Smart TV firmware is the internal software that runs the TV. Updates can fix app crashes, patch security issues, improve HDMI or audio behavior, and occasionally add features or apps.
Brands use different names, including software update, firmware update, and system update. The process is the same: connect the TV to the internet, check for an update, and let it install.
Does this affect you?
Use this if an app keeps crashing, a feature is missing, support asks for your software version, or you want to check whether your TV has the latest firmware.
Find the update menu by brand
- Samsung: Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
- LG webOS: Settings > General > About This TV > Check for Updates, or All Settings > General > System > Software Update.
- Sony Google TV: Settings > System > About > System Software Update.
- Vizio SmartCast: Menu > System > Check for Updates, or Admin & Privacy > System Information on some models.
- TCL Roku TV: Settings > System > System Update > Check Now.
- TCL Google TV or Hisense Google TV: Settings > System > About > System Update.
- Hisense VIDAA: Settings > Support > Software Update.
Make sure the TV is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet before checking.
Turn on automatic updates
- Stay in the same update settings area.
- Look for Auto Update, Automatic Software Update, or a similar toggle.
- Turn it on.
- Leave the TV plugged in and connected to the internet while in standby.
Automatic updates often install overnight. Keeping them on avoids missing important fixes and security patches.
Fix a stuck or failed update
- Check that Wi-Fi is stable, or use Ethernet if the TV has a LAN port.
- Unplug the TV from the wall for 60 seconds, then retry the update.
- Free storage by deleting unused apps if the TV is older or low on internal space.
- Do not unplug the TV while it is actively installing an update or showing a do-not-turn-off message.
Interrupting installation can corrupt the TV software and, in rare cases, require a factory reset or service repair.
What updates can and cannot fix
Firmware updates often fix streaming app crashes, security vulnerabilities, HDMI compatibility, audio issues, and app store support. They rarely fix physical panel problems such as dead pixels, cracked screens, or hardware flicker.
Some updates roll out in stages, so your TV may not see a new version immediately. If a feature changes or disappears after an update, check the manufacturer’s release notes for your exact model and software version.
Sources
- Samsung Support – Updating Your Smart TV Software (2025)
- LG Support – How to Update webOS TV Software (2025)
- Vizio Support – Checking for and Installing SmartCast Updates (2025)