Sometimes, technology doesn't cooperate. Here are the three most common Thomson firmware update errors and how to fix them.
Performing a Thomson TV firmware update is a straightforward process if you follow the correct model-specific steps. Stick to official sources, prepare your USB correctly, and never interrupt the installation. While automatic updates are convenient, manual USB updates give you more control when servers are down.
A well-updated Thomson TV will deliver snappier performance, fewer app crashes, and better compatibility with new devices. Bookmark this guide, check your model number today, and give your Thomson TV the software refresh it deserves.
Have a unique problem not covered here? Drop a comment below (or contact Thomson support with your model and serial number). Stay tuned for more Thomson TV tips and troubleshooting.
To update the firmware on your Thomson TV, you can use the automatic Network Update for convenience or a Manual USB Update if your TV is experiencing software issues or has no internet connection. Method 1: Network Update (Over-the-Air) This is the standard method for Thomson Android TVs.
Open Settings: Use your remote to navigate to the Settings icon (usually at the top right of the home screen).
Navigate to About: Select Device Preferences, then choose About.
Check for Updates: Select System Update. The TV will check for available versions (e.g., upgrading from Android 10 to 12).
Download & Install: If an update is found, select Download. Once downloaded, follow the prompts to install and restart. Method 2: Manual USB Update (Recovery Mode)
Use this if your TV is stuck on the logo or cannot connect to the internet. thomson tv firmware update
Identify Your Hardware: Locate your Product Number on the back label of the TV or under Settings > About. For forced updates, you may also need the chassis number (e.g., TP.MS3463S.PB782) found on the mainboard. Prepare the USB: Use a FAT32-formatted USB drive (ideally 2GB–4GB).
Download the matching firmware from the THOMSON Manuals and Software page or official support.
Save the file (often named upgrade.bin or update.zip) directly to the root directory (do not put it in a folder). Perform the Update:
Standard Menu Method: Insert the USB while the TV is on. Go to Menu > Settings > System > Software update > By USB.
Forced (Bricked) Method: Unplug the TV power cord. Insert the USB. Press and hold the physical Power button on the TV chassis, then plug the power back in. Keep holding until the LED blinks or a "Software Upgrade" screen appears.
Finalize: Once complete, the TV should restart automatically. It is highly recommended to perform a Factory Reset (Reset Shop) afterward to ensure system stability. Important Safety Tips
Updating your Thomson TV firmware is the best way to resolve system bugs, improve picture quality, and ensure your smart apps remain compatible with the latest Google security patches.
Depending on your model and whether your TV currently boots, you can update via the internet (OTA) or a USB drive. Method 1: Online System Update (Recommended)
For most Thomson Android and Google TVs, the easiest way to update is directly through the settings menu while connected to Wi-Fi. Sometimes, technology doesn't cooperate
Open Settings: Press the Home button on your remote and navigate to the Settings icon (top right).
Navigate to Device Preferences: Select Device Preferences (on some models, this may simply be listed as About). Check for Updates: Select About → System Update.
Download and Install: If an update is available (e.g., a move from Android 10 to 12), select Download. Once the download finishes, select Install.
Note: Do not turn off your TV or disconnect the power during this process. Method 2: Manual Update via USB
If your TV isn't receiving an OTA update or is stuck in a boot loop, you can perform a manual "forced" update using a USB drive. How to update the software on an Android TV - TCL Support
Before diving into the "how," let’s understand the "why." Thomson releases firmware updates for several critical reasons:
Note: Thomson TVs are manufactured under license by various companies worldwide (often TP Vision or local distributors). Therefore, firmware availability varies by region and specific model number.
Q: Will a firmware update delete my installed apps?
A: Usually no – most updates preserve data. However, a major OS version update (e.g., Android 9 to 10) might require a factory reset afterward. Always back up your settings if possible.
Q: My Thomson TV says “no updates” but the website has a newer file. Why?
A: Thomson releases USB-only updates for some models without pushing them OTA. Use the USB method. Have a unique problem not covered here
Q: Can I downgrade to an older firmware?
A: Generally no. Most Thomson TVs prevent rollback to avoid security issues. Downgrading also risks bricking.
Q: Update failed and now my TV won’t turn on. What do I do?
A: Unplug for 10 minutes. Try the forced recovery mode with USB. If it still doesn’t work, contact Thomson support – the mainboard may need reflashing by a technician.
Q: Does a firmware update improve picture quality?
A: Sometimes – it can fix color gamut mapping or local dimming algorithms. But don’t expect dramatic changes. For better picture, adjust your picture settings manually.
The easiest way to update your Thomson TV is via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update. This method requires an active internet connection. The steps may vary slightly depending on whether your TV runs on Android TV or a proprietary Linux OS.
You cannot update what you do not know. To perform a Thomson TV firmware update, you first need your current software version and hardware model number.
1. Identify Your Model Number: This is the most critical step. Look at the back of your TV or the original box. You will see a code like TH-43F2020E13 or similar. You must download the firmware specific to your model. Using the wrong file can permanently "brick" (ruin) your TV.
2. Download the Firmware:
3. Prepare the USB Drive:
4. Install the Update:
Do you have an older Thomson LED TV that is not “smart”? These do not have Wi-Fi. However, they still have firmware to control HDMI handshaking and picture processing.
Updating non-smart Thomson TVs: