If you want your Samsung SmartThings dryer to run reliably, software updates matter more than many owners realize.
This guide explains how to update software on Samsung SmartThings dryer models, what the update changes, and what to do if the update does not appear right away.
What Samsung SmartThings dryer software updates do
Samsung SmartThings dryers can receive firmware or software updates that improve connected features, fix bugs, refine cycle behavior, and strengthen compatibility with the SmartThings app.
On connected appliances, these updates are often delivered over Wi-Fi rather than through a physical USB connection or service visit.
Depending on the model, an update may improve remote monitoring, cycle notifications, energy-related functions, diagnostics, or stability of the appliance’s Wi-Fi connection.
In some cases, Samsung also uses updates to address performance issues reported by users after launch.
Before you update your Samsung SmartThings dryer
Before starting the update process, make sure the dryer is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and already linked to your Samsung account in the SmartThings app.
If the appliance is offline, the update may not appear or may fail during installation.
- Confirm the dryer is powered on.
- Check that the SmartThings app is installed on your phone or tablet.
- Verify the dryer is connected to the same Samsung account used in SmartThings.
- Keep the appliance near a reliable Wi-Fi signal.
- Close any app sessions or background tasks that may interrupt the process.
It is also a good idea to avoid running a cycle while checking for updates, especially if your model pauses certain connected functions during maintenance.
How to update software on Samsung SmartThings dryer
Most Samsung SmartThings dryer updates are managed through the SmartThings app.
The exact menu names can vary a little by model, region, and app version, but the process is generally similar.
Step 1: Open SmartThings
Launch the SmartThings app and sign in to the Samsung account linked to your dryer.
From the main dashboard, select the dryer device card.
Step 2: Check device details
Open the dryer’s device page and look for a settings, information, or more-options menu.
Samsung often places update notifications inside the device settings or the appliance information section.
Step 3: Look for an available update
If an update is ready, you may see a prompt such as software update available, firmware update, or device update.
Tap the prompt and read the on-screen instructions before continuing.
Step 4: Start the installation
Follow the prompts to begin the update.
Keep the dryer powered on and the phone close enough to maintain a stable app connection.
Some updates may take several minutes and the dryer may temporarily restrict certain remote features during installation.
Step 5: Confirm the update completed
When the process finishes, the app may display a success message, the version number may change, or the dryer may reconnect automatically.
If the device asks for a reboot or reconnect, follow the prompt exactly as shown.
What if the update does not appear?
Sometimes a dryer is eligible for an update but the SmartThings app does not show it immediately.
This can happen if the rollout is gradual, the appliance has not contacted Samsung’s update servers yet, or the Wi-Fi connection is unstable.
- Refresh the SmartThings app and reopen the dryer page.
- Turn the dryer off and back on if Samsung’s instructions allow it.
- Check whether the dryer is still connected to Wi-Fi.
- Update the SmartThings app itself from the App Store or Google Play.
- Wait and check again later if Samsung is rolling out the update in stages.
If the dryer was recently added to SmartThings, it may take time before the latest firmware becomes available.
In some households, router settings, mesh network steering, or weak signal strength can also delay update detection.
Troubleshooting update problems
When a Samsung SmartThings dryer will not update, the issue usually comes down to connectivity, account sync, or app version mismatch.
Start with the simplest checks first.
Verify Wi-Fi and account linkage
Make sure the dryer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and the app is signed into the same Samsung account used during setup.
A mismatch can prevent update commands from reaching the appliance.
Restart the app and appliance
Close the SmartThings app completely, reopen it, and power-cycle the dryer if needed.
A clean restart often clears temporary communication errors.
Check the router
Reboot your router if the dryer has been dropping offline.
If your network uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, confirm the dryer is on the band supported by your model.
Many smart appliances still rely on 2.4 GHz for better range.
Update the mobile app
An outdated SmartThings app can hide menus or fail to communicate update status properly.
Keeping the app current helps ensure the appliance and phone are using the latest supported interface.
Review permissions and notifications
Some update alerts depend on permissions, including notifications and local network access on mobile devices.
If you denied those permissions earlier, restore them in your phone settings.
How to tell whether your dryer is already up to date
If the SmartThings app says the dryer is current, that usually means no newer firmware is available for your exact model and region at that time.
Samsung often releases software in phases, so another owner with the same dryer may receive a different version later.
You can also check the device information screen for a firmware version or software version.
Recording that version is useful if you contact Samsung support or compare release notes later.
Why firmware updates matter for smart dryers
Smart appliance updates are not just cosmetic.
On a connected Samsung dryer, firmware can influence cycle communication, smart home integrations, troubleshooting accuracy, and app-based controls.
For households that depend on SmartThings routines, notifications, or remote status checks, updated firmware helps keep the system predictable.
Updates may also address edge cases that are hard to notice until something goes wrong, such as delayed status reports, connectivity drops, or inconsistencies between the appliance display and the app.
Best practices for keeping Samsung SmartThings dryer software current
To reduce update problems in the future, keep both the appliance and the SmartThings app maintained.
That means checking the app periodically, keeping your phone OS current, and making sure the dryer remains connected to a stable home network.
- Review the dryer in SmartThings after major app updates.
- Leave the appliance connected to Wi-Fi unless you have a reason to disconnect it.
- Use a stable router location to improve signal strength.
- Rename the device clearly so it is easy to find in the app.
- Watch for Samsung notifications about appliance service or firmware changes.
If your model supports automatic delivery of updates, leaving the dryer online gives Samsung the best chance to push improvements without manual intervention.
When to contact Samsung support
Contact Samsung support if the dryer repeatedly fails to update, disappears from SmartThings, or shows connection errors after an attempted installation.
You may need model-specific guidance if the appliance is stuck on an old firmware version or if the app reports an error code during the update process.
Have the dryer model number, software version, Wi-Fi network details, and a description of the issue ready.
That information helps support identify whether the problem is related to the appliance, the app, the router, or a phased update rollout.
