How to Update Your Samsung Smart TV

The fastest way to update your Samsung TV

Most Samsung Smart TVs update automatically when connected to the internet and powered on. The TV checks for new software in the background, usually at night, and installs it without you doing anything. If you want to update right now instead of waiting, you can go into the Settings menu, find Software Update, and select Update Now. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your TV will restart when it finishes.

Before you start, make sure your TV is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. Do not unplug it during the update — a power loss mid-update can damage the TV's software and make it unusable. If your TV loses power accidentally, you may need to contact Samsung support or visit a service center to restore it.

Key Takeaways

Samsung Smart TVs update automatically when connected to Wi-Fi, but you can manually update through Settings > Software Update > Update Now.
Keep your TV plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during the entire update process, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
The TV will restart automatically when the update finishes — this is normal and you should not interrupt it.
If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, you can update using a USB drive by downloading the software on a computer first.

Where to find the update option in Settings

On most Samsung Smart TVs made in the last five years, the path is the same. Press the Menu button on your remote, then navigate to Settings. From there, go to Support, then Software Update. You should see a button that says Update Now or Check for Updates.

If you see "Your software is up to date," your TV already has the latest version. If an update is available, select Update Now and let the TV restart on its own. Do not press any buttons or change the input while the update is running — the screen may go black or show a progress bar, and this is expected.

On some older Samsung models, the path may be Settings > System > Software Update instead. If you cannot find Software Update in the Support menu, try looking under System.

Updating without Wi-Fi using a USB drive

If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi and you want to update it, you can use a USB drive. First, you need a computer with internet access. Go to Samsung's support website, search for your TV model number (you can find this on the back of the TV or in Settings > System Information), and read the software file for your model.

Copy the downloaded file to a USB drive formatted as FAT32. Plug the USB drive into your TV's USB port — usually on the back or side. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update, and you should see an option to update from USB. Select it, and the TV will read the file from the drive and install it.

This method is slower than Wi-Fi updates and is mainly useful if your TV cannot connect to the internet. Make sure the USB drive stays plugged in until the update finishes.

What happens during and after the update

When an update starts, your TV will show a progress bar or a message saying "Updating software." The screen may go black for a few seconds — this is normal. The TV may restart one or more times during the process. Let it finish completely; do not unplug it or change the input.

After the update finishes, your TV will restart and return to the home screen. You may notice small changes to the interface, new features, or bug fixes. Some updates are small and you will not see much difference. Others add new apps or change how menus look.

If your TV gets stuck on a black screen or does not restart after 30 minutes, unplug it for two minutes, then plug it back in. If it still does not work, contact Samsung support with your model number.

Why your TV might not update automatically

Automatic updates only happen when your TV is connected to Wi-Fi and powered on (or in standby mode). If your TV is unplugged most of the time or not connected to Wi-Fi, it will not update on its own. You will need to manually update it through Settings or use a USB drive.

Some Samsung TVs have an Auto Update setting that you can turn on or off. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and look for an option called Auto Update or Automatic Update. If it is turned off, your TV will not update in the background, and you will need to update manually.

If you have a very old Samsung TV (more than 10 years old), it may no longer receive updates. Samsung typically stops releasing software updates for models that are out of support. You can check your TV's model number on Samsung's website to see if updates are still available for it.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update

If your TV restarts but the update does not complete, or if you see an error message, try unplugging the TV for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then go back to Settings > Software Update and try again. Sometimes a failed update can be retried without any lasting damage.

If the update fails multiple times, check that your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Move your TV closer to your router or restart your router. A weak or interrupted connection can cause the update to fail partway through.

If your TV is completely unresponsive after an update attempt — the screen stays black or will not turn on — you may need to perform a factory reset. Unplug the TV for two minutes, plug it back in, and hold the power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for 10 seconds. If this does not work, contact Samsung support or take the TV to a service center.

How often Samsung releases updates

Samsung releases software updates for Smart TVs several times a year, though not every update applies to every model. Some updates are security patches that fix vulnerabilities. Others add new features or improve performance. You do not need to update every time one is available — your TV will work fine on older software — but security updates are worth installing when they come out.

You can check when your TV last updated by going to Settings > Support > Software Update and looking at the current software version number. The version number tells you roughly when the update was released, though Samsung does not always publish a public list of what changed in each version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TV while it is updating?

No. Do not change the input, press buttons on the remote, or unplug the TV while an update is running. The TV needs to complete the update without interruption. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, so plan ahead if you want to watch something.

What if the update takes longer than 20 minutes?

Some updates take longer, especially if your internet connection is slow. Wait at least 30 minutes before assuming something is wrong. If the TV is still updating after an hour, unplug it for two minutes, plug it back in, and try the update again from Settings.

Do I lose my apps and settings when I update?

No. A software update does not erase your apps, passwords, or settings. Your TV will look and work the same after the update, except for any new features or interface changes that the update adds.

Can I downgrade to an older software version?

Samsung does not provide a way for users to downgrade their TV software. Once you update, you cannot go back to the previous version. If the new software causes problems, contact Samsung support — they may be able to help or provide a workaround.

Is it safe to update my TV?

Yes, as long as you do not unplug it during the update. Samsung tests updates before releasing them. The main risk is power loss, which can corrupt the software. Keep your TV plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi until the update finishes completely.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.