If your Samsung TV apps are not running properly, it’s time to find a way to successfully troubleshoot the issue. There can be many reasons why your Samsung TV apps might not be working just right. But how can you find the right solution to the problem?
The most common fix for malfunctioning Samsung TVs is to do a soft reset. Next, Try unplugging your TV from the outlet, wait a couple of minutes, then plug it back in. Other times, it can be a problem with your internet network or connection. The worst-case scenario of it being an issue with the TV itself is highly unlikely.
Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to begin. Luckily, we have the best answers here for you already.
Troubleshooting Samsung TV Apps Aren’t Working
1. Try A Cold Reboot
First, let’s try the oldest trick in the book. Turning your TV off and back on again, not just putting it to sleep, is an easy way to troubleshoot most TV problems.
You can do a cold reboot on your Samsung TV by either using the remote or unplugging the TV entirely.
You can perform a reset on your Samsung TV first with your remote. To do this, press and hold the power button on the remote for about 5 seconds and wait until the TV turns off and on again.
If this doesn’t work, you can also unplug your TV cord directly from the power socket. Make sure you give it some time to sit (around 30 seconds to a couple of minutes) before plugging it back in.
2. Refresh Your WiFi Network
Sometimes, when your Samsung TV apps aren’t working properly it’s because they don’t have a stable internet connection. It’s difficult for applications to run properly when they don’t have an adequate network connection.
One quick and easy way to revitalize your Samsung TV’s network connection is by refreshing your WiFi network.
To reset your WiFi network, follow these steps:
- Unplug your modem and router
- Wait for 3 to 5 minutes
- Plug back in your modem first, then your router
Keep in mind that you will need to plug back in your modem first! Give it time to process, before then plugging back in your router.
3. Change Your WiFi DNS Settings
One of the more elaborate ways to troubleshoot issues with your Samsung TV apps is by changing your WiFi DNS settings.
The Domain Server Name (DNS) is what essentially translates web addresses to readable IP addresses. Your home internet network depends on a DNS to run properly. Having the right DNS settings is essential for all your devices and applications to work correctly.
So, when your WiFi DNS settings are faulty, it can be one of the reasons why your Samsung TV apps aren’t working!
To change the WiFi DNS settings on your Samsung TV, start by navigating to your Settings menu. Select General, then click on Network. Then, choose Network Status and finally select IP Settings.
Here, you can see the DNS server you have in your IP Settings menu. You can then change the DNS server to whatever you would like it to be.
There are some free DNS servers available that you can use to try and give your network speed a little boost! The DNS servers “8.8.8.8.” and “8.8.4.4.” are free for Google.
4. Check Each App On Your Samsung TV
For some apps, any issues they may be having could be from the app itself. You can troubleshoot Samsung TV app malfunctions by reconfiguring the app’s settings.
In your Samsung SmartHub, first, double-check to see if the app has any available updates. Make sure that any new application updates are installed.
Another way to try and fix any app issues is by uninstalling and reinstalling the app. To do this, go to Settings and select whatever app you are working on. Select Uninstall and wait a couple of minutes for the entire application to be uninstalled from your Samsung TV.
After that, go ahead and reinstall the app.
5. Update Your Samsung TV Firmware
A likely reason that your Samsung apps aren’t properly functioning is that they are outdated. A great way to troubleshoot misbehaving apps is by updating your TV’s software.
You can either update your Samsung TV software through the TV menu or by downloading the software directly through the Samsung Support site with a USB drive.
To update your Samsung TV software with your TV menu, start by pressing the Home button on your remote controller. Select Support then choose the Software Update option.
You can also try downloading Samsung’s latest software to a USB stick to transfer to your Samsung TV.
To do this, start by going to Samsung’s support website. Enter your Samsung TV model number in the search bar, then scroll down to the Manuals & Downloads section.
Find the latest Upgrade File (USB Type) and click the download button. It will save to your computer as either a .zip or a .exe file.
To transfer the.zip file to a USB drive, you will need to extract the files.
For a .exe file, double-click the icon to open a new pop-up window. Select your USB stick as the Destination folder, and then click Extract.
After you successfully have the updated software saved to a USB drive, insert the USB into the USB port on your Samsung TV. Using your remote, go to Settings, then select Software Update and hit Update Now.
6. Clear App Cache
Regularly clearing app cache and data is a great practice for any device you may have to ensure it is running smoothly.
Sometimes, if your Samsung TV apps are freezing or not working just right, clearing your app cache might do just the trick to fix it.
To clear your Samsung TV app cache, start by selecting the Home button on your remote controller. Go to Settings, then select Support. Then after clicking Device Care, navigate to the Manage Storage option.
Next will pop up the apps that you have installed on your Samsung TV. Choose the app you want to clear, hit View Details, and lastly hit Clear Cache.
7. Fix Your Slow Internet Connection
To be able to run apps like Disney Plus, Netflix, or Paramount Plus on your Samsung TV, you need to be able to provide them with enough internet to run smoothly.
A high-speed internet connection is needed to operate most apps and streaming services. Without a stable internet connection, you run the risk of your apps not properly working.
It’s common to use a wireless internet connection for our devices. However, sometimes this won’t cut it. Opting for a wired internet connection is a great way to help speed up your network connection.
In addition, it might be worthwhile to look into investing in a better router or modem or even upgrading your internet plan with increased service.
8. Reset Your Samsung SmartHub
Samsung SmartHub is the menu system for Samsung TVs that gives you access to all your TV apps. Resetting your SmartHub is a great way to troubleshoot bugged apps.
However, keep in mind that resetting your Samsung SmartHub will also sign you out of any apps you are using. Make a note of any login info, including usernames and passwords, that you may want to remember.
For Samsung TV models before 2019, you can reset your Samsung SmartHub by first pressing the Home button on your remote and then selecting Settings. Scroll down and click the Support icon, then select Self Diagnosis. Under the Self Diagnosis menu, there is an option to Reset SmartHub.
After selecting Reset SmartHub, you will be prompted to enter your PIN code for your TV. If you haven’t already set one, the default PIN code is 0000.
For Samsung TV models from 2020 and 2021, after pressing the Home button on your remote, click Settings, then navigate to the Support option. Here, you will select Device Care, then Self Diagnosis. Finally, you can then select Reset SmartHub (the default PIN code is 0000).
9. Change Your Location
When we say, “change your location”, we don’t mean to move your TV from the living room to your bedroom. Rather, we mean changing the location settings on your Samsung TV.
Certain apps sometimes have location restrictions, meaning they can only be accessed from certain regions or countries in the world.
Changing your Samsung TV location is a good way to troubleshoot apps that won’t seem to work.
For older models of Samsung TVs, you can start this by going to your SmartHub menu. You’ll then need to enter a code via your remote control. To input the code, press 2 8 9, then the fast forward button, 2 8 9 again, then the rewind button.
After successfully entering the code, you will then see the Internet Service Location Setup menu, where you can select a country from the list to be your TV’s location.
After you select Agree to the Terms of Service, you can then update and restart your Samsung TV.
However, for newer models of Samsung TVs, you need to perform an entire factory reset to change your location.
This will reset your app settings and then you can set up your Samsung TV for your desired geographical location.
To do this, open Settings, and then click General. After selecting the Reset option, you will be prompted to enter your PIN code. If you haven’t already set a PIN for your Samsung TV, the default PIN code is 0000.
Usually, The Simple Fix Is The Best Fix
Whether it’s a slow network connection or just an internal application issue, there can be many reasons why your Samsung TV apps aren’t working.
However, you don’t need to assume the worst or prematurely start looking to buy a new efficient TV. Quick fixes such as updating your TV’s software or changing your region/country are easy ways to troubleshoot at home.
Before you know it, the frustration of apps randomly freezing or closing will be behind you. Now it’s time to grab a snack, pop a new movie on your TV, and relax!
