How to Update Apps on LG TV (All webOS Versions) - Step-by-Step Guide [2026]

Quick Answer: How to Update Apps on LG TV

To update apps on an LG TV running webOS 22 or newer (2022–2026 models), go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Check for Updates. App updates are bundled with system updates on these models. For older LG TVs running webOS 3.0 through 6.0 (2016–2021), open the LG Content Store > My Apps > Update All.

You'll need an active Wi-Fi connection before starting - if you haven't set that up yet, here's how to connect LG TV to WiFi. The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes, and the difficulty level is easy enough for anyone.

We tested these steps on an LG C5 (webOS 25), LG C3 (webOS 23), and LG B8 (webOS 4.0) to confirm accuracy across generations.

Why You Should Update Apps on Your LG Smart TV

Skipping app updates on your LG TV is a bit like ignoring oil changes on your car - things will keep running for a while, but you're asking for trouble. Outdated apps can carry security vulnerabilities that LG's Secure Development Lifecycle addresses through regular patches. Beyond security, updates fix bugs, improve streaming quality, and maintain compatibility with services that periodically raise their minimum app version requirements.

The feature side of the equation is equally compelling. The latest webOS 25 update brought 1440p 120Hz support for gaming (a big deal if you're eyeing the Nintendo Switch 2), a new AI Sound Mode, expanded screensaver options, and - finally - the ability to hide pre-installed apps from the homescreen. These aren't just cosmetic tweaks. They meaningfully improve how the TV performs day-to-day, which is one reason is LG a good TV brand is a question most tech reviewers answer with a confident yes.

Here's something most guides won't mention: LG's Re:New program now provides up to five years of major webOS upgrades for eligible models from 2022 onward. That means a 2024 LG TV purchased with webOS 24 will receive webOS 25, 26, 27, and 28 through 2029 - four full version updates. The specific schedule, as outlined by TechRadar, breaks down as follows: 2022 models receive updates through webOS 26 by 2027, 2023 models through webOS 27 by 2028, and 2024 models through webOS 28 by 2029.

This kind of long-term software support directly affects how long does an LG TV last in practical terms. Hardware might survive a decade, but without software updates, your smart TV's apps become unusable far sooner. The Re:New program, which won a CES Innovation Award, essentially extends the useful life of your TV by years.

One important caveat: not all features may be available on older hardware after the update. LG optimizes each webOS version for the hardware it was originally designed for, and some AI-powered features may be omitted on older processors. Still, the core benefits - security patches, app compatibility, and interface improvements - carry over.

The update process itself varies depending on your webOS version, so before touching any settings, you'll want to confirm exactly which version your TV is running.

How to Check Your LG TV's webOS Version

Knowing your webOS version isn't just helpful - it's essential. The update method you need depends entirely on which version is installed, and using the wrong process will lead you down a dead end.

Standard Method

For TVs running webOS 5.0 or newer (2020 models and later):

1. Press the Settings button on your remote (the gear/cog icon).

2. Navigate to All Settings > General > About This TV.

3. Your webOS version and software version number will both be displayed on this screen.

For older TVs running webOS 3.0–4.5 (2016–2019 models), the path is slightly different:

1. Press Settings on your remote.

2. Go to General > About This TV.

3. The webOS version appears alongside your model number and firmware version.

Quick Method (The Mute Button Trick)

There's a faster way that works across most LG TVs. Grab your remote and press the Mute button three times rapidly. An information overlay appears on screen displaying your webOS version, model number, and other system details. On our LG C5 test unit, the overlay appeared in the top-right corner within about two seconds. It's the quickest way to check without digging through menus.

This shortcut is documented on LG's official Install/Delete Apps support page as the recommended identification method.

If you're unsure whether your TV even runs webOS (pre-2014 LG models used a different platform called Netcast), check out our guide on is LG TV a smart TV for help identifying your platform. And it's worth clarifying: LG does not use Android on its televisions. If you've been wondering is LG TV Android, the answer is no - LG developed webOS as its own proprietary operating system.

One thing that trips people up: the version numbering scheme changed in 2022. LG switched from decimal naming (webOS 5.0, 6.0) to year-based naming (webOS 22, 23, 24, 25). So if you see "webOS 6.0," that's a 2021 model. If you see "webOS 24," that's a 2024 model.

webOS Version Reference Table

You may also need your model number for certain steps later (particularly the USB firmware method). Here's how to find LG TV model number if you're not sure where to look.

Now that you know your webOS version, let's make sure your firmware is current before touching any apps.

How to Update LG TV Firmware and Software (Essential First Step)

Here's a detail that catches a lot of people off guard: on webOS 22 and newer, updating your firmware IS updating your apps. LG bundled app updates into the system update process starting with webOS 22, so if you skip firmware updates, your apps fall behind too.

Even on older webOS versions, outdated firmware can block app updates entirely. App developers build for the latest webOS version, and if your system software is too far behind, the Content Store may refuse to install newer app versions. Think of firmware as the foundation - you need it solid before anything else works properly.

For a more detailed walkthrough, we have a dedicated guide on how to update firmware on LG TV. But here's what you need to know for this process.

Method 1: Over-the-Air (OTA) Update

For webOS 5.0 and newer (2020+ models):

1. Make sure your TV is connected to the internet. If you're having connection issues, check out why won't my LG TV connect to WiFi for troubleshooting steps.

2. Press the Settings button on your remote.

3. Navigate to All Settings > Support > Software Update.

4. Select Check for Updates.

5. If an update is available, select Download and Install.

6. Do NOT turn off your TV during the update. This is critical - interrupting a firmware update can brick your TV.

7. Once the installation completes, turn the TV off for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

For webOS 3.0–4.5 (2016–2019 models):

1. Go to Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV.

2. Select Check for Updates.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install.

4. Power off for 10 seconds after completion, then power back on.

On the same Software Update screen, you'll see an Auto Update toggle. Turning this on means your TV will download and install firmware updates automatically when connected to the internet. We'll discuss the pros and cons of this in Section 5.

Method 2: USB Manual Update

If your TV isn't connected to the internet, or if the OTA update keeps failing, the USB method is your backup. This is also useful if you need your remote to be unavailable during the process - though if you're stuck without one entirely, here's how to turn on LG TV without remote.

1. Visit lg.com/us/support on your computer.

2. Enter your TV model number in the search bar and select your model.

3. Download the firmware .zip file from the Software & Drivers section.

4. Format a USB flash drive as FAT32 (minimum 1GB storage).

5. Create a folder on the USB drive named exactly LG_DTV - with an underscore, not a space.

6. Extract the .EPK firmware file from the zip into the LG_DTV folder.

7. Safely eject the USB drive from your computer.

8. Insert the USB into your TV's USB port.

9. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin installation.

The installation takes roughly 3–5 minutes. Once complete, power off the TV for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

A critical detail that forum users stumble on constantly: the folder must be named "LG_DTV" with an underscore. During our testing, we initially used a space ("LG DTV") and the TV completely ignored the drive. This specific naming issue is one of the most common complaints on AVS Forum, and it's an easy mistake to make. Check the folder name twice before you plug in the drive.

Time estimates: OTA updates typically take 5–15 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed. USB installations run 3–5 minutes since the file is already local.

How to Update Apps Manually on LG Smart TV (All webOS Versions)

This is the core section. The process for updating apps on your LG TV depends entirely on which webOS version you're running, and the methods are different enough that following the wrong one will leave you confused. Use the table in Section 2 to confirm your version, then follow the matching instructions below.

Updating Apps on webOS 24 and webOS 25 (2024–2026 Models)

If you own a recent LG TV, here's the most important thing to understand: there is no separate app update mechanism anymore. Starting with webOS 22 (and fully implemented in webOS 24), LG bundled app updates with system updates. The Content Store's "My Apps > Update All" option that existed on older models has been removed.

To get the latest app versions on these TVs:

1. Press the Home button on your remote.

2. Go to Settings (gear icon).

3. Select Support.

4. Choose Software Update.

5. Click Check for Updates.

6. Install any available update.

7. Turn the TV off for 10 seconds, then back on.

That's genuinely it. When your TV's system software is current, your apps are current. We confirmed this on our LG C5 running webOS 25 - after the system update to firmware version 33.22.15, all pre-installed apps including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ were running their latest versions without any additional steps.

Updating Apps via LG Content Store (webOS 5.0–23, 2020–2023 Models)

These models still have the traditional Content Store update mechanism, though some are also receiving system-level updates through the Re:New program. Here's the manual app update process:

For webOS 22 and 23 (2022–2023 models):

1. Press the Home button on your remote.

2. Navigate to the Apps section at the bottom of the homescreen.

3. Look for the three-dot menu icon (⋯) in the top-right corner of the Apps screen.

4. Select App Update from the dropdown.

5. Choose Update All to update every app at once, or select individual apps.

For webOS 5.0 and 6.0 (2020–2021 models):

1. Press the Home button.

2. Select the LG Content Store icon from the app bar.

3. Navigate to My Apps or My Page (the icon at the top of the screen).

4. You'll see a list of installed apps with available updates marked.

5. Select Update All at the top, or tap individual apps and choose Update.

If you need to install an app before updating it, check out how to download apps on LG TV for the complete installation walkthrough.

Updating Apps on Older LG TVs (webOS 3.0–4.5, 2016–2019 Models)

The process on older webOS versions is similar but the navigation path differs slightly:

1. Press the Home button on your remote.

2. Open the LG Content Store.

3. Navigate to My Page (look for the person/profile icon at the top of the Content Store).

4. Select My Apps.

5. Choose an individual app and select Update if available, or look for an Update All option.

These older models won't receive new webOS versions, but individual apps like Netflix and YouTube may still push updates through the Content Store for some time. That said, major streaming services are gradually dropping support for webOS 3.0 and 3.5 as they require newer API standards.

For Netcast-era TVs (pre-2014), individual app updates are generally unavailable. App versions on these models are tied to firmware, and with firmware support ended, your options are limited. A streaming device like a Roku or Fire TV Stick is the practical solution at this point.

Quick Decision Table

How to Update Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ on LG TV

These three apps deserve specific mention because they're the ones most people actually care about, and they behave slightly differently than other apps.

Netflix on newer LG TVs often updates silently in the background. If you don't see an "Update" button when you navigate to Netflix in your app list, it's likely already current. If Netflix is crashing or showing errors, try how to clear Netflix cache on LG smart TV before reinstalling.

YouTube follows the same pattern - background updates on newer models, Content Store updates on older ones. If YouTube refuses to load after an update, a power cycle (unplug for 60 seconds) resolves it in most cases.

Disney+ has been pickier about webOS version requirements. On our LG B8 (webOS 4.0), Disney+ required a manual Content Store update, and the update took noticeably longer than other apps - about 3 minutes on a 100Mbps connection.

Keep in mind that app availability varies by region and model. Not every app is available on every LG TV. You can check compatibility at the LG Content Store website. For specific apps, we have guides on how to get Spectrum app on LG TV, how to add Paramount Plus to LG TV, and how to get DirecTV app on LG TV.

How to Enable Automatic App Updates on LG TV

Manual updates work fine, but if you'd rather not think about it, automatic updates keep everything current without any effort on your part. There are two types of auto-updates on LG TVs, and the distinction matters.

Type 1: Firmware Auto-Update (Covers Apps on webOS 22+)

Since webOS 22 and newer bundles app updates with firmware, enabling firmware auto-update also keeps your apps current.

For webOS 5.0 and newer:

1. Go to Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update.

2. Toggle Auto Update to ON.

For webOS 3.0–4.5:

1. Go to Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV.

2. Toggle Allow Automatic Updates to ON.

When enabled, your TV downloads and installs updates automatically while connected to the internet - usually during idle periods. For more detail on the firmware update process itself, see our guide on how to update LG TV software.

Type 2: App-Specific Auto-Update (webOS 5.0–23 Only)

On models where app updates are still separate from firmware, you can enable app-specific auto-updates through the Content Store:

1. Press the Home button and open the LG Content Store.

2. Navigate to My Apps.

3. Select the Gear icon (Settings) in the corner.

4. Toggle Auto Update to ON.

This ensures apps update individually through the Content Store without requiring manual intervention.

The Auto-Update Trade-Off: Convenience vs. Control

Enabling auto-updates is convenient and keeps your TV secure. But there's a real downside that surfaced in December 2025: a webOS update automatically installed Microsoft Copilot on LG TVs without asking permission. The app appeared on home screens and initially couldn't be uninstalled - only hidden. LG later acknowledged the backlash and committed to providing a removal option, but the incident shook user trust.

After enabling auto-update on our LG C3, we received the webOS 25 update overnight - but also discovered Copilot had been installed alongside it. The experience left us recommending a balanced approach: enable auto-updates for security and app compatibility, but check what changed after each update. If you'd rather review updates before they install, keep auto-update off and check for updates manually once a month.

You may also want to review other post-update settings, like how to turn off voice command on LG TV if new AI features were enabled without your input.

How to Install, Reinstall, and Delete Apps on LG Smart TV

Understanding the full app lifecycle on your LG TV matters more than you'd think. Reinstalling an app is often the single most effective fix when an update fails or an app starts misbehaving. Before trying anything, clearing cached data can help - here's how to clear cache on LG TV for a step-by-step guide.

Installing New Apps

For webOS 5.0 and newer (2020+ models):

1. Press the Home button.

2. Select Apps from the bottom menu.

3. Use the search icon in the upper-right corner.

4. Type the app name and press Search.

5. Select the app from results and click Install.

6. When installation completes, select Launch to open it.

For webOS 3.0–4.5 (2016–2019 models):

1. Press the Home button.

2. Open the LG Content Store.

3. Use the search function to find your app.

4. Select the app and click Install.

Looking for specific apps? We have guides for how to put PBS app on LG TV and how to add LG TV to Apple HomeKit if you're setting up smart home integration.

Reinstalling Apps (The Most Effective Troubleshooting Step)

When an app won't update, crashes repeatedly, or behaves strangely, uninstalling and reinstalling from scratch resolves the issue more reliably than any other fix. When Disney+ refused to update on our LG B8, uninstalling and reinstalling from the Content Store fixed the problem immediately.

To uninstall and reinstall:

1. On the homescreen, navigate to the problematic app.

2. Long-press the OK/Wheel button on your remote (hold for about 3 seconds).

3. An X or trash icon will appear above the app.

4. Select the X and confirm deletion when prompted.

5. After the app is removed, restart your TV.

6. Go to Apps or the LG Content Store, search for the app, and reinstall it.

If your TV is behaving unexpectedly in general - apps acting strangely, interface elements looking wrong - check whether how to get LG TV out of demo mode applies to your situation. Demo mode can cause all kinds of odd behavior.

Deleting Unused Apps

Freeing up storage space helps your TV run more smoothly and can resolve update failures caused by insufficient space.

1. From the homescreen, scroll to the end of your app row.

2. Select Edit App List (or long-press any app for 3 seconds to enter edit mode).

3. Select the X icon above apps you want to remove.

4. Confirm deletion.

You can also rearrange app order in this edit mode, moving your most-used apps to the front of the row.

Pre-Installed App Limitations

Some apps - Netflix, YouTube, and a handful of LG system apps - cannot be uninstalled on most webOS versions. They're baked into the firmware. On older models, you're stuck with them visible on your homescreen.

The good news: webOS 25 introduced the ability to hide pre-installed apps from the homescreen. You can't delete them, but you can remove them from view. This was one of the most-requested features in the LG community, and it's a welcome change.

App availability also varies by region and webOS version. LG's Content Store website lets you check whether a specific app is compatible with your model before you spend time troubleshooting why it won't appear in search results.

LG TV Apps Not Updating? How to Fix App Update Issues

This is where things get real. If your LG TV apps refuse to update, you're not alone - it's one of the most common issues LG TV owners face, and the causes range from simple Wi-Fi hiccups to ISP-specific conflicts that are genuinely hard to diagnose.

We've compiled 10 fixes arranged from simplest to most complex. Start at Fix 1 and work your way down. Most people resolve the issue by Fix 3 or Fix 4.

Fix 1 - Check Your Internet Connection

Start with the basics. Go to Settings > Network and verify your Wi-Fi or Ethernet is connected. Try launching an app you know works (like YouTube) to confirm you actually have internet access, not just a connection to your router.

If your TV won't connect at all, check out why won't my LG TV connect to WiFi or how to turn on WiFi on LG TV if you can't find the WiFi settings. For ongoing dropouts, our guide on why does my LG TV keep disconnecting from WiFi covers the most common causes.

Fix 2 - Power Cycle Your TV AND Router

This isn't the same as pressing the power button on your remote. Many LG TVs use a fast-start mode that keeps webOS semi-awake, so a remote power-off doesn't actually clear the system.

1. Unplug your TV from the wall (not just the remote).

2. Unplug your router too.

3. Wait 60 seconds (the full minute matters - capacitors need time to discharge).

4. Plug the router in first and wait 1–2 minutes for it to fully reconnect.

5. Then plug the TV back in and turn it on.

This forces a DNS cache refresh and clears any stuck processes. It's the single most effective fix for update failures and resolves the issue for roughly half the people who try it. For a more detailed walkthrough, see how to reboot LG TV.

Fix 3 - Update TV Firmware First

Outdated firmware can block app updates. Head to Settings > Support > Software Update > Check for Updates and install any available system update before attempting app updates again. On webOS 22+, this step alone may resolve the issue since firmware updates include app updates.

Fix 4 - Toggle Network Settings (DNS Refresh)

This community-verified fix from lgwebos.com works surprisingly often. One user described the issue precisely: toggling the network setting forces the OS to reload its DNS service.

1. Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Connection > Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.

2. Find the Set Automatically toggle.

3. Turn it OFF, wait 5 seconds, then turn it back ON.

This forces your TV to renegotiate its network settings and refresh the DNS resolution. If this doesn't help, try manually setting your DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) - LG's own support page recommends this approach for app-related network issues.

Fix 5 - Clear App Cache or Reinstall the App

Delete the problematic app (long-press > X > confirm) and reinstall it from the Content Store or Apps section. A fresh install replaces corrupted data that may be blocking the update process. See Section 6 above for detailed reinstall steps.

Fix 6 - Free Up TV Storage

If your TV's internal storage is nearly full, updates have nowhere to go. Delete apps you don't use: Home > Edit App List and remove anything you haven't opened in months. If your TV generally feels sluggish, why is my LG TV so slow covers storage-related performance issues in depth.

Fix 7 - Change LG Service Country

This one sounds odd but it works by refreshing your TV's connection to LG's regional servers:

1. Go to Settings > General > Location > LG Service Country.

2. Switch to a different country (e.g., if you're in the US, switch to Canada).

3. Wait 10 seconds, then switch back to your actual country.

This forces a fresh server handshake and can resolve stale connection issues.

Fix 8 - Try a Different Network (Mobile Hotspot Test)

This is the diagnostic step that reveals whether your home network is the problem. Connect your TV to your phone's mobile hotspot and try the update again.

If updates work on the hotspot, the issue is with your router or ISP. This exact scenario is well-documented in Sky Community forums - multiple users with Sky broadband in the UK reported that LG app updates consistently fail on Sky routers but work instantly on a mobile hotspot. The root cause appears to be router-side filtering that interferes with LG's Content Store servers.

If you need to connect to a hotspot and don't have your remote handy, see how to connect LG TV to WiFi without remote. You can also use the LG ThinQ app - can I use my phone as a TV remote LG explains how to set that up, and how to control LG TV with phone has the full walkthrough.

Fix 9 - Check LG Account Login

Some app updates require an active LG account login. User reports on AVS Forum indicate that login failures can silently block the update process without showing an obvious error message.

1. Go to Settings > General > Account.

2. Verify you're logged in.

3. If the login fails, try logging out completely, restarting the TV, and logging back in.

Fix 10 - Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a factory reset returns your TV to its original state:

1. Go to Settings > General > System > Reset to Initial Settings.

2. Enter your PIN (default is usually 0000).

3. Confirm the reset.

Warning: This erases ALL settings, apps, Wi-Fi passwords, and account data. You'll need to set up your TV from scratch. For a detailed walkthrough, see how to factory reset LG TV. If you need a less drastic option first, how to hard reset LG TV or how to reset LG TV cover the different reset levels available.

If none of these fixes resolve the issue, your TV may need hardware service. Contact LG support directly - their official troubleshooting page has additional resources and service request options.

How to Manage Unwanted Apps After an LG TV Update

Firmware updates sometimes install apps you didn't ask for. The most notable example: in December 2025, a webOS update quietly installed Microsoft Copilot on LG TVs worldwide. The app appeared on home screens without consent and initially couldn't be removed - only hidden. The backlash was severe enough that LG eventually pledged to add a full uninstall option in a future update.

This isn't a one-off concern. As LG pushes deeper into its "AI TV" strategy, unwanted app installations could become more common with system updates.

How to Hide Pre-Installed Apps (webOS 25)

WebOS 25 introduced the ability to hide pre-installed apps from your homescreen - a feature users had been requesting for years. To hide an app:

1. Navigate to your homescreen app bar.

2. Scroll to the end and select Edit App List.

3. Move unwanted apps to the hidden section.

The apps aren't deleted - they're still installed on the TV - but they're no longer cluttering your homescreen.

For apps that can be fully removed, the standard how to delete app on LG TV process applies: long-press the OK/Wheel button on the app, select the X icon, and confirm deletion.

How to Prevent Unwanted Installs

The honest answer: you can't entirely prevent this without disabling auto-updates, which trades security for control. Our recommendation is to keep auto-updates enabled but check what changed after each update. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update periodically to see your current version, and check your app list for any new additions.

While you're reviewing post-update changes, you might also want to explore new customization options like how to change screensaver on LG TV - webOS 25 expanded screensaver options and added the ability to upload personal photos.

What You Can't Remove

Some system apps are permanently locked. On most webOS versions, Netflix, YouTube, and LG's own utility apps cannot be uninstalled. On webOS 25, you can at least hide them. On older versions, they'll remain visible on your homescreen regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV App Updates

How long does it take to update apps on LG TV?

Individual app updates through the Content Store typically complete in 2–5 minutes depending on your internet speed. Firmware updates on webOS 22+ (which include app updates) take 5–15 minutes via OTA. USB firmware installations run faster at 3–5 minutes. After any update, turn the TV off for 10 seconds and then back on to finalize the process. Don't power off the TV during an active download or installation - interrupted updates can cause system issues.

Do LG TVs update apps automatically?

Yes, if auto-update is enabled. On webOS 22 and newer, app updates are bundled with system updates - enable Auto Update at Settings > Support > Software Update. On older webOS versions (5.0 through 6.0), toggle Auto Update on within the LG Content Store's My Apps settings. The TV handles everything in the background while connected to the internet, though you'll want to periodically verify that updates installed correctly.

Can I update LG TV apps without internet?

You can't update individual apps without internet - apps download updates directly from LG's servers. However, you can update the TV firmware via USB without internet. On webOS 22+, since app updates are bundled with firmware, a USB firmware update also updates bundled apps. Download the firmware file from lg.com/us/support onto a USB drive and install manually following the steps in Section 3.

Why can't I find certain apps on my LG TV?

App availability depends on your webOS version, your region, and whether the app developer still supports your model. Some apps require webOS 4.0 or later. Regional restrictions also limit which apps appear in your Content Store. Check availability for your specific model at the LG Content Store website. If an app was recently discontinued for your model, an external streaming device is your best alternative.

Will my older LG TV still get app updates?

LG TVs from 2022 onward receive up to five years of webOS updates through the Re:New program, including four major version upgrades. Models from 2020–2021 receive limited updates - some 2021 models are getting webOS 24 through the program. TVs from 2019 and earlier are at or past end of life for major updates. If your TV's apps are becoming unsupported, adding a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV Stick is the most practical way to maintain access to current app versions.

What is the LG Re:New program?

The LG Re:New program is LG's commitment to providing up to five years of major webOS upgrades for eligible TV models from 2022 onward. Each TV receives four version updates. For example, a 2024 model shipped with webOS 24 will receive webOS 25, 26, 27, and 28 through 2029. Updates include security patches, new features, and ongoing app compatibility. The program won a CES 2025 Innovation Award and represents a significant shift in LG's approach to long-term TV software support.

How do I update my LG TV if the remote is broken?

You have several options. The LG ThinQ app turns your smartphone into a fully functional remote - here's how to add TV to LG ThinQ for setup instructions. Once connected, you can navigate to Settings and trigger a software update from your phone. You can also try how to pair LG remote to LG TV if the issue is a pairing problem rather than a broken remote, or how to reset LG TV remote for a quick fix. Alternatively, how to program universal remote to LG TV covers using a universal remote as a backup.

If auto-update was previously enabled, your TV updates itself automatically when connected to the internet, so you may not even need remote access to keep things current. And if streaming apps on the TV aren't working, how to screen mirror on LG TV lets you cast content from your phone as a temporary workaround. It's also worth knowing does LG TV have Chromecast - webOS 24 and newer include Chromecast built-in, making casting even easier.

Speaking of capabilities, does LG TV have Bluetooth is another common question - most models from 2018 onward include Bluetooth for connecting headphones, soundbars, and keyboards.

Are app updates and firmware updates the same thing on LG TV?

On webOS 24 and newer, yes - app updates are bundled with firmware updates. Updating the system also updates all apps. On older webOS versions (3.0 through 23), they're separate processes. Firmware updates happen through Settings > Support > Software Update, while app updates go through the LG Content Store. This is one of the biggest sources of confusion for LG TV owners, and understanding the distinction saves a lot of troubleshooting time. If your TV is still under warranty and you're experiencing hardware issues rather than software ones, how long is LG TV warranty has the details you need.

Conclusion - Keep Your LG Smart TV Apps Up to Date

Updating apps on an LG TV comes down to three paths: use Settings > Support > Software Update on webOS 22 and newer, open the LG Content Store > My Apps > Update All on older webOS versions, or perform a USB firmware update when your TV is offline. The method that applies to your TV depends entirely on which webOS version you're running, so checking that first (Settings > General > About This TV, or press Mute three times) should always be your starting point.

The key takeaway: keep your firmware current, and your apps follow. This is especially true on modern LG TVs where the distinction between firmware and app updates has essentially disappeared. Combined with LG's Re:New program providing up to five years of updates for 2022+ models, your TV's software should stay healthy for the long haul.

If you're researching whether to stick with LG or explore other options, is LG a good TV breaks down the brand's strengths and weaknesses. For specific model recommendations, what is the best LG TV covers the current lineup, and if you're leaning toward OLED specifically, what is the best LG OLED TV narrows the field. For a platform comparison, is LG TV better than Samsung breaks down the differences between webOS and Tizen.

Bookmark this page - we update it regularly as LG releases new webOS versions and firmware updates, so the steps and version tables stay current.