Modern DEXP TVs operate on an operating system Android TV, which requires regular maintenance for stable operation. Over time, software becomes outdated, bugs appear, and new applications no longer run correctly. To restore the device to its former speed and gain access to fresh features, you need to complete the procedure firmware updates. This is a critically important process that directly affects the security of your data and the performance of the media center.
Equipment owners are often faced with non-obvious nuances when trying to install a new version of software. The process may vary depending on the specific model and year of the device. Some TVs only support OTA updates (over-the-air), while others require manual intervention via an external drive. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes that can lead to damage to electronics.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for installing new software. You will learn how to check the current version of the system, where to find official files and what to do if the automatic search does not produce results. The right approach to the matter will ensure that your smart TV will serve for many years without failures.
Preparing equipment and diagnosing the current version
Before starting any manipulations with the software, you must accurately determine the model of your device. This information is hidden deep in the system menu and is the key to finding the correct firmware file. An incorrectly selected software version can turn a working device into a useless piece of plastic, so model identification is the first and most important step.
To find out the exact data, take the remote control and go to the settings section. You will need to find the item responsible for device information. In different versions of the interface Android the path may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same.
A line with the model name, serial number and current assembly version will be displayed on the screen. Write down this data or take a photo of the screen with your phone. This will be useful not only for downloading the file, but also for contacting support in case of unforeseen situations.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to update the TV if the model indicated in the menu differs by at least one number or letter from the name of the firmware file. Even a slight discrepancy in the revision of the board can lead to irreversible consequences.
It is also worth checking the amount of free internal memory. To correctly download and unpack the installation package, the system requires a certain amount of space. If drive is jam-packed, the process may fail at the file copying stage.
Automatic update via the Internet (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the system is to use the built-in mechanism OTA (Over-The-Air). This method does not require a computer or flash drive, since the TV itself communicates with the manufacturer’s server and downloads the necessary data. However, it requires a stable network connection to work.
Make sure that your DEXP is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or LAN cable. The connection speed must be sufficient to download large files, the size of which can reach several gigabytes. After checking the connection, go to the settings menu and select the section responsible for system improvements.
Click the check for updates button. The system will send a request to the server and compare your current version with the latest available one. If new firmware is found, a corresponding notification will appear on the screen asking you to start the installation.
If the check button is inactive, try changing the DNS servers in the network settings to public ones from Google (8.8.8.8), this often solves the problem with the unavailability of update servers.
The download process can take from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the speed of your channel. During this time, you can continue to use the TV, but it is better not to run heavy applications or games so as not to overload the processor. Once the download is complete, the device will prompt you to reboot to apply the changes.
Automatic update is a priority method, as it guarantees the integrity of files and minimizes the risk of human error during installation.
Manual installation of firmware via a USB drive
If the automatic search does not find new versions or your TV does not have access to the network, you will have to use the manual method installations. This method is more labor-intensive, but it gives full control over the process and allows you to roll back to the previous version or install a test build, if available.
To begin, you will need a computer and a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity. The drive must be formatted into a file system FAT32, since the TV bootloader often does not recognize the formats NTFS or exFAT. This is a critical requirement, ignoring which will result in the device simply not seeing the firmware file.
Download the archive with the firmware from the manufacturer’s official website or a trusted forum. Unpack the contents of the archive into the root of the flash drive. In some cases, you need to rename the update file to a specific name specified in the instructions for your model, for example update.zip or dexp_rom.bin.
☑️ Preparing for manual firmware
Insert the prepared drive into the USB port of the TV. Go to the settings menu and find the manual update option. The system should detect the file on the external media and prompt you to begin installation. If automatic detection does not work, you can use the file manager or recovery mode.
⚠️ Attention: During the installation process, the progress indicator may freeze in one place for several minutes. This is normal behavior when writing system partitions, do not try to interrupt the process or pull out the power cord.
Using Recovery mode for resetting and flashing
In difficult situations when the operating system does not boot or reboots cyclically, the only way out is to use the mode Recovery. This is a service menu built into the device's memory, which allows you to perform low-level operations with the software.
To get to this menu, you must perform a certain key combination when turning on the TV. Most often, you need to hold down the power button on the body of the device itself (not on the remote control) or a combination Volume+ and Power. The exact sequence depends on the specific board installed in your model DEXP.
In the recovery menu, navigation is carried out with the volume buttons, and the selection is confirmed with the power button. You will need to select item Apply update from USB or similar. The system will scan the connected drives and prompt you to select a firmware file to install.
This method is often used to completely reset the system to factory settings while reinstalling the software. It is effective in treating software viruses or critical errors that block the normal operation of the interface.
What to do if the TV does not see the flash drive in Recovery?
Try using a black USB 2.0 port rather than a blue USB 3.0. Also make sure that the flash drive has a capacity of no more than 32 GB and is formatted with the default cluster size.
Compatibility table and Android versions
Different TV models DEXP are based on different versions of the operating system Android. Understanding this hierarchy will help you assess whether you should expect major updates or whether your model has already been discontinued.
Below is a table showing the approximate correspondence between TV generations and software versions. Please note that assembly numbers may vary depending on the region of delivery.
| TV series | Year of release | Basic version of Android | Maximum software version |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEXP Ural | 2018-2019 | Android 7.0 | Android 8.0 |
| DEXP Kama | 2020-2021 | Android 9.0 | Android 10.0 |
| DEXP Amur | 2022-2023 | Android 10.0 | Android 11.0 |
| DEXP Lena | 2026 | Android 11.0 | Android 12.0 |
Owners of older models, such as series Uralmay not receive support for modern versions Google TV. In such cases, the update only concerns fixing security and stability errors, without changing the visual interface.
Solving common problems when update
Even if you follow all instructions, users may encounter errors. One of the most common problems is the message “Failed to check for update” or an endless download. Most often this is due to network connection problems or overcrowded manufacturer servers.
If the update freezes at the 99% stage, do not turn off the TV immediately. Wait 15-20 minutes. The system can perform final optimization of applications in the background, which takes a lot of time on weak processors.
If a “brick” appears (black screen, lack of response to the remote control), try turning off the power to the device for 5-10 minutes by unplugging the plug from the socket. Then try again to enter the mode Recovery and install the firmware from a flash drive.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may change after major system updates. What you see on your screen may differ slightly from the screenshots in older instructions. Always focus on the logic of the menu, and not just the names of the items.
Optimizing the system after installing updates
After successfully installing a new version firmware it is recommended to perform a number of actions to stabilize the system. The new operating environment may conflict with the cache of old applications, which leads to slowdowns and crashes.
Go to the application settings and clear the cache of the main system services, such as Google Play Services and the application store. This will force the system to rebuild the indexes and speed up the interface.
Also check the date and time settings. Clock failure after an update is a common occurrence that leads to errors in security certificates and the inability to connect to the Internet in applications.
A full reset to factory settings after a major update to the Android version (for example, from 9 to 10) is often necessary for all functions to work correctly, although it requires re-configuring channels and accounts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update a DEXP TV to a version of Android that is not provided by the manufacturer?
Officially - no. Installing third-party firmware (custom) on TVs is extremely risky and can lead to loss of warranty and inoperability of display or remote drivers.
Will the update erase my settings and installed applications?
When updating through the settings menu (OTA or USB), the data is usually saved. However, when using Recovery mode or resetting to factory settings, all information will be deleted.
Why does the TV write "Memory full" when updating?
The system needs temporary space to unpack the archive. Remove unnecessary applications or clear the cache to free up at least 500 MB of free space.
How to roll back to an old firmware version if the new one is not working well?
There is no automatic rollback. You will need to find the old firmware version file on third-party resources and install it manually via USB or Recovery.