How to Update LG TV WebOS Software Safely
Keeping your LG TV's webOS software up to date improves app performance, patches security issues, and occasionally fixes bugs affecting picture or sound. However, updates that are interrupted or applied incorrectly can cause more problems than they solve, so it's worth doing this carefully.
Why Software Updates Matter
WebOS updates aren't just cosmetic; they often include fixes for specific bugs LG has identified, improved compatibility with streaming apps, and occasionally new features for supported models. Skipping updates for long periods can also mean some apps stop working correctly, since app developers build against newer webOS versions over time.
Checking Your Current WebOS Version
Before updating, it helps to know what version you're currently running. Go to Settings, then General, then About This TV, where the current software version is listed. This is also useful information to have on hand if you ever need to describe a fault to a technician, since some bugs are specific to particular firmware versions.
Step 1: Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi Network
A stable internet connection is essential before starting any update. Updates interrupted partway through due to a dropped connection are one of the most common causes of software corruption on smart TVs. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak in the room where the TV is set up, consider connecting via an Ethernet cable for the update process instead.
Step 2: Check for Available Updates
Navigate to Settings, then General, then About This TV, and select Check for Updates. If an update is available, the TV will prompt you to download and install it. On most LG models, you can also enable automatic updates from this same menu so future updates install without manual checking.
Step 3: Ensure the TV Has Stable Power
Never start a software update if there's a risk of a power outage, and avoid updating during a storm if your area experiences unstable power supply. If possible, connect the TV to an uninterruptible power supply or surge protector during the update process, since a power cut mid-update is one of the leading causes of TVs becoming stuck in a boot loop afterward.
Step 4: Let the Update Run Completely
Once the update begins downloading and installing, avoid pressing any buttons on the remote, unplugging the TV, or turning off the power at the wall. The screen may go black, restart, or show a progress bar during this process, and this is normal. Interrupting an update at this stage can corrupt the firmware and leave the TV unresponsive.
Step 5: Confirm the Update Was Successful
After the TV restarts, go back to Settings, then General, then About This TV to confirm the new version number is showing correctly. Test a few apps and inputs afterward to make sure everything is functioning as expected.
What to Do If an Update Fails or Freezes
If the TV gets stuck on a loading screen or LG logo for an extended period during an update, first give it time, since some updates can genuinely take longer than expected. If it remains stuck for over 30 minutes with no progress, a soft reset by unplugging the TV for 60 seconds may allow it to recover and resume. If the TV becomes completely unresponsive after a failed update, this is a firmware corruption issue that typically requires a technician to reflash the software using specialized tools, since it can no longer be fixed through the standard settings menu.
Preventing Future Update Problems
Keeping automatic updates enabled, ensuring the TV is on a stable power source, and doing occasional soft resets to clear temporary memory buildup all help reduce the chances of running into update-related issues down the line.