How To Fix The “Smart Hub Is Being Updated” Error Message

The Samsung Smart Hub is one of many handy companion smart devices to your Samsung Smart TV.

However, while using this device, many users sometimes are prompted to launch a firmware update only to encounter freezing and a message saying “Smart Hub is Being Updated” which lasts for hours. If this is happening to you, our technical team is here to help with these 6 easy solutions.   

6 Tried and Tested Fixes

The Smart Hub is an all-in-one menu that lets you access a variety of functions on your TV, such as:

Samsung general settings

If it’s not functioning normally due to the update message, these are our tried and tested methods that can help you out:

Fix #1: Check Your Internet Connection

A poor Internet connection is the most common cause of issues with your Smart Hub. Here are some ways to fix it.

  1. First, check that your Smart Hub is connected to the Internet.
  2. Press the Home button on your TV remote control.
  3. Go to Settings.
  4. Select General.
  5. Select Network.
  6. Select Network Settings.
  7. Select Wireless.
  8. Check if your Wi-Fi connection is listed.
Samsung TV Network Resetting

If it is, try to reset your WiFi connection. 

  1. Follow the instruction path above until you reach the Network menu.
  2. Select Reset Network.
  3. Choose “Yes” when prompted.

Alternatively, you can restart your WiFi router itself. Simply follow the instructions for your specific model. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, try manually resetting the DNS server with the following steps: 

internet router
  1. Follow the instruction path above until you reach the Network menu.
  2. Select Network Status.
  3. Select IP Settings.
  4. Manually enter 8.8.8.8.

Most of the time, tinkering with your Wi-Fi will solve the problem. But in case these solutions don’t work for you, continue reading.

Fix #2: Perform a Smart Hub Reset

This will also help if your TV doesn’t recognize your Smart Hub, or your screen reads “Not Supported.”

As with most technical difficulties, resetting the problematic device provides a quick and easy fix. To do this with your Samsung TV Smart Hub:

person holding Samsung remote
  1. Press the Home button on your TV remote control.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Depending on your model, select Support or Device Care.
  4. Select Self-Diagnosis.
  5. Select Reset Smart Hub.
  6. Enter your PIN. If you have not set one up, the default PIN is 0000.
  7. Wait for the reset to be completed.

If this doesn’t immediately work, don’t despair. Some users have reported that you need to try this process a few times before your Smart Hub restarts. 

Ideally, you should have full access to your Smart Hub after these steps. If not, continue to the next possible solution.  

Fix #3: Reset Your Smart TV

If resetting your Smart Hub doesn’t work, it may help to reset the Samsung Smart TV instead. Follow these steps to do this:

  1. Power off your TV for 30 seconds.
  2. Turn it back on and wait 5 minutes.
  3. Go to the mains of the TV and power off for another 30 seconds.
Samsung Smart TV reset

Here’s another way to reboot your TV:

  1. Unplug the TV.
  2. While unplugged, press the physical Standby button or Power button on your Samsung Smart TV (not your remote) for 1 minute.
  3. Wait about 10 to 30 minutes before plugging the TV back in.

Fix #4: Free Up Storage Space

This will also help if the Smart Hub repeatedly crashes (i.e. you can start it normally, but it immediately exits out).

If you’ve established that you have a stable internet connection, but you’re still seeing that the “Smart Hub is being updated” message, you can try is to free up storage space on your Smart Hub by deleting unused apps.

Apps on Samsung Television

If you’ve downloaded too many apps, there won’t be enough space on the device for necessary software updates from the App Store. You’ll be stuck with constant Smart Hub updates that can’t proceed. 

  1. Go to the Apps menu.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select the app you wish to delete.
  4. Select Delete.
  5. Repeat the process until you have deleted all unwanted apps. 

Fix #5: Factory Reset Your Samsung Smart TV

If none of these solutions have worked, this is one last thing you can try.

As the name implies, your TV will return to its factory default state. All your custom options, downloaded apps, login details, etc. will be erased. So, make sure to write all these down first.

Apps on Samsung Television Screen
  1. Put your TV in standby mode by turning it off. 
  2. On your remote, press the following keys in sequence: Info + Menu + Mute + Power.
  3. The service mode screen should appear.
  4. Select Option.
  5. Select Factory Reset.
  6. Wait for the TV to finish resetting before trying to access Smart Hub or pressing the Smart Hub button.

NOTE: If the key sequence described above doesn’t work, try pressing Mute + 1 + 8 + 2 + Power.   

Fix #6: Call Customer Support

If none of these fixes work, then the problem is likely due to an issue with the internal hardware of your Smart Hub.

In this case, it’s time to call Samsung customer support [1]. They can repair the Smart Hub, or even replace it if the warranty is still valid.

Why Does The “Smart Hub Is Being Updated” Error Message Appear?

Internet Connectivity Issues

Normally, it should only take about 2 to 5 minutes to complete a Smart Hub auto-update.

If your internet speed is slow, Smart Hub firmware updates will take longer to download. So, an update that should only take a few minutes may end up taking a few hours instead. Or, if your connection is indeed terrible, your Wi-Fi may cut out entirely during the firmware update process, leading to:

router control switch

A Software Glitch

This is a direct result of a poor internet connection. If your Smart Hub fails to complete a software update because of a poor connection, it will keep trying to finish updating—whether or not you are connected to the Internet.

This will cause your device to freeze on the Smart Hub updating process. This is why you need to have a good internet connection when running smart home devices.

Damaged Hardware

Smart Hub hardware issues could be caused by a factory defect. Or, they could also be caused by damage from being dropped or mishandled.

Whatever the cause, hardware issues are harder to resolve on your own. They generally need professional repair, which manufacturers and repair technicians can provide.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing the “Smart Hub is Being Updated” error message, there are a few cost-effective, DIY solutions you can try.

These mostly involve tinkering with your Internet connection and resetting your devices. If you follow the methods our technical team mentioned this article, you should regain full access to your Smart Hub—without the hassle and expense of taking it to a service center.

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.