LG TV Smart hub. How to Activate & Watch ITVX on LG Smart TV (2023)

How to update apps on an LG Smart TV

LG TVs rely on the webOS platform to handle settings and apps. When first setting up an LG Smart TV, you’ll notice that a few third-party apps have already been pre-installed on webOS (past candidates have included Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube, among others). You can also choose to visit the LG Content Store, where you can download a variety of other apps to make sure you get your preferred streaming services.

What You Need

But if you’ve used these apps before, you know they have to be periodically updated so developers can fix bugs, update security, and add new features or support for new formats. All that’s important – so how do apps update on your LG TV? Should you be checking your LG apps for updates since you first downloaded them? Here’s everything you need to know about how to update apps on your LG Smart TV.

Further reading on LG TVs

How to update apps on a newer LG TV

This applies to TVs with newer versions of webOS purchased within the last couple of years or so. Typically, newer webOS platforms have more square-shaped app icons in the menu at the bottom of the screen.

Step 1: Make sure your LG TV is connected to the internet and you are signed into your LG account if necessary. You can find your connection status in the Network section of the webOS settings. LG TVs usually won’t let you access the Content Store or other areas without an internet connection.

Step 2: Make sure that your LG TV is updated. For modern webOS TVs, app updates are bundled with the webOS updates themselves, so updating the whole platform also updates the apps. If you turn on automatic updates, then app updates will be pushed as they become available.

We have a full guide on how to update your LG TV here, as well as how to turn on automatic updates. You can find these options in the Support section of your LG TV. After an update, you’ll want to turn the TV completely off and back on again to complete the process.

Step 3: That’s it! As long as automatic updates are turned on where available, your TV should now make sure that all its apps are updated, too. Just remember to update your internet connection if your router or password ever change.

How to update apps on an older LG TV

These steps are an option for older versions of webOS, like webOS 3.0. They tend to have slimmer apps and a different overall design to the platform. For these versions, you also have the option to visit an app manually and check for an individual update. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Turn on your LG TV and open your menu by pressing the Home or Recents button. This varies a little depending on the LG remote you have.

Step 2: Connect your LG TV to your Wi-Fi if necessary. When it’s connected, use your remote pointer to select the LG Content Store.

Step 3: Select the My page icon at the top of the screen. If you don’t see this option, choose Apps and go to My apps instead.

Step 4: Select Update all at the top of the My Page section. Or, you can choose an individual app here and then select Update. If you do not see an Update option, only a gray Install option, the app has probably already been updated automatically. This page will also show the date of the last update, so you’ll have a good idea of how recent this version of the app is.

Step 5: If you want to update an app you didn’t install but is still on your webOS, use the search function to search for the app by name. Then select it and select Update.

Troubleshooting app updates on your LG TV

Double-check that your TV is connected to the right Wi-Fi and manually push through a webOS update if it’s available.

• Make sure that your LG TV is set to your region. Otherwise, you may not be able to access apps or the Content Store. In the General section of Settings, look for the Location section to set your region.
• If an app isn’t responsive at all, try deleting it and then installing it again to see if you can download the most recent version.
• Look up your app on LG’s website to see if there are specific circumstances affecting its operation. Sometimes a brand will end support for its app on certain versions of webOS.
• If nothing is working, try a factory reset of your TV. You can go to the General section of Settings, where you should find an option to Reset to initial settings. This will revert any changes you made.

Editors’ Recommendations

If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler’s into it. When he’s not…

Buying a TV is one of life’s big purchases. Kind of like buying a car, you want to make sure the one you get is perfect for your needs and budget and has a reputable brand name behind it.- you don’t want to buy yourself a lemon. You’ve probably already figured out some of the basics like size, resolution, and maybe whether you like Smart TV operating systems like Roku TV or Google TV.

But what are the best TV brands out there? Are the big players like Samsung, Sony, and LG worth the premium prices, or are value brands like TCL and Hisense just as good? And what about trying your luck with Roku’s new TVs, as the popular platform starts making its own hardware? And lastly, what features and technologies do all these brands foster? We’re here to help answer these questions.

Roku remains at the top of the list in terms of the best streaming devices for accessing all of the movie, TV, and sports streaming services people love.- from Netflix to Hulu to Disney to Amazon Prime Video and beyond. Its Roku Channel is also a pretty great resource for additional programming and awesome Roku original productions.

If you have a Roku device, it’s in your best interest to keep it running in tip-top shape, and that means making sure that it’s got the latest Roku OS installed. These devices are designed to automatically check for software updates every 24 to 36 hours, with the download and install done in the background so you don’t have to worry about it.

In October 2022, LG debuted webOS Hub, an enhanced version of the Smart TV software it uses for its own TVs that can be licensed by other manufacturers. At the time, webOS Hub was not a full replica of the webOS that runs on LG TVs, given that it was missing some features like Apple’s AirPlay and HomeKit support.

Today, LG says that webOS Hub is now compatible with all of those missing Apple ingredients. Apple TV app, Apple Music, AirPlay, and HomeKit are available to compatible webOS Hub TVs in more than 100 countries and regions.

Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.

How to Activate Watch ITVX on LG Smart TV (2023)

The following tutorial will show you how to activate and watch ITVX on LG Smart TV.

ITVX, the all-new streaming platform from the British TV network ITV, replaces the ageing ITV Hub catch-up service.

It’s your streaming destination for over 10,000 hours of ad-supported, on-demand content consisting of 200 series, 250 movies, and dozens of exclusive dramas, comedies, and thrillers, with new shows launching weekly – shows that’ll be available to stream long before they even air on ITV’s terrestrial linear channels.

ITVX, however, is more than just an on-demand streaming service. You can also stream all of ITV’s live TV stations and FAST channels dedicated to a genre or popular series, plus news and, occasionally, sports content.

With ITV implementing better DRM protection on its new streaming service, the new ITVX app is no longer compatible with some devices, especially older ones. It begs the question of whether viewers can still get ITVX on LG Smart TV. Our guide answers that and more, so make sure to read until the end.

Can you Watch ITVX on LG Smart TV?

While ITV doesn’t explicitly mention whether ITVX is available on LG Smart TVs, it does actively state support for Freeview Play devices.

For those who don’t know, Freeview Play is an open streaming standard for Smart TVs, set-top boxes/DVRs, and streaming devices in general. It ensures users in the UK get free access to 70 linear channels alongside catch-up and on-demand streaming content from connected TV apps like BBC iPlayer, All 4, My5, and now, ITVX.

LG TVs that are Freeview Play-capable include nearly every model released in the UK since 2016, including the newest 2022 LG Smart TVs running webOS 22. Older NetCast LG TVs are unsupported.

Although the 2020 models initially missed out on Freeview Play due to licencing issues, they later received support for a handful of core UK TV apps, including the former ITV Hub. If you own a 2020 or early 2021 LG webOS TV, we’re happy to report that ITVX is officially available for your set.

How to Install ITVX on LG Smart TV?

Provided your LG Smart TV is compatible and is always connected to the internet, ITV’s new streamer app should automatically install and replace the former ITV Hub. ITVX is rolling out across supported devices in batches at the time of writing, so there should already be a pending update, or you’ll be receiving one soon enough.

If you didn’t have ITV Hub installed prior to the ITVX update, follow these steps to download ITVX on your LG webOS TV:

• On your LG TV remote, press the Home key to bring up the webOS Home bar.
• Navigate to LG Content Store in the Home bar and click it to launch.
• Head to the Apps tab at the top of the LG Content Store, then select the Search (magnifying glass) icon above.
• Now type “ITVX” in the following menu and click Search. Then choose the ITVX app from the top “Apps” row.
• Once you’re on the ITVX app page in the LG Content Store, click the Install button to begin the download.

After the installation finishes, press the Home remote button and scroll to the right end of your apps list to find and launch the ITVX app.

You may also press and hold the OK button with the app selected and then use the side D-Pad buttons to move ITVX to the front for easier access.

Important Note: Update your LG TV

We recommend updating your LG TV to the latest firmware version. Here’s how to do it on TVs running webOS 5.0 and later:

• Press the Settings button on your LG TV remote control.
• Scroll down to the All Settings tab and click to expand it, then select Support.
• Next, open the Software Update menu and click the Check for Updates
• If there’s indeed an update pending, click Download and Install.

You can also set “Auto Update” to ON to enable automatic firmware updates on your LG TV.

• When the download finishes, press the Power button on your remote to power off the TV for about 10 seconds, then press it again to power it on. Your LG TV will begin applying the update package.

Keeping your LG Smart TV running on up-to-date firmware is good practice because it not only fixes bugs, adds new features, and offers general stability and performance optimisations but also includes support for new apps. If your TV runs on older firmware, it may not be eligible to receive the ITVX app update.

How to Sign Up For an ITVX Account?

You must be a registered ITVX user to activate ITVX on your LG TV. It takes only a few minutes and is completely free. Perks of an ITVX account include access to live ITV channels, exclusive box sets and premieres, the option to create individual family profiles (incl. kids), and the ability to add shows to your watchlist. Here’s how you can create one:

• Visit itvx.com from the web browser on your phone, tablet, or PC/laptop.
• Select the Account icon at the top-right corner and click where it says “Register Now”.
• Enter your valid email address and a six-character password in the respective fields and click Continue. It’s optional to opt-in for ITVX newsletters.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your profile and click Next to proceed through each step.
• ITVX will send you an email to the address you entered earlier. Check your inbox, open the mail, and click the “Verify Your Email Now” button.

After successful verification, click Continue. At this point, ITVX will ask you to choose your plan. You can continue with the “Choose Free Plan” option to enjoy all ITVX programs with adverts or the “Start Your 7 Day Free Trial” to get the ad-free Premium subscription, which adds thousands more hours of BritBox content.

Assuming you subscribe to Premium, you’ll need to choose between Monthly or Annual for your billing cycle, enter your payment details, and click Start Your Free Trial. ITVX will bill you for the subscription after the given trial period expires.

How to Activate ITVX on LG Smart TV?

Once you’ve set up your ITVX account, you’re pretty much ready to activate ITVX on your LG Smart TV. Simply perform the steps as described below.

• Open the ITVX app from the webOS Home screen on your LG TV.
• Scroll to the Settings icon in the left-hand menu and click it, followed by the “Sign in” option.
• Proceed with “Sign in on another device”. The next screen will give you a pairing code for the sign-in process.

If you don’t have your phone or laptop within reach, you can sign in by entering your ITVX account credentials using the on-screen keyboard.

• Go to itv.com/watch/pair from a web browser on another device, enter your pairing code, and click Continue.

If you haven’t logged in with your ITVX account on the device, ITVX will require you to do that.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully activated ITVX on your LG TV. Now you can enjoy all the on-demand box sets, exclusive originals, and live channels that ITVX offer.

Cast ITVX on LG Smart TV via AirPlay

If you have an LG webOS TV equipped with AirPlay 2, you can cast content from the ITVX app on your iPhone or iPad to your screen wirelessly, assuming they’re on the same network.

Once you install ITVX from the App Store on your Apple device and sign in with your account, simply pick up the title you want to watch, tap the Cast icon, and choose your LG TV model. You can use the in-app media buttons to control the playback.

AirPlay should be enabled on your LG TV by default. However, if you don’t see your LG TV in the ITVX mobile app’s Cast menu, go to your TV’s Home Dashboard, click the AirPlay tile, open the AirPlay and HomeKit Settings, and ensure AirPlay is set to On.

If you have a 2021 or 2022 UHD or OLED LG TV model, odds are it has AirPlay support. But for older models, check out this LG Support site for the compatibility list.

Final Words

Above, we’ve shown you how to install and activate ITVX on LG Smart TV. While ITV’s new streaming service, ITVX, drops support on older Freeview and Freesat devices, most LG webOS TVs that previously supported ITV Hub will continue to work with the new app. What will you be watching on ITVX this weekend? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев!

How To Update the Apps on an LG Smart TV

Smart TVs have changed the game and are now an indispensable part of many of our living rooms. They not only show TV in high definition or Ultra HD but can access the internet, browse the web, use apps like Netflix and Hulu, and some can even play games. Like most Smart devices, Smart TVs will need regular updates, which is what this tutorial is all about.

LG uses the webOS or Netcast platform, both of which make short work of developing apps and keeping them up to date. It’s a reliable platform that works across multiple TV types and is compatible with a vast range of apps. The LG App Store is a testament to just how many developers want to work with LG!

To update apps on an LG Smart TV, you first want to check for new firmware as apps may not work properly if they are updated for the new firmware, but you haven’t got it yet.

Update the Firmware on an LG Smart TV

Smart TV firmware is released periodically to add new features, tighten up existing code, fix bugs, or make it more stable or secure. They aren’t released as often as phone firmware, for example, but on a schedule that only LG knows.

Similar to updating your phone, apps may need to be updated after a firmware update. Much depends on what changed in the firmware. If it was a significant change, LG apps will likely need to be updated to remain compatible. As the apps sit inside the firmware, updating that first and the apps after is logical.

There are two ways to go about updating the Firmware on your LG Smart TV. First, you can use an internet connection or use a USB with the necessary files to force the update. commonly used is the internet option, so we’ll go with that.

You will also need to know if you’re TV is running webOS or Netcast. Netcast was originally launched in 2011, followed by webOS in 2014. Unfortunately, the instructions do vary depending on which software version you’re running, but we will cover them both in the sections below:

Update Firmware – Netcast

If your TV is running Netcast, follow these steps:

• Press the home button on your remote and select Settings in the lower left-hand corner.
• Use the remote to scroll down the menu on the left and click on the ? icon. Then, select Software Update.
• Make sure that software updates are turned on, then click on Check Update Version.
• If an update appears available follow the on-screen prompts to initialize it.

Update Firmware – webOS

As stated, the instructions may vary depending on your TVs’ OS. Here are the steps to follow if you’re using webOS:

• Press the home button on your remote and click on the Settings cog in the upper right-hand corner.
• At the bottom right you will see All Settings. Click it.
• Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight General on the left-hand side. Then, click About this TV on the right.
• Click to Allow automatic updates then, click on the Check for updates option.
• When an update appears you can follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.

That’s all there is to completing an update of the Firmware on your LG Smart TV via the internet.

Update Firmware – USB

If that doesn’t work, but a newer firmware version is available, you can download it onto your computer and load it from a USB drive.

• Go to the LG support website.
• Enter your TV model into the Model Number box.
• Select the firmware version you want to download and select Download this File.
• Copy that file onto your USB drive without making any changes.
• Insert the USB drive into your TV and let it detect the drive.
• Navigate to Setup and Support with the remote.
• Select install from file and point the TV to the USB drive.
• Allow the TV to update.

It will take a few minutes to read from the USB, but your TV should install the new firmware, reboot a couple of times, and then load using the new install.

Update Apps on an LG Smart TV

Now your firmware is up to date; you can safely update your apps. You will need to load the LG Content Store for this to happen. If you’re using a newer Smart TV, the apps should update automatically, and you don’t need to do anything.

If the apps don’t update, open each one to prompt a check, and you may or may not see an update notification.

Fortunately, the process of updating apps on your LG Smart TV is pretty straightforward. But, you will need a stable internet connection to complete the process.

Here is how you can update apps on your LG Smart TV:

• Turn on your Smart TV and click the home button on the remote. Then, click on the LG Content Store.
• Click on Apps. Then, click on My Apps.
• The apps on your TV should appear. Click on each one and click Update if available. Or, click All to see all of your apps and click Update All.

The process may take a little while, but this is an excellent workaround if your apps didn’t update automatically. Do keep in mind that LG Smart TV apps generally look after themselves. They update themselves and will automatically detect a firmware change once you update the TV itself. It’s a very straightforward system that needs minimal management. There may be times when an app won’t update but all you need to do then is uninstall it and reinstall it again.

Set up automatic updates on an LG Smart TV

While some users are opposed to automatic updates, they do serve the purpose of giving you a seamless, hands-off experience. It’s probably a good idea to keep automatic updates on. Here’s how to turn them on if they aren’t already.

• Turn on the TV and select Home on the remote.
• Select Settings and All Settings.
• Select General and About This TV.
• Check the box next to Allow Automatic Updates.
• You can Check for Updates while you’re there if you haven’t just updated everything using this tutorial.

Once you set up automatic updates, the TV manages itself. Every time you turn it on and it has a wireless connection, it will check for firmware and app updates. Now you don’t have to do a thing to keep it updated!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about keeping your LG Smart TV up-to-date, keep reading.

What do I do if I can’t update an app?

If you’re having a problem with a particular app on your TV and you’ve tried the steps above to correct it, your only remaining option is to delete the app and reinstall it. Assuming you’ve followed the steps above to update your TVs’ firmware, the newest version of the application should automatically download onto your TV, correcting any problems you’re having.

Is it necessary to update the apps on my TV?

As mentioned above, LG does a pretty good job of updating apps for you. So, this isn’t something you should have to do all the time. But, whenever the apps’ developers release a new update, they’re fixing bugs and security issues. It’s for these reasons that you should keep your apps (and firmware) up-to-date.

Samsung vs LG TV: which TV brand is the best in 2023?

Samsung and LG both make excellent televisions, but how to choose between them?

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When it comes to TVs, Samsung and LG make some of the best-rated sets around. Deciding between the two giants can be tricky, especially as both brands make products that span the price gamut from cheap and cheerful to ultra-premium.

But there are some things you should remember when trying to decide between an LG or Samsung TV. While an expensive LG TV will beat a cheap Samsung set and vice versa, these points may help push you one way or another when looking at two sets in a similar price bracket. We’ll also discuss the difference between OLED TVs and Samsung’s alternative technology. QLED.

Keep reading to discover the key differences between Samsung and LG TVs, or head over to our guide to the best TV brands for more comparison.

Samsung vs LG TV: General pointers

Before we get started on the specific differences between Samsung and LG TVs, it’s important to cover factors that add hundreds of dollars to your average TV price.

The first is resolution, which is to say the number of pixels embedded in the screen: the higher the number, the sharper the image. In 2022, there are three resolutions sold: 1080p (or Full HD), 4K, or 8K, which ranges from just over two million pixels to more than 33 million. At the time of writing, you almost certainly want 4K, which is the sweet spot. 1080p images look a bit blurry on larger screens, while 8K adds a premium for a format that simply isn’t broadcast anywhere at the moment — not on cable and not on streaming platforms.

Secondly, size plays a key role. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the screen, the bigger the price tag. And while the difference between 55- and 65-inches may not sound like much on paper, in practice, it’s a lot more because that measurement is taken across the diameter. A 55-inch TV, for example, has an 89% greater area than a 40-inch set. So ask yourself, “what size TV do I need?” before you begin your search.

You can still find 75-inch sets that are cheaper than the best 40-inch TVs, though, and that’s down to the type of panel in use. affordable sets will use LCD panels, and Samsung and LG have budget sets using this basic tech. But when you reach the more premium levels, the difference between LG and Samsung TVs becomes more pronounced.

Samsung vs LG TVs: Display technology

At the top end of the market, you’ve likely heard of two panel types fighting for dominance: OLED and QLED. While Samsung has recently released its first OLED panel, it’s chiefly known for championing QLED. LG, meanwhile, is renowned for its OLED panels (and makes them for other manufacturers.)

What’s the difference? OLED stands for ‘Organic Light-Emitting Diode,’ meaning that each of the TV’s pixels. over 8 million in a 4K panel — are individually lit. This leads to incredible immersion in darker scenes (because the pixels turn off, so they are completely black) and unbeatable contrast. So there’s a reason the LG C2 regularly tops lists of the best TVs around the web.

The main drawbacks are a lower peak brightness than panels with backlights, making them poorly suited to rooms with a lot of natural light during the day. There’s also the risk of burn-in — where an image can be permanently scarred into the screen if it remains static for too long (think news tickers and sports scores.) But modern OLED panels have precautions in place to ensure this is more of a theoretical risk than an actual problem with regular use.

Despite the name QLED, Samsung’s proprietary technology significantly enhances the LED panels in cheaper sets. While the pixels don’t individually light, QLED has several dimming zones and uses quantum dots for improved color and contrast. Also, look out for the mini-LED QLED sets. such as the QN90A Neo. as these have smaller backlights for tighter control.

Ultimately, the picture quality isn’t as good as OLED in perfect conditions, but it’s not far off, and the enhanced brightness makes it far better suited to bright rooms or daytime viewing, which is significant.

LG also has something called NanoCell, similar to QLED — where a layer of nanoparticles is placed between the LED backlight and the screen to boost colors and contrast. These are cheaper than OLED panels, with essentially the same pros and cons as QLED.

Samsung vs LG TVs: Formats and operating systems

With little to choose between Samsung and LG in terms of raw quality, you might want to consider the formats supported. While LG supports Dolby Vision in its top-end TVs, Samsung chooses HDR10 instead. LG has the advantage here, given Dolby Vision has a 12-bit color gamut to HDR10’s 10-bit. It’s also a bit more widely supported.

There’s also the TV software to consider. To be clear, both LG’s WebOS and Samsung’s Tizen support all the major streaming apps. Both are well-regarded (especially compared to the historically rather half-baked Android/Google TV). Still, you may find one more appealing than the other. LG’s high-end sets also come with the “Magic Remote,” where you can select things via a mouse-like pointer on the screen. For more on these user interfaces, head over to our guide to whether a Smart TV or streaming device is a better investment.

Speaking of navigation, both TVs support voice assistants, with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in (and Samsung’s own Bixby assistant pushed on its sets, too.) This means you can control TVs with the power of your voice should you wish, though a remote is still most people’s preference.

Samsung vs LG TVs: Which should you choose?

Hopefully, this guide will have offered some helpful pointers about whether to go with an LG or Samsung TV. Still, it’s important to remember this is only general advice and can’t apply to specific sets. Crucially, a high-end TV from one will always beat a low-end model from the other, no matter the relative strong points of the brands in general.

Because of their commitment to lifestyle TVs like The Frame and Serif. we’re big fans of Samsung TVs for the average style-forward living space. However, the brand is also arguably best for mid-range TVs that don’t compromise too much on the tech and has a lot of choices regarding the best 8K TVs and best 85 inch TVs.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a bargain, LG is our winner for the best budget models. In our opinion, OLED panels are the best screen tech around right now, so LG also comes out on top there, too. If you’re in the position to seriously splurge, the LG Signature range could undoubtedly offer some inspiration. The brand has also released a rival to the Samsung Serif. the LG Posé.

If you have a specific model in mind, look up reviews to see its strengths and weaknesses. Ideally, see the set in person too — but remember that the showroom’s lighting is unlikely to match that of your living room.