Short answer: on most smart TVs, open Settings → Support (or System → About) and choose Software Update or Check for updates. On Samsung it is Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now; on recent LG TVs All Settings → Support → Software Update → Check for Updates; on Sony Google TV models Settings → System → About → System software update. Turn on automatic updates while you are there, and never switch the TV off during an update.
Why updating your TV matters
- Bug fixes – manufacturers fix problems such as TVs turning on by themselves, sound dropping out or apps crashing.
- App compatibility – streaming apps can stop working when the TV’s software is out of date, a common cause of BBC iPlayer and ITVX problems.
- Security – updates patch vulnerabilities. See our smart TV security guide for more on this.
- New features – occasionally, extra picture modes or settings arrive by update.
Before you start
- Connect the TV to the internet (Ethernet is the most reliable for large updates).
- Allow time – updates can take several minutes, and the TV may restart.
- Do not turn off or unplug the TV during an update. Samsung and Sony both warn that losing power during an update can cause a firmware error or leave the TV unresponsive.
Samsung
- Press Home and open Settings → Support → Software Update.
- Select Update Now. If no update is offered, your TV is already on the latest version.
- While in the same menu, turn on Auto Update if your model offers it.
No internet? Samsung offers USB updates: download the file for your exact model from Samsung’s support site, extract it to an empty USB stick (do not put it inside another folder or rename it), plug the stick into the TV, and choose Update Now, selecting the USB option. Find your model number under Settings → Support → About This TV or on the sticker on the back.
LG (webOS)
- Press the settings button and choose All Settings.
- On webOS 5.0 (2020) and later: Support → Software Update → Check for Updates. On older webOS 4.5 models: General → About This TV → Check for Updates.
- Turn on Allow Automatic Updates if you want the TV to update itself.
Sony
Google TV models
- Press the Quick Settings (gear) button.
- Go to Settings → System → About → System software update and choose Check for update.
- Make sure Automatically check for updates is on.
Android TV models
- Press HELP on the remote.
- Choose Status & Diagnostics → System software update (on some models this step is skipped).
- Select Software update or Check for a system software update, and turn on automatic checking or downloading.
Sony also supports USB updates: download the file for your model from Sony’s support site and save it in the root folder of a USB drive formatted as FAT32, exFAT or NTFS.
Other brands
| Brand / platform | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Hisense (VIDAA) | Settings → Support → System Update (names vary) |
| TCL and other Google TV / Android TV sets | Settings → System → About → System update |
| Philips | Settings → Update software |
| Panasonic | Main menu → Setup → System Update |
| Roku TV | Settings → System → System update → Check now |
| Fire TV smart TVs | Settings → My Fire TV → About → Check for Updates |
Menu names change between model years, so if you cannot find the option, search for “update” in your TV’s e-manual. Our smart TV operating systems explained guide shows which system your TV runs.
Updating apps (not the TV)
TV software updates and app updates are separate. Most smart TVs update apps automatically, but you can usually check manually in the TV’s app store. If a single app misbehaves, updating or reinstalling that app is often enough – see our Samsung and LG app guides.
If the update fails or will not download
- Restart the TV and router, then try again.
- Use an Ethernet cable if Wi-Fi is weak.
- Try the USB method using the file for your exact model.
- For a USB update that fails, Sony suggests removing other files from the drive or reformatting it as FAT32.
- If the TV will not start after an interrupted update, contact the manufacturer rather than repeatedly unplugging it.
What if there are no more updates?
Every TV eventually stops receiving major updates. It will usually keep working as a TV, but some streaming apps may stop being supported over time. A streaming stick can bring an older TV’s apps up to date – our smart TV vs Fire Stick comparison explains when that makes sense.
FAQ
Does my smart TV update automatically?
Many do if automatic updates are switched on and the TV is connected to the internet. Check the setting in the update menu described above.
How do I know if my TV needs an update?
Run the manual check. The TV will tell you if a newer version is available or if you are already up to date.
Can I update my TV with my phone?
Generally the TV downloads updates itself over the internet. If the TV has no internet connection, the USB method is the usual alternative.
Sources and further help
- Samsung UK Support: How do I update the software on my Samsung Smart TV?
- LG Support: LG TV help library (includes software update paths)
- Sony Support: How to perform a software update on your TV