How to update software on an LG smart TV

If you have an LG TV, like one of the popular OLED models, you’ve probably noticed that LG has its own intelligent platform based on the proprietary WebOS. Unlike some smart platforms, today’s take on LG TVs has a minimalist design, often a scrolling banner of options at the bottom of your screen that lets you quickly select apps, settings, broadcast signal menus and more – without getting in the way of what you’re doing watching (some older webOS versions have a different user interface).

But like all smart TV platforms found on the best TVs, LG’s webOS occasionally needs software updates to ensure it continues to run smoothly and new features are added. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your LG TV stays up to date, and what to do when it’s not.

How to update your LG Smart TV manually (and enable automatic updates)

Step 1: Make sure your LG TV is connected to the internet. You need a Wi-Fi connection to transfer available updates. If it’s been a while since you’ve used the webOS platform because you have other connected devices, it may not be connected to the internet at all.

Check this out by going to settings on your LG TV. Take a look at your LG remote control: Depending on your remote, you may have one settings button you can choose. Otherwise, you can select the center smart button on your directional controls and bring up the main menu, then go to settings.

Select here network. Navigate to yours WiFi connection. Your LG TV should automatically check its connection, tell you if it’s working, and attempt to connect if it’s not. If necessary, select the appropriate Ethernet connection or WiFi network to continue.

Step 2: If you are sure the TV is connected, select settings click again or find in the main menu.

Step 3: If necessary, navigate to All settings. This may not be required on all versions of webOS – different versions of the software look slightly different.

Step 4: In webOS 5 and later, go to Support Section.

Step 5: Choose software update if necessary.

Step 6: Choose Check for updates or Check the update version.

Step 7: When WebOS reports an update is available, you can select Download and install or To update Continue. But wait! You might want to try the next step first.

Step 8: If you prefer your LG Smart TV to update itself automatically when a new update is available, you can take an extra step here. search for auto update Section here – newer versions of webOS should have this option. Make sure it’s checked before proceeding, then you can select Download and install.

Step 9: Wait for the download to complete. This usually takes a few minutes, sometimes longer. Once the download is complete, locate the power button on your TV. If it’s been a while, LG likes to place them in the center of the base, facing the front of the TV. Press the power button to turn off the TV. Wait about 10 seconds and then press the Power button again to turn on the TV. LG should go through a longer boot process than usual when installing the update.

You should now be good to go. However, if you have accessories like a soundbar connected to your TV, you may experience problems after an update. Turn them off, unplug them, and then plug them back in to fix this issue.

Does it matter which version of webOS I have on my TV?

Not really. There are different versions of WebOS available and any TV that includes WebOS 4.0 or newer, up to WebOS 22, can download updates using the instructions we posted above (or very similar). The remote control might be a little different, but most other navigation terms should work. The only thing to note is that for the older webOS once you get to it All settingsyou want to go General and the About this TV Instead of Support to find your update options.

What if I can’t push an update with my online connection?

First, we recommend you read our WiFi troubleshooting guide if your WiFi isn’t fully working. Otherwise, your LG TV should be able to connect. But if nothing seems to be working, there’s a slightly messier option you can try.

Visit LG’s software and drivers page. Here, look for the specific model number of your LG TV and select your model when you find it. Use an empty USB drive to download the latest available firmware for your LG TV model by right-clicking and selecting extract everything.

Now plug the USB drive into one of the free USB ports on your LG TV. The TV should automatically detect the folder in question and notify you that a USB update is available. Choose To install and follow the update guidelines to complete the installation.

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