Simple tips to help prolong the life of your Smart TV

That expensive Smart TV in your living room is not only an entertainment center, but also a long-term investment if you know how to take care of it properly. With a few simple maintenance habits, you can completely extend the life of the device up to ten years, instead of having to replace it after only a few years of use.

Clean Smart TV properly

One of the most important steps is proper cleaning. Don’t confuse your TV screen with your bathroom mirror, using harsh cleaners like alcohol, ammonia, or glass cleaner can destroy the anti-reflective coating and cause permanent damage.

Samsung and many other manufacturers recommend using only a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth, similar to the kind used to clean eyeglasses or camera lenses, to gently wipe the screen in a circular motion.

For stubborn stains like fingerprints, you can lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water instead of spraying it directly onto the screen.

Use surge protectors

One of the most effective ways to protect your Smart TV from electrical hazards is to invest in a high-quality surge protector. Most TV manufacturers recommend using this device to prevent damage from sudden power surges, a common cause of damage to the sensitive electronic components inside a TV.

However, do not forget that surge protectors also have a certain “lifespan”, usually 3 to 5 years and need to be replaced after each serious electrical incident. A small investment today can help you avoid major damage later.

Be gentle when unplugging the cable.

Have you ever reached behind your wall-mounted Smart TV to unplug an HDMI cable? And then tried to yank it out at an angle because you couldn’t see the plug? That seemingly harmless action could end up costing you dearly.

HDMI, USB, and other inputs on modern TVs are prone to damage, especially on ultra-thin models. Unplugging cables the wrong way can bend the contacts, cause a choppy signal, or even damage the circuit board inside.

To avoid this, always unplug the cable by grabbing the connector and pulling it straight out, rather than applying force to the cable. If the corner is too hidden, use a flashlight or ask someone to hold the TV for you.

If you frequently change devices, such as game consoles or laptops, invest in an HDMI switch. This device stays permanently attached to your TV, allowing you to plug and unplug easily from a convenient location without worrying about damaging the original port.

Keep objects away from the screen

Despite their rugged appearance, TV screens, especially OLED and LCD models, are incredibly vulnerable. Even a minor knock from a toy, book, or cleaning product accidentally dropped from a shelf above can cause dead pixels, cracks, or damage to the display layer inside. And unfortunately, these damages are often not covered by warranty.

The risk is even higher in homes with small children or pets. A seemingly harmless foam bullet can have irreparable consequences. Likewise, placing objects such as remote controls, potted plants or decorative items on shelves above the TV can pose a potential risk if they fall.

So, set up a “safe zone” around your TV. If you have small children, invest in a screen protector to increase its impact resistance. If you use a wall mount, make sure it is sturdy and check the screws regularly. A small crack can mean you have to replace your TV.

Pay attention to temperature and humidity

Smart TVs need more than just a great picture; they also need to be placed in the right place to work properly. The ideal temperature for a TV is usually between 5°C and 40°C, which is similar to normal room conditions. Placing a TV in a place that is too hot, too cold, or too humid, such as a poorly ventilated basement, can cause condensation inside, leading to the risk of short circuits and damage to the circuit board.

High temperatures also force the internal cooling system to work overtime, causing components to deteriorate quickly. So, although it may look nice, you should not install your TV above a fireplace or in a place where it will be exposed to direct sunlight all day.

An important note when moving your TV from a cold place to a warm place is not to turn it on immediately. The temperature difference can cause moisture to build up inside the panel, and turning it on too soon can cause irreparable damage. It is best to let the TV “get used to” the new environment for a few hours before using it.

Give the TV a break

Smart TVs, while designed to last, still need regular breaks. Leaving them running 24/7, whether for informational displays, camera monitoring, or as a computer monitor, puts unnecessary wear and tear on the backlight, processor, and cooling system.

A simple but effective solution is to set up an automatic on/off schedule in the TV settings, or use a smart plug to proactively control operating time.

Also, at least once a week, turn it completely off and unplug it for about 30 seconds. This clears the cache, refreshes the operating system, and prolongs the life of the components. Just like humans, your TV works best when it gets a reasonable amount of downtime.

Software update

Smart TVs today are no different than a computer with a large screen and like any computer, they need regular software updates to operate stably, securely and take advantage of the latest features.

Software updates often include security patches, performance improvements, and new features to enhance the user experience. However, many users ignore them or are not even aware of them.

Luckily, modern TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL... all support automatic checking and updating. However, you should still check in the settings, usually under “System”, “Support" or "Introduce” to make sure automatic updates are enabled. If not, set a monthly reminder to check and update manually.

Sometimes, after a major update, older TVs can temporarily slow down as the system restructures or optimizes for new features. If this happens, try powering down completely and unplugging for 30 seconds, a simple trick that often improves performance significantly.

With a little attention, you can double or even triple the lifespan of your Smart TV without any technical tools or additional costs. Regular updates are not just maintenance, but also a smart investment in your daily entertainment experience.