Can You Change the OS (Operating System) on a Smart TV?

When it comes to smart TVs, there are four primary operating systems: Web OS, Apple, Fire TV, and Roku. After unboxing your new smart TV, you may be wondering if you can change the operating system (OS) on your TV to another, a more desirable one.

Users cannot change the operating system on smart TVs. A smart TV’s hardware is meant to work with its original operating system. While some hobbyists have found ways around this, users would still need to install external hardware to change the operating system.

If you do not like your smart TV’s interface, depending on what TV you have, you can customize the way it looks. You can do everything from select themes, install and uninstall apps, and even use your TV to surf the web. Continue reading to learn more about making these changes.

Why You Can’t Change Your Smart TV’s Operating System

Your smart TV’s internal components are designed to match its operating system. Its processor, audio, video, and Wi-Fi card are meant to work alongside its own operating system—not another one.

If you attempt to follow do-it-yourself instructions when changing your TV’s operating system, you risk:

• Crashing the system, effectively making your smart TV a very expensive paperweight
• Causing irreversible damages that impedes your ability to make selections
• Causing problems with the TV’s firmware, which may stop its ability to “talk” to other electronic devices
• Being unable to use certain streaming services

You also risk voiding the warranty. This means that even if you just recently bought your TV, the manufacturer may not offer repairs or a replacement since you altered the TV’s components.

Changing the Operating System Won’t Make Your TV Faster

When our phones, tablets, and computers require new operating systems, people are sometimes under the impression that this will make their devices faster. This is not necessarily the case; your device’s internal hardware determines how fast it processes information.

For example, changing a Roku TV’s operating system to Apple’s operating system would not remedy this issue. In fact, it could make it worse.

If your smart TV is being slow, take the time to ask yourself why. Have you downloaded too many apps onto your TV? Did you purchase your TV a long time ago? The answers to these questions could give you more insight into your problem.

You Have Options if You Feel that Your Selections Are Limited

You may be interested in changing your TV’s operating system because you like some of the features offered by other smart TVs. For instance, some smart TVs allow mirroring, while others do not.

Instead of changing the operating system on your smart TV, you can opt for a streaming-service device, like Apple TV or Amazon’s Firestick. Here, you can get many of the features that come pre-programmed on other smart TVs.

These devices allow you to:

• Download movies and TV shows
• Play music
• Broadcast photographs on the screen
• Browse the internet

You could even download certain applications that were not previously available on your smart TV.

You May Not Need to Change the OS at All

You may want to change the way your TV’s interface looks, but you do not need to change the operating system to do this. Depending on the type of TV you purchased, here are some things that you may be able to customize:

The Apps

Your smart TV will come with streaming apps already downloaded on the device. However, these apps are not permanent. You are free to download and remove apps as you please.

Some of these apps include:

• Hulu
• Netflix
• YouTube
• Amazon Video
• IMBD TV

Note: This is by no means an exhaustive list.

The Smart TV’s Theme

If you bought the Samsung smart TV, you could change its “theme.” This could allow you to change the way your home screen looks. You can even change the “screen saver” when the smart TV is not in use.

Some themes let you:

• Put the time and temperature on your home screen
• Place news updates on your screen as they become available
• Download pictures from your camera roll and project them slideshow-style on the screen
• Change your TV’s background to white or black (which reduces your screen’s brightness)

You can also select a “mood.” This lets you change your TV’s ambiance, which can include pictures and background music.

Note: Other smart TVs, like the Vizio smart TV will allow you to adjust similar features, such as the device’s background.

The TV’s Picture

Depending on your own personal preferences, you can make alterations to the TV’s picture. This can include its contrast, brightness, depth, resolution, and frame.

For all of these customizations, you do not need to change your smart TV’s operating system. You simply need to go into your TV’s settings.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, tech experts, online forums, and your product’s manufacturer will advise you against changing the operating system on your smart TV because doing so could render the device unusable.

Before you consider going through the arduous process of changing your smart TV’s OS, try seeing if exploring your device’s settings can adjust your TV to your needs.