Automatic firmware updates on TVs Samsung through Wi-Fi often cause inconvenience: from sudden reboots during browsing to installing buggy, unreleased versions of software. Many users want disable this featureto control the process manually - especially if your internet connection is limited or unstable.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for different models Samsung Smart TV (including series QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame etc.), as well as alternative methods of blocking updates, from disconnecting the network to using the service menu. We'll take a look risks We'll explain in which cases it's best to leave auto-update enabled.
⚠️ Important: Some methods require access to service menu or changing network settings. If you're unsure of what you're doing, skip these steps—incorrect settings may cause your TV to malfunction.
Why do users want to disable Wi-Fi updates?
There are several main reasons, and they are all related to inconveniences, which are created by the automatic system:
- 📉 Unstable connection: If Wi-Fi frequently disconnects, the TV may become stuck during the update download phase, requiring a restart.
- 🎮 Interrupting games or movies: The update starts at the most inopportune moment - for example, during an online broadcast or when an application is launched.
- 🔄 Raw firmware: Samsung sometimes releases updates with critical bugs (for example, problems with sound in Tizen 6.5), which then have to be rolled back.
- 📶 Limited traffic: The firmware files weigh between 500 MB and 2 GB, which puts a significant strain on your mobile internet or limited data plan.
In addition, some users fundamentally do not want the device changed its settings on its own without their knowledge — especially when it comes to features like diagnostic data collection or advertising modules, which are sometimes added to new versions of software.
Method 1: Disabling automatic updates in the default settings
The easiest and safest method is to use built-in options Samsung TizenIt fits most models released after 2016 (series KU, MU, NU, Q, R, T and newer).
Instructions:
- Turn on the TV and press the button
Home(home) on the remote control. - Go to
Settings → Support → Software Update. - Select an item
Auto-updateand move the switch to the positionOff. - Confirm the action if you are prompted to enter your PIN (default is
0000or1234).
⚠️ Attention: on some models (for example, Samsung The Frame 2020) This option may be hidden. If you don't see the option Auto-update, try the following method.
☑️ Preparing to disable updates
Method 2: Blocking via network settings (Wi-Fi)
If your TV doesn't allow you to turn off auto-update directly, you can restrict his access to servers Samsung Via Wi-Fi settings. This method works on all models, but requires access to the router.
Steps:
- Go to your control panel router (usually at the address
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Find the section
Parental controlorMAC/URL filtering. - Blacklist domains associated with updates Samsung:
ota.samsungcloudsolution.comswupdate.samsungotn.net
ipc.samsungotn.net - Save the settings and reboot the router.
🔹 Alternative: if your router supports DNS filtering, you can use services like OpenDNS or Pi-holeto block requests to update servers.
What should I do if my TV is still updating?
If updates continue after domains are blocked, check:
- Correctness of the entered addresses (no spaces or typos).
- Availability of alternative DNS on the TV (Settings → Network → DNS server).
- Possibility of updating via a mobile network (if a 4G modem is connected).
Method 3: Using the service menu (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires work with service menu SamsungIncorrect actions may lead to system failure!
How to open the service menu:
- Turn off the TV and wait until the indicator goes out.
- On the remote control press sequentially buttons:
Mute → 1 → 8 → 2 → Power(holdPowerbefore turning on the TV). - In the menu that opens, select
Option → Software Update → Auto Updateand set the valueOff. - Save the settings and restart the TV.
⚠️ Attention: On newer models (2022 and newer), access to the service menu may be blocked. In this case, use other methods.
| TV model | Combination for entering the service menu | Does it support disabling auto-updates? |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung QLED (2018–2021) | Mute → 1 → 8 → 2 → Power |
Yes |
| Samsung Crystal UHD (2020–2022) | Info → Menu → Mute → Power |
Yes (sometimes a PIN is required) |
| Samsung The Frame (2019–2023) | Mute → 1 → 1 → 9 → Power |
Partially (may be reset after update) |
| Samsung TU7000 and newer | Access blocked | No |
Method 4: Disabling the Internet at the TV level
A radical but effective method - completely disconnect the TV from the networkThis will definitely prevent any updates, but will also prevent you from accessing Smart Hub, Netflix, YouTube and other online services.
How to do it:
- 🔌 Physical shutdown: remove the Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi in the network settings (
Settings → General → Network → Disable). - 📵 Airplane Mode: activate it in
Settings → General → Airplane Mode. - 🔒 Block the network: Enter an incorrect Wi-Fi password - the TV will not be able to connect to the Internet.
⚠️ Attention: some models (for example, Samsung QN90B) can automatically connect to open networks or use mobile internet via Samsung TV PlusCheck your settings after disabling.
Method 5: Using a proxy server (for the tech-savvy)
For network-savvy users, there is a way redirect update requests to a dummy serverThis tricks the TV into thinking it's checking for updates, when in fact it's contacting a blank host.
Instructions:
- Set up on PC or Raspberry Pi proxy server (for example, Squid or Charles Proxy).
- In your TV's network settings, manually enter your proxy's IP address and port (usually
8080). - Set up proxy rules so that requests to domains
*.samsungotn.netredirected to the local host (127.0.0.1).
🔹 Advantages of the method: The TV won't complain about the lack of internet, but it won't update either.
🔹 Minus: requires constant operation of a proxy server and routing configuration.
How to check if the lock is working?
Run a check for updates on your TV (Settings → Software Update → Update Now). If the proxy is configured correctly, you will see the error "Failed to connect to the server" or "No updates available."
Risks of disabling automatic updates
Before blocking updates, consider the possible negative consequences:
- 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: New versions of software often patch critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited by viruses or hackers (for example, a vulnerability in Tizen 5.5, allowing you to remotely control your TV).
- 🎯 Incompatibility with applications: over time Netflix, Disney+ and other services may stop supporting older firmware versions.
- 🔧 Malfunctions: some functions (for example, Ambient Mode or Game Bar) require fresh firmware and may not work correctly.
- 📺 Loss of support: Samsung may stop releasing updates for your model if it is too old (usually 4-5 years after release).
💡 Compromise solution: Instead of disabling automatic updates completely, set up traffic usage limit on the router or turn on the Internet only when necessary (for example, to watch movies).
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to disable updates on a 2023 Samsung TV?
On new models (for example, QN90C or CU7000) Samsung Removed the option to disable auto-updates through the standard menu. In this case, the remaining options are blocking domains on the router or disconnecting the internet.
What should I do if my TV has already started updating and is frozen?
Don't unplug it! Wait at least 30-60 minutes—sometimes the process just moves slowly. If the indicator light flashes for more than 2 hours:
- Unplug the power cable for 1 minute.
- Turn on the TV and check if the system boots up.
- If not, contact a service center (it may require reflashing the firmware via USB).
How do I get automatic updates back if I change my mind?
Turn them back on Settings → Software Update → Auto Update or reset network settings (Settings → General → Network ResetIf you blocked domains on your router, remove them from the blacklist.
Will the TV work without updates?
Yes, but over time problems may arise:
- Applications (eg YouTube) will start to give the error "Incompatible version".
- New video formats (eg.
AV1) may not be reproduced. - Functions like Google Assistant or Alexa will no longer be supported.
We recommend checking for updates manually at least once every six months.
Is it possible to roll back the firmware to an older version?
Officially, no. Samsung does not provide older versions of software for manual installation. Unofficial methods (via USB or ODIN) are risky and can brick your TV. If the new firmware is unstable, wait for the next update with fixes.