Simple maintenance tips to extend the life of your Smart TV

That expensive Smart TV  in your living room is an investment that should serve you well for at least a decade. A few easy maintenance steps can make the difference between buying a new TV in just a few years or enjoying stunning picture quality for 10 years (or more!).

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Clean properly (do not use glass cleaner)

Don't grab whatever cleaning spray is handy and start scrubbing your TV screen like it's a bathroom mirror. Samsung specifically warns against using "any type of glass cleaner, soap, scouring powder, or any cleaner that contains solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner," as these harsh chemicals can strip away the anti-reflective coating and cause permanent damage.

Instead, your TV screen should be gently wiped with a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the same kind you'd use on expensive camera lenses or eyeglasses—in circular motions to avoid scratches that even a paper towel can cause.

Use surge protector

Most TV manufacturers recommend a surge protector to protect your TV from power surges and fluctuations. A quality surge protector acts as a first line of defense, absorbing power surges before they can reach the sensitive internal components of your TV.

You don't want to go cheap, so invest in a reliable model. Look for one rated at 2,000 joules or more with a low clamping voltage (ideally below 400V). Brands like Belkin, Anker, and Tripp Lite offer well-reviewed options that can protect large TVs and other connected devices. Many newer models also include extras like USB ports for charging and smart features to track power usage via an app.

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Be gentle when unplugging the cable!

Have you ever (or many times) tried to grab an HDMI cable from the back of your TV stand, yanking it out at an awkward angle because you couldn't reach it? This seemingly harmless act can cause serious damage to both the cable and the port on your TV over time.

HDMI ports, USB connections, and other inputs on modern TVs are fragile. Pulling cables at angles or applying too much force can bend the connectors inside, creating loose connections that can cause signal loss or even crack circuit board connections. This is especially true on thinner TVs, which have less structural support around the ports.

Keep objects away from the screen

TV screens are fragile. Even a minor knock from a toy, book, or cleaning item accidentally dropped off a shelf can result in dead pixels, cracks, or internal damage that is beyond economic repair.

This is especially important in homes with children or pets. Nerf darts may seem harmless, but they can cause permanent damage to OLED or LCD screens. Likewise, placing objects on pedestals above your TV (like ornaments, game controllers, or glassware) can cause damage to the screen if they slip out of place.

Pay attention to temperature and humidity

Your Smart TV has an ideal comfort zone, just like you. In general, keep your TV within the typical indoor temperature range of 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) and away from places where moisture can accumulate, such as damp basements or poorly ventilated rooms. Too much humidity can lead to condensation inside, increasing the risk of a short circuit.

Heat is especially problematic because it forces the TV's internal cooling system to work harder, reducing the life of its components. Don't mount your TV above a fireplace (despite what home design programs recommend), place it in direct sunlight, or place it in any other location that could damage it.

Give the TV a break!

TVs need a break too. While modern Smart TVs are designed to withstand extended periods of use, running them around the clock puts unnecessary strain on components like the backlight, processor, and cooling fans.

This is especially important if you use your TV for digital signage, security monitoring, or as a computer monitor for work. Consider setting up automatic power schedules through your TV's settings or using a smart plug to ensure your TV gets regular breaks.

Software Update

A Smart TV is essentially a computer with a screen, and like any computer, it needs regular software updates to stay secure and run optimally. These updates 'often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features that contribute to a better viewing experience ,' but many people ignore them or don't even know they exist.

Most modern TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL can check for updates automatically, but you should make sure this setting is turned on. Navigate to your TV's settings menu (usually under System , Support , or About ) and look for software update options. Turn on automatic updates if available, or set a monthly reminder to check manually.

See also:

1. Top apps to watch TV online on TV
2. 5 extremely useful features on Samsung Smart TV that you may not know
3. TV control applications on phones

Jessica Tanner

Update 30 June 2025