How to safely continue using a Smart TV that no longer receives updates

Your new Smart TV will get updates for at least two years (but hopefully longer!). But when those updates are no longer available, you don't have to ditch your old Smart TV for something new: There are some handy ways to keep your TV safe after its support period.

 

6. Sign out of all applications

 

With a Smart TV, you're essentially giving your network a future-proofing. Eventually, it won't get any more updates—and therefore no more security updates. And the older the security, the more vulnerable it is to hacking when a vulnerability is discovered.

You often add your data to your Smart TV through apps and services like Amazon Prime and Netflix , as well as social media platforms . On an older Smart TV, that kind of information shouldn't be stored, so it's best to log out of those apps as soon as they stop receiving updates. Delete the data from the apps so they can't be used against you!

5. Turn off microphone and camera permanently

While not common among Smart TVs, some models may also have a built-in microphone and webcam, such as the Samsung F Series Smart TVs. For security purposes, especially on older Smart TVs, it is useful to disable both.

 

If you're not sure whether your Smart TV has either of these features, there are a number of ways to detect a Smart TV camera. Alternatively, look up the model number of your TV and check the TV's specifications. If it has a built-in camera, you can disable it from the main menu (you may have to hunt around to find the specific setting).

If there is a built-in microphone, there is usually a switch. Both Samsung and Amazon Fire TVs have a physical button along the side to turn on the voice assistant. On other models and brands, like the Hisense U7N, the microphone is turned off in the Accessibility menu .

4. Switch to streaming device

 

Since Smart TV networking features have a short lifespan, instead of replacing your TV with a new model every few years, why not opt ​​for a streaming device instead?

The benefits of switching to a streaming device include security and cost savings. Do you want to spend close to $10,000 to replace your Smart TV after a few years? You can completely disconnect your Smart TV from your network to avoid being hacked.

3. Create a private network for Smart TV

Let's say you're concerned about security but still want to use your Smart TV's streaming features. What do you do? You can segment your network for security reasons while still maintaining Internet access .

Basically, the secondary network is like a room, while the main network is the house. The walls of that room also act as a barrier. If that network is attacked, it doesn't mean your main network is also at risk.

2. Smart TV Format

 

Even if you plan to leave your Smart TV connected to the network, you should still format it, especially if you don't use any apps that require sharing personal information. It's not as simple as logging out of the app by deleting everything.

Before you perform a factory reset, be aware that all picture settings will be reset. If you've gone to great lengths to get the picture right, take a photo of your settings or write them down. Regardless of your brand, you can format your Smart TV from the main menu, in Settings or  Options . The format options are usually listed as Reset , Factory Reset  , or Factory Default .

1. Disconnect Smart TV from the Internet

As a final piece of advice, if your Smart TV is no longer receiving security updates, you can disconnect it from the internet to avoid any issues. If it's not directly online and you're not using it to stream content, there's really no way for your TV to be compromised.

This isn't an ideal solution (unless combined with a streaming box, HDMI cable , and an alternative broadcasting method), but it does ensure that your Smart TV is safe and secure. You're essentially turning your Smart TV into a regular TV, which is really convenient in a lot of ways.

Having access to all your favorite streaming services with just a Smart TV is great, but it can also be a burden. If your Smart TV is getting to the point where updates are no longer as frequent, these steps will help you keep using it past its intended retirement date.