Samsung TV Problems: What’s Causing Them and How You Might Fix Them

If you have been experiencing issues with your Samsung TV such as screen flickering and the dreaded black screen, you’re in the right place. Go through our list of the most common problems with Samsung TVs before calling Samsung Customer Support.

Our technical team will cover problems with the screen, apps, Smart Hub, sound, even connectivity issues such as connecting to the Wi-Fi. This guide will help you identify their causes and possible fixes and might save you a couple of hundred bucks for repair.

TV Screen

#1: Samsung TV Screen Won't Turn On (or Off)

Your smart TV could have a problem with the power source if the red light flashes but your TV still won’t turn on.

New smart TVs come with surge protectors to protect against sudden electrical surges. But even the best surge protector wears out. If that happens, then your TV doesn’t get the power it needs.

Don't Forget the Remote

If you can’t remember the last time you changed the batteries on your remote, go change them now. Make sure you also insert the batteries in the right direction. You’ll know it’s not the remote control if the power indicator on the TV blinks.

If it didn’t work, the issue could also be something that’s blocking the infrared (IR) signal port on your Samsung TV. A physical block isn’t the only culprit though. Interference could also come from something like fluorescent lights. Check if dimming the room helps.

What About Your HDMI CEC?

Now, this one’s a bit uncommon but it wouldn’t hurt to cover our bases.

You should know, the HDMI CEC feature on Samsung TVs sometimes disables the power button of your remote control. Disconnect it for now then try turning on your TV again.

#2: Black Screen of Death

Defective Connection

The black screen on your Samsung TV is usually simply due to a bad connection between your set-top box/cable box and TV.

If that’s the case, check on your connecting wires and cables. Make sure they are all plugged in properly.

Nothing's Connected to Your TV

If you’ve got no devices connected to your Samsung TV, your problem likely goes back to the power supply inside your TV. Chances are it’s because of a faulty capacitator. Unfortunately, there’s no DIY fix for this.

Half the Screen is Black

In this case, it could be because of poor broadcasting signals. But it could also be an issue with the main board or TV panel. This time, the first thing you should do is change the channel. It could just be a channel-specific issue.

If that’s not it, check on the cables of your input device or connect box. Disconnect then reconnect them. Still no culprit? Try playing a video from a USB drive. If even that doesn’t work, then the problem really is with your TV.

Samsung Smart TV Apps

#1: All the Smart Hub Apps Are Gone

This can seem like a weird problem that’s disorienting, but no need to panic. Here are two things you can try if all the apps suddenly disappear:

Switch the TV Back to the Original Settings

Press the Smart Hub button on the remote control. (Or the Menu or Home button for older Samsung TVs.) Wait for the Smart Hub to load then press these keys: FAST FORWARD, 2, 8, 9, and REWIND.

Now, choose another location in the Setup List, then click “Accept Terms and Conditions.” Your Samsung TV Smart Hub should automatically update and reset. Then, repeat the steps and switch back to your original location.

Do a Factory Reset

The factory reset should be under the Self-Diagnostics Menu in the Support Settings. It’s usually the last one on the list.

#2: One Pesky App

Go For a Cold Reboot

A cold boot is just a term for granting Samsung TVs startup from a total shutdown.

Did you know that pressing the off button simply puts your TV on standby? But there’s still the extra load on the TV? So, here’s how you can do a cold reboot:

1. Hold down the power button on the remote until the TV turns off and back on again. Or,
2. Unplug the TV from the power source. Wait 30 seconds. Then, plug it back again.

Update Your App and TV's Firmware

If that doesn’t fix it, go update your TV firmware. Go to Settings and look for Support. Find “Software Update” then click “Update Now.” Again, wait for the downloads to finish and make sure it installs.

Finally, do another cold reboot after updating your software.

If that doesn’t fix it, go update your TV firmware. Go to Settings and look for Support. Find “Software Update” then click “Update Now.” Again, wait for the downloads to finish and make sure it installs.

Finally, do another cold reboot after updating your software.

Sound

#1: A Bluetooth Issue

If you’re using a Bluetooth headset or speaker, double-check if it’s properly paired to your TV. Either unpair it under Audio Settings or turn the headset off and on again.

#2: Reboot and Check Surrounding Cables

A cold reboot might also help with this one. If not, check the cable connections to your external device. Defective cables sometimes cause the audio to fail.

#3: Using the TV as A Computer? Check Settings and Codec

Make sure your HDMI settings have your TV selected as the audio output. It’s an easy thing to overlook.

Some videos are also rendered with an audio codec that’s not recognized even by Smart TVs. So check the codec you’re using, especially if you’re watching from the USB port.

#4: Try the Built-In Self-Diagnosis

Some Samsung TVs have a self-diagnostic feature under the Support menu. Run their diagnostics test to check for issues.

#5: Can Be a Component Failure

Smart TVs that go silent while streaming YouTube or Netflix are bad omens. It’s usually because of a deeper issue such as a failing component.

Try to identify which one went bad by connecting your Samsung TV to external speakers or headphones. If you hear a sound, then the problem is likely the internal speakers of your TV.

If it’s still not producing sound, the issue is more likely with the audio Integrated Chip (IC). Either way, there’s no fixing these TV problems at home.

Connectivity

#1: External Devices

Setting Samsung TVs to the wrong input can explain why you keep losing the picture when playing videos from your DVD player and the like.

Then again, it could also be a bad cable connection, damaged cables, or faulty power sources. For these issues, see to it that the respective wires are correctly connected to your TV.

#2: Wi-Fi

First, check if it’s just because of a weak signal. It could just be that your Wi-Fi [1] router is too far away from the TV. If you don’t think that’s the issue, the only thing left to do is to reboot both the router and the TV.

Final Advice

If all else fails, our technical team would advise to bringing your Samsung TV to an authorized repair center. If your TV is newly purchased, it might be covered by the warranty which can save you additional costs.  

The post Samsung TV Problems: What’s Causing Them and How You Might Fix Them appeared first on The Product Analyst.

from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/samsung-tv-problems/

Samsung TV Not Connecting to WiFi? Here are 9 Surefire Ways to Fix It

Your TV not connecting to the WiFi can be a huge buzzkill while unwinding after a long day. If that’s what you’re experiencing with your Samsung unit, don’t worry – our technical team tested these solutions for you. We’ll show you how to easily solve your smart TV problem!

How to Fix Samsung Smart TVs Internet Connectivity Issues

Let’s dive headfirst and look into the appropriate fixes for any internet connection problems with your Samsung smart TV.

Fix #1: Restart Your Samsung Smart TV

Your network settings sometimes get wonky because of a bug Samsung TVs can have. This occurs after using your remote to turn the TV off and leaving it off for over 15 minutes. Restarting your Samsung TV easily gets rid of that bug. Here’s how:

1. Turn on your TV, leave your TV running for 5 minutes.
2. Unplug your TV’s cable directly from the wall instead of using your TV remote.
3. Wait for 20 minutes, restart your TV.
4. Turn your TV on and try to connect to your WiFi router to check if the issue is resolved.

Fix #2: Reset Your Internet Connection

If the above fix doesn’t work, there’s a possibility your Wi-Fi could be the problem. It could be issues with the WiFi service itself or DNS settings. For this scenario, restarting your internet modem to restore its default router settings should work. Simply follow these steps:

1. Turn your WiFi router off.
2. Wait for 10 minutes.
3. Turn it back on.
4. Let your router properly configure its internet settings.
5. Try to reconnect your TV to the WiFi network to check if the problem persists.

Fix #3: Change Your Internet Connection

This is a solution for instances where your router is blocking the MAC address of your Samsung TV. Having that MAC address blocked prevents you from connecting to your Wi-Fi.

Here’s how you can check if that’s your issue:

1. Go to the WiFi settings of your TV
2. Turn on the hotspot of your mobile phone
3. Connect to your mobile device’s internet and see if the problem is resolved. (Hint: If your TV connects to your mobile hotspot, your TV’s MAC address is likely being blocked by your wireless router.)
4. Contact your internet service provider to unblock your TV’s MAC address

Fix #4: Update Firmware Version

Having outdated firmware can prevent your Samsung TV from connecting to WiFi [1] or any wireless network. If this is the case, you’ll need to download the latest firmware.

(Note: Perform this update according to your TV’s model, your region, and make sure you get the latest version.)

For this scenario, because you can’t establish a proper WiFi connection, you’ll need a wired network and your PC. Here’s how:

1. Go to Samsung’s Download Center, select the correct Samsung TV model.
2. Click Download, make sure you get the latest software.
3. Once finished, extract the files to an empty USB.
4. Remove any waste files and extra symbols or numbers your PC may have added.
5. Connect your USB to your TV, press Menu on your remote.
6. Select Support.
7. Choose Software Upgrade.
8. Select By USB.
9. Choose OK, wait for the installation to finish.
10. Re-enter your WiFi password, try to connect to your WiFi, and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix #5: Reset Network Settings

If your Samsung TV doesn’t detect any wireless network, the issue may be your TV’s network configurations. Here’s how to reset it:

1. Press Home on your remote.
2. Select Settings, pick General, then Network .
3. Choose Reset Network and click Yes.
4. Restart your TV and make sure your network is configured properly.

Fix #6: Reconfigure Your DNS Settings

If you still can’t connect to the internet, it’s possible your TV’s DNS settings are conflicting with your internet router. Here’s how you can refresh your DNS settings:

1. Press Menu on your remote and go to Settings.
2. Choose Network, then select Network Settings.
3. Go to Start, then choose IP Settings.
4. Pick DNS Mode, make sure that Manual mode is checked green, then press OK.
5. Input 8888, press OK.
6. If the DNS settings were the problem, you should now have internet access. To update your Samsung TV and reset its programs, just click on the Samsung Smart Hub button.

Fix #7: Perform a Hard Reboot

Performing a hard reboot on your Samsung TV fixes this issue in some instances. Here’s how to do it:

1. Long-press the Power button on your remote.
2. Keep it pressed while your TV reboots.
3. Release it once you see the Samsung logo.
4. Try to connect to your WiFi to see if it fixed your issue.

Fix #8: Reset Smart Hub

Resetting your TV doesn’t necessarily reset your smart apps. Before trying a factory reset, do this first. Here’s how to reset your TV’s Smart Hub:

1. Turn your TV on, press the Smart Hub button on your remote
2. Select Tools, then Settings.
3. Pick Reset, and you’ll see a password screen.
4. Input 0000 (Samsung default password) in the password screen.
5. You’ll see a confirmation message once it’s done.

Fix #9: Perform a Factory Reset

You should perform a factory reset in case the previous solutions don’t work. This restores all your TV settings back to default. Simply follow these steps:

1. Go to Menu, then select Support.
2. Pick Self Diagnosis, then choose Reset.
3. Enter the Samsung default password, 0000.
4. Select Yes.
5. Once done, wait for your TV’s reconfiguration to finish.
6. Try to connect to your Wi-Fi network to check if your issue is resolved.

Note: If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, you might be dealing with a hardware issue.

Conclusion

Samsung smart TV internet connection issues can be frustrating and consulting a professional repair service should be your last resort. Our technical team hopes these solutions for your Samsung TV not connecting to WiFi worked for you!

We’ll conclude by leaving you with some tips:

• You can check your TV’s Network Status and inspect for any issues
• When using a wired connection, make sure it’s properly connected and your cable is undamaged.
• Disconnect all Wi-Fi devices and make sure there are no other devices connected when performing the above fixes.

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from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/samsung-tv-not-connecting-to-wifi/

How to Download Apps on Samsung Smart TV: 3 Easy Steps

Excited to use your new Samsung Smart TV? Want to watch the latest series on your favorite streaming platform applications?

If you’re unsure how you can download apps on your TV, you’ve come to the right place. In three easy steps, you’ll be able to install and use your applications on your smart TV.

Three Simple Steps to Download Applications on Your
Samsung Smart TV

Downloading apps on your smart TV is easy! Note that these steps work for Samsung Smart TVs that were released from 2011 onwards. In a matter of minutes, you will have your favorite TV apps installed.

Step #1: Check Internet Connection

The first thing you need to do is to make sure your smart TV is connected to the internet. After that do the following steps:

1. Grab your remote control and press the button for “Settings”. It should open a pop-up window or panel.
2. Look for “Network”. This will direct you to Network Status and Available Network Connections.
3.  Choose where to connect your smart TV. (For a seamless experience, make sure the WiFi connection is nearby and stable.)
4. If your connection has a password, enter the password with your remote.

Check if your TV has successfully connected to the internet. If not, retry the steps above until it is indicated that your TV is connected. If your TV has access to the internet, move to the next step.

Step #2: Open App Store

Once you’re connected to the internet, you can go back and exit Settings.

Alternatively, you can press the “Home” button. Once you’re on the page, do the following: 

1. Scroll through the panels until you see “APPS”.

2. Select “APPS” to open the window, look for the Search icon which should be on the upper right corner. Hint: Look for the magnifying glass icon. This will open the search bar.

3. From here, you can TYPE IN the name of the app you want to download. You’ll also see other exciting apps as well as the latest apps that you can install.

4. Once you click on the app, it will show you relevant data, in-app screenshots, and information about the app.

5. If you scroll down, you’ll also find other related applications on Samsung that you can download!

Step #3: Download

If you have the correct app you are looking for, select “Install” to initiate the installation process.

Once the app has been downloaded, you should be able to see it from the panel when you open the “APPS” window. And there you have it, You can now start using your applications, or watch Netflix or your favorite TV shows on HBO.

Where to Find Your Downloaded Applications

If you already know how to download apps on a Samsung Smart TV and want to see your app list, you need to go to the home screen. To do this, just press the “Home” button. It will open a panel where you can see each app on your Samsung Smart TV.

How to Move An App

Samsung Smart TVs have the option to let you manage and arrange apps the way you want to see in your smart TV’s home screen.

1. Press the “Home” button.
2. Look for the app you want to move. Once it’s highlighted, press the “Down” key to expand options.
3. Select “Move” then toggle the directional keys to move your app according to preference.

FAQ

How Do I Create a New Account?

The first time you set up your TV or before you can start installing apps, the TV will prompt you to set up your account. You need only to follow the steps indicated on the screen.

How Do I Automatically Update My Applications?

To get the latest features of your installed applications, you can turn on the auto-update feature so that your Samsung Smart TV will automatically install updates for you.

1. Get your remote control and press the “Home” button. Afterward, select “APPS”.
2. Go to the “Settings” which you’ll find in the upper right corner.

Look for the “Auto Update”; make sure it’s turned On.

Where Is the App Store on Samsung TV?

Click on the “Home” or “Smart Hub” button. Scroll through the shortcuts until you find the “APPS” button, the logo with four circles.

Why Can’t I Download an App?

The most common reason why you can’t download an app is that you need to update your TV software. If you are downloading a new app, most likely, it will only run on the latest software.

To check for software updates, go to “Settings” then go to “Support”. Look for “Software Update” then click on “Update Now” to proceed.

What Do These App Icons Mean?

The application is installed on your TV.

The app icon means the application is installed on your USB drive.

The app needs updating

How Do I Install Third Party Applications on My Samsung Smart TV?

Before you can download third-party apps, you need to change your TV settings:

1. Press “Home” on your remote control then go to “Settings”.
2. Navigate to “Personal Tab” then select “Security Option”.
3. Scroll through the options until you find “Unknown Sources”. Turn this to ON.

However, this only means you can run the third-party app but NOT download it directly to your smart TV in the Apps Section.

You still need to download the third-party app (apk file [1]) from an online source using your computer. Once you’re done, you need to transfer it using a USB device, then install it on your TV.

Why Can’t I Find Some Apps on Samsung Smart TV?

In contrast to the Android TV, the Samsung Smart TV does not run on a common Operating System.

This means it doesn’t contain an extensive apps section but rather, uses Smart Hub where you can just search for the app you want then open or download it. Remember, the “Smart Hub” is like your TV’s intelligent menu system – this is where you will see all TV functions, download an app, or even browse the web.

In the Smart Hub, you’ll also be able to access your music files, movies, photos, applications (only in apk file), including all the files from your USB device.

However, if you still can’t find some options in the Smart Hub, there may be chances that your geography limits your access to select apps or your software needs updating.

Conclusion

That ends our guide on how to download apps on Samsung Smart TV. 

Our technical team hopes you find this content helpful. Make sure to follow the steps above and you’ll be downloading your favorite applications to your Samsung TV in no time. Remember, regularly update your smart TV in order to keep your TV and systems at its best performance.

The post How to Download Apps on Samsung Smart TV: 3 Easy Steps appeared first on The Product Analyst.

from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/how-to-download-apps-on-samsung-smart-tv/

How to Update Samsung Smart TV: A Step-by-Step Procedure

Even with the hustle and bustle of life, it’s important to ensure that all your devices like your Samsung Smart TVs are updated.

Before beginning the update process, check if you can install and download the latest software update for your Samsung Smart TV. If not, read on to view the steps needed.

Instructions

The first step on how to update a Samsung Smart TV is to check if you have a stable internet connection. With this, you’re all set to successfully execute a Samsung TV software update. Follow the next steps to update your system software and firmware.

Step #1: Forming Connections

Check your TV model and model number to ensure that it’s compatible with the latest system software.

No need to worry if your TV isn’t a new version or model. What matters is that your Samsung TV has sufficient capacity to download and install new updates.

Step #2: Edit Settings

Using your TV remote control, look for the Settings menu, then select Support. Afterward, press Software Update, and then select Update Now.

Step #3: Installation

Your Samsung TV will automatically download and install the latest update whenever you apply for a new system software or firmware update.

Unfortunately, this means that it might take a few minutes before you get to watch TV, so try to find other ways to relax while the download procedure is ongoing.

Step #4: Auto Update

You may enable automatic updates if you wish to avoid constantly downloading and installing the latest system software and firmware versions of your Smart TV.

If you choose to select Auto Update for your Samsung TV software, your system may restart automatically to update automatically.

Alternative: Update via USB Drive

Another way to update software would be through your USB drive or other USB devices. Make sure to have your USB drive on hand before proceeding.

#1: Center of Operations

Use your remote to look for the “Samsung Download Center” option on your Samsung Smart TV. Select the “Manuals & Software Downloads” option.

You may either choose to select the Product Type (which will lead you to search for your Samsung TV) or click on Enter Model Number (which will lead you towards the support page for your TV).

#2: USB Type

Look for the file entitled Upgrade File (USB Type) and select download. Make sure that the download path is on your computer. Look for the firmware file among your downloads and unzip the compressed file to get the file contents.

Now, browse through your folders and downloads until you find the software update files.

#3: Download Path (USB Drive)

Some users choose to save the extracted file to a computer folder but don’t be tempted to make the same mistake. Make sure to save the file to a USB flash drive so you can transfer it later on.

#4: Connecting Your USB Drive

Your USB port should be located at the back of your Samsung TV. As soon as you find it, plug in the USB drive. Just like a road with multiple forks, there are also various paths you can follow depending on the version of your Samsung TV:

• 2016-2018 Models: Settings > Choose Support > Select Software Update > Select Update Now
• 2015 Models: Menu button > Select Support > Select Software Update > Press Enter
• 2014 Models: Support > Select Software Update > Choose Update Now

Troubleshooting Your TV: How to Fix Bugs

Sometimes things don’t go your way, and problems may arise as you update your Samsung TV. Some users have reported that trying a system reset or resetting the Smart Hub helped.

What if the update option still isn’t working? If this is the case, don’t fret. Check if your Software Update option is colored grey. If it is, it might be because your Samsung TV isn’t connected to the internet.

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

#1: Internet Connection Status

Are you currently holding onto your remote? Press the Home button, then select Settings.

The Network option should appear on your TV screen. Click it, and then look for the Network Status option. Unlike the personal status section usually found on Facebook accounts, the Network Status lets you know if you’re currently connected to the internet.

#2: Tips and Tricks

If your device isn’t connected, various on-screen instructions will appear on your Samsung Smart TV, which will guide you in reconnecting your Smart TV to your WiFi.

#3: Fix Bugs

If you’re still encountering software or firmware problems, make sure to message Samsung Customer Service to get help for your Samsung TV software update!

App Version 2.0

If your busy schedule kept you from checking whether you’ve already downloaded the new version of an app [1], don’t worry. Here are a few steps to help you stay updated.

Make sure to check your current version of Smart Hub to see if you can access various features:

Older Models

1. Featured Apps

Press the Smart Hub button and go to the Featured option. Maybe you want to update COD or FB to get the latest features. Look for the respective app, then tap and hold the Enter button until a sub-menu pops up.

2. List of Options

Go to Update Apps, then click Select All and Update. This makes it easier for you to update all of the selected apps instead of manually updating them.

3. Slow and Steady

A progress bar will then pop up on your TV screen to show you the status of your app downloads. Try reading a book while waiting!

Latest Models

1. App Settings

Tap the Home button on your remote and select the Apps option on your TV. Look for the gear/cog icon to go to the Settings option, then tap Enter.

2. Auto-Update Options

If you wish to enable the Auto Update option for your apps, tap Enter to enable or disable the auto-update function.

Conclusion

This concludes our guide on how to update a Samsung Smart TV. You can now get back to watching TV comfortably. Make sure to constantly be aware of the latest software update or software upgrade so that you don’t have to update your device constantly.

The post How to Update Samsung Smart TV: A Step-by-Step Procedure appeared first on The Product Analyst.

from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/how-to-update-samsung-smart-tv/