If you’re a Roku TV user, keeping your device up to date is crucial for ensuring the best performance, security, and access to the new features. Fortunately, Roku TV updates automatically in the background when connected to the internet, so you don’t need to worry about manually checking for updates. However, there may be times when you want to perform a manual update, especially if your device is not connected to the internet or if you encounter issues during the update process. In this article, we have covered the step-by-step instructions on how to update Roku TV in detail.
Does Roku TV Update Automatically?
Yes, Roku TV updates automatically, but the process doesn’t happen exactly on a set schedule. Roku devices typically check for updates every 24-36 hours. If a new update is available and the device is connected to the Internet, Roku TV will automatically download and install the firmware in the background, so you won’t need to do anything manually.
Steps to Update Roku TV Firmware
1. After connecting the Roku TV to the WiFi, hit the Home button.
2. Locate the option Settings and select it.
3. In the Settings section, scroll down and hit System.
4. Select System update. On the next screen, you’ll see an option, “Check Now.” Click Check Now to see if there’s a firmware update.
5. If an update is available, a pop-up will display the new firmware version and details about the update. Now, choose Update Now to start the update process.
How to Update Roku TV Without Internet
If you’re setting up a new Roku TV or have encountered an issue that requires manual updating, don’t worry! Even without an internet connection, you can update the software on your Roku TV using a USB flash drive and your computer.
Before proceeding into the steps, make sure to have the things listed below.
- A Standard USB 2.0 Flash Drive (at least 256MB in size)
- A Computer to download the update file
- Roku TV (with no internet connection or setup completed)
Find Your Roku TV’s Hardware ID and Serial Number
- Hit the Home button on the TV remote.
- Go to Settings > System > About.
- Write down your Hardware ID (4 numbers followed by a letter) and Serial Number (12 characters, a mix of numbers and letters).
Download the Update File
- On your computer, open a browser and go to tvupdate.roku.com.
- Choose your Roku TV brand (e.g., Hisense, TCL, Sharp).
- Enter the Hardware ID and Serial Number from Step 1.
- Click Download Software to get the update file.
Move the Update to Your USB Flash Drive
- Insert the USB drive into the computer.
- Find the update.roku file (usually in the Downloads folder).
- Copy the update.roku file to the USB flash drive. Don’t put it in any folders; just place it directly on the drive.
- Eject the USB drive safely from the PC.
Plug the USB Drive into Roku TV
- Connect the USB drive into the USB port on your Roku TV.
- On your Roku TV, press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Go to Settings > System > System update.
- Select I can’t connect to begin the manual update process. Your TV will display a 12-digit code on the screen.
Enter the 12-digit Code on Your Computer
- Go back to your computer and enter the 12-digit code shown on your Roku TV screen.
- After entering the code, you will get a new 6-digit code on your computer.
Finish the Update on Your Roku TV
- Go back to your Roku TV and enter the 6-digit code using the Roku remote.
- The update will start, and your TV will restart once it’s done. Once the update is finished, you can remove the USB flash drive.
Can I Update the Roku TV Without a Remote?
Yes, you can update your Roku TV without a remote. The easiest way is to use The Roku App (Play Store / App Store), which is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Simply download the app, connect your phone to the same WiFi as your Roku TV, and use the app to navigate to Settings > System > System Update and update the TV.
If the app isn’t an option, try using the physical buttons on the TV (if available) to navigate to the System settings and update the firmware.
FAQ
Updates take a few minutes to download and install. The exact time depends on the update size and the speed of the internet connection. After the update is installed, your Roku TV will restart, which might take an additional minute or two.
Try restarting your Roku TV or check your internet connection to fix the problem. If the issue persists, update the Roku TV via USB Drive. If the issue still continues, contact Roku support.