When you start noticing that your smart TV is slowing down, it can be a pain for homeowners. Nonetheless, there is a silver lining to this problem. Here are solutions you can apply when your smart TV is slow.
Smart TVs get slow for one of four reasons:
- Slow internet connection
- Smart TV getting old
- Software updates
- Full TV Memory
To fix a slow smart TV, try one of these four fixes:
- Restart your router
- New TV
- Download and install software updates
- Delete some apps
A slow smart TV is like a slow smartphone; you can fix it, and it should be a sign that you may need an upgrade soon. Regardless, there are solutions to this problem that you can apply before heading on to the last resort. If you’re interested in how you can fix your slow smart TV, then you’re welcome to keep reading.
The Reasons Why Your Smart TV Is Slow
A slow smart TV is a pain in the neck; it takes eons before opening Youtube and other apps like Twitch. The good thing about it, it’s that it’s not a bug or an unwanted virus. It could just be one of the following issues.
Please note that we have listed these problems according to ease of solving—more on this method below.
1. Slow internet connection
Many people don’t know this, but your internet connection is a prime suspect as to why your smart TV is slowing down. Most of the time, you’re using the internet to run apps and stream content on your smart TV.
So if your WiFi connection is poor, there is a high chance that your smart TV will slow down.
Sometimes, if your internet connection is slow and your smart TV is conducting software updates in the background, it could cause your smart TV to slow down.
2. Unfortunately, Your TV Is Getting Old
It might be a hard pill to swallow, but all good things must come to an end. Sometimes, your TV is too old, and the slowing down is a testament to its age.
Not only that, but old smart TVs can no longer receive updates from the developers, which isn’t an ideal scenario for the longevity of your smart TV.
Look at the bright side; you get a newer and faster smart TV. Nevertheless, this reason should be your last resort as a smart TV owner. But it should be an option you should keep open.
3. Software Updates
The following reason why your smart TV is slowing down is that you have software updates that require installation. Software updates are important because they solve any software issues that the developers need to address.
So if your smart TV did not automatically download and install those updates, the software issues that may be present on your smart TV would persist. So you’re left with a slow TV because it has too many problems that need solutions.
4. Your TV memory is full
If you’ve experienced a full smartphone memory, you can understand this reason. On the other hand, if you haven’t, here’s how it works.
If you have full memory, your CPU (both smartphones and smart TVs have CPUs) cannot run correctly.
Your CPU is like the heart of your smart device (whether smartphone, smart TV, or computer), so if you have a full memory, your CPU doesn’t have enough (or any space at all) to work adequately.
End of Manufacturer Support
Another thing that can cause a slow smart TV is the manufacturer (whether Samsung, Sony, TCL, etc.) ceases supporting your smart TV version. It means that you no longer receive software updates or app updates to your smart TV.
As shared earlier, software updates are crucial to ensure the resolution of software issues in devices. So if you’re not receiving those software updates, your device isn’t going to improve.
Why do manufacturers do this? Manufacturers stop supporting old smart TVs because the hardware on those TVs can no longer handle the software updates.
If they did receive those updates, there’s a high chance that the smart TV will inevitably crash and burn.
Troubleshooting Your Smart TV
Now that we have highlighted the main reasons behind a slow TV, it’s time to understand how you can troubleshoot. What is troubleshooting anyway?
Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and solving severe problems on computer-like devices. Your smart TV falls in the category of computer-like devices because it has a CPU.
It functions similarly to a computer and smartphone, except it doesn’t have tools like Office 365.
Why is troubleshooting necessary anyway? Troubleshooting allows you to determine which solution fits you best. You can restart your smart TV (one solution, actually, but you can find more on those below), but your TV won’t run any faster.
So if you use the troubleshooting process, you can correctly pinpoint the cause and solution to your problem. A great thing to add is that experts use this process to solve device problems.
So if you called in a professional, they would conduct the troubleshooting process as well. It’s one of the tools that will help you fix your smart TV.
So how do you troubleshoot your smart TV? Well, troubleshooting has a series of steps that you can follow. Please note that these steps are specifically for smart TVs. We curated it just for you.
One more thing, you can use this troubleshooting process for any other problem your smart TV may have. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.
Identify The Problem
Fortunately, you already did this step. You observed and noted that your TV is slowing down. But at what times does it slow down? Is it slow all the time? Is it slow when you’re using Youtube?
Now, these questions call for step two of the troubleshooting process.
Establish A Probable Cause
Next up is to test at what specific times you notice your TV slowing down. Here are some probable scenarios:
- Could it be when you’re on Youtube?
- Could it be when your switching apps?
- Or could it be when you’re clicking onto your HDMI setups?
Note down the moments when your TV starts slowing down.
Test The Theory
This step is just a confirmation step; you want to recreate the moments when your smart TV is slowing down and confirm when it starts to slow down. You’re essentially recreating the problem to confirm your initial hypothesis.
Establish A Plan Of Action To Fix The Problem
You can’t make up solutions, but this article has listed potential solutions to your smart TV problem. These solutions act as the plan you need to fix your slow smart TV problem.
So be sure to keep reading on how you can solve your slow smart TV.
Ensure That Everything Is Running Efficiently
This step is the last one, and you want to confirm that everything is fine and dandy. Please note that the troubleshooting process is iterative (meaning that it’s repetitive); you check if you solved the problem with every solution.
If the problem persists, you will have to start again with new hypotheses to check.
Tip: We have categorized these solutions from the easiest to the hardest. So take your time going through them. It would be best to prepare for the worst because there’s no assurance that these solutions will solve the problem.
Keep in mind that you might need to turn to the last resort if it goes badly. The troubleshooting process isn’t an answer, but a means to an end. The end might be slightly different.
7 Ways To Fix Your Slow Smart TV
Now that we’re at the heart of the article, it’s time to list down ways you can fix your smart TV. Step three of the troubleshooting process falls under this category. Here’s what you can do when your smart TV is slow.
1. Restart Your TV
Restarting your TV is the best and easiest way to solve a slow smart TV. All you have to do is unplug it from the power source, keep it off for around three to five minutes, plug it back in again, and switch it on. The problem should be gone by now.
2. Restart Your Router
The next solution you can try is restarting your router. If you notice that your WiFi might cause the problem, your first response is to restart your router.
Similar to restating your TV, unplug it from the power source for three to five minutes, and then plug it in again. It should allow the router to restart. Check again if the problem persists.
3. Check If You Have Any Massive Downloads Consuming Your Bandwidth
Your WiFi might be slow because you or someone around you is consuming a lot of bandwidth. You can wait till it’s complete to try again, or you could pause it to resolve the problem.
4. Check Your WiFi Speed
If the problem persists, you can conduct a speed test. Take your phone, Google search ‘WiFi speed test.’
Conduct a speed test, and if the numbers aren’t what your ISP (Internet service provider) should provide, it’s time to give your ISP a call and have them resolve the slow WiFi issue.
5. Download And Install Software Updates
Check for software updates on your TV settings. If you have any pending software updates, give your smart TV a couple of hours to download and install them. Software updates are essential, and you need to conduct them regularly.
6. Delete Some Apps
If your TV memory is full, it’s time to delete some unwanted apps. If you have any games consuming a large portion of your memory, it would be in your best interest to delete them.
Some smart TVs come with a camera; if you used it and have pictures in storage, it would be best to go to your camera folder and delete them.
If you downloaded other less-important things on your TV, it would be best to delete those as well. Prioritize smaller-sized apps and the rest you can use on either your phone or computer; an even better option would be to get a console.
7. Get A New Smart TV
Please note that this solution is a last resort to the entire saga. If none of the following solutions work out for you and you cannot stand a slow smart TV, it might be best to buy a new smart TV.
Most people don’t know that 4K TVs will become the norm in households in the next five to ten years. Currently, manufacturers no longer manufacture 1080p TVs anymore; all new releases are completely 4K TVs.
So you could think that buying a new TV is an investment for the future. Many gaming consoles and games are turning to support 4K.
Dolby Atmos and 4K TVs are going hand-in-hand in the market right now, looking like an even more significant incentive than before.
Smart TV FAQs
Why Does My Screen Go Black, When Watching Netflix?
The most likely cause is that your smart TV does not have the proper hardware or software to run Netflix. You might need to update your software or buy a new TV.
It’s not common to upgrade TV specs, so the best alternative is to buy a new smart TV and get to watch your favorite Netflix shows uninhibited.
Can You Upgrade Smart TV Hardware?
Unfortunately, most brands do not give you the option of upgrading the hardware. You cannot change the network card, neither can you change the motherboard. There are no professionals that can conduct a hardware upgrade for a smart TV. You will have to buy a newer model.
Can You Change Your Smart TV OS?
Unfortunately, you cannot change the operating system on your smart TV. Remember that a smart TV is like a computer; it’s not a complete computer.
Sources
- Roy D, 4 Reasons Your Smart TV Is Slow and What to Do About It, Home Theatre Heroes, https://hometheaterheroes.com/4-reasons-your-smart-tv-is-slow-and-what-to-do-about-it/
- Samsung, TV Takes A Long Time To Turn On Or Has Other Random Glitches, Samsung, https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01205506/
- Cisco, Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Cisco Press, https://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2999386&seqNum=5
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.