then go back to the App Store, search for the app, and select Install. This often works when a regular update fails.
Understanding storage and app updates
Samsung Smart TVs have limited storage, and a full drive can prevent apps from updating. If updates keep failing, check how much space you have left. Go to Settings > General > Storage, and you will see how much is used and how much is free.
If storage is nearly full, delete apps you no longer use. Go to Settings > Apps, highlight an app you want to remove, press Select, and choose Uninstall. Freeing up even one or two gigabytes often solves update problems. After you delete an app, try updating again.
Updating the TV system itself versus app updates
App updates are different from TV system updates. An app update fixes or improves one program—like Netflix or YouTube. A TV system update (also called firmware) improves the TV's overall performance and security.
System updates usually happen automatically, but you can check manually by going to Settings > Support > Software Update. If an update is available, you will see an Update button. System updates take longer than app updates—sometimes 10 to 20 minutes—and your TV will restart. Do not unplug your TV during a system update.
Troubleshooting apps that update but still do not work
Sometimes an app updates successfully but then crashes or behaves strangely. The first step is to force-close the app. Go to Settings > Apps, find the app, press Select, and choose Force Stop. Wait 10 seconds, then open the app again. This clears the app's temporary memory and often fixes glitches.
If the app still does not work after a force stop, try clearing its cache. In the same menu (Settings > Apps > [app name]), look for Storage or Clear Cache and select it. This removes temporary files the app has stored without deleting your login information or saved data. Restart the app and see if it works better.
If neither of those steps helps, uninstall and reinstall the app as described in the earlier section. A fresh install from the App Store is the most reliable way to fix an app that is broken after an update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update apps on my Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
No. App updates require an internet connection, and Samsung TVs do not support cellular data or mobile hotspots for app updates. You need to connect your TV to Wi-Fi first. If your Wi-Fi is weak, move the TV closer to your router or restart the router.
Why does my TV say an app is up to date when I know there is a newer version?
The App Store on your TV may be showing cached information. Restart your TV completely (power off, wait 30 seconds, power on) and check again. If the app still shows as current, the version available in the Samsung App Store may be different from the version available on other devices like phones or tablets.
Do I need to do anything while an app is updating?
No. Leave your TV on and connected to Wi-Fi, but you do not need to watch it or press anything. Do not unplug the TV or turn it off. Most updates take two to five minutes and complete on their own.
What happens to my saved data and logins when I update an app?
Updates do not erase your login information or saved data. You will stay logged in to the app after it updates. If you uninstall and reinstall an app (rather than just updating it), your login information is usually erased, but saved data within the app itself often remains.
Can I update multiple apps at the same time?
You can start multiple updates in a row, but your TV will queue them and install them one at a time. Starting several updates at once does not speed up the process. It is fine to start them all and then leave your TV alone—they will finish in order.