Samsung Smart TVs update automatically, but you can also check for and install updates manually through the Settings menu
Most Samsung Smart TVs are set to read and install software updates overnight when the TV is in standby mode. You don't have to do anything — the TV handles it on its own schedule. However, if you want to check right now whether an update is available, or if you suspect your TV hasn't updated in a while, you can go into Settings and look for updates yourself. The process takes a few minutes and requires only your remote.
Updates fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes add new features to apps like Netflix or the TV's built-in streaming services. Keeping your TV current also helps with security — Samsung patches vulnerabilities through these updates. If your TV is several years old, you may not receive updates forever, but Samsung typically supports models for at least four to five years after release.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Smart TVs update automatically in standby mode, but you can manually check for updates in Settings > Support > Software Update.
- A manual update usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on file size, and your TV will restart during the process.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or ethernet for updates to work.
- If an update fails or your TV gets stuck, unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in usually resolves the problem.
How to manually check for updates on your Samsung TV
Pick up your Samsung remote and press the Home button (the house icon). Navigate to Settings — it's usually in the top right corner of the menu. Once in Settings, look for Support or About TV, depending on your TV model and year. Inside Support, you'll see Software Update or System Update. Select it.
Your TV will now connect to Samsung's servers and check whether a newer version is available. If one exists, you'll see a button to read and install. If your TV is already on the latest version, the screen will say so. The whole check takes less than a minute.
What happens during a software update
Once you select Install or Update, your TV will read the file — this can take anywhere from a few minutes to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. You'll see a progress bar on screen. Do not unplug the TV during this time.
After the read completes, the TV will install the update, which involves restarting. Your screen will go black, and you may see a Samsung logo or a progress indicator. This restart phase usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. When it's done, your TV will turn back on and you'll be at the home screen. Your apps, settings, and saved passwords remain unchanged.
Preparing your TV for an update
Before you start, make sure your TV is plugged into power and connected to Wi-Fi. If you use an ethernet cable instead, that works too — just make sure the connection is stable. Don't use a weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal, because a dropped connection during read can corrupt the update file.
You don't need to close apps or clear storage space, but it's a good idea to give your TV at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. Don't turn off the TV, change inputs, or press buttons on the remote during the update. If you have a smart home system that might turn off the TV automatically, disable that feature temporarily.
What to do if an update fails or gets stuck
If the update stops responding, the screen freezes, or you see an error message, the first step is to unplug the TV from the wall outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This forces a hard reset and often clears temporary glitches. Turn the TV back on and try the update again from Settings > Support > Software Update.
If the same error appears a second time, check your internet connection by going to Settings > Network and running a connection test. A weak or unstable connection is the most common cause of update failures. If your Wi-Fi is the problem, try moving the TV closer to your router, or use an ethernet cable if you have one available.
If the update still fails after a hard reset and a connection check, contact Samsung Support. You can reach them through the Samsung website or the phone number on your TV's manual. They can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or, in rare cases, arrange a repair if the TV's software is corrupted.
Automatic updates and when to turn them off
By default, Samsung Smart TVs are set to read and install updates automatically when the TV is off and connected to power. This happens on Samsung's schedule, usually overnight. You can see this setting in Settings > Support > Software Update > Auto Update. Most people leave this on because it keeps the TV current without any action needed.
Some users turn off automatic updates if they're concerned about the TV restarting unexpectedly or if they want to control when updates happen. If you disable auto-update, you'll need to check for updates manually every few months. There's no downside to leaving it on — Samsung doesn't push updates that break functionality, and the TV won't restart during the day.
How often Samsung releases updates
Samsung doesn't follow a fixed schedule. Some updates come out every few months, while others may be a year apart. Security patches tend to come more frequently than feature updates. You won't receive a notification when an update is available — the TV just downloads it in the background if auto-update is on.
If you want to stay informed, you can check manually once every two or three months by going to Settings > Support > Software Update. Older TV models (five years or older) may stop receiving updates altogether, though Samsung usually supports models for at least four years after release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my TV while it's updating?
No. During the read and installation phases, your TV is not usable. The screen will show a progress bar or a Samsung logo. The entire process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. Plan to leave the TV alone during this time.
Will an update erase my apps, passwords, or settings?
No. Updates only change the underlying software. Your installed apps, Wi-Fi passwords, login credentials for streaming services, and picture settings all remain exactly as they were before the update.
What if my TV is not connected to the internet?
Your TV cannot update without an internet connection. Connect it to Wi-Fi or plug in an ethernet cable, then try the update again. If you don't have internet at home, you can take the TV to a location with Wi-Fi, though this is rarely necessary since automatic updates will happen once you connect it at home.
Do I need to update my TV if it's working fine?
Updates are not urgent if your TV is functioning normally, but they do improve security and fix bugs you may not notice. It's a good idea to let them install when they're available, especially if your TV is several years old. There's no harm in updating.
Why is my TV asking me to update every time I turn it on?
This usually means the previous update failed to install completely. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and try installing again. If the same error appears, unplug the TV for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try once more. If it persists, contact Samsung Support.