Owners of modern TVs often need to update their software to access new features or fix system errors. The traditional method using a USB drive isn't always convenient, especially if you don't have a flash drive handy or it's too small to hold the firmware file. Fortunately, the architecture Samsung Smart Hub allows you to organize data transfer over a local network using your home computer as a server.
This process requires careful attention, as it affects the device's system files. Unlike a simple internet update on the TV itself, the PC method gives you greater control over the software version being installed. You can force install a specific firmware version, even if the automatic update does not detect it.
For successful implementation, you will need a stable connection between the router, computer, and TV. It is important to understand that a direct cable between the PC and TV is not used here—data exchange takes place via local network (LAN) managed by a router. This ensures high-speed transfer of large amounts of data without the risk of port damage.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that your device supports network updates. Most Samsung models released after 2015 and running on the platform Tizen OS, have built-in functionality for working with network resources. However, older models based on Orsay or earlier versions of Linux may not support loading firmware directly from a PC over the network without special utilities.
You'll need a computer running Windows or macOS to act as a firmware file storage. It's also crucial that both the PC and TV are on the same subnet. This means they must be connected to the same router, either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router is not using Guest Network mode or AP client isolation, otherwise devices will not see each other on the local network and data transfer will not be possible.
Check the free space on your computer's hard drive. Firmware files for 4K and 8K models can be quite large, sometimes up to 3-4 GB. It's also recommended to disable antivirus software while transferring files, as it may block the network ports used by the TV for downloads.
Downloading the latest firmware version
The first step is to find and download the correct firmware file. Don't try to use firmware from other models, even if they look similar, as this may result in bricklaying devices. Official files should always be taken only from trusted sources.
There are two main ways to obtain the file. The first is through the TV menu itself, where you can see the current version and request an update. The second, more reliable in our case, is through the manufacturer's official support website. There, files are categorized by series and regional codes.
- 🔍 Visit the official support website and enter the exact model of your TV, indicated on the sticker on the back.
- 💾 Download the firmware archive for your model, paying attention to the region (the region code must match).
- 📂 Unzip the archive on your computer into the root folder or a specially created directory with a short name.
It's important to check the integrity of the downloaded file. If the archive is corrupted during download, the installation process will be interrupted at the initial stage. After unpacking, you should see a file with the extension .zip or a folder containing a set of system files ready for transfer.
Setting up network sharing on a computer
For the TV to be able to "see" files on your computer, you need to properly configure network access. In Windows, this is done through the shared folder settings. Create a new folder and name it something like TV_UPDATE, and place the firmware files there.
Next, you need to share this folder with all devices on the network. Right-click the folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Sharing" tab. Here, you need to enable sharing and allow reading of files. Without this step, the TV will display an authorization error.
Check path: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change sharing settingsIn the sharing settings, make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are enabled. It's also recommended to disable password protection for temporary convenience, so the TV doesn't prompt you for a username and password when connecting.
⚠️ Attention: After the update is complete, it is strongly recommended that you re-enable password protection or disable folder sharing to prevent data leakage from your computer.
Remember or write down your computer's IP address on the local network. You can find it by opening the command prompt and entering the command ipconfigWe will need an IPv4 address, which usually looks like 192.168.1.XXX.
Connecting a TV to a local network
Now let's move on to setting up the Samsung TV itself. Make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If you're using a wired connection, simply connect a LAN cable from the router to the TV—this will ensure a more stable transfer speed.
Go to the TV settings menu, navigate to the "Network" section, and check the connection status. You can also see the IP address assigned to the TV by the router. It should differ from your PC's address only by the last digit.
| Parameter | Computer (Example) | TV (Example) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.15 | 192.168.1.24 | On the same network |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | 255.255.255.0 | Matches |
| Gateway | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.1 | Same |
| Access to folder | Open (Read) | Required | Ready |
If the devices are on different subnets (for example, the first three digits of the IP address are different), they will not be able to communicate. In this case, check your router settings or reconnect the devices to the main SSID instead of the guest one.
The process of installing an update via the network
Once the network is configured, you can begin the update itself. On the remote control, press the "Home" or "Menu" button, then go to the "Support" section. This is where you'll find the manual software management tool.
Select "Software Update." In the menu that opens, you'll see several options: "Update Now" (via the Internet), "Update via USB," and "Update via the Network." We're interested in the last option. When you select this option, the TV will begin scanning the local network for available update servers.
- 📡 Select your computer's name or the designation "PC" from the list of found devices.
- 📁 The TV will ask you to select a folder; find the previously created directory
TV_UPDATE. - 🚀 Confirm the start of the installation and wait for the process to complete without turning off the power.
During installation, the TV screen may turn on and off several times. This is normal system behavior while flashing the bootloader and kernel. Interrupting the process at this stage may cause irreversible damage.
What should I do if my TV can't see the folder on my PC?
Make sure Windows Firewall isn't blocking incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus. Make sure the folder name and path don't contain Cyrillic characters or spaces—use only Latin characters. Also, make sure the network type in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public."
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Various errors may occur during the firmware update process. The most common is "Unable to find server" or "Network error." This indicates that the TV is physically connected but is unable to establish a connection to a specific port or folder on the computer.
Often, the problem lies in Windows 10 or 11 security settings. The system may block access to shared resources for unidentified devices. In this case, you need to add an exception to the firewall or temporarily reduce the network security level to the minimum.
If the process is stuck at a certain percentage (for example, 30% or 70%), this may indicate an unstable Wi-Fi signal. In such cases, it is recommended to move closer to the router or, more effectively, use a cable connection to the TV during the update.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the model year and Tizen OS version. Always refer to the visual design of your screen.
In the event of complete failure and the TV refusing to turn on, a USB emergency recovery may be necessary, as the network bootloader may be corrupted. Therefore, having a backup copy of the firmware on a flash drive is always a good practice.
☑️ Pre-Start Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to flash a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi without a computer?
Yes, this is the standard method. In the "Support" menu, select "Software Update" → "Update Now." The TV will automatically find the latest version on Samsung servers and install it. However, the PC method is necessary if automatic updates aren't working or you need to roll back to an older version.
How long does it take to update over a local network?
The process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the firmware file and the speed of your router. Using Wi-Fi 5 (AC) or Wi-Fi 6, data transfer is significantly faster than via USB 2.0.
What should I do if apps disappear after an update?
Sometimes after updates, you need to reset your Smart Hub. Go to Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset Smart HubThis will not delete your channel settings, but it will update the list of apps and their versions.
Is it safe to interrupt an update if my TV is frozen?
Absolutely not. If the TV freezes, wait 10-15 minutes. Forcibly unplugging it while data is being written to memory will almost certainly require resoldering the chips or a complex repair via the service port.