Samsung TVs update automatically, but you can also force an update manually if your TV is behind
Most Samsung TVs check for software updates automatically when you turn them on or while they're in standby mode. If an update is available, your TV will read and install it without you doing anything. However, if your TV hasn't updated in a while, or if you want to make sure it's running the latest version right now, you can start the update yourself through the Settings menu in just a few steps.
The exact path depends on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system for most recent models) or an older system, but the process is straightforward on either one. You'll need your TV connected to the internet—either by ethernet cable or WiFi—and you should plan for 10 to 30 minutes of downtime while the update installs.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs read updates automatically when connected to the internet, so you may not need to do anything manually.
- To check for updates yourself, go to Settings, then Support, then Software Update, and select Update Now.
- Your TV will restart during the update and may show a progress bar or spinning icon—do not unplug it during this time.
- If an update fails or your TV gets stuck, unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in usually restarts the process.
- Older Samsung TVs (before 2015) may not receive updates anymore, even if you try to force one manually.
How to manually check for and install an update on a Tizen TV
On most Samsung TVs made after 2015, the update menu is in the same place. Pick up your remote and press the Home button (usually in the center of the remote). This opens the main menu on your screen.
From the Home menu, navigate to Settings (it looks like a gear icon). Once you're in Settings, scroll down and select Support. Inside Support, you'll see an option called Software Update. Select it, then choose Update Now. Your TV will check for available updates and tell you whether one is ready to install.
If an update is available, your TV will ask you to confirm before it starts. Select Yes or Confirm. The TV will then read the update (this can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed) and install it automatically. Your screen will go dark, and you'll see a progress bar or a spinning circle. This is normal—leave your TV plugged in and do not turn it off.
Once the update finishes, your TV will restart on its own. You'll see the Samsung logo, and then your normal home screen will return. The whole process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the update.
What to do if your TV says no update is available
If you check for updates and your TV says "Your software is up to date" or "No update available," your TV is already running the latest version. Samsung releases updates on its own schedule, and not all TVs get updates at the same time—newer models typically receive them first.
If you believe your TV should have an update but the menu says it doesn't, try unplugging your TV for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and checking again. Sometimes the update check needs a fresh start. You can also try going to Settings > Support > Contact Samsung to see if there's a newer version listed on Samsung's website for your specific model number.
How to find your TV's current software version
To see what version of software your TV is currently running, go to Settings > Support > About This TV. Your screen will show your model number and the current software version number. Write down or take a photo of this information—you'll need it if you ever contact Samsung support or want to check online whether a newer version exists.
You can also visit Samsung's support website, enter your model number, and see what the latest available version is for your TV. If the version on the website is higher than the number on your TV, an update should be available the next time your TV checks automatically, or you can force it to check using the steps above.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update
Occasionally an update will fail to install, or your TV will get stuck on a progress screen. The first step is always to unplug the TV from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This forces a restart and often clears whatever caused the problem.
If your TV is stuck on a black screen with a progress bar, do not unplug it when ready—wait at least 10 minutes to give the update time to finish. If the progress bar hasn't moved in 15 minutes, then unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
After the restart, try checking for updates again using the steps above. If the same update fails a second time, your internet connection may be too slow or unstable. Try moving your TV closer to your WiFi router, or use an ethernet cable if possible. If the problem continues, contact Samsung support with your model number and the software version you're trying to install.
Older Samsung TVs and discontinued models
Samsung typically supports software updates for about 5 to 7 years after a TV model is released. If your TV is older than that—especially if it's from before 2015—it may no longer receive updates even if you try to force one manually. The update menu will still exist, but it will say no updates are available.
This does not mean your TV is broken or unsafe to use. It straightforward means Samsung has stopped releasing new software versions for that model. Your TV will continue to work with the version it has. If you're concerned about security or want the latest features, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model, but there's no requirement to do so.
Making sure your TV stays connected for automatic updates
The easiest way to keep your TV updated is to leave it connected to the internet and let it update automatically. Make sure your TV is set to receive automatic updates by going to Settings > Support > Software Update and checking that Auto Update is turned on (it usually is by default).
If your TV is connected by WiFi, make sure it stays within range of your router. If your WiFi signal is weak, consider using an ethernet cable instead—plug one end into your router and the other into the ethernet port on the back of your TV. A wired connection is more reliable for large downloads like software updates.
You should also make sure your TV is not set to turn off completely at night. If your TV goes into a deep sleep mode or is unplugged regularly, it may miss automatic update windows. Leaving your TV in standby mode (the normal "off" state where the power light is still on) allows it to check for and install updates without you having to do anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my TV erase my apps or settings?
No. A software update installs a new version of the operating system but does not erase your apps, login information, or picture settings. After the update finishes, everything you had before will still be there. Your TV may take a moment to reorganize itself after restarting, but no data is lost.
Can I use my TV while it's updating?
No. During an update, your TV will be unresponsive and will show a progress screen. The update usually takes 10 to 30 minutes, and your TV will restart automatically when it's done. Plan for your TV to be unavailable during this time.
What if my internet goes out during an update?
If your internet drops while an update is downloading, your TV will pause and try again later. If your internet drops while the update is installing (after the read is complete), your TV may get stuck. Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in to restart. Once it boots up, try the update again when your internet is stable.
Do I need a Samsung account to update my TV?
No. Software updates do not require a Samsung account. You only need your TV to be connected to the internet. If you use apps like Netflix or YouTube, you'll need accounts for those services, but the TV update itself is free and does not ask for account information.
Why is my TV taking so long to update?
Large updates can take 20 to 30 minutes, especially on older TVs or slower internet connections. If your TV has been stuck on the same progress screen for more than 45 minutes, unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. A very slow or unstable internet connection is the most common cause of delays.