How do I force my Samsung TV to update?

Samsung rolls out updates for its products from time to time. If your Samsung TV refuses to update, you can try an electrical reset or a factory reset. Check your internet connection, and if necessary, reset it, update the firmware through USB, or try to reset the Smart Hub. Continue reading the article to know the fix for Samsung TV Software greyed out problem along with fixes for other software update issues.

Samsung TV Software Update Not Available

One of the biggest issues the users face is the update option been greyed out. It simply indicates that, given the existing source, settings, or connections, a function or some settings are unavailable. If your Samsung TV isn't connected to the internet, for example, the options for Software Update and Contact Support will be greyed out because they require an internet connection. On the remote, press the Source button in the top left corner and select TV. After that, return to the Menu and select Support, then Software Update. You'll be able to see the latest update right now.

The very first thing to always check is your internet connection if your Samsung TV won't update. To do so, go to your remote's 'Home' button > 'Settings' > 'Network' > 'Network Status.' This will display the status of your connection and, if you are not connected to the internet, will provide the various IP settings for reconnecting your Samsung TV to WiFi so that the update may begin.

How to update Samsung TV software?

It is preferable to use auto-update so that you do not have to worry about updates all of the time. When Samsung issues an update, your TV will automatically download it. When you update, ensure sure your TV is linked to an internet connection. If the automated update on your Samsung TV does not finish, you will need to manually repeat the procedure. To begin, perform an electrical reset by disconnecting your TV from the power source and leaving it unplugged for two minutes before reconnecting it. Then navigate to 'Settings' > 'Support' > 'Software Update' > 'Update Now.' This will restart the update process, which should result in a successful update. 

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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