How to Update Your Akai Smart TV: A Comprehensive Guide
Keeping your Akai Smart TV updated with the latest software is crucial for optimal performance, security, and access to new features. Updates often include bug fixes, improved app compatibility, enhanced security protocols, and sometimes even new functionalities that can significantly improve your viewing experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods of updating your Akai Smart TV, ensuring you stay up-to-date and enjoy a seamless entertainment experience.
Why Update Your Akai Smart TV?
Before diving into the ‘how-to’, let’s briefly discuss why updating your Akai Smart TV is so important:
* **Performance Improvements:** Updates frequently optimize the TV’s software, leading to smoother navigation, faster app loading times, and reduced lag.
* **Bug Fixes:** Software glitches are common in complex operating systems. Updates often contain fixes for these bugs, resolving issues like app crashes, screen freezing, and audio problems.
* **Security Enhancements:** Smart TVs are connected to the internet, making them vulnerable to security threats. Updates often include security patches that protect your device and personal information from malware and hacking attempts.
* **New Features and App Support:** Manufacturers sometimes add new features or improve existing ones through software updates. Additionally, updates can ensure compatibility with the latest versions of popular streaming apps.
* **Improved Compatibility:** Ensures your TV works seamlessly with other devices, like soundbars, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players.
Methods for Updating Your Akai Smart TV
There are typically two primary methods for updating your Akai Smart TV’s software:
1. **Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates (Automatic or Manual Check)**
2. **USB Update (Manual Installation)**
Let’s explore each method in detail.
1. Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
OTA updates are the most convenient way to update your Akai Smart TV. This method involves downloading and installing the latest software directly from the manufacturer’s servers via your internet connection. There are two ways to perform OTA updates:
* **Automatic Updates:** Most Akai Smart TVs are configured to automatically check for updates periodically. When an update is available, the TV will usually download it in the background and prompt you to install it. This requires that the television is connected to the internet.
* **Manual Check for Updates:** If automatic updates are not enabled, or you want to check for updates immediately, you can manually initiate the process through the TV’s settings menu.
A. Enabling Automatic Updates (If Available):
While not all Akai Smart TV models offer explicit settings for ‘automatic updates,’ they often default to checking for updates regularly. However, if you have the option, here’s how to ensure automatic updates are enabled:
1. **Access the Settings Menu:** Use your Akai Smart TV remote to press the ‘Menu,’ ‘Settings,’ or a gear icon button. The exact button might vary depending on your TV model.
2. **Navigate to System or Support:** Within the settings menu, look for options like ‘System,’ ‘Support,’ ‘About TV,’ or ‘Software Update.’ The wording may differ slightly.
3. **Look for ‘Software Update’ or ‘System Update’:** Select the option related to software updates. It might be directly visible, or you might need to go into another sub-menu.
4. **Check for Automatic Updates Setting:** Within the ‘Software Update’ menu, look for an option like ‘Automatic Updates,’ ‘Auto Check for Updates,’ or ‘Background Updates.’
5. **Enable Automatic Updates:** If the option is available, toggle the switch to the ‘On’ or ‘Enabled’ position.
Once enabled (if the option exists on your model), your TV will automatically check for updates and download them when available. You’ll typically receive a notification prompting you to install the update.
B. Manually Checking for Updates:
If you prefer to check for updates yourself, or if automatic updates aren’t enabled, follow these steps:
1. **Access the Settings Menu:** Use your Akai Smart TV remote to press the ‘Menu,’ ‘Settings,’ or a gear icon button.
2. **Navigate to System or Support:** Similar to enabling automatic updates, find the ‘System,’ ‘Support,’ ‘About TV,’ or ‘Software Update’ section within the settings menu.
3. **Select ‘Software Update’ or ‘System Update’:** Choose the option related to software updates.
4. **Check for Updates:** Look for a button or option labeled ‘Check for Updates,’ ‘Update Now,’ or similar. Select this option.
5. **Wait for the TV to Check:** The TV will now connect to Akai’s servers and check if any new software updates are available.
6. **If an Update is Available:**
* If an update is found, you’ll be prompted to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions. This usually involves accepting the terms and conditions and confirming that you want to proceed with the update.
* The TV will download the update file. The download time will depend on your internet connection speed and the size of the update file.
* Once the download is complete, the TV will automatically begin the installation process. **Do not turn off the TV during the installation process.** This can cause serious damage to the TV’s software.
* The TV may restart several times during the installation. This is normal.
* Once the installation is complete, the TV will display a message confirming the update. You may need to reconfigure some settings after the update.
7. **If No Update is Available:**
* If no update is found, you’ll receive a message indicating that your TV is already running the latest software.
**Important Considerations for OTA Updates:**
* **Stable Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection before initiating the update process. A dropped connection during the download or installation can cause the update to fail.
* **Power Supply:** Make sure your TV is connected to a stable power supply. Power outages during the update can also cause serious damage.
* **Do Not Interrupt:** Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during the update process. Allow the update to complete uninterrupted.
* **Time:** OTA updates can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the update file and your internet speed. Be patient and allow the process to finish.
2. USB Update
If you’re unable to update your Akai Smart TV via OTA (perhaps due to a slow or unreliable internet connection), you can use the USB update method. This involves downloading the update file from the Akai website onto a USB drive and then installing it on your TV.
A. Finding the Correct Update File:**
This is the most critical step. Using the wrong update file can brick your TV.
1. **Identify Your TV Model Number:** Locate the model number of your Akai Smart TV. This is usually found on a sticker on the back of the TV, in the TV’s settings menu (under ‘System Information’ or ‘About TV’), or in the original packaging.
2. **Visit the Akai Website or Support Page:** Go to the official Akai website (usually akai.com or a country-specific Akai website) and navigate to the support or downloads section. Look for a section specifically for TV software updates.
3. **Search for Your Model Number:** Use the search function on the Akai website to search for your TV’s model number.
4. **Download the Correct Update File:** Carefully examine the available downloads for your model number. Make sure the file description matches your TV and that the file is specifically a software update. The file will usually be a compressed archive (e.g., a .zip or .rar file).
5. **Read the Instructions:** The Akai website should provide detailed instructions on how to perform the USB update. Read these instructions thoroughly before proceeding.
**Important Note:** Double-check and triple-check that you have the correct update file for your exact TV model. Using the wrong file can render your TV unusable.
B. Preparing the USB Drive:**
1. **Use a Compatible USB Drive:** Use a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 drive with a capacity of at least 2GB. Ensure the drive is formatted as FAT32. (NTFS is generally not compatible.)
2. **Format the USB Drive (If Necessary):** If the drive is not already formatted as FAT32, you’ll need to format it. **Warning: Formatting will erase all data on the USB drive. Back up any important files before formatting.**
* **Windows:** Right-click on the USB drive in File Explorer and select ‘Format.’ Choose ‘FAT32’ as the file system and click ‘Start.’
* **macOS:** Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities). Select the USB drive in the left sidebar. Click ‘Erase.’ Choose ‘MS-DOS (FAT)’ as the format and click ‘Erase.’
3. **Extract the Update File:** Locate the downloaded update file (usually a .zip or .rar file) on your computer.
4. **Extract the Contents to the USB Drive:** Extract the contents of the archive directly to the root directory of the USB drive. **Do not create any folders on the USB drive.** The extracted files should be directly accessible when you open the USB drive. The extracted file is usually a *.bin, *.upd, or similar extension.
C. Installing the Update on Your Akai Smart TV:**
1. **Turn Off Your TV:** Completely power off your Akai Smart TV. Do not just put it in standby mode.
2. **Insert the USB Drive:** Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your TV. Make sure to use a USB port that is known to work with external storage devices.
3. **Turn On Your TV:** Turn on your Akai Smart TV.
4. **Access the Update Menu:** The method to access the update menu varies depending on the Akai Smart TV model. Here are the common methods:
* **Automatic Detection:** Some Akai Smart TVs will automatically detect the update file on the USB drive and prompt you to install it. If this happens, follow the on-screen instructions.
* **Manual Selection through Settings Menu:** Most often, you’ll need to manually initiate the update through the TV’s settings menu. Go to ‘Menu,’ ‘Settings,’ ‘Support,’ or ‘System Update’ and look for an option like ‘Local Update,’ ‘USB Update,’ or ‘Software Update (USB).’
* **Special Key Combination:** In rare cases, you may need to press a specific combination of buttons on your remote control while turning on the TV to access the update menu. Check the instructions on the Akai website for your specific model.
5. **Select the Update File:** If you are using the settings menu, navigate to the USB update option and select the update file from the USB drive. The TV should recognize the update file.
6. **Confirm the Update:** You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to install the update. Read the on-screen instructions carefully and confirm that you want to proceed.
7. **Wait for the Installation to Complete:** The TV will now install the software update. **Do not turn off the TV or unplug the USB drive during the installation process.** This can take several minutes. The TV may restart several times during the process.
8. **Remove the USB Drive:** Once the installation is complete, the TV will display a message confirming the update. You can now safely remove the USB drive.
9. **Restart Your TV:** Restart your Akai Smart TV to ensure that the update is properly applied.
**Important Considerations for USB Updates:**
* **Correct File:** Ensure you are using the correct update file for your TV model.
* **Formatted USB Drive:** The USB drive must be formatted as FAT32.
* **Proper Extraction:** Extract the contents of the update file to the root directory of the USB drive.
* **Do Not Interrupt:** Do not turn off the TV or unplug the USB drive during the update process.
* **Power Supply:** Ensure a stable power supply during the update.
Troubleshooting Common Update Problems
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter problems during the update process. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
* **TV Won’t Recognize the USB Drive:**
* **Check USB Port:** Try a different USB port on your TV.
* **Check USB Drive Format:** Ensure the USB drive is formatted as FAT32.
* **Test with Another Device:** Test the USB drive with another device (e.g., a computer) to ensure it’s working correctly.
* **Try Another USB Drive:** Some USB drives may not be compatible with your TV. Try a different USB drive.
* **Update File Not Found:**
* **Verify File Location:** Ensure the update file is located in the root directory of the USB drive and not inside any folders.
* **Verify File Name:** Double-check that the file name is correct and that you haven’t accidentally renamed it.
* **Redownload the File:** The downloaded file may be corrupted. Redownload the update file from the Akai website.
* **Installation Fails:**
* **Check for Power Issues:** Ensure a stable power supply. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) if you experience frequent power outages.
* **Restart the Process:** Try restarting the update process from the beginning. Power cycle the TV before attempting again.
* **Contact Akai Support:** If the installation continues to fail, contact Akai support for assistance. They may have specific instructions or troubleshooting steps for your TV model.
* **TV is Stuck on the Update Screen:**
* **Wait:** Sometimes the update process can take longer than expected. Wait for at least an hour before taking any further action.
* **Power Cycle:** If the TV remains stuck for an extended period, try power cycling it. Unplug the TV from the power outlet for a few minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
* **Contact Akai Support:** If power cycling doesn’t resolve the issue, contact Akai support.
* **TV is Bricked (Unresponsive):**
* **Contact Akai Support Immediately:** If your TV is completely unresponsive after a failed update, it may be bricked. Contact Akai support immediately for assistance. They may be able to provide instructions for recovering the TV or arrange for repair.
Preventative Measures
Taking preventative measures can minimize the risk of encountering problems during the update process:
* **Read Instructions Carefully:** Always read the instructions provided by Akai before attempting to update your TV.
* **Use a Reliable Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection for OTA updates.
* **Use a Reputable USB Drive:** Use a high-quality USB drive from a reputable brand.
* **Back Up Settings (If Possible):** Some TVs allow you to back up your settings before performing an update. If your Akai Smart TV offers this feature, take advantage of it.
* **Don’t Rush:** Allow plenty of time for the update process to complete. Do not rush the process.
Conclusion
Updating your Akai Smart TV is essential for maintaining its performance, security, and functionality. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful update process. Whether you choose to update over-the-air or via USB, remember to take your time, read the instructions carefully, and avoid interrupting the update process. If you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact Akai support for assistance. Keeping your Akai Smart TV up-to-date will help you enjoy a better viewing experience for years to come.