Modern brand TVs TCL (often mistakenly called TSL), running on the operating system Android TV or Google TV, require regular software updates. This is necessary not only to get new features, but also to improve device security, eliminate system errors and improve compatibility with new applications. Many users are faced with a misunderstanding of the process when the settings menu does not offer automatic downloading, or the downloaded file is not recognized by the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail both update methods: automatic, via an Internet connection, and manual, which involves downloading the firmware to an external drive. Firmware TVs are complex software, so it is important to be precise in your actions so as not to damage device performance. We will also look at typical errors that you may encounter during the process and ways to solve them.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that you know exactly the model of your device. Usually it is indicated on a sticker on the back of the case or in the Settings → About TVsection. For models of different years of production, the interface may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android.
Preparing the device for a system update
Successful updating directly depends on the correct preparation of the equipment. The first step is to check the current state of the system and the availability of free memory space. If the internal storage is full of applications or cache, the installation process of the new version may fail or freeze while unpacking files.
Free up some space by deleting unnecessary applications or clearing the cache in the settings menu. It is also critical to ensure stable power to the device. Voltage surges while writing data to the system partition can lead to irreversible damage to the software, the so-called “bricking.”
⚠️ Attention: Never start the update process if the TV is connected through an extension cord with questionable quality contacts or if your network experiences frequent power outages. Use a surge protector or connect the device directly to an outlet.
If you plan to update your TV via the Internet, check the speed and stability of your Wi-Fi connection. To download large amounts of data (firmware can weigh more than 1 GB), it is recommended to use an Ethernet cable connection if your model TCL equipped with an appropriate port. This will speed up the process and reduce the risk of losing the connection at the most crucial moment.
☑️ Ready for firmware
Automatic update via the Internet
The easiest and preferred method for most users is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) function. The system itself checks the manufacturer's servers for new versions and offers to install them. This method minimizes the risk of human error, since all files are automatically selected for the specific configuration of your hardware.
To start the scan, go to the main settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but it usually looks like this: Settings → Device (or System) → About TV → System update. In some interfaces, the check button may be located immediately in the "System" section.
Click the "Check update" or "Update" button. If a new version is available, the TV will begin downloading. During this time, the screen may go dark or a progress bar may appear. Do not attempt to change channels or exit the menu until the process is complete.
- 📶 Make sure the TV is connected to the same network as your smartphone if you plan to use the control app.
- 🔄 Wait until the device is completely rebooted after installation; The first launch may take up to 5-10 minutes.
- 🔒 After updating, check your privacy settings, as new versions of Android TV sometimes reset permissions for applications.
Sometimes the automatic search does not find updates, even if they have already been released. This may be due to the fact that the manufacturer distributes firmware in waves, and your model has not yet received a digital signature for your region. In this case, you should wait a few days or switch to the manual method.
Before updating, take a photo of the current image and sound settings on your phone - this will help quickly restore the usual picture if the reset returns the factory settings.
Manual installation of firmware via a USB drive
When the automatic method does not work or there is no access to Internet on the TV, you have to resort to the “local update” method. This method requires more care, since you will have to find the correct firmware file and prepare the media yourself. An error in the file version may cause the TV to refuse to turn on the system.
To begin, you will need a computer with Internet access and a USB flash drive with at least 4 GB of capacity. The flash drive must be formatted into the file system FAT32. This is a mandatory requirement, since the Android TV bootloader often does not see drives in NTFS or exFAT formats at the preboot stage.
Format: Right mouse button on the drive → Format → File system: FAT32You should download the firmware exclusively from the manufacturer’s official website or trusted specialized forums. Find the support section, enter the exact model of your TV (for example 55P715 or 65C725) and download the archive with the latest available software version. Unzip the archive and copy the update file (usually has an extension .bin or is located in the folder dvd_upgrade) to the root of the flash drive.
⚠️ Attention: Do not change the name of the firmware file and do not move it to deep folders on the flash drive. The bootloader looks for the file strictly in the root directory or in a folder with a specific name specified in the instructions for a specific model.
What to do if the TV does not see the flash drive?
If the TV does not respond after inserting the drive into the USB port, try using a USB 2.0 port (usually black) rather than USB 3.0 (blue). Also make sure that there are no other unnecessary files on the flash drive that could conflict with the search process. In rare cases, formatting a flash drive with a cluster size of 4096 bytes helps.
Searching and checking firmware compatibility
The most critical stage of a manual update is selecting the correct file. Firmware for TV TCL is strictly tied not only to the model, but also to the region of sales and revision of the motherboard. Installing firmware from a European model on a device intended for the CIS or Asian market may result in loss of support for digital television (DVB-T2) or inoperability of the remote control.
To avoid errors, carefully study the sticker on the back of the TV. It shows the full model number and serial number. Often the region code is indicated next to it. Match this information with the file description on the download site. If you are not sure about the choice, it is better to contact the brand’s technical support, providing them with a photo of the sticker and the serial number.
| Parameter | Where to find | Why do you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model (Model) | Sticker on the back / Settings | Main identifier for searching software |
| Serial number (SN) | Sticker on the back / About TV | Identification of the batch and revision of the board |
| Android version | Settings → About TV | Understanding the current system base |
| Kernel version (Kernel) | Software information | Technical detail for advanced users |
Remember, that downloading firmware from third-party “Varez” portals carries high risks. Such files may be modified, contain malicious code, or simply be broken. The official website is the only guaranteed source of security for your device.
The process of installing an update from a flash drive
After the file is prepared, turn off the TV completely using the button on the case, and not just the remote control (to turn off the power to the circuit completely, you can unplug the plug from the socket on 10 seconds). Insert the prepared USB flash drive into the TV port. It is recommended to use the port closest to the antenna or HDMI connectors, as they often take priority when loading.
Turn on the TV. In most modern models Android TV the system will automatically detect the update file and offer to install it in a pop-up window. If this does not happen, you will need to go to the settings menu manually. Go to section Settings → Device → System update and select "Update from USB" or "Local update".
The file verification process will start. The system will check the digital signature to ensure that the file has not been damaged. If the test passes, the installation will begin. The screen may flicker and the TV may reboot several times. This is normal behavior.
- ⏳ The process can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the flash drive and the amount of data.
- 🚫 It is strictly forbidden to remove the flash drive or turn off the TV before the desktop appears.
- ✅ After successful installation, the TV will prompt you to delete the update file from the flash drive to release it places.
If during the process you see the message “Update Failed” or “File is not suitable”, do not panic. This means that the version on the flash drive is older than the current one or is not suitable for this revision of the board. Just remove the flash drive and reboot the device.
If automatic detection did not work, make sure that the firmware file is in the root of the flash drive, and the flash drive itself is formatted in FAT32.
Error elimination and recovery after a failure
Even if you follow all the instructions, problems may arise unforeseen situations. The most common problem is getting stuck on the manufacturer's logo after an update. In this case, you must perform a forced reboot. Press and hold the power button on the TV body (not on the remote control) and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the device turns off and starts booting again.
A more complex case is the “bootlap” (infinite reboot). If your TV keeps rebooting and won't get to the menu, you may need to enter Recovery mode. For most models TCL this is done by holding down the power button on the case and simultaneously pressing the "Volume minus" button when turning on the network. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
⚠️ Attention: Factory Reset will delete all your installed applications, Google accounts and personal settings. Use this measure only as a last resort when other methods do not help.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with the remote control after the update. Sometimes new software versions change communication protocols or require re-pairing. If the remote control stops responding, try removing the batteries, holding down the power button on the remote control for 10 seconds, inserting the batteries back and pointing the remote control close to the TV logo, pressing the “Home” and “Back” buttons at the same time to re-pair.
In some cases, after the update, the image settings may disappear. This is due to the fact that new image processing algorithms require resetting old profiles. Don’t consider this a breakdown, just re-adjust the brightness, contrast and picture mode to your preferences.
If after the update the TV starts running slower, completely clear the cache in the storage settings and delete applications that you have not used for more than 3 months.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update the TV if there is no access to the Internet?
Yes, it is possible. You need to download the firmware file to your computer from another device that has access to the network, write it to a USB flash drive (formatted in FAT32) and install it through the "Local Update" menu in the TV settings.
What to do if your favorite applications are missing after the update?
Check the "My Apps" section in the Google Play Store on the TV. Sometimes, after a major system update, applications appear as "not installed", but their data is saved. Just press the install button and they will return to their places. If the applications have disappeared completely, they will need to be reinstalled.
Is it safe to interrupt the update if it is frozen?
Interrupting the update is extremely undesirable and dangerous. However, if the process does not move for more than 30-40 minutes, it is most likely frozen. In this case, the risk of software damage is already high. Try turning off the TV for 1 minute and turning it on again. If the system boots, try the update again.
Will the update reset my channel and picture settings?
A regular software update (OTA) should not reset user settings, channel lists, and accounts. However, resetting the settings is possible when moving between major versions of Android (for example, from 9 to 10) or when using the "Factory reset" function during installation.
How to find out which firmware version is currently installed?
Go to the menu Settings → Device → About TV → System assembly. The version number and build date will be indicated there. Write down this data before starting the update, so that in case of problems you know which version to roll back to.