Smart TVs have been a game-changer and are now an indispensable part of many of our living rooms. Not only do they display TV in high definition or Ultra HD, but they can also access the Internet, browse the web, use apps like Netflix and Hulu, and some can even play games. Like most smart devices, Smart TVs will need regular updates, which is what this tutorial is all about.
LG uses the webOS or Netcast platform, which makes it easier to develop applications and keep them updated. It is a reliable platform that works on multiple types of TVs and supports a wide range of applications. The LG App Store is a testament to how many developers want to work with LG!
To update apps on an LG smart TV, you must first check for new firmware, as apps may not work properly if they are updated for the new firmware but you don’t have it yet.
Update the Firmware on an LG Smart TV
Smart TV firmware is released periodically to add new features, tweak existing code, fix bugs, or make it more stable or secure. They are not released as frequently as phone firmware, for example, but on a schedule that only LG knows.
Similar to updating your phone, apps may need to be updated after a firmware update. A lot depends on what has changed in the firmware. If this is a significant change, LG apps will likely need to be updated to remain compatible. Since the applications are located within the firmware, it makes sense to update them first and the applications later.
There are two ways to update the firmware of your LG Smart TV. First, you can use an Internet connection or use a USB with the necessary files to force the update. The most used option is the Internet, so we will continue with that.
You’ll also need to know if your TV runs webOS or Netcast. Netcast was originally released in 2011, followed by webOS in 2014. Unfortunately, the instructions vary depending on which version of software you’re running, but we’ll cover them in the ps below:
Update firmware – Netcast
If your TV runs Netcast, follow these steps:
- Press the home button on your remote control and select Settings in the lower left corner.
- Use the remote control to scroll down the left menu and click the ? icon. Then select Software update.
- Make sure software updates are turned on, then click Check update version.
- If an available update appears, follow the on-screen instructions to initialize it.
Update firmware – webOS
As noted, instructions may vary depending on your TV’s operating system. These are the steps to follow if you are using webOS:
- Press the home button on your remote control and click the Settings tooth in the upper right corner.
- At the bottom right you will see All settings. Click it.
- Use the arrow buttons on your remote control to highlight General On the left side. Then click About this TV On the right.
- Click to Allow automatic updates then click the Search for updates option.
- When an update appears, you can follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
That’s all there is to complete a firmware update on your LG Smart TV over the Internet.
Update firmware – USB
If that doesn’t work, but a newer firmware version is available, you can download it to your computer and load it from a USB drive.
- Go to the LG Support Website.
- Enter the model of your TV in the Model Number box.
- Select the firmware version you want to download and select Download this file.
- Copy that file to your USB drive without making any changes.
- Insert the USB drive into your TV and let it detect the drive.
- Navigate to Configuration and support with the remote control.
- Select install from file and point the TV at the USB drive.
- Allow the TV to update.
It will take a few minutes to read from the USB, but your TV should install the new firmware, reboot a couple of times, and then load using the new installation.
Update applications on an LG Smart TV
Now your firmware is updated; You can update your applications safely. You will need to load LG Content Store for this to happen. If you’re using a newer smart TV, apps should update automatically and you don’t need to do anything.
If the apps are not updating, open each one to request a check and you may or may not see an update notification.
Fortunately, the process of updating apps on your LG Smart TV is quite simple. But you will need a stable internet connection to complete the process.
This is how you can update apps on your LG Smart TV:
- Turn on your Smart TV and click the start button on the remote control. Then click on the LG Content Store.
- Click on Applications. Then click My applications.
- The apps should appear on your TV. Click on each one and click Update if available. Or click All to see all your apps and click Update all.
The process may take a while, but this is a great solution if your apps haven’t updated automatically. Please note that LG Smart TV apps generally take care of themselves. They update themselves and will automatically detect a firmware change once you update the TV. It is a very simple system that requires minimal management. There may be times when an app does not update, but all you need to do is uninstall it and reinstall it.
Set up automatic updates on an LG smart TV
While some users object to automatic updates, they do serve to give you a smooth, hands-off experience. It’s probably a good idea to keep automatic updates turned on. Here’s how to turn them on if they aren’t already.
- Turn on the TV and select Home on the remote control.
- Select Settings and All settings.
- Select General and About this TV.
- Check the box next to Allow automatic updates.
- You can check for updates while you’re there if you haven’t updated everything using this tutorial.
Once you set up automatic updates, the TV manages itself. Every time you turn it on and it has wireless connection, it will check for firmware and app updates. Now you don’t have to do anything to keep it up to date!
Frequent questions
If you have more questions about how to keep your LG Smart TV up to date, read on.
What do I do if I can’t update an app?
If you are having a problem with a particular app on your TV and you have tried the steps above to fix it, the only option left is to delete the app and reinstall it. Assuming you’ve followed the steps above to update your TV’s firmware, the latest version of the app should automatically download to your TV, fixing any issues you’re having.
Do I need to update the applications on my TV?
As mentioned above, LG does a good job of updating apps for you. Therefore, this is not something you should do all the time. But, every time the app developers release a new update, they fix bugs and security issues. It is for these reasons that you should keep your applications (and firmware) updated.
