Compatibility & scope
Based on Samsung's US English e-manuals for 2020–2026 TVs (each shared by a model year) and the EU English e-manual BN81-28760C-510. The manuals don't describe the USB package's contents or the on-screen update prompts, which vary by model and software version. Documentation reviewed; no TV hardware tested for this article.
In this guide
Update from the Software Update menu
On a Samsung TV connected to the internet, go to Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now. The TV checks for an update and installs it if one is available. Don’t turn off the power until it finishes. The TV turns off and on again by itself when the update is complete.
The Support → Software Update path is the same on 2020–2026 TVs. Only the way you open Settings changes:
| TV year | Open Settings |
|---|---|
| 2023–2026 | Home → left directional button → Settings |
| 2022 | Home → Menu → Settings |
| 2020–2021 | Home → Settings |
Before you start
- Picture and sound settings can reset. Samsung’s US manuals say video and audio settings may return to their defaults after an update; the UK/EU manual says they will. Note any custom picture or sound settings first.
- Keep the power connected for the whole update.
- Check the internet connection for a network update. If the TV can’t get online, see the Samsung Wi-Fi guide.
Update over the internet
- Open Settings for your TV’s year (see the table above).
- Go to Support → Software Update → Update Now.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and wait. Don’t switch the TV off.
- After the TV restarts, check your picture and sound settings.
An update isn’t always available when you check.
Update from a USB drive
Samsung also documents updating from a USB drive:
- On a computer, find your exact TV model on Samsung’s support website and download its software update package.
- Save the update package in the top-level folder of a USB drive, not inside another folder. Otherwise the TV can’t find it.
- Connect the USB drive to the TV.
- Go to Support → Software Update → Update Now.
Use only the package for your exact model code.
Turn Auto Update on or off
Support → Software Update → Auto Update lets the TV download updates in the background while you watch. The update is applied the next time you turn the TV on. It needs a network connection.
Samsung notes that agreeing to the Smart Hub terms turns Auto Update on automatically. To stop automatic updates, select Auto Update and press Select to turn it off.
The 2024–2026 manuals add that Samsung publishes information about security updates at security.samsungtv.com.
Common questions
Is Auto Update the same as updating my apps?
No. Auto Update under Software Update updates the TV’s own software. Samsung’s app settings have a separate Auto Update option for installed apps; see installing Samsung TV apps.
Sources & scope
Pages 74, 168
View sourceSamsung US download for the QN65QN90FAFXZA; the e-manual is shared by 2025 TVs. Consulted: Updating the TV's Software (network, USB, Auto Update, security updates information). The 2026 US manual (BN81-28760A, page 162) matches it.
Pages 150
View sourceSamsung US download for the QN65Q80DAFXZA; the e-manual is shared by 2024 TVs. Consulted: Updating the TV's Software. The 2023 manual (BN81-24055A, page 145) matches it.
Pages 151
View sourceSamsung US download for the QN65Q60BAFXZA; the e-manual is shared by 2022 TVs. Consulted: Updating the TV's Software. Paths start with Home, then Menu.
Pages 82
View sourceSamsung US download for the UN65TU7000FXZA; the e-manual is shared by 2020 TVs. Consulted: Updating the TV's Software. The 2021 manual (OSNATSCA-9.0.0, page 124) matches it.
Pages 178–179
Find your model’s manualOwner-supplied EU English e-manual; the link opens Samsung's model lookup, not this exact PDF. Says picture and sound settings will be reset after an update (US manuals say they may be).
These instructions are based on manufacturer documentation. They have not been device-tested for this guide.
Based on Samsung's US English e-manuals for 2020–2026 TVs (each shared by a model year) and the EU English e-manual BN81-28760C-510. The manuals don't describe the USB package's contents or the on-screen update prompts, which vary by model and software version. Documentation reviewed; no TV hardware tested for this article.
Original Press Okay vector artwork; illustrative, not a Samsung interface screenshot.
