A few months ago, Hisense released a new OTA firmware update for almost all models.
However, after installing the update, many TVs experienced bricking due to software malfunctions, and users are now flooding various Hisense forums on the internet, particularly on Reddit, with numerous complaints.
They described the issue as follows:
- TV is stuck on a Hisense logo or a rainbow logo.
- TV displays a “storage” message or a “USB upgrade” message.
- TV exhibits an “erasing” message or a “rebooting” message.
- TV shows a “system error” message or a “system recovery” message.
The only solution for this problem is to flash the TV’s RAM with a new firmware file.
However, this process is somewhat risky because it can potentially cause more damage if the firmware is incorrect or corrupted.
Even, you will also lose the TV’s warranty by performing this procedure.
Okay, I understand. But I want to do it anyway!
Well, if you’ve decided to proceed with the firmware update on your Hisense TV, you are welcome.
Here’s how:
- Go to the Hisense website and enter your TV’s model and serial number.
- Download the latest firmware file for your TV and save it to your computer. The file should have a .pkg extension and a size of about 1 GB.
- Format a USB drive to FAT32 and copy the firmware file to the root directory of the USB drive. Do not rename or unzip the file.
After that, power off your TV and unplug it from the power outlet completely.
Insert the USB drive into the USB port on your TV, typically the top port labeled “USB 1.”
Now, power on your TV and wait for the update process to begin.
Follow the on-screen instructions to start the update process. The update may take several minutes to complete.
When the update is finished, your TV will reboot and show a message that says “Erasing” or “Rebooting”.
Wait for the TV to finish the process and then remove the USB drive.
Warning: If your TV enters a boot loop, press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds. After that, press and hold the TV icon on your remote until the TV shows the USB update message.
I’m Receiving an Error Message while Trying to Download Firmware
If you’re getting “Serial Number is Incorrect” message while trying to download the firmware file from the Hisense website, there are two possible reasons:
- The website might have a glitch.
- Hisense hasn’t added your TV’s serial number to their database yet.
So what’s the solution?
Well, the first thing to do is contact Hisense support.
Just give them a call and provide your TV’s serial number.
After sharing the serial number, wait for Hisense to update their records. This might take an hour or a day.
Keep an eye on the website to see if they’ve added the necessary information.
Once the update is complete, Hisense support will provide you with a link to download the firmware file. Just be patient, and they’ll take care of it for you.
F.A.Q.s
Q: What causes a Hisense TV to brick?
A Hisense TV can brick due to a software or hardware malfunction, such as a power surge, a faulty update, a corrupted file, or physical damage.
Q: How do I know if my Hisense TV is bricked or not?
A bricked Hisense TV may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- TV does not turn on or off.
- TV is stuck on a logo screen.
- TV does not respond to the remote control or the buttons on the TV.
- TV does not load any apps, channels, or settings.
- TV shows an error message or a warning sign.
If you observe any of the signs mentioned above, your TV might have encountered a firmware malfunction.
Q: How long does it take to update the firmware via USB?
It may take several minutes to update the firmware via USB, depending on the size and speed of the firmware file and the USB drive.
Do not turn off your TV or remove the USB drive during the update.
Q: How much does it cost to repair or replace a bricked Hisense TV?
The cost of repairing or replacing a bricked Hisense TV depends on your TV’s model, age, condition, warranty, and service contract status.
If your TV isn’t covered by a warranty or a service contract, you might have to pay a fee or deductible to the customer support or service provider.
Additionally, you may be responsible for the shipping or handling charges.
Before starting the repair or replacement, the customer support or service provider will let you know the exact cost.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.