How to Update Your Android TV Box Firmware?
Written by, Andriana Moskovska
Updated January, 20, 2022
Is your Android TV box due for an update?
Android boxes are a great invention, and we owe them the world, but they tend to be a pain in the rear area every now and then. So to put an end to your misery, we’ve created a complete guide on how to update an Android box and other beneficial information that might come in handy when you’re literally restraining yourself from destroying the whole box with a bat.
Stay put as we walk you through it all!
What Is Firmware?
Firmware is a physical, electronic unit with built-in software instructions that explain the unit’s actual operation. It is actually largely used and can be found practically anywhere around you: mobile phones, computers and peripherals, digital cameras, digital watches, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices and even traffic lights, which are also controlled by firmware.
Simply put, firmware is what makes your hardware work as designed by the manufacturer.
Why Should You Update the Firmware on Your Android TV Box?
Your Android TV box is also controlled by firmware, and similarly to the software, if you’re looking for improved performance image quality as well as faster streaming, frequent updates are required.
What is more, updates can also improve the quality of your TV and provide new features without having to renew the hardware completely.
Finally, regular Android TV updates keep you safe from any type of threats and potential vulnerabilities.
It’s definitely a good idea, but do you know how to pull it off? Let’s take a look at some of the top antivirus software in the game that can help you when it comes to Android TV box updates.
McAfee Security and Power Booster
McAfee has become an absolute synonym for antiviral protection, thus, it comes as no shock that they also offer products for Android TV boxes. The McAfee Security and Power Booster can be downloaded from the Google Play Store to any device that uses the Android system to run, including an Android TV box.
The free version comes with most of the paid features, but it’s ad-supported, so if you’re willing to go through the ads to be able to enjoy the features, go for it, but if you value your peace of mind, you may want to pay for the Pro version after all.
Let’s see what the McAfee Security and Power Booster offers:
- Spyware protection and removal with remote web portal management
- App protection
- Anti-theft features
- Wi-Fi scanner
- Performance optimisation
- Safe browsing
- Device security
- Ad-block
- Unlimited Wi-Fi Guard VPN
The McAfee Security and Power Booster come with a free trial for a month, after which you are required to pay the monthly subscription.
Avast Mobile Security for Android
Avast is another renowned name in the AV software industry, and they’re especially famous for providing top-notch products for free! For example, Avast has recently made a free, ad-supported version of its mobile security software. Still, the monthly subscription is quite affordable if you find yourself a bit too annoyed by the ads.
The software can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and installed on any Android-using device, such as your smartphone, your tablet and of course, your Android TV box, as long as it uses Android 5.0 or later.
Let’s check out the features:
- Regular scans
- Detects dangerous apps before you install them
- Web protection
- Wi-Fi network verification
- VPN
- Location tracking and device lock
- Performance enhancement (boosts RAM and removes junk)
- App permissions
- App utilisation stats and more
As we previously mentioned, the free version is ad-supported, but a great thing about Avast is that they put a lot of effort into their free products, and you get to enjoy all of the features in their full capacity. However, if you still wish to avoid all of those annoying ads, the monthly subscription is just $12.75 for the first year, after which you will be required to pay $21.26 for the second and the remaining years.
Avast is one of the best and most reliable AV software out there, so make sure to consider them when choosing an Android TV box AV.
Norton Security for Android
Norton brought their A-game for this one. The Norton Security for Android offers powerful and efficient protection for all Android devices, including your Android TV box. Unfortunately, there is no free version of this software, but you definitely get what you pay for, should you decide to buy it.
You can get the app through the official website as long as your device is running on Android 6.0 or later.
Let’s see what it offers:
- App advisor that protects you against various threats
- Patent-protected scanning technology
- Cyber security
- Wi-Fi network security
- Complete web protection and more.
The Norton Mobile Security for Android will cost you £9.99 per device for the first year, after which you are given the option to consider various deals to suit your needs.
Despite the price being a bit steep, Norton is an award-winning company and will surely provide you with exceptional service.
When Do You Need To Update Your TV Box Firmware?
How do you know if you need an Android TV update? If you’re failing to experience a feature, you should check if there’s an update available to keep up with the times. This may also happen with a brand new TV box, given how unusually frequent they require updates, so being on alert is a must.
But where do you find these updates? Let’s take a look at several ways to stay informed regarding available updates:
- Register your purchase with the manufacturer. You can usually do this by filling in the registration card given to you along with the product, or you can access the manufacturer’s website and file an inquiry. As soon as you register, the manufacturer will start notifying you if an Android TV update is available.
- If you want to avoid the countless offers, you can occasionally visit the manufacturer’s website and look for any potential Android TV updates. This way, you might also stumble into some seemingly trivial but significant updates that can fix more minor issues.
- In addition, if you consider yourself a dedicated user and would like to keep track of all kinds of details, make sure to subscribe to the manufacturer’s social media profiles. This way, you’re bound to be completely informed.
How Do You Update Your TV Box Firmware?
Updating your TV box firmware is no rocket science. You can get it done in a few steps, just follow these simple instructions:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and look for the latest Android firmware update.
- Once you find an available Android TV update, make sure to check which specific TV box models can run it. This is especially important, we cannot stress enough how bad it is to install an incompatible update. It can basically kill your TV. Thus, make sure to take the time and closely review the nature of the update as well as system requirements.
- If the update is not compatible with your device, it usually means that your hardware is not supported, and you should look for newer, improved equipment.
- If the update is compatible, download it, copy the file to an SD-card or a flash drive and insert it into the box.
- Access the Recovery Mode and click on “Apply update from SD card”.
- Continue following the instructions until the update is fully installed.
- Enjoy your new and updated firmware!
One Last Glance Before We Turn Off the TV
TV boxes have proven to be a fantastic asset, with countless features to turn your dumb device into a college-educated smart TV. However, they require maintenance and frequent updates to function as smoothly!
We hope we have given you a good lection on how to update an Android box as well as some basic insight regarding TV boxes. It might be a bit bothersome, but all good things come with a price, right?
Frequently Asked Questions And Their Answers
How to upgrade an Android box?
To upgrade an Android box, finding a compatible update is the first and most important thing to do, so as not to burn the box. Once you find the correct update for your make and model, download it, copy the file to the box using an SD-card or a flash drive and follow the instructions until fully installed.
Should I update my Android Box?
Android boxes require frequent updates in order to keep providing you with amazing features. Therefore, most manufacturers recommend occasional visits to their websites to look for updates and keep your device in good shape.
Does updating my Android Box reset the device?
No, there’s a system partition when it comes to Android TV software and other files. Updating your Android Box will renew the software but keep other files intact, making it completely safe and sound. If you’re still hesitant, make sure to contact the manufacturer and ask for instructions on how to update an Android box without resetting the whole device.
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