How to Update Apps on Hisense TV

Evan Gower October 22, 2023

Hisense is an increasingly popular brand when it comes to Smart TV technology. They manufacture budget-friendly LED and ULED (Ultra LED) units that enhance contrast and definition for a better viewing experience.

Knowing how to install and update apps is immensely important to get the most out of your Hisense TV.

How to Install Apps on a Hisense TV

Hisense TVs, like any other Smart TV, come with several factory-installed apps. Some of these are crucial for any viewing experience on a Hisense TV, while others you may never use. Either way, factory-installed apps cannot be removed and are default on your Hisense TV.

Fortunately, other interesting Hisense apps may exist in your TV’s app store. Follow the procedures below to download certain apps from your Hisense Smart TV.

Navigate to the “Home” screen and select the “App Store” icon.
Go to the “Search” tab and press “OK” on your remote to activate the on-screen keyboard.
Using the remote, enter the name of the desired app and use the “D-pad” (on the remote) to select it.
Press the “green” button to add the app to your Hisense TV.

Updating Your Apps on a Hisense TV

Updating apps from Hisense’s native database isn’t user-associated. If such an app gets an update, it automatically installs on your device. Try removing and reinstalling it if there is a problem.

Option 1: Reinstalling an App on Your Hisense TV

To remove a Hisense native app, navigate to the “Home” screen and select the app using your remote’s navigation buttons.
Once you’ve selected the app you want to delete, press the “red” button on your remote.
Confirm that you want to delete the app by pressing “OK.”
Now, reinstall the app again using the instructions outlined above. The most up-to-date version will be installed on your Hisense TV.

Option 2: Updating Firmware on Your Hisense TV

Don’t forget that factory-installed Hisense TV apps cannot be deleted. Regardless, it may also not update to its latest version. Because you cannot remove the app, your best bet is to update your TV’s firmware. You must keep the firmware up-to-date to ensure your TV works properly. Outdated apps aren’t the only problem that old firmware causes.

Navigate to the “main settings screen,” then press the “cog wheel” button (Settings) on your Hisense remote.
Go to “All,” then navigate to “About,” and, finally, select “Software Update.”
Use “Detect” to check if you have the most recent firmware version and to install the latest version if not. This procedure should fix any issues with factory-installed apps on your Hisense TV.

Option 3: Updating Google Play on Your Hisense TV

Some Hisense TVs use the Android OS, which means you use the Google Play Store to download apps.

If a downloaded Android app isn’t working properly, find it on the Google Play Store, and you’ll see an “Update” button if it isn’t running on the current version.

Suppose you have an Android Hisense TV that doesn’t seem to have access to the Google Play Store. It’s always best to contact your retailer or manufacturer to solve the issue rather than sideloading the Google Play Store through a third-party app. Google Play almost always comes preinstalled on any Android device.

Option 4: Use Vewd

Vewd is an online storefront that offers apps specifically designed for smart TVs. The apps are all stored on the cloud and are accessed through Vewd directly. All app updates are done by Vewd, independently from your smart TV. Vewd is compatible with Android TVs only, but it is also installable on some non-Android Smart TV sets.

Note: You may have to manually update the Vewd app if your TV is not an Android version, which can be inconvenient.

While some Hisense TVs may be challenging to install, update, and manage apps, others make it easy. When automatic updates fail, you can update an app by removing and reinstalling it using the instructions above. Getting the latest firmware also helps make several new app versions compatible. Aside from having no access to manufacturer app databases, Google Play apps, or Vewd apps, avoid using third-party services to compensate. The majority of apps that you may need are available in the native App Store.