5 innovative ways to speed up your smart TV

It’s weighed down by digital clutter and settings that need adjusting. With a few smart adjustments, you can restore that initial performance without incurring any expenses on upgrades or new devices.

Clear Cache and Remove Unnecessary Apps

Your smart TV is like a desk that gets messier over time. Your smart TV is like a desk that gets messier over time. Every app you use creates temporary files that build up in something referred to as cache storage. When you routinely clear cache and storage, you are essentially giving your TV a new beginning. Go to your settings menu, locate the storage or apps section, and clear the cache for the apps you use frequently. 

While you're at it, uninstall any apps you haven't interacted with in months. That fitness app you signed up for on New Year's Day? If it’s been gathering dust, it’s time to say goodbye. Freeing up space allows your TV to function more efficiently and respond more quickly to your commands.

Keep Your Smart TV Software Updated

Firmware/software updates might seem like annoying interruptions, but they're performance boosters in disguise. Manufacturers constantly release patches that fix bugs, improve speed, and add new features to your TV. Most smart TVs check for updates automatically, but it's a good idea to check for updates once a month manually. 

Navigate to your system settings, look for the software update option, and install any available updates. These updates often include optimisations that make your TV run smoother, so treating them as optional is like leaving free performance upgrades on the table.

Optimise Wi-Fi and Internet Connection

A slow TV isn't always the TV's fault; sometimes it's your internet connection dragging everything down. Wi-Fi optimisation can make a massive difference in streaming quality and overall responsiveness. To begin, try moving your router closer to your TV, or even better, consider using a wired Ethernet connection for the best stability. 

If Wi-Fi is your only option, ensure your TV connects to the 5GHz band rather than the overcrowded 2.4GHz network. You should also check if other devices are using up bandwidth while you stream. A few simple modifications to your network can significantly reduce buffering and speed up loading times.

Use an External Streaming Device for Better Performance

Here's a secret that tech enthusiasts have known for years: external streaming devices often outperform the built-in smart TV interface. Devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV Stick are dedicated to one job, streaming, and they do it exceptionally well. They receive regular updates, have more processing power, and offer smoother navigation than most TV operating systems. 

Plugging one in doesn't mean your TV failed; it means you're giving yourself access to better hardware and a more refined user experience. Additionally, when it's time to upgrade, you can replace the streaming device rather than the entire television.

Disable Background Apps and Features

Your smart TV is sneakier than you think. While you're enjoying your favourite program, various apps and features are quietly operating in the background, using up resources, causing slowdowns. Background app management is crucial for maintaining peak performance. Check your settings and force-close any unnecessary apps. 

Disable features you rarely use, like voice assistants, automatic content recognition, or screen mirroring. These conveniences can drain processing power even when they're idle. By turning them off, you can redirect that power to the apps and functions you genuinely care about.

Conclusion

By taking control of cache storage, staying current with updates, optimising your network, considering external devices, and managing background processes, you can significantly speed up smart TV performance. These strategies work together to create a faster, more enjoyable viewing experience. 

Your TV has plenty of life left in it. It just needs a little maintenance to remind you why you bought it in the first place.