Unlock Samsung TV Plus on Older TV: The Ultimate Guide

In recent years, the world of television has undergone a significant transformation, with the rise of streaming services revolutionizing the way we consume content. Among the plethora of options available, free streaming services have gained immense popularity, offering viewers access to a wide range of content without the burden of subscription fees. One such service that has captured the attention of Samsung TV owners is Samsung TV Plus.

The future of TV is apps.

Samsung TV Plus is a free, ad-supported streaming service that comes pre-installed on newer Samsung smart TVs. However, many owners of older Samsung TV models have been left wondering whether they can enjoy the benefits of this service on their existing devices. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to get Samsung TV Plus on older TV models, providing you with step-by-step instructions, alternative methods, and expert tips to enhance your viewing experience.

What is Samsung TV Plus?

Features and Benefits

Samsung TV Plus is a game-changing streaming service that offers a wide array of features and benefits to users. With over 100 channels spanning various genres, including news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle, Samsung TV Plus provides a diverse and engaging viewing experience. The service is completely free, with no hidden fees or subscriptions required, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

Content Offerings

One of the key advantages of Samsung TV Plus is its extensive content library. Users can enjoy a mix of live channels and on-demand content, ensuring there’s always something exciting to watch. The service offers popular channels such as CBS News, MTV Pluto, and Paramount Movie Channel, along with a variety of niche offerings catering to specific interests. With new channels and content added regularly, Samsung TV Plus keeps viewers entertained and engaged.

Supported Devices and Regions

While Samsung TV Plus is natively available on newer Samsung smart TVs, the service has expanded its reach to support a broader range of devices. In addition to select older Samsung TV models, users can access Samsung TV Plus on compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The service is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and more, with plans for further expansion in the future.

Compatibility Check: Is Your Older Samsung TV Supported?

Smart TV Models from 2016-2021

To determine whether your older Samsung TV is compatible with Samsung TV Plus, it’s essential to identify your TV’s model year. Samsung smart TVs released from 2016 to 2021 have a higher likelihood of supporting the service. To check your TV’s model year, locate the model code on the back of your TV or in the system settings. The model code typically starts with a letter followed by a series of numbers, with the letter indicating the year of release (e.g., K for 2016, M for 2017, N for 2018, R for 2019, T for 2020, U for 2021).

Non-Smart TV Models with One Connect Box Support

For those with older Samsung non-smart TVs, there’s still hope. Select models that support the One Connect Box can access Samsung TV Plus by upgrading to a compatible box. The One Connect Box is an external device that connects to your TV and provides smart features, including access to streaming services. However, it’s crucial to verify that your specific TV model is compatible with the One Connect Box before making a purchase.

Determining Your Samsung TV Model Year

To quickly determine your Samsung TV’s model year, follow these steps:

1. Press the Menu or Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
2. Navigate to Settings or Support.
3. Select About This TV or Contact Samsung.
4. Your TV’s model code will be displayed on the screen, indicating the year of release.

By identifying your TV’s model year, you can assess whether it’s likely to support Samsung TV Plus natively or if you’ll need to explore alternative methods to access the service.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Samsung TV Plus on a Supported Older TV

If you’ve determined that your older Samsung TV is compatible with Samsung TV Plus, follow this step-by-step guide to install and set up the service:

Connect Your Samsung TV to the Internet

To access Samsung TV Plus, your TV must be connected to the internet. If your TV is not already connected, follow these steps:

1. Press the Menu or Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
2. Navigate to Settings or General.
3. Select Network and choose Network Settings.
4. Select Wireless or Wired depending on your preferred connection method.
5. If using a wireless connection, select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. If using a wired connection, connect an Ethernet cable from your router to your TV’s LAN port.

Update Your TV’s Firmware

To ensure optimal performance and compatibility with Samsung TV Plus, it’s essential to update your TV’s firmware to the latest version. Here’s how:

1. Press the Menu or Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
2. Navigate to Settings or Support.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Choose Update Now and wait for the update process to complete. Your TV may restart during this process.

If you encounter issues with the software update, such as the “Software Update Greyed Out” error, refer to our troubleshooting guide for step-by-step solutions.

Locate and Install the Samsung TV Plus App

Once your TV is connected to the internet and updated to the latest firmware, you can proceed to install the Samsung TV Plus app. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Smart Hub, Home, or Apps button on your Samsung TV remote.
2. Navigate to the Samsung Apps or App Store.
3. Use the search function to find “Samsung TV Plus”.
4. Select the app and choose Install or Add to Home.
5. Once installed, launch the Samsung TV Plus app from your TV’s app dashboard.

Launch Samsung TV Plus and Enjoy Free Content

After installing the Samsung TV Plus app, you can start exploring the wide range of free content available. Launch the app from your TV’s app dashboard and browse through the various channels and categories. Use your remote to navigate the user-friendly interface, select channels, and start streaming your desired content.

Alternative Methods for Unsupported Samsung TVs

If your older Samsung TV is not compatible with Samsung TV Plus natively, don’t worry. There are several alternative methods you can use to access the service on your TV.

Using Streaming Devices

One of the most popular and convenient ways to get Samsung TV Plus on an unsupported TV is by using a streaming device. These compact devices connect to your TV’s HDMI port and provide access to a wide range of streaming services, including Samsung TV Plus. Some popular streaming devices include:

1. Roku Express or Streaming Stick: Roku devices are known for their user-friendly interface and extensive app library. Download the Samsung TV Plus app from the Roku Channel Store and enjoy free content on your older TV. Learn more about setting up Samsung TV Plus on Roku devices in our dedicated article.
2. Amazon Fire TV Stick: Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is another popular choice for accessing streaming services. Install the Samsung TV Plus app from the Amazon Appstore and start streaming free content on your unsupported TV.
3. Chromecast with Google TV: Google’s Chromecast with Google TV offers a seamless streaming experience with access to a wide range of apps. While Samsung TV Plus is not natively available on the Google Play Store, you can use the built-in Chromecast functionality to cast the service from your mobile device to your TV.

Casting from Your Mobile Device

If you have a compatible mobile device, you can cast Samsung TV Plus content to your older TV using screen mirroring technology. This method allows you to wirelessly stream content from your smartphone or tablet to your TV. Here’s how to do it:

For Android Smartphones and Tablets:

1. Download the Samsung TV Plus app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Ensure your Android device and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your Android device, access the Quick Settings panel and tap on the Smart View or Screen Mirroring option.
4. Select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices.
5. Launch the Samsung TV Plus app on your Android device and start casting content to your TV.

For iPhones and iPads:

1. Download the Samsung TV Plus app from the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Ensure your iOS device and Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. On your iOS device, swipe down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center.
4. Tap on the Screen Mirroring option and select your Samsung TV from the list of available devices.
5. Launch the Samsung TV Plus app on your iOS device and start casting content to your TV.

HDMI Mirroring from Your Laptop or PC

Another alternative method for accessing Samsung TV Plus on an unsupported TV is by using HDMI mirroring from your laptop or PC. This method involves connecting your computer to your TV using an HDMI cable and mirroring your computer’s display on the TV screen. Here’s how to set it up:

For Windows Devices:

1. Connect one end of an HDMI cable to your laptop’s HDMI output port and the other end to your Samsung TV’s HDMI input port.
2. On your laptop, press the Windows key + P to open the Project menu.
3. Select Duplicate or Extend to mirror or extend your laptop’s display to your TV.
4. Open a web browser on your laptop and visit the Samsung TV Plus website.
5. Sign in to your Samsung account and start streaming content on your TV.

For Mac Computers:

1. Connect one end of an HDMI cable to your Mac’s HDMI output port (or use an appropriate adapter) and the other end to your Samsung TV’s HDMI input port.
2. On your Mac, click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
3. Click on Displays and select the Arrangement tab.
4. Check the box next to Mirror Displays to mirror your Mac’s display to your TV.
5. Open a web browser on your Mac and visit the Samsung TV Plus website.
6. Sign in to your Samsung account and start streaming content on your TV.

By using these alternative methods, you can enjoy Samsung TV Plus on your older TV and access a wide range of free content.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Samsung TV Plus Experience

To get the most out of your Samsung TV Plus experience, consider these tips and tricks:

Customizing Your Channel List

Samsung TV Plus offers a vast selection of channels, but you may not be interested in all of them. To create a personalized channel list:

1. Launch the Samsung TV Plus app on your TV.
2. Navigate to the Channel List or Guide.
3. Select the channels you want to add to your favorites and press the Favorite or Star button on your remote.
4. To access your favorite channels quickly, select the Favorites tab in the Channel List or Guide.

Creating a Watchlist

If you come across a show or movie that you want to watch later, add it to your watchlist. Here’s how:

1. While browsing content on Samsung TV Plus, select a show or movie.
2. Press the Add to Watchlist or Bookmark button on your remote.
3. To access your watchlist, navigate to the Watchlist or Bookmarks section in the app.

Enabling Closed Captions

To turn on closed captions for Samsung TV Plus content:

1. While watching a show or movie, press the CC or Subtitle button on your remote.
2. Select your preferred language and caption style.
3. Press the Enter or Select button to confirm your choice.

Using Voice Commands with Bixby

If your Samsung TV has Bixby voice assistant support and you have a compatible remote, you can use voice commands to control Samsung TV Plus. For example:

• “Open Samsung TV Plus”
• “Play [channel name] on Samsung TV Plus”
• “Pause” or “Resume” playback
• “Fast forward” or “Rewind” content

To use voice commands, press and hold the microphone button on your Samsung TV remote and speak your command.

Optimizing Picture and Sound Settings

To enhance your viewing experience, adjust your TV’s picture and sound settings. Access the Picture and Sound settings in your TV’s menu and experiment with different modes, such as Standard, Dynamic, or Movie, to find the best settings for your preferences. For a more in-depth guide on optimizing your Samsung TV’s picture settings, check out our dedicated article.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while using Samsung TV Plus on your older TV, try these troubleshooting tips:

App Not Available in Your Region

Samsung TV Plus is available in select countries. If you don’t see the app on your TV, it may not be supported in your region. You can try using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access the service from a supported country, but keep in mind that this may violate the terms of service and could result in account termination.

Samsung TV Plus Not Loading

If the Samsung TV Plus app is not loading or freezes during use, try the following:

1. Check your internet connection and ensure your TV is connected to a stable network.
2. Restart your TV and relaunch the Samsung TV Plus app.
3. Clear the app’s cache and data:
   • Go to your TV’s Settings menu.
   • Select Apps or Application Manager.
   • Find Samsung TV Plus and select Clear cache and Clear data.
4. If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Buffering or Streaming Quality Problems

If you experience buffering or poor streaming quality on Samsung TV Plus:

1. Check your internet connection speed and ensure it meets the minimum requirements for streaming.
2. Close any unnecessary apps or background processes on your TV to free up resources.
3. Reduce the video quality in the Samsung TV Plus app settings to lower the bandwidth requirements.
4. If using a wireless connection, try moving your TV closer to your router or consider using a wired Ethernet connection for better stability.

For more information on resolving streaming issues on your Samsung TV, refer to our troubleshooting guide.

Audio or Video Out of Sync

If you notice the audio and video are not synchronized on Samsung TV Plus:

1. Press the Settings button on your remote while watching content.
2. Navigate to the Audio or Sound settings.
3. Look for an option called Audio Delay, Lip-Sync, or similar.
4. Adjust the delay settings until the audio and video are in sync.

App Crashing or Freezing

If the Samsung TV Plus app crashes or freezes frequently:

1. Restart your TV and relaunch the app.
2. Update your TV’s firmware to the latest version.
3. Uninstall and reinstall the Samsung TV Plus app.
4. If the issue persists, contact Samsung customer support for further assistance.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve common issues and enjoy a seamless Samsung TV Plus experience on your older TV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Samsung TV Plus vs. Other Free Streaming Services

While Samsung TV Plus is an excellent choice for free streaming content, it’s worth comparing it to other popular free streaming services to help you make an informed decision.

LG Channels

LG Channels is a free streaming service available on LG smart TVs. It offers a similar experience to Samsung TV Plus, with a wide selection of live and on-demand content. However, LG Channels is exclusive to LG TVs and may have a different channel lineup compared to Samsung TV Plus.

Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a free streaming service available on Roku devices and select smart TVs. It offers a mix of live and on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, and news. While the Roku Channel has a broader device compatibility than Samsung TV Plus, it may have a different content library.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a widely available free streaming service that offers live TV channels and on-demand content. It has a large selection of channels spanning various genres and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile apps. Pluto TV’s interface and channel lineup may differ from Samsung TV Plus.

Tubi

Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming service that focuses primarily on on-demand movies and TV shows. It boasts a large library of content, with thousands of titles available. While Tubi doesn’t offer live TV channels like Samsung TV Plus, it provides a great option for those looking for a wide selection of on-demand content.

XUMO

XUMO is another free, ad-supported streaming service that offers both live and on-demand content. It has a diverse channel lineup, including news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle programming. XUMO is available on a variety of devices, such as smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile apps.

Crackle

Crackle is a free streaming service that primarily focuses on movies and TV shows, including some original content. While it doesn’t have live TV channels, Crackle offers a rotating selection of popular titles and hidden gems. The service is available on many devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile apps.

Plex

Plex is a media server platform that allows users to stream their personal media collections. However, it also offers a selection of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows through its “Plex Free TV” feature. While not as extensive as Samsung TV Plus, Plex provides a unique blend of personal media and free streaming content.

By exploring these alternative free streaming services, you can find the best option that suits your content preferences and device compatibility, ensuring you have access to a wide range of entertainment options beyond Samsung TV Plus.

The Future of Samsung TV Plus and Older TVs

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s exciting to consider the future of Samsung TV Plus and how it may impact older TV models.

Expanding Device Support

While Samsung TV Plus is currently available on select Samsung smart TVs and mobile devices, there is potential for the service to expand its device support in the future. This could include compatibility with a wider range of Samsung TV models, including older generations, as well as support for non-Samsung devices, such as streaming boxes or gaming consoles.

Enhancing Content Variety

Samsung TV Plus has already demonstrated its commitment to providing a diverse selection of channels and content. As the service grows, we can expect to see an even greater variety of programming, catering to a wide range of interests and demographics. This could include more niche channels, exclusive content partnerships, and original productions.

Personalized Recommendations

With advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Samsung TV Plus may introduce more sophisticated personalized recommendations. By analyzing user viewing habits and preferences, the service could offer tailored channel suggestions and content recommendations, enhancing the overall user experience and helping viewers discover new favorites.

Potential for Offline Viewing

While Samsung TV Plus currently requires an active internet connection, there is potential for the service to introduce offline viewing capabilities in the future. This could allow users to download select content for later viewing, providing greater flexibility and convenience, especially for those with limited internet access or on-the-go viewing needs.

Integration with Other Samsung Services

As part of the Samsung ecosystem, Samsung TV Plus has the opportunity to integrate with other Samsung services and features. This could include seamless integration with Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant, allowing users to control the service hands-free, or integration with Samsung’s SmartThings platform for a more connected home entertainment experience.

By embracing these potential developments and enhancements, Samsung TV Plus can continue to provide an exceptional streaming experience for users, including those with older TV models, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of free, high-quality content.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored how to get Samsung TV Plus on older TV models, covering compatibility checks, step-by-step installation instructions, alternative methods for unsupported TVs, and troubleshooting tips. We’ve also delved into the features and benefits of Samsung TV Plus, its content offerings, and how it compares to other free streaming services.

By following the steps and advice outlined in this article, you can unlock the world of free streaming content on your older Samsung TV. Whether your TV is natively compatible with Samsung TV Plus or requires an alternative method, such as using a streaming device or screen mirroring, you can now enjoy a wide range of live and on-demand programming without the burden of subscription fees.

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Samsung TV Plus remains at the forefront, offering an exceptional free streaming experience for Samsung TV owners. With the potential for expanded device support, enhanced content variety, personalized recommendations, and integration with other Samsung services, the future of Samsung TV Plus looks bright. By embracing these advancements, even those with older TV models can look forward to a more immersive and enjoyable streaming experience.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the wealth of free entertainment that Samsung TV Plus has to offer on your older Samsung TV. With this guide by your side, you’re ready to embark on a cord-cutting journey that will transform your viewing experience without breaking the bank.