Will updating my TV lose my settings or apps?

No. A normal software update keeps all your installed apps, your Wi-Fi connection, your picture settings, and any signed-in accounts. Only a factory reset erases everything, and that is a separate option you have to choose deliberately.

How often should I update my TV?

Turning on Auto Update is ideal so you never have to think about it. If you prefer manual, check every three or four months. Urgent updates that fix security holes are rare for TVs, so there is no need to check weekly.

My TV is old and cannot find any updates. What do I do?

Once a manufacturer stops releasing updates for a TV model, you can still use the TV for years with a small streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast) plugged into an HDMI port. The stick gives you a modern interface and updated apps without replacing the TV itself. We install these as part of our TV setup service.

Help Guides

How do I update my smart TV software?

Updating your smart TV takes about 15 minutes, and doing it once every few months keeps apps working and the picture running smoothly. Here is where the option lives on each major brand.

Quick Answer

Press Home or Menu on the remote, find Settings, then Support or System, then Software Update or About. Tap Check for Updates. If one is available, the TV downloads and installs it over the next 15 to 30 minutes. Do not turn the TV off during the update. While you are there, turn on Auto Update so future ones happen on their own.

TV getting sluggish or apps crashing? That is often just an out-of-date TV. We can update it for you during a visit. Give us a call.

Why TV updates matter

Smart TVs run their own small operating system. Like a phone or computer, that operating system receives updates every few months. Updates usually fix bugs, add support for new streaming apps, improve the picture in small ways, and patch security holes. A TV that has not been updated in a year or more often starts to feel sluggish, apps crash more often, and some streaming services eventually stop working because the TV cannot run the newer version of their app. Updating once every few months keeps things running smoothly.

Most modern TVs can install updates automatically if you turn on the setting, but many do not have auto-update turned on by default. It is worth checking.

Samsung smart TVs

On a Samsung TV, press the Home button on the remote. Scroll across to Settings (the gear icon), then choose Support. Tap Software Update. You will see two options: Update Now and Auto Update. Tap Update Now. The TV will check for a newer version and, if one is available, download and install it. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. Do not turn the TV off during the update.

While you are in that menu, turn Auto Update on. This makes sure you get future updates automatically while you are sleeping, so you do not have to think about it.

LG smart TVs

On an LG TV, press the Settings or gear button on the remote. Scroll down to All Settings, then General (or Support on older models). Choose About This TV. You will see Check for Updates. Tap it. If an update is available, the TV will download and install it automatically. It takes 10 to 20 minutes for most updates.

In the same menu, make sure Automatic Update is turned on so future updates install on their own.

Sony smart TVs

Sony TVs mostly run Google TV or Android TV, so the update path is slightly different. Press Home on the remote. Scroll to Settings, then System, then About, then System Software Update. Tap it and follow the prompts. If your Sony is older and runs Sony's own software, look under Customer Support instead of About.

Sony TVs often need two separate updates: one for the main TV software and one for the Google or Android TV layer. Run the update check twice just to be sure nothing is waiting.

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Other brands

Hisense, TCL, Philips and other brands all follow a similar pattern: Settings, then Support or System, then Software Update or About. If you cannot find it, the manual (usually a PDF on the manufacturer's website) will tell you exactly where the option lives for your specific model.

Any TV that uses Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Google TV as its interface follows those platforms' update paths rather than the TV brand's menu.

When to call us instead

Call us if the TV cannot find an update and you are sure one is available, if the update has stalled halfway and the TV is stuck on a screen for more than 30 minutes, or if your TV is so old that updates are no longer available and apps are starting to break. We cover this as part of our TV setup service in homes across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa, and can also recommend a streaming stick as an alternative if the TV itself is beyond updating.

If your TV is having Wi-Fi problems that are stopping it from downloading updates, our smart TV Wi-Fi guide is the right starting point.

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We update smart TVs, turn on auto-update, and sort out streaming apps during visits across Durham Region.

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FAQ

Common questions about smart TV updates

Will updating my TV lose my settings or apps?: No. A normal software update keeps all your installed apps, your Wi-Fi connection, your picture settings, and any signed-in accounts. Only a factory reset erases everything, and that is a separate option you have to choose deliberately.
How often should I update my TV?: Turning on Auto Update is ideal so you never have to think about it. If you prefer manual, check every three or four months. Urgent updates that fix security holes are rare for TVs, so there is no need to check weekly.
My TV is old and cannot find any updates. What do I do?: Once a manufacturer stops releasing updates for a TV model, you can still use the TV for years with a small streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast) plugged into an HDMI port. The stick gives you a modern interface and updated apps without replacing the TV itself. We install these as part of our TV setup service.