Updating Your TV's Software Using a USB Stick
Updating Your TV without WiFi: A Simplified Guide
Even though you might update your smartphone or laptop regularly, your TV might be falling behind on updates. Sure, you might use your TV mainly for streaming, but updating it to the latest software and firmware version is crucial. Some smart TVs check for updates automatically, but don't worry if yours doesn't - there's still a way to keep it up-to-date, as ZDNet's Chris Bayer explains.
Update Your TV via USB
To refresh your TV, you'll need three things: your TV (the one that needs an update), a computer (to download the update), and a USB drive (to store the update file).
Identify the model of your TV, not just the brand. Every TV manufacturer produces multiple types of TVs, so it's essential to find the correct model to ensure you download the most accurate update. If it's mounted or wall-mounted, you might find the model number on a sticker located at the back of the TV. You can also check the TV's settings menu for the model number, often found in the "About" or "General" section.
Once you have your TV's correct model number, navigate to the manufacturer's website and look for the "Support" or "Downloads" section. For example, if you own an LG TV, the downloads section can be found in the "Software & Drivers for Downloading" section. When prompted, enter your TV's model number to access the list of available updates. Be sure to download the latest update available, as well as the one specifically for your region, to avoid any compatibility issues.
Now that you've downloaded the update, open the file if it arrives as a ZIP archive (On Mac, click it to unzip; on Windows, right-click and choose "Extract All"). Access the unzipped files, which should be in either .bin or .img format. Connect a USB stick to your computer and move the downloaded files directly to the drive's root directory, avoiding subfolders when possible. Don't forget to eject the drive safely once it's disconnected from your computer.
Finally, connect the USB stick to your TV's USB port, and your TV should automatically detect the update file. If not, head to your TV's settings and find the "Software Update" or "Firmware Update" option, and your TV should guide you through the appropriate steps to complete the update process.
Troubleshooting a failed update
If you encounter issues during the update process, it's possible that the problem lies with the USB drive itself. If it isn't properly formatted (usually to FAT32), your TV might struggle to recognize it.
You can format the drive on both Windows and Mac, but remember that formatting erases everything on the drive. If there's essential data on your drive, make sure you back it up elsewhere before you format it.
To format the drive through Windows' Explorer, right-click on the drive and choose "Format." Here, choose "FAT32" under "File system," and then check "Quick Format." Click "Start," confirm by clicking "OK" on the pop-up warning that you will lose all data on the drive, and you're good to go.
On Mac, plug your drive in, then open Disk Utility. Choose "Erase," then select "MS-DOS (FAT)" from the "Format" dropdown. Now, click "Erase," and choose "Done" once finished.
And there you have it; your TV is now updated, ready to provide you with the latest features and enhancements. Happy viewing!
- After downloading updates for your smart TV, you can update your TV without WiFi by transferring the update file to a USB drive and connecting it to your TV's USB port.
- Some smart-home devices, like updates for certain TV models, can be updated using a USB drive and a computer, making it possible to install updates even without WiFi connectivity.
