Keeping your appliance software current can improve reliability, add features, and fix bugs.
If you want to know how to update software on Samsung SmartThings washer models, this guide walks through the exact steps and the checks that matter most.
Why Washer Software Updates Matter
Samsung SmartThings washers are connected appliances, which means they can receive firmware updates just like smartphones and smart TVs.
These updates may improve cycle performance, communication with the SmartThings app, diagnostics, energy management, and overall stability.
Unlike cosmetic app changes, washer firmware updates can affect core appliance behavior.
That is why it helps to verify the current version, keep the washer online, and understand how updates are delivered.
What You Need Before Updating
Before starting the update process, make sure the basics are in place so the washer can connect and complete the installation without interruption.
- A compatible Samsung SmartThings washer
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- The SmartThings app installed on your phone
- A Samsung account signed in to the app
- The washer powered on and connected to the same network
If the washer has been disconnected from Wi-Fi for a while, it may need to reconnect before an update becomes available.
A weak signal can also slow download and installation.
How to Update Software on Samsung SmartThings Washer
In most cases, Samsung delivers washer updates through the SmartThings ecosystem or over-the-air in the background.
The process is usually simple, but the exact menu labels can vary slightly by model and app version.
Step 1: Open the SmartThings app
Launch the SmartThings app on your Android or iPhone and confirm that you are logged in with the Samsung account linked to the washer.
Step 2: Select your washer
From the Devices tab, tap your Samsung washer.
If you manage multiple appliances, verify that you have opened the correct one.
Step 3: Check for firmware or device updates
Look for an option such as Device information, Washer settings, Firmware update, or Software update.
Some models show update status inside the device card or a settings menu rather than a dedicated update button.
Step 4: Start the update if one is available
If an update is listed, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
Keep the washer powered on and do not disconnect Wi-Fi during the process.
Step 5: Wait for completion
The update may take several minutes.
In some cases, the washer may reboot or temporarily become unavailable in the app while new firmware is applied.
How to Check Your Washer’s Current Software Version
Before and after updating, it is useful to confirm the software version so you can tell whether the update succeeded.
- Open SmartThings
- Tap your washer
- Open device information or settings
- Locate firmware, software, or version details
Some Samsung appliance pages also show the last update date.
If the app does not display a version number clearly, you may need to review the washer’s onboard display or consult the user manual for the exact path.
When Updates Install Automatically
Many Samsung connected appliances can receive updates automatically when they are connected to Wi-Fi and paired correctly.
This means you may not always see a manual “update now” prompt.
Automatic updates are helpful because they reduce maintenance, but they also depend on network connectivity, power availability, and Samsung’s rollout schedule.
If your washer has not updated recently, it may simply be waiting for the next release or a better connection window.
How to Keep Updates Working Reliably
If you want fewer update problems, a few maintenance habits make a noticeable difference.
- Keep the washer connected to a strong Wi-Fi network
- Use the latest version of the SmartThings app
- Sign in with the same Samsung account on all devices
- Avoid power interruptions during update windows
- Restart the router if the washer frequently drops offline
It is also a good idea to place the washer within reasonable range of the router.
Appliances can struggle with weak signals more than phones do because they usually do not roam between access points as efficiently.
Troubleshooting: Why an Update May Not Show Up
If you cannot find an update option, the cause is often one of a few common issues.
The washer is offline
If SmartThings shows the washer as offline, reconnect it to Wi-Fi before checking again.
Updates generally require an active connection.
The washer is already current
No update will appear if the firmware is already up to date.
In that case, the app may show no available updates or a current software message.
The app is outdated
An older version of the SmartThings app may not display device options correctly.
Update the app through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, then reopen it.
The Wi-Fi network changed
If you replaced your router, changed the password, or moved the washer, the appliance may need to be reconnected in SmartThings before update checks work again.
Troubleshooting: What If the Update Fails?
Occasionally, an update may start and then stop, or the washer may appear frozen in the app.
In most cases, the fix is simple.
- Wait a few minutes to confirm the update is not still processing
- Check that the washer has not lost power
- Confirm your Wi-Fi is working on other devices
- Close and reopen SmartThings
- Restart the router if the connection looks unstable
If the washer still does not recover, power-cycle the appliance only if the update clearly failed and the manufacturer instructions allow it.
For persistent issues, Samsung support or the product manual can help identify model-specific steps.
How Samsung SmartThings Fits Into the Update Process
SmartThings acts as the control layer between your washer and Samsung’s connected services.
It lets you monitor device status, manage settings, and receive update-related notifications where supported.
Because SmartThings is part of a larger Samsung smart home ecosystem, keeping the app and your Samsung account in good standing matters.
A sync issue between the app, the cloud account, and the washer can make update discovery harder than it should be.
Signs Your Washer May Need Attention Beyond an Update
If software updates do not solve recurring problems, the issue may not be firmware-related.
Watch for patterns such as repeated network drops, error codes, cycle interruptions, or delayed app responses.
- Frequent disconnections from Wi-Fi
- Delayed or missing cycle notifications
- Unusual behavior after a recent power outage
- Repeated error messages on the washer display
These symptoms may point to a network problem, a pairing issue, or a hardware fault that requires service rather than a software update.
Quick Checklist for Updating a Samsung SmartThings Washer
- Confirm the washer is powered on
- Verify a stable Wi-Fi connection
- Open the SmartThings app
- Select the washer from Devices
- Check device settings for firmware or software updates
- Install any available update
- Wait for the process to finish before using the washer
Once you understand how to update software on Samsung SmartThings washer models, the process becomes routine.
A stable connection, an updated app, and the right device settings are usually all it takes to keep the appliance current and connected.