Your Smart TV May No Longer Receive Updates—Here’s How To Continue Using It Securely

Your new smart TV will receive updates for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of an extended duration. However, when updates cease, you need not replace your smart TV; there are several effective methods to maintain its security beyond its supported lifespan.

6. Sign Out of All Applications

A smart TV effectively introduces a potential vulnerability to your network. Ultimately, it will cease to receive upgrades, including security patches. The older the security, the more susceptible it becomes to hacking when weaknesses are identified.

I have integrated my data with my smart TV via applications and services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and several social media platforms. It is unwise to retain such information on an older smart TV; therefore, it is prudent to log out of those applications after updates cease. Eliminate your data to prevent its potential misuse against you!

5. Permanently Disable the Microphone and Camera

While not prevalent in smart TVs, certain models, like the Samsung F Series, may feature an integrated microphone and webcam. To enhance security, particularly on an outdated smart TV, it is advisable to disable both features.

Uncertain whether your smart TV possesses either feature? Methods exist to identify a smart TV's camera. Alternatively, locate the television's model number and examine its specifications. If a built-in camera is present, it can be deactivated via the main menu, although locating the precise setting may need some exploration.

In the instance of an integrated microphone, there is usually a toggle. Both Samsung and Amazon Fire TVs feature a physical button on the side that activates voice help. In other models and manufacturers, such as the Hisense U7N, the microphone is deactivated inside the Accessibility menu.

4. Transition to a Streaming Device

Given the limited longevity of a smart TV's network capabilities, it may be more prudent to choose a streaming device instead than replacing the television with a new model every few years. I continue to utilize my Roku Express from 2022, as there are other applications for a Roku beyond streaming.

Transitioning to a streaming device offers advantages such as enhanced security and cost savings. Would you prefer to invest hundreds in replacing your smart TV every few years or allocate the same cost of a lunch for two at a respectable diner at the same frequency? You can entirely sever the smart TV's connection to your network, so preventing its involvement in a breach.

3. Establish an Independent Network for Your Smart TV

If you are concerned about security yet wish to utilize your smart TV's streaming capabilities. What is your occupation? You can partition your network for security purposes while maintaining internet access.

Your secondary network functions as a room, whereas your primary network serves as the house. The walls of the room serve as a barrier as well. An attack on that network does not imply that your primary network is at risk.

2. Format Your Smart TV

Regardless of your intention to maintain your smart TV's network connectivity, I advise formatting it, particularly if you are not using any applications that necessitate the exchange of personal information. It transcends mere application logout by eliminating all data.

Prior to executing a factory reset, be cognizant that all picture settings will likewise be restored to default. If you exerted much effort to achieve the desired image, document your settings by either capturing a photograph or recording them in writing. Irrespective of the brand, formatting your smart TV can be accomplished via the main menu, under Settings or Options. The formatting options are often categorized as Reset, Factory Reset, or Factory Default.

1. Disconnect your Smart TV from the Internet.

If your smart TV ceases to get security updates, it is advisable to disconnect it from the internet to mitigate potential hazards. If it is not immediately online and is not utilized for streaming video, it is unlikely to be compromised.

While not an optimal option (unless accompanied by a streaming device, an HDMI cable, and an alternate broadcasting technique), it guarantees the safety and security of your smart TV. You will effectively convert your smart TV into a conventional television, which is advantageous in numerous respects.

The ability to access my preferred streaming services via a smart TV has been advantageous, although it has also turned into a liability. My smart TV has reached an age where updates are scarce, and these measures have enabled me to continue utilizing it past its anticipated obsolescence.