To update TV apps, turn on auto-update in your TV’s app store (or system settings), then update any misbehaving app by hand from the same store. On most smart TVs, apps like YouTube and Netflix update in the background once auto-update is on and the TV is connected to Wi-Fi.
App updates are separate from the TV’s own software update, which is covered in how to update a smart TV. Do both when an app stops working.
Turn on auto-update
| TV | Where to switch it on |
|---|---|
| Samsung (Tizen) | Home > Apps > Settings (gear icon) > Auto Update: On, or Settings > General > Apps > Auto Update on some models |
| LG (webOS) | Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Auto Update: On. On recent webOS, app updates arrive with this |
| Google TV / Android TV (TCL, Vitron, Hisense, Sony) | Play Store > profile icon or My Apps > Settings > Auto-update apps > at any time |
| Hisense VIDAA | Apps usually update with the system; check Settings > System or Support for software update |
Leave the TV on standby (not unplugged) sometimes so updates can download. If you’re on a limited home bundle, update when you have data to spare.
Update YouTube and Netflix manually
- Samsung: open Apps > My Apps, select the app and update it if an update is offered. More: updating a Samsung TV.
- LG: open the LG Content Store (Apps) > My Apps, select the app and choose Update.
- Google TV / Android TV: open the Play Store, search YouTube or Netflix and press Update, or open My Apps (or your profile icon) and check for Updates.
- VIDAA: update the TV software first; if the app still fails, open the App Store, remove the app and reinstall it.
Still crashing after updating? Clear the app’s cache or data, then restart the TV by unplugging it for a minute. Steps: clear cache on a smart TV.
Updating the TV browser
The built-in browser on Samsung, LG and VIDAA TVs updates with the TV’s system software, not separately. Run a software update from Settings > Support.
On Google TV and Android TV, a browser installed from the Play Store updates there like any other app.
When an app is no longer supported
Streaming services drop old TV platforms over time; Netflix has ended support for some older smart TVs before. Signs: the app disappears, shows an error about the device, or update says there’s nothing newer.
There’s no fix inside the TV once support ends. Your options:
- Plug in a streaming stick or Android TV box via HDMI; it brings current apps and is far cheaper than a new TV.
- Use a laptop on HDMI for occasional watching.
The TV still works fine for free-to-air channels and as a screen.
Quick answers
Turn on auto-update in the app store, or open the store (Play Store, Samsung Apps, LG Content Store) and select Update on YouTube. If it still fails, update the TV software and reinstall the app.
Netflix and other services stop supporting older TV platforms after some years. Update the TV first; if support has ended, a streaming stick on HDMI brings Netflix back.
