You're sitting there, remote in hand, ready to binge that new show everyone is talking about, but the app won't open. It just hangs. Or maybe the UI feels sluggish, like it's wading through digital molasses. Usually, this means one thing: you need to update LG TV software. It sounds simple. It should be simple. But if you’ve spent any time with webOS, you know that the "Check for Updates" button sometimes feels like a suggestion rather than a command.
Software updates aren't just about getting fancy new icons or slightly snappier menus. They are critical. LG periodically pushes firmware to fix "handshake" issues with HDMI 2.1 devices, patch security vulnerabilities in the Linux-based kernel, and—most importantly for many—keep apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube from crashing. If your firmware version is too old, the API keys the apps use to talk to the servers expire. Then, you're looking at a black screen.
Let’s get into the weeds of how this actually works.
The Standard Way to Update LG TV via webOS
Most people start here. It’s the obvious path. You grab that Magic Remote, hit the gear icon, and start digging. But the path changes depending on whether you’re rocking an older C1 or a brand-new G4 OLED.
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For most modern LG sets (anything from the last few years), you’ll want to head into All Settings. From there, you look for Support. Inside that menu, there’s a section called Software Update. If you see a version number like 03.33.85 or 13.30.55, you’re in the right place. Tap Check for Updates. If the TV finds something, it starts downloading in the background. You can keep watching TV while this happens. Honestly, it’s pretty seamless when it works.
Older models—think 2018 or earlier—hide this under General > About This TV. It’s a bit more buried.
One thing that drives people crazy is the "Allow Automatic Updates" toggle. You’d think turning this on means you never have to worry about it again. Sadly, that’s not always the case. LG often rolls out updates in "waves" based on region or serial number blocks. Your neighbor might have the new firmware a week before you do. Even with auto-update on, the TV usually waits until it's been in standby for a certain amount of time to actually apply the patch. If you’re a power user who unplugs their gear at night, you might be blocking your own updates.
When the "Check for Update" Button Fails You
Sometimes the TV says "No updates found" even though you’ve seen a Reddit thread or a post on AVS Forum claiming a new version is out. This is frustrating. It happens because the Over-The-Air (OTA) servers are congested or your specific region hasn't been "greenlit" yet.
There is a workaround. It’s the "Manual USB Method."
You'll need a computer and a FAT32 formatted USB drive. Go to the LG Software & Drivers support page. You have to type in your exact model number—don't guess. If you have an OLED65C3PUA, make sure you don't download the file for the B3 or the G3. They are different. Once you find the firmware file (it’s usually a large .zip or .epk file), download it.
Here is the part everyone gets wrong: The folder structure. Your LG TV is picky. It won't see the file if it's just sitting on the root of the drive. You must create a folder named exactly LG_DTV (all caps) on the USB stick. Drop the firmware file inside that folder. Plug it into the TV’s USB port. A popup should appear saying "Drive Connected," followed shortly by a prompt asking if you want to start the update.
Dealing with the "Insufficient Memory" Error
You try to update LG TV and get a message saying there isn't enough space. This is a common headache on the "A" and "B" series OLEDs or the lower-end NanoCell sets that don't have massive internal flash storage.
The webOS system keeps a cache. Apps like TikTok (why is that even on a TV?) or various pre-installed "Life" apps eat up room. To fix this, you have to go on a deleting spree. Remove every app you don't use daily. Go to the LG Content Store, hit "My Apps," and start purging. Sometimes, a "Power Cycle" helps too. Unplug the TV from the wall, hold the physical power button on the frame for 20 seconds to drain the capacitors, and plug it back in. This clears out temporary system files that might be blocking the update from unpacking.
Why Some Updates Break Features
There’s a reason some enthusiasts wait before clicking "Update." In the past, certain LG firmware releases accidentally changed the "Black Level" settings or messed with the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) performance for gamers.
For instance, there was a famous instance with the CX series where an update slightly lowered the peak brightness in HDR Game Mode to prevent aggressive OLED burn-in. The community noticed immediately. If you are a hardcore gamer using a PS5 or an RTX 4090, it’s actually a smart move to check sites like Rtings or FlatpanelsHD before jumping on a brand-new firmware.
Wait 48 hours. See if the forums are screaming. If it’s quiet, go ahead and update.
The Secret "In-Start" Menu (Use with Caution)
There is a hidden service menu that technicians use. You usually need a special service remote (available for ten bucks online) to access it. Inside this menu, you can actually change the "Update Server" from "User" to "QA" or "Engineering."
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I don't recommend this for most people.
Accessing engineering builds can give you features early, but it can also "brick" your TV—turning your expensive OLED into a very heavy glass paperweight. If you brick it using an engineering firmware, LG’s warranty likely won't cover it. Stick to the consumer releases unless you really know your way around an RS-232 port.
Network Settings and DNS Issues
If your TV keeps saying "The server cannot be reached," it might not be LG's fault. It might be your DNS. Many people use custom DNS settings or AdGuard on their routers to block ads. Sometimes these filters catch the LG update servers (like snu.lge.com) by mistake.
Try switching your TV's network settings to "Manual" and set the DNS to Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1). This often bypasses ISP-level routing issues that prevent the update handshake from completing. Also, if you’re on Wi-Fi and the update is crawling, try a temporary Ethernet cable. LG's Wi-Fi modules, especially on older sets, are notorious for interference issues that can corrupt a firmware download mid-stream.
Actionable Steps for a Successful Update
If you’ve been putting this off, follow this specific sequence to ensure nothing goes sideways.
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First, check your current version. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and write down the number. Then, perform a "Quick Start+" toggle. Turning Quick Start+ off and then on again forces the system to refresh its background processes.
Second, check your storage. If you have less than 1GB of free space, delete the apps you don't use. This gives the update "room to breathe" while it's extracting.
Third, if the OTA (Over-The-Air) update is failing, don't keep clicking the button. It won't magically work the tenth time. Switch to the USB method described above. It is the most reliable way to force a change. Ensure the drive is FAT32; NTFS or exFAT formatted drives often won't be recognized by the TV's internal bootloader.
Finally, once the update finishes, don't just start watching. Do a "Hard Restart." Turn the TV off, unplug it for 60 seconds, and plug it back in. This ensures the new firmware is fully initialized across all hardware components, including the HDMI controller and the SoC (System on a Chip). You’ll likely notice the UI is smoother immediately after this cold boot.
Keeping your LG TV current isn't just about the latest features; it's about making sure the hardware you paid thousands for continues to function with the ever-changing streaming standards of 2026.