Discussions

[Stormlighter]

50S453.  I followed all the instructions and verified it was correct make and model and it came up with that message when I tried to run the update manually.  Please help.

[RokuArjiemar · Accepted solution]

Hello! @Stormlighter,

We appreciate you posting in the Roku Community!

Thank you for contacting us regarding the manual update for your Roku TV. We understand that updating your device is essential for optimal performance and access to the latest features. We are here to assist you through each step of the updating process.

Activating your Roku TV ensures it uses the latest Roku OS software. When your Roku TV is connected to the internet, it checks for updates every 24 to 36 hours. If a new version is available, it downloads and installs automatically without interrupting your viewing. You can also check for updates manually at any time.

To update the software manually, you need a standard USB 2.0 flash drive that is 256MB or larger.

Your TV validates the file on the USB flash drive and displays a 12-digit code on the TV screen. If you see the message "Contents of the update file are invalid", your TV is already running the latest software version.

For more detailed information, please see this article: How to use a USB to update your unconnected Roku TV system.

Thanks,
Arjiemar

[Stormlighter]

Arjiemar,

I already knew that.  I followed the instructions to update the TV manually, where it was supposed to give me the update to download for the manufacturer of my TV at the website tvupdate.roku.com. When I went to plug the USB in and run the update, it displayed “Update file is for a different TV manufacturer.  Please try again.”  Why did that happen when I provided the correct information?

[RokuArjiemar]

@Stormlighter,

Thanks for your response,

Is this your first time setting up or activating this Roku TV? Is there a specific reason why you're not connecting to the internet to update it?

Some Roku TVs and all Roku branded TVs require a Roku account and internet connection to complete the activation process (see TV packaging for details). This will allow the latest software updates to be delivered to your TV and provide you with the best smart TV experience by ensuring you have the latest features, programming, and fixes. After you complete the activation process, your TV can be used without an internet connection but will be limited to playing content from HDMI sources, cable, or over-the-air broadcasts.

For more detailed information, please check it out here: How to set up your Roku TV system.

Thanks,
Arjiemar

[Stormlighter]

Arjiemar,

It’s for our workplace, the department bought it last year, so it has already been activated to my knowledge.  It can see our wireless network, but when the on-screen instructions say, “Go to your laptop, tablet or smartphone and find DIRECT-Roku-XXXXX” It doesn’t pop up on our laptop or even on our personal devices.  So when it mentioned failing to update, I figured I would manually update it, to see if that would solve the wireless issue.

[RokuArjiemar]

@Stormlighter,

If you believe your TCL Roku TV is already activated, you can connect it to your Wi-Fi and check for a software update. All Roku TV models and streaming players are designed to keep running the latest software version. Your Roku device checks for new software during the initial setup, whenever it powers on, and randomly every 24 to 36 hours. Downloads and installations occur automatically without interrupting your use of the Roku device.

Please follow the instructions below if you'd like to check for updates manually.

1. Press Home on your Roku remote
2. Scroll and select Settings
3. Select System
4. Select Software update
5. Select Check Now to check for updates manually

Suppose new software is available or your apps have updates. In that case, your Roku device will download and install them automatically, and once they are completed, it will reboot.

Please check it out here: How to fix Roku streaming device update problems

You can connect your streaming device to a mobile hotspot as a temporary workaround to ensure there is no issue with your device.

Thanks,
Arjiemar

[bt1976]

These instructions are wrong.  When the correct file is downloaded from roku.com, the TV doesn't recognize it.  The TCL TV says that the TVL Roku update file is for a different TV manufacturer.  So your sending me the wrong file even though I selected the correct TV manufacturer.

[bt1976]

And I cannot connect to wi-fi... because the TV has to be updated!  I get no picture at all.  That's why I am manually installing the update with a USB.  Duh.