To update a Hisense TV, navigate to Settings → System → Software Update → Check now — the TV downloads the latest firmware over Wi-Fi and installs it on the next reboot. If your TV isn't online, you can update via USB drive. Updates take 5-15 minutes.
But: not every Hisense firmware update is good. Hisense has issued firmware updates that broke remote pairing on some U7K models.
Why update at all?
- Bug fixes — most Hisense updates patch real issues.
- App store updates — older firmware loses access to newer streaming app versions.
- Security — TV firmware vulnerabilities have been disclosed.
Method 1: Auto-update
By default, Hisense TVs auto-check for updates daily.
- VIDAA: Settings → System → Software Update → Auto firmware upgrade → On
- Roku TV: Settings → System → System update → Default (always on)
- Google TV: Settings → System → About → System update → Auto-update → On
- Fire TV: Settings → My Fire TV → About → Auto-update → Allow
Method 2: Manual update through menu
VIDAA TVs
- Settings → System → Software Update → Check now
- If available, "Download" appears.
- Tap it. Download takes 2-10 minutes.
- "Install now" appears.
- The TV reboots. Don't unplug during install.
Hisense Roku TV
Settings → System → System update → Check now.
Hisense Google TV
Settings → System → About → System update → Check for update.
Hisense Fire TV
Settings → My Fire TV → About → Check for system update.
Method 3: USB drive update (for offline TVs)
- Find your TV's exact model number on the back sticker.
- Download firmware from hisense-usa.com/support.
- Format USB drive to FAT32.
- Copy firmware file to root of USB drive.
- Insert USB into TV's rear USB port.
- Power on TV. Many auto-detect USB firmware at boot.
- If no auto-prompt: Settings → System → Software Update → Update from USB.
USB updates take ~15-20 minutes total.
Updating apps (vs firmware)
- Roku TV: Apps update automatically. To force: highlight app, press *, Remove, Reinstall.
- Google TV: Settings → Apps → select app → Update.
- VIDAA: Apps generally auto-update. Long-press app → Update.
- Fire TV: Settings → Applications → Manage Installed → select → Update.
Rolling back a bad firmware
Hisense doesn't officially support rollback. But: contact Hisense support for previous firmware version (USB drive). Caveat: rollback can brick the TV.
What if update fails mid-install
Don't unplug. Wait 30 minutes. If still frozen: unplug, wait 60 seconds, plug back in. Most Hisense TVs auto-resume the update on next boot.
FAQ
How long does an update take?
5-10 minutes for VIDAA. 10-15 for Roku. 15-20 for Google TV. USB updates: 15-20 minutes regardless.
Can I update without Wi-Fi?
Yes — download firmware from Hisense USA support, copy to FAT32 USB drive, insert, navigate to Software Update → Update from USB.
Will updating delete my settings?
No. Firmware updates preserve all settings, apps, accounts, Wi-Fi credentials.