Link https://dzen.ru/a/Z7i01tu3z9qkgr leads to an article on how to update the TV firmware through the platform Dzen (formerly Yandex.Zen). This method is relevant for owners Smart TV based on Android TV, webOS or Tizenwhen standard update methods via menu or USB do not work. What is the advantage of this approach? Firstly, Dzen often publishes the latest firmware versions before they appear in the official update centers of manufacturers. Secondly, through the platform you can find alternative assemblies with fixed bugs or expanded functionality.

However, the process requires caution: incorrectly selected firmware or interrupted installation can turn the TV into a “brick.” In this article we will analyze step by step instructions taking into account the nuances for different brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi), as well as typical errors and ways to eliminate them. If you have never updated the TV software manually, start with the automatic method (via Settings → Support → Software Update), and only if it does not work, proceed to manual methods.

Why updating via Dzen can be useful

Official update channels (OTA, USB) do not always offer the latest firmware versions. For example, Samsung often delays the release of patches for models older than 3 years, and LG may block updates for regions with uncertified devices. Platform Dzen aggregates links to firmware from enthusiasts and service centers, which provides several key advantages:

  • 🔄 Quick access to the latest builds: firmware appears 1–4 weeks earlier than in official sources.
  • 🛠️ Fixing critical bugs: Users share patches to fix problems with audio, Wi-Fi or HDMI ports.
  • 🌍 Regional compatibility: You can find firmware for models released for other countries (for example, UE55MU6100 for Europe instead of the Russian version).
  • ⚙️ Advanced Features: some builds add support for new codecs (for example, AV1) or interfaces (for example, Google TV for old ones Android TV).

But there are also risks: firmware with Dzen do not undergo official manufacturer certification. This means that:

  • ⚠️ Support for some functions may disappear (for example, Netflix or Disney+ due to DRM).
  • ⚠️ The manufacturer's warranty will be void (if traces of manual updating are found).
  • ⚠️ The likelihood of being “skipped” is higher than when using official files.
⚠️ Attention: If your TV is connected to the manufacturer's account (for example, Samsung Account or LG ThinQ), manual updating may block access to branded services. Before the procedure unlink your account in the settings.
📊 What brand is your TV?
Samsung
LG
Sony
Xiaomi
Philips
Other

Preparing for the update: what needs to be done before downloading the firmware

Before proceeding to download files from Dzen, follow the required steps:

  1. Check your TV model. The serial number sticker is usually located on the back panel. Designation format:
    • Samsung: UE55TU8000U (where UE - series, 55 - diagonal, TU8000 - model, U - region).
    • LG: OLED55C1R (OLED - screen type, 55 - diagonal, C1 - series, R - region).
    • Sony: KD-55X80J (KD — LCD, 55 - diagonal, X80J - model).
  2. Check the current software version. Path:
    • Android TV: Settings → Device → About TV → Software version.
    • Tizen (Samsung): Settings → Support → About TV.
    • webOS (LG): Settings → All settings → General → TV information.
  • Download a backup copy of your settings (if there is a function). On Android TV this can be done via Settings → Device → Backup.
  • Prepare a USB drive (if you plan to update via USB flash drive):
    • Format: FAT32 (required!).
    • Volume: at least 4 GB.
    • Write speed: from 10 MB/s (for large firmware files).

    Specified the model and serial number of the TV |

    Checked the current firmware version|

    Downloaded a backup copy of the settings (if available)|

    Prepared a USB drive in FAT32 format|

    I unplugged the TV while preparing ->

    If you are upgrading your TV from Android TV, additionally:

    • Activate developer mode: go to Settings → Device → About TV and press 7 times Build number.
    • Turn on USB Debugging in the developer menu.
    • Install ADB Tools to your computer (needed for recovery in case of failure).
    ⚠️ Attention: Do not use public Wi-Fi networks (for example, in cafes or hotels) to download firmware. Files can be replaced by attackers. Download only via secure connection (VPN or home internet).

    Step-by-step instructions: how to download and install firmware from Dzen

    The algorithm of actions depends on the TV brand. Below is a universal diagram adapted to most models.

    Step 1: Search for firmware on Dzen

    1. Follow the link https://dzen.ru/a/Z7i01tu3z9qkgr (or find a similar article by searching for “firmware [TV model] website: dzen.ru”).

    2. In the article, find:

    • 🔗 Direct link to firmware (usually leads to Google Drive, Mega or Yandex Disk).
    • 📄 Installation instructions (may vary for your model!).
    • ⚠️ Warnings (for example, “not suitable for models with the suffix XU»).

    3. Download the firmware file. Usually this is an archive .zip or .bin. Don't unpack it - some TVs require downloading the archive.

    Step 2: Prepare the firmware file

    Different brands have their own rules:

    Brand File Format File name Location on USB
    Samsung .exe or .zip Don't change! Root of flash drive (no folders)
    LG .epk LG_DTV.epk Folder LG_DTV
    Sony .pkg Any (for example, update.pkg) Folder SONY_DTV
    Xiaomi .zip update.zip Flash drive root

    Example for Samsung:

    1. The downloaded file (for example, T-MST14UDEUC_1111.1.exe) copy to a flash drive no changes.
    2. We insert the flash drive into USB 2.0 port (usually marked in blue).

    Step 3: Installing the Firmware

    Turn on your TV and follow the instructions for your brand:

    • Samsung:
      1. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update.
      2. Select Update Now → Via USB.
      3. Confirm installation. The TV will reboot 2-3 times.
    • LG:
      1. Insert the USB flash drive and turn off the TV.
      2. Press and hold the button OK on the remote control and turn on the TV (hold for 10 seconds).
      3. From the recovery menu, select Upgrade.
  • Android TV (Sony, Xiaomi, Philips):
    1. Go to Settings → Device → Software update → Local update.
    2. Select the firmware file and confirm.
      3. What to do if the TV does not see the flash drive?

      1. Check the USB storage format (must be FAT32).

      2. Try a different port (for example, USB 2.0 instead of 3.0).

      3. Rename the firmware file according to the brand requirements (see table above).

      4. If you are using a hub, connect the USB flash drive directly.

      5. LG and Samsung sometimes require a flash drive with a capacity of no more than 8 GB.

      The installation process takes from 5 to 30 minutes. Don't turn off the TV and do not press the buttons on the remote control - this may interrupt the firmware. Completion is indicated by an automatic reboot and the appearance of the initial screen.

      💡

      If after the update the TV does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, do not panic. In 80% of cases, re-flashing with the same software version helps.

      Common mistakes and their solutions

      Even if you follow the instructions exactly, problems may arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

      Error Reason Solution
      No USB Device or No File The TV does not see the flash drive or file
      • Check the USB format (FAT32).
      • Rename the file as required.
      • Use a USB 2.0 port.
      Wrong File or Invalid Data Inappropriate firmware version
      • Check your TV model again.
      • Download the firmware for an exact match of the model and region.
      TV stuck on logo after update Failed firmware or crash
      • Repeat the process with the same software version.
      • For Android TV: Reset via Settings → Reset.
      • For Samsung/LG: Use disaster recovery (see below).
      Network Error when updating via Wi-Fi Unstable Internet connection
      • Connect your TV to your network using an Ethernet cable.
      • Disable VPN or proxy.

      If the TV stops turning on ("bricked"), try the following recovery methods:

      • 🔌 Samsung: Use USB emergency method:
        1. Download the firmware marked Emergency or Recovery.
        2. Rename the file to recovery.exe.
        3. Insert the flash drive, press Power on the remote control and button Joystick on the TV (if available) for 10 seconds.
    3. 🖥️ LG: Take advantage LG Service Tool (PC and special cable required).
    4. 🤖 Android TV: Connect via ADB and run the command: 
      adb reboot recovery

      Then select Apply update from ADB and download the firmware via:

      adb sideload update.zip
      5. 💡

      If after the update the image disappears, but there is sound, reset the picture settings to factory settings (Settings → Picture → Reset). Often this solves the problem with incorrect display parameters.

      How to check if the update was successful

      After rebooting the TV, follow these steps:

      1. Make sure the TV turns on and loads to the main screen.
      2. Check the software version:
        • Samsung: Settings → Support → About TV.
        • LG: Settings → General → TV information.
        • Android TV: Settings → Device → About TV.

      Compare with the version from the downloaded firmware - they should match.

    5. Test basic features:
      • 📺 Picture and sound: Play a video from YouTube or built-in media player.
      • 🌐 Internet: Check the operation of Wi-Fi/Ethernet and applications (Netflix, Prime Video).
      • 🎮 HDMI ports: Connect your gaming console or laptop.
      • 🔊 Remote control: Make sure all buttons work (especially Volume and Source).
  • Restore settings (if you made a backup).

    • If the software version has not changed, but the TV works stably, the firmware may be identical to the current one. In this case:

    • Repeat the process with another software version (newer).
    • Check if your antivirus is blocking the file download (sometimes they remove firmware as “suspicious”).
    ⚠️ Attention: After updating, some applications (for example, Disney+ or Apple TV) may require re-authorization. This is normal - just sign in again.

    Alternative ways to update firmware

    If the method is via Dzen didn't work or seemed complicated, consider other options:

    • 🔄 Automatic update via network:

      The safest way, but requires a stable Internet connection. Path:

      • Samsung: Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
      • LG: Settings → All settings → General → Software update.
      • Android TV: Settings → Device → Software update → Network update.
    • 💾 Update via the manufacturer's official website:

      Download the firmware from brand resources:

    • 🖥️ Firmware via PC (for advanced users):

      Suitable for Android TV and some models Samsung. You will need:

      • Utility Samsung MultiLoader (for Samsung) or ADB (for Android TV).
      • USB-A to USB-A cable (for connecting the TV to a PC).
      • Command line knowledge (eg. fastboot flash system system.img).

    If none of the methods work, contact service center. Tell us the TV model and current software version - this will speed up diagnostics.

    Security: how to avoid problems when updating

    To minimize risks, follow these rules:

    • 🔍 Check the firmware source:
      • Download files only from verified channels on Dzen (with high ratings and positive reviews).
      • Avoid links to little-known file hosting services (for example, MediaFire or Uploaded).
      • Check the hash of the file (if specified in the article) using the utility MD5 Checker.
    • ⚡ Provide stable power:
      • Connect your TV to uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
      • Do not update the software during a thunderstorm or when the power supply is unstable.
    • 📡 Monitor your Internet connection:
      • To update via Wi-Fi, use the frequency 5 GHz (it is more stable than 2.4 GHz).
      • Disconnect other devices from the network to avoid slowdowns.
    • 📝 Document the process:
      • Take a photo of the current TV settings (brightness, sound, network).
      • Record the firmware version before and after the update.
      • Save the link to the downloaded file - you may need it for rollback.

    If you are upgrading your TV from Android TV, additionally:

    • Disable automatic application updates in Settings → Applications → Auto update.
    • Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up memory (at least 500 MB of free space).
    💡

    Never update your TV firmware via mobile data (3G/4G/5G). Use only a stable wired or Wi-Fi connection.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it possible to roll back the firmware to a previous version?

    Yes, but not for all brands. Samsung and LG usually block downgrade (downgrade), and Android TV this is possible through ADB or special firmware marked downgrade. Before rolling back, make a backup copy of your data - it will be erased.

    Why did Russian localization disappear after the update?

    This happens if you installed firmware for a different region (for example, European instead of Russian). Solution:

    1. Find the firmware marked RU or CIS.
    2. Reset your TV to factory settings (Settings → General → Reset).
    3. When setting up for the first time, select your region Russia.
    The TV keeps rebooting after updating. What to do?

    This is a sign of firmware incompatibility or installation failure. Try:

    1. Execute hard reset (press and hold the power button for 15–20 seconds).
    2. Repeat the firmware with the same software version.
    3. If it doesn't help, install old firmware version (if there is a backup).

    For Android TV the team can help via ADB: 

    adb shell wipe data

    (will delete all data, but restore functionality).

    Do I need to update the firmware if the TV is working fine?

    Not necessarily. Update the software only in the following cases:

    • There are critical bugs (for example, the TV turns off on its own or does not pick up Wi-Fi).
    • The manufacturer has released a security patch (information is usually in the firmware description).
    • Do you need new features (such as support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision).

    If the TV works stably, it’s better not to take risks. Remember: “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”.

    Where else can you download firmware for your TV other than Dzen?

    Alternative sources:

    • 🔧 Official websites of manufacturers (the safest option).
    • 🌐 Enthusiast forums:
      • 4PDA (section “TVs”)
      • XDA Developers (for Android TV)
      • AVS Forum (for Samsung/LG)
    • 📦 Firmware archives:

    ⚠️ Be careful: on third-party resources there is a high probability of running into viruses or fake firmware. Always check the reviews and reputation of the source.