How do I update my Samsung Smart Hub apps?

This article explains how to update a Samsung Smart TV. Instructions apply broadly to most Samsung Smart TVs made after 2013.

Set Your Samsung Smart TV to Update Automatically

You can have your Samsung Smart TV update automatically so you don't have to dedicate time to do it yourself.

Although there's technically a difference between software and firmware updates, Samsung often uses the term “Software Update” to include both.

To activate this feature, perform these steps:

1. Make sure your TV is connected to the internet.

2. Go to Settings.

3. Select Support.

4. Select Software Update.

5. Select Auto Update.

   
   

When you turn your TV on and it detects a new update, it will download and install it before you can proceed to watch anything or use the TV's other functions. This may take several minutes, depending on the nature of the update.

If you selected the Auto Update option and an update becomes available while you are watching TV, the update will download and install in the background, then install the next time you turn the TV on.

Update Your TV Manually via the Internet

If your TV is connected to the Internet, but you prefer to activate firmware/software updates manually, you can do so.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Select Support.

3. Select Software Update.

4. Select Update Now. If an update is available, the download and installation process will be initiated in the same manner as discussed in the Auto Update section above.

   
   

5. If no updates available, select OK to exit the Settings menu and proceed to use the TV.

Update Your TV Manually via USB

If your TV is not connected to the Internet or you prefer to install software/firmware updates locally, you have the option of doing this via USB.

To use this option, you need to first download the update to a PC or Laptop:

1. Go to the Samsung online support site.

2. Enter the model number of your TV in the Search Support Box. This should take you to the support page for your TV model.

   • Your model number should resemble this: UN40KU6300FXZA.

3. Select Information Page.

4. Select Downloads or scroll down to Manuals and Downloads.

5. Select Download or See More.

   
   

6. Download the Software/Firmware updates your PC or Laptop.

   The firmware file you download from the website is a compressed file with the extension .EXE.

7. Plug a USB flash drive into your PC or Laptop.

8. Run the file you’ve downloaded: When asked where you want to have the file contents unzipped, select a USB flash drive with sufficient capacity.

9. Once the download is finished and unzipped on the USB flash drive, plug it into a USB port on the TV.

   If you have more than one USB port, make sure no other USB devices are plugged into any of the USB ports.

10. Using the TV's remote control, select the Home or Smart Hub icon, then the Settings icon on the TV screen, which looks like a gear.

11. Scroll down and select Support.

12. Select Software Update and then Update Now.

13. Select the USB option. You'll see a message on the screen that reads "Scanning USB. This may take more than 1 min."

14. Follow any further prompts to start the update process.

15. When the process is completed, the Samsung Smart TV will turn off automatically, then turn back on, indicating the software update installed correctly and is ready to use.

16. To further confirm you've updated the software, you can go into Settings, select Software Update, then Update Now. The TV will display you have the latest update.

    
    

Do not turn your TV off during the update process. The TV must remain powered on until the update is complete. The TV will turn off and on automatically after completing the software update, which reboots the TV. Depending on the nature of the update, audio and video settings may reset to their factory defaults after a software update.

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How to Update Apps on Samsung Smart TV

To continue using the Samsung apps installed on your Smart TV, you'll need to make sure you have the latest versions. This is separate from updating the TV's system software or firmware, as each app has its own structure. The easiest way to keep your apps updated is to have the TV do it automatically.

To set this up, use the following steps:

1. Press the Smart Hub/Home button your Samsung TV remote.

2. In the Smart Hub Home Menu, select Apps.

3. Select My Apps.

4. Select Options and make sure Auto Update is set to On.

   If you don't want the apps to update automatically, set Auto Update to Off.

   
   

5. If you're using the manual option, when you select an individual app you'll be notified if an update is available. Follow any further messages or prompts to initiate the update process.

6. When the update is completed, the app will open so you can use it.

If you own an older Samsung Smart TV, such as one released before the 2016 model year, there may be some variations in the steps needed to update apps:

2015 Models: Press the Menu button your remote, select Smart Hub > App and Game Auto Update > On.

2014 Models: Press the Menu button your remote. Select Smart Hub > App Settings > Auto-Update.

2013 Models: Press the Smart Hub button on your remote, select Apps > More Apps, then follow any additional prompts.

The Bottom Line

Depending on what year and Samsung Menu/Smart Hub version you have, there may be some variations on the appearance of the menus, as well as how to access the System and App update features. If you're not sure of the exact steps, consult the printed user guide or the on-screen e-manual for your Samsung Smart TV.

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