9 Ways to Make Smart TVs FASTER (60 Seconds Fix!)

Let’s explore ways to make smart TV faster!

We’ll provide steps to enhance your smart TV’s performance. Be it streaming quality or overall responsiveness, these tips will help you get to watch sooner.

Stay tuned to discover how you can transform your smart TV experience for the better.

We’ve just looked at the main things that slow Smart TVs down – now let’s speed them up!

Adjust Smart TV Settings

Disable Unnecessary Features

To make your smart TV faster, consider disabling any unnecessary features.

Some TVs come with extra features such as motion enhancements or edge enhancements, which could slow down the TV’s performance.

To disable these features, navigate to the TV’s settings and look for options like “motion enhancer” or “edge enhancement.”

Turning these off may result in a faster and smoother experience.

Update Smart TV Software

Another way to improve the performance of your smart TV is to update its software.

Manufacturers often release updates to improve the performance, fix bugs, and enhance the user experience. To check for software updates, go to the settings menu and look for an option related to updates or system updates.

If there is an update available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

We also have a guide on how to update your TV software (including the firmware).

Switch to Wired Connection

Always, always, always wire your TV.

While most smart TVs are capable of connecting to the internet wirelessly, a wired connection can sometimes provide a faster and more stable connection.

To switch to a wired connection, follow these steps:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to your smart TV’s LAN port and the other end of the Ethernet cable into your router or modem’s LAN port.
2. Go to the TV’s settings menu
3. under the network or internet settings section, switch to the wired connection option.

Close Unnecessary Apps

One way to make a smart TV faster is to close unnecessary apps that may be running in the background.

Just like with any other device, too many open apps can slow down a smart TV.

To close apps on a smart TV, follow these general steps:

1. Access the smart TV’s multitasking interface, which can usually be done by pressing the Home or Menu button on the remote control.
2. Navigate through the list of open apps using the arrow keys on the remote.
3. Select the app you wish to close by highlighting it and pressing the appropriate button on the remote, such as Exit, Close, or Stop.
4. Repeat the process for any other apps you wish to close.

Here are more factors that make the TV remote control slow. 

The specific method for closing apps vary slightly depending on the brand and model of the smart TV.

By closing unnecessary apps, the smart TV can regain processing power and memory, resulting in a faster and smoother experience. Remember to periodically check for background apps, especially if you notice your smart TV is starting to feel sluggish.

Use a Streaming Device

Using a streaming device with your smart TV can significantly improve streaming performance, feature updates, and user experience.

Here are a few popular streaming devices to consider.

Chromecast

Google’s Chromecast is an affordable and user-friendly option for streaming content. You can easily stream from popular apps such as:

• Netflix,
• Hulu,
• YouTube,
• HBO,
• and Spotify.

The Google TV interface allows for easy navigation and app management. Additionally, Chromecast with Google TV offers an ethernet adapter to help maintain a stable wired connection, which can enhance streaming speeds.

Roku

Roku offers a variety of streaming devices, such as the Roku Express, Roku Premiere, and Roku Streaming Stick+.

Each device comes with a user-friendly remote and access to thousands of streaming channels. Roku’s interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly find their favorite content.

Some Roku devices also support 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, providing a high-quality viewing experience. For those seeking a wired connection, Roku Ultra comes with an ethernet port for faster, more reliable streaming.

Apple TV

Apple TV is ideal for users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, as it integrates seamlessly with devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Apple TV 4K offers high-quality streaming with HDR and Dolby Vision, as well as Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.

The device also supports popular streaming services, including:

• Apple TV+,
• Netflix,
• Amazon Prime Video,
• and Disney+.

Apple TV boasts a sleek interface and Siri voice control, making it easy to find and enjoy content.

Additionally, the Apple TV 4K also has an ethernet port, allowing for a faster, more stable wired connection if needed.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your smart TV is essential for keeping it running smoothly and efficiently.

In this section, we will discuss two main methods for regular maintenance: clearing cache and app data, and restarting your smart TV.

Clear Cache and App Data

Over time, as you use your smart TV, cache and app data can accumulate, ultimately slowing down the device’s performance.

To enhance the speed and performance of your smart TV, it is advised to clear cache and app data regularly.

1. Navigate to Settings – Head to your smart TV’s settings menu, typically represented by a gear or wrench icon.
2. Find the Storage or Apps Section – Look for the section that displays the apps or storage management options on your TV.
3. Clear Cache and App Data – Select the apps you wish to clear the cache and data of, one by one. Many smart TVs provide options to clear cache and app data individually or for all apps at once.

Remember, clearing app data will also remove any saved information for that specific app, such as login credentials and app settings, so use this option cautiously.

Restart Smart TV

Oh yes. The good old “Just restart the computer” works wonders on TVs also!

Restarting your smart TV can help improve its overall performance and speed by clearing temporary files and resolving minor glitches.

It’s a good practice to restart your smart TV periodically. Follow these simple steps:

1. Turn Off Your Smart TV – Using your smart TV’s remote control, press the power button and turn off your TV.
2. Unplug Your Smart TV – Physically unplug your smart TV from the wall socket for about 30 seconds to a minute. This will ensure that the TV fully powers down and clears any temporary files.
3. Plug Your Smart TV Back In and Turn It On – After waiting for the recommended time, plug your smart TV back into the wall socket and turn it on using your remote control.

By incorporating these two methods—clearing cache and app data, and restarting the smart TV—into your regular maintenance routine, your smart TV will operate more efficiently and deliver an improved overall experience.

Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Connection

Check Wi-Fi Speed

To ensure a smooth streaming experience on your smart TV, it is essential to have a fast Wi-Fi connection. You can verify your current Wi-Fi speed by using various speed test apps or websites.

This will provide a clear picture of whether your internet connection is up to par with the demands of streaming high-quality content.

Update Router Firmware

Keeping your router updated is vital for both security and performance.

Regularly updating the firmware on your router ensures that you are running the most secure version and may offer improved Wi-Fi performance. Check your router manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware updates and follow their instructions for applying the update.

Optimize Router Placement

The location of your router can significantly impact Wi-Fi performance.

Of course, you want to use an ethernet cable for your TV, but if for some weird reasons you don’t do that – make sure the router is placed close to the TV!

Placing your router too far from your smart TV or in an area with obstructions may weaken the signal. To improve Wi-Fi connectivity:

• Place your router in a central location, ideally equidistant from all devices that require a Wi-Fi connection.
• Elevate your router by placing it on a high shelf or mounting it on a wall to ensure better signal coverage.
• Avoid placing your router near large metal objects or appliances, as these may interfere with the signal.
• Consider the 5GHz frequency band for your smart TV, as it offers faster speeds than the 2.4GHz band. This might require adjusting the Wi-Fi settings on both your router and smart TV.

Upgrading your Wi-Fi connection by following these steps can significantly improve your smart TV’s performance and enhance your overall viewing experience.