The fastest way to update Samsung TV apps
Most Samsung TVs update their apps automatically in the background, but you can also update them manually through the Samsung App Store. Open the App Store on your TV remote, find the app you want to update, and look for an Update button next to the app name. If you see Open instead, the app is already current. For apps that won't update or seem stuck, you can also force-stop the app and clear its cache through your TV's settings menu.
The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model you own — the interface on a 2023 model looks different from a 2019 model — but the core process is the same across all recent Samsung TVs. This guide covers the most common methods and what to do when an update fails.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs automatically update most apps overnight when connected to WiFi, so manual updates are usually unnecessary.
- To manually update an app, open the Samsung App Store, select the app, and tap the Update button if one appears.
- If an app won't update, restart your TV and check that your WiFi connection is stable and your TV has enough free storage space.
- Clearing an app's cache through Settings > Apps can fix update problems without deleting your login information or saved data.
- If an app is no longer available in the Samsung App Store, it has been removed by Samsung and cannot be reinstalled on that TV model.
Automatic updates: what happens in the background
Samsung TVs are set to update apps automatically by default. This happens when your TV is in standby mode (not actively being watched) and connected to WiFi. The TV checks for app updates once a day, usually between midnight and 6 a.m., and installs them without any action from you.
You can check whether automatic updates are turned on by going to Settings > Apps > Auto Update. If the toggle is on, your apps will update on their own schedule. If you turn this off, you will need to update apps manually whenever new versions are released. Most people leave automatic updates on because it keeps apps current without requiring you to remember to check.
How to manually update a single app
Open the Samsung App Store using your TV remote. You can usually find it on the home screen, or search for it by pressing the search button on your remote and typing "App Store."
Once the App Store opens, use the remote to navigate to My Apps or Installed Apps (the exact label varies by TV model). This shows all the apps currently on your TV. Scroll through the list and select the app you want to update. If an Update button appears, the app has a newer version available — tap it to start the read. If you see Open instead, the app is already on the latest version.
The update will read and install while you wait. Depending on the app size and your WiFi speed, this can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Your TV will notify you when the update is complete, and the app will be ready to use when ready.
Checking your WiFi connection and storage space
Apps cannot update if your TV is not connected to WiFi or if the connection is too slow. Go to Settings > General > Network > WiFi Status to see your current connection. If you see "Not Connected" or a weak signal, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Your TV also needs free storage space to read and install updates. If your TV is nearly full, updates may fail or stall partway through. Check your available storage by going to Settings > General > Storage. If you have less than 1 GB free, delete apps you no longer use or clear the cache of apps you want to keep (see the next section). Clearing cache frees up space without removing the app itself.
Clearing an app's cache to fix update problems
If an app refuses to update even though you have WiFi and storage space, clearing its cache often solves the problem. This removes temporary files the app has stored without deleting your login information or saved data.
Go to Settings > Apps, find the app that won't update, and select it. You will see options including Clear Cache and Force Stop. Tap Clear Cache first. Then tap Force Stop to close the app completely. Wait 10 seconds, then go back to the Samsung App Store and try updating the app again.
If the app still will not update after clearing the cache, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Go back to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap Uninstall. Then open the Samsung App Store, search for the app by name, and tap Install. This is a more thorough reset than clearing the cache alone.
Restarting your TV to resolve stuck updates
A straightforward restart fixes many update problems. Press and hold the power button on your remote for 5 seconds until the TV turns off completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This clears temporary files and resets your TV's connection to Samsung's servers.
If an update was stuck in progress, the restart will either complete it or allow you to try again. After your TV restarts, go back to the Samsung App Store and check whether the app now shows as updated or whether the Update button appears again.
What to do when an app is no longer available
Occasionally you will search for an app in the Samsung App Store and find that it no longer appears in the results. This means Samsung has removed the app from the store, usually because the developer stopped supporting it or Samsung discontinued compatibility with that TV model.
If an app was previously installed on your TV, it will remain there and continue to work, but you cannot update it or reinstall it if you delete it. If you uninstall a removed app by mistake, you will not be able to get it back through the App Store. Before uninstalling any app, check the Samsung App Store to confirm it is still available — if it is not, you may want to keep the older version rather than lose it entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Samsung TV not updating apps automatically?
Check that automatic updates are enabled in Settings > Apps > Auto Update. Also verify your TV is connected to WiFi and has at least 1 GB of free storage. If automatic updates are on but still not happening, restart your TV and check your WiFi connection strength.
Can I update apps while I'm watching TV?
Yes, you can manually update apps at any time through the Samsung App Store, even while you are watching something. However, automatic updates only happen when your TV is in standby mode to avoid interrupting your viewing.
What does "pending update" mean on my Samsung TV?
This means an update has started downloading but has not finished installing yet. Wait a few minutes for it to complete. If it stays pending for more than 10 minutes, restart your TV and check your WiFi connection, then try updating again.
Will updating apps delete my saved passwords and settings?
No. Updating an app preserves your login information, saved data, and settings. Only uninstalling an app removes that information. Clearing the cache (not the full app data) also keeps your login information intact.
Why does the Samsung App Store say an app is incompatible with my TV?
Some apps are not available for older Samsung TV models because the developer or Samsung determined the app requires newer hardware or software. You cannot force-install incompatible apps. Check whether an older version of the app is already on your TV, or look for an alternative app that serves the same purpose.