The fastest way to update your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs update automatically if you leave them plugged in and connected to the internet. The TV checks for new firmware during off-hours — usually between midnight and 6 a.m. — and installs it without you doing anything. If you want to update right now instead of waiting, you can force an update through the Settings menu in under five minutes.
The exact steps depend on whether your TV uses the older Tizen interface or the newer Samsung Smart TV interface, but both paths are straightforward. You do not need a computer, USB drive, or special tools. You only need your remote and a working internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs check for firmware updates automatically during off-hours if they are connected to the internet and powered on.
- You can manually check for updates by going to Settings, then Support, then Software Update, then Update Now on most models.
- The update process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on file size, and your TV will restart automatically when it finishes.
- Do not unplug your TV during an update, and keep it connected to the internet until the process is completely done.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, unplugging the TV for 30 seconds and trying again usually fixes the problem.
How to manually update on newer Samsung TVs (2022 and later)
Newer Samsung TVs use the Samsung Smart TV interface. To check for updates, pick up your remote and press the Home button. This opens the main menu on your screen.
From the Home menu, navigate to Settings — it is usually in the top right corner. Once you are in Settings, look for Support or Device Care (the exact name varies by model). Open Support, then select Software Update. Your TV will now check for new firmware. If an update is available, you will see an Update Now button. Press it to begin the read and installation.
The TV will restart once or twice during the process. This is normal. The entire update usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Leave the TV plugged in and connected to the internet until you see a message saying the update is complete.
How to manually update on older Samsung TVs (2021 and earlier)
Older Samsung TVs use the Tizen operating system. The steps are similar but the menu names are slightly different. Press the Home button on your remote to open the main menu.
Go to Settings, then Support, then Software Update. Select Update Now. Your TV will check for available firmware. If an update exists, it will read and install automatically. The TV may restart several times — this is expected and means the update is working.
Some older models ask you to confirm the update before it starts. If you see a confirmation screen, select Yes or Confirm to proceed. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it while the update is running.
What happens during a firmware update
When you start an update, your TV downloads the new firmware file from Samsung's servers. This usually takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the read finishes, the TV installs the new software, which involves restarting the TV one or more times.
During installation, your screen may go black or show a progress bar. Some TVs display a percentage complete. Others show a spinning circle or a message like "Installing software." All of these are normal signs that the update is working. The entire process from start to finish typically takes 10 to 30 minutes.
When the update is finished, your TV will restart one final time and return to the normal home screen. You may notice new features, bug fixes, or improved performance after the update completes.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update
If your TV gets stuck on a black screen or a progress bar that does not move for more than 30 minutes, the update may have failed. The safest fix is to unplug the TV from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces a restart and usually allows the TV to recover.
After the restart, try the update again from the Settings menu. If the same problem happens twice, your internet connection may be too slow or unstable. Move your TV closer to your router, or connect it using an Ethernet cable if your TV has an Ethernet port. Then try the update once more.
If the update fails after multiple attempts, contact Samsung support with your TV model number. You can find the model number on the back of the TV or in Settings under Device Information. Samsung support can walk you through a manual update using a USB drive if the automatic method is not working.
Why your TV might not be updating automatically
Automatic updates only happen if your TV is connected to the internet and powered on during the update window, which is usually late at night. If your TV is unplugged, in standby mode, or disconnected from Wi-Fi, it will not update on its own.
Some users turn off automatic updates in the Settings menu to avoid unexpected restarts. If you did this, your TV will never update unless you manually start the process. Check Settings, then Support, then Auto Update to see if automatic updates are turned on. If they are off and you want them back on, select that option and turn it on.
If your TV is connected to the internet but still has not updated in several weeks, manually check for updates using the steps above. This ensures you have the latest firmware, which often includes security patches and performance improvements.
How to check what firmware version your TV is running
To see your current firmware version, go to Settings, then Support, then About This TV or Device Information. Your TV will display the software version number on the screen. Write this number down if you need to contact Samsung support.
After you complete an update, you can return to this same menu to confirm the new version number. This tells you the update worked correctly. If the version number is the same as before, the update did not install, and you should try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my TV while it is updating?
No. Your TV will be unavailable during the update process. The screen will go black or show a progress indicator, and you cannot watch anything or use apps. Plan the update for a time when you are not using the TV. Most updates take 10 to 30 minutes.
What happens if I unplug my TV during an update?
Unplugging during an update can corrupt the firmware and leave your TV unable to start. If this happens, unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the update again. If the TV still will not start, contact Samsung support for a manual recovery option.
Do I need Wi-Fi to update my Samsung TV?
Yes, your TV needs an internet connection to read firmware updates. You can use Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable if your TV has an Ethernet port. If your TV is not connected to the internet, it cannot update automatically or manually through the Settings menu.
Why is my TV asking me to update every time I turn it on?
This usually means a previous update failed to install completely. Go to Settings, Support, Software Update, and select Update Now again. Let the update run all the way through without interruption. If the same message appears after the update finishes, contact Samsung support.
Can I update my Samsung TV using a USB drive?
Yes, but only if the automatic method is not working. You will need a USB drive, a computer, and your TV model number. Samsung support can provide the firmware file and detailed instructions for a manual USB update. This is a backup option, not the normal method.