How to Update a Samsung Smart TV

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Firmware updates for Smart TVs are used to enhance current features, fix bugs, and in some cases add additional applications to the device. You can perform the update via the Web (recommended). However, there are times where we may need to update via USB in order to resolve a problem.

What you'll need:

• If you are updating via the web, your TV should be connected to the internet
• If you are updating via USB drive, you'll need a computer with an internet connection and a USB drive with enough free storage space.

2. Update via Web

1. Press the Menu button on your remote control.
2. Select Support.
3. Select Software Update.
   

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2. If this area is greyed out, it could be because the TV has just been switched on (wait a minute, then try again) or because the TV is in Smart Hub mode. If you are accessing through Smart Hub mode, try going in after viewing a channel from its own tuner.
3. Enable Auto update to ensure that you are always getting the latest updates.
4. To perform a manual check for an update, select Update Now.
   

1. Your TV will now check for update.
2. If an update is detected, select Yes to download and install it.
   

1. Once the update is complete, you may return to using your TV.

3. Update via USB Drive

It is important that you only install the update that is intended for your TV. Get the model number for your TV before proceeding with the next steps.

1. Open a web browser on your computer.
2. Navigate to http://www.samsung.com/us/
3. Select Support.
   

1. Type the model number into the search bar, then select the correct model from the dropdown list.
   

1. Select MANUALS AND DOWNLOADS.
   

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2. It will now take you to the Download page. Select See More.
3. Select DOWNLOAD for latest firmware file.
   

1. The firmware will be downloaded to your computer.
   
2. Take note of the file download location:
3. Windows OS - files typically download to your Downloads folder.
4. Mac OSX - files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.

4. Extract Zip File

In Windows, files typically download to your "Downloads" folder.

1. Open Windows Explorer by holding down the Windows Key and then pressing E (Win + E)
   

1. In the left pane of the window that opens, click Downloads.
   

1. Locate the file you downloaded.
2. Right-click the file and select Extract All....
   

1. The extract window will appear.
   

1. Take note of the extract location (folder). If you wish to extract to another location such as a USB drive or a different folder on the computer, click Browse and pick a new location.
2. Click Extract when you are done.
3. Once the files are extracted, a new Explorer window will appear with the uncompressed files. The location will be shown in the address bar while the extracted files files will appear below.
   

Take note of the file location. This is where your file(s) will be extracted to.

5. Move Firmware to USB

Prepare a formatted USB flash memory with more available free space than the self-extracted file.

1. Insert a USB drive into an available USB slot on your computer.
   

1. Open USB drive.
   

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2. Locate the file that you extracted earlier.
   

1. Copy or drag and drop the firmware file to the root of your USB drive. Make sure the file is not inside a folder on the USB drive.
   Root directory = The first or top-most directory in the hierarchy.

6. Install Update via USB Drive

1. Turn on the TV.
2. Insert the USB drive that you prepared.
   

1. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   
2. Press Menu button on your remote.
3. Select Support.
4. Select Software Upgrade.
   

1. Select By USB.
2. Press Enter.
3. Once the update is done, your TV will restart automatically.
4. You can now remove the USB drive from your TV.
   If you are having trouble, make sure that you downloaded the correct firmware file for your TV and make sure the folder on your USB drive is setup properly.

7. Extract Zip File

In macOS, files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.

1. Click on Go then Downloads.
   

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2. Double click on the archive that you just downloaded to extract its contents.
   

1. The extracted files should appear in the same folder as the original archive.

Sometimes you may not see the Zip file. Safari may have extracted the file for you if you downloaded the file with it. Just look for the unzipped file or folder.

Take note of the file location for later use of the extracted content.

8. Move Firmware to USB

Prepare a formatted USB flash memory with more available free space than the self-extracted file.

1. Insert a USB drive into an available USB slot on your computer.
   

1. Open USB drive.
   

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2. Drag and drop the files you extracted earlier onto the root of the USB drive. Make sure the file is not inside an folder on the USB drive.
   

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2. Root directory = The first or top-most directory in the hierarchy.