The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
When Samsung TV Plus fails, start with the internet connection, then cold-boot the TV, update its software, reinstall TV Plus, and reset Smart Hub only if necessary. This order moves from quick, low-risk checks to resets that erase app sign-ins and settings. It also distinguishes a home-network problem from a TV software problem, so you do not reset the television unnecessarily.
What Samsung TV Plus needs to work
Samsung TV Plus is an internet-streaming service, not an over-the-air tuner. Samsung’s TV Plus Help Center states: “Yes, an internet connection is required to stream Samsung TV Plus on your Samsung TV.” A television can therefore open its menus while TV Plus fails because the TV has lost internet access, has an unstable connection, or cannot reach the service through its current network path.
The service is delivered through supported Samsung televisions and other Samsung devices. Exact app availability, channel catalogs, menu names, and reset options vary by model year, country or region, and current service configuration. The official sources reviewed do not publish one worldwide channel count, a permanent global lineup, an outage-frequency statistic, a buffering rate, or an average repair time.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →First, identify which failure you have
Use the symptom that best matches what is on screen. The first test is whether another streaming app can play video on the same TV; that comparison determines whether to begin with the home network or TV Plus itself.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Symptom | Most useful first check | Likely next action |
|---|---|---|
| TV Plus icon or app is missing | Check TV software and the Apps screen | Update, reinstall if offered, then reset Smart Hub |
| Some channels are absent | Confirm the TV’s region and internet connection | Update, reinstall TV Plus, and reset Smart Hub if the catalog remains abnormal |
| TV Plus keeps buffering while other apps play normally | Compare Wi-Fi with a wired connection | Cold-boot, update, reinstall, then use Smart Hub reset if needed |
| Several streaming apps buffer or fail | Test the router and TV’s internet connection | Restart the router and reconnect the TV to the network |
| “There was a problem trying to play the channel” appears | Retry after a cold boot and check another app | Follow the software and app-recovery sequence below |
| TV Plus freezes, crashes, or returns to its home screen | Cold-boot the television | Update, reinstall, and reset Smart Hub in that order |
Follow this recovery order
1. Test the internet connection before changing TV settings
- Open another streaming app on the television and play a video for several minutes.
- Check the TV’s network status and confirm that it reports an internet connection, not merely a connection to the wireless router.
- If other apps also fail or buffer, restart the router and reconnect the TV’s network connection. A router restart can restore a stalled internet session, but it cannot correct an outage at your internet provider.
- If other apps work but TV Plus alone buffers, compare the TV’s Wi-Fi performance with a direct wired connection when the television is close enough to the router. A Cat6 Ethernet cable is useful for this comparison. It is a diagnostic test, not a guarantee that TV Plus will recover; a service-side or TV-software problem can still remain.
Samsung’s regional troubleshooting guidance notes that an alternate DNS setting may help when an app fails despite an apparently working network. DNS changes are model- and router-dependent, so record the existing value before changing it and restore it if the result is worse.
2. Cold-boot the TV
A normal press of the remote’s Power button may leave the TV in standby. Samsung’s app-troubleshooting instructions recommend holding the remote Power button for about five seconds, until the television turns off and turns back on. This clears a temporary software state without deleting apps, accounts, or picture settings.
If you do not have a working remote, unplug the television from the wall for 30 seconds, reconnect it, and wait for the network and apps to load before opening TV Plus. Do not judge the result while the TV is still reconnecting to Wi-Fi.
3. Install the latest TV software
- Open Settings.
- Select Support.
- Choose Software Update.
- Select Update Now.
Menu labels differ by model year and region, so use the closest equivalent shown on your set. Keep the television powered on until the update finishes; interrupting a firmware update can create a more serious startup problem. After the TV restarts, test TV Plus before applying a deeper reset.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
4. Reinstall Samsung TV Plus when the Apps interface permits it
- Open Apps and select the settings or gear icon.
- Highlight the affected app, Samsung TV Plus.
- Choose Delete if that option is available.
- If Delete is unavailable because the app is treated as recommended or built in, select Reinstall instead.
- Search for Samsung TV Plus and install it again, then open the app and test playback.
Reinstallation refreshes the app package but does not change your television’s country setting or repair a failing internet connection. If the app does not appear in search after the TV is updated, continue to the Smart Hub step rather than repeatedly searching.
5. Reset Smart Hub if TV Plus is still missing or broken
Smart Hub reset is the next escalation for missing apps, repeated loading failures, and app crashes. On many older Samsung sets, open Support > Self Diagnosis and select the Smart Hub reset option. On many 2019-and-later models, the path is Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis, followed by Smart Hub reset. The exact wording can differ by model and software version.
Collect your Samsung account and streaming-app passwords before starting. The reset signs you out of apps and can require you to download apps and complete initial Smart Hub setup again. It is more disruptive than a cold boot or reinstall, but it can repair corrupted Smart Hub data that prevents TV Plus from registering or appearing.
6. Reserve a full or flash reset for last-resort recovery
Samsung documents a flash-reset procedure that uses the physical button on the television together with the remote’s Power button. Because the exact button sequence depends on the television, follow the instructions for your model rather than guessing. A flash reset returns the TV to its initial setup state and can erase network details, accounts, installed apps, and picture or system preferences.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use this escalation only when the lower-impact steps have failed and you are prepared to set up the TV again. Photograph important settings and make sure you can access every account needed after the reset.
7. Contact Samsung Support for persistent technical or hardware faults
If TV Plus remains unavailable after the network test, cold boot, software update, reinstall, and Smart Hub reset, Samsung’s TV Plus Help Center directs users with technical or hardware issues to Customer Support. Have the TV model number, software version, region, exact error wording, and the steps already attempted. Those details help support distinguish a model-compatibility issue from a network or hardware failure.
Fix a missing Samsung TV Plus app or icon
A missing icon does not necessarily mean the service has been discontinued. App availability can depend on the television model, its region, and the current Smart Hub configuration. Samsung’s official app troubleshooting and support-community guidance point to current TV software and Smart Hub recovery for missing apps.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Confirm that the television is online and that another streaming app can connect.
- Complete the cold boot described above.
- Install any available TV software update.
- Open Apps and use Delete or Reinstall for TV Plus when the interface offers it.
- Reset Smart Hub if TV Plus still does not appear, then complete the setup screens and search for the app again.
If the app is absent after Smart Hub recovery, do not install an unrelated copy from an unofficial source. Check whether the model and country support TV Plus and ask Samsung Support to verify availability for that television.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Restore missing channels
There is no universal Samsung TV Plus channel list. Catalogs can vary by geography, device, and the service’s current configuration. A channel that appears on one Samsung television or in one country may not be offered on another, and channels can be added, removed, or rearranged.
When only a few channels are absent
- Confirm that the TV’s region is the one in which it is being used. Do not change the region casually; regional changes can affect apps, terms, and available services.
- Verify that the TV has internet access and that TV Plus is not operating from a stale offline session.
- Cold-boot the TV, install the latest software, and reopen TV Plus.
- Reinstall TV Plus if possible. If the catalog still looks incomplete, reset Smart Hub and allow the service to rebuild its app data.
When the entire channel guide is empty or substantially different
Treat a completely empty guide as an app, account, region, or connectivity problem rather than assuming every channel has been removed. Check another streaming app, complete the recovery sequence, and record the TV’s model and region. Samsung’s official sources do not publish a single current worldwide channel count against which every set can be compared.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Stop buffering and playback errors
If every streaming app buffers
Start outside TV Plus. Restart the router, reconnect the TV, and test again. If possible, temporarily move the TV closer to the router or use a wired Cat6 Ethernet connection to separate weak Wi-Fi from other causes. A wired test that works points toward the wireless path; a wired test that also fails points toward the router, internet service, TV software, or TV Plus itself.
If only TV Plus buffers
Use the cold boot, software update, and reinstall sequence before changing advanced network settings. If Wi-Fi and wired tests produce the same failure, reset Smart Hub. Samsung does not provide a live outage-status indicator in the Help Center material referenced here, so do not label the problem a confirmed outage without a current Samsung service notice.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If a playback message says there was a problem trying to play the channel
- Exit TV Plus and cold-boot the TV.
- Play a video in another app to check whether the internet path is generally working.
- Update the TV software if an update is available.
- Reinstall TV Plus or choose its built-in Reinstall option.
- Reset Smart Hub if the message returns on multiple channels.
Write down whether the error affects one channel, every channel, Wi-Fi only, or both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. That pattern is more useful to support than the message alone.
Repair freezing, crashes, and repeated returns to TV Plus
For an app that freezes at launch, crashes during playback, or repeatedly returns to the TV Plus screen, use the same escalation but stop as soon as the symptom is gone:
- Cold-boot the TV.
- Update the TV software.
- Reinstall TV Plus, or use Reinstall when Delete is unavailable.
- Reset Smart Hub and sign in to apps again if the crash persists.
- Escalate to Samsung Support if the TV also freezes in other apps or menus, which may indicate a broader software or hardware problem.
Do not repeatedly pull the power plug while the television is installing firmware. An unplugged TV during an update can create problems unrelated to TV Plus.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteChoose the least disruptive fix first
| Fix | Typical time | Risk and data impact | Diagnostic value | Model dependence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network and other-app test | A few minutes | No settings changed | Separates a broad internet problem from a TV Plus-specific problem | Low, although labels for network status vary |
| Router restart or wired comparison | Several minutes | No TV accounts erased | Shows whether the home network or Wi-Fi path is involved | Depends on router location and available Ethernet port |
| Remote cold boot | About five seconds plus restart time | Normally keeps apps, accounts, and settings | Clears a temporary TV software state | Requires a working remote |
| Unplugged cold boot | At least 30 seconds plus restart time | Normally keeps apps, accounts, and settings | Alternative when the remote is unavailable | Works on televisions with accessible power connection |
| Software update | Several minutes or longer | Settings usually remain, but the TV must not be powered off during installation | Corrects known firmware and compatibility problems | Menu names and update availability vary by model |
| App reinstall | Several minutes | Removes and downloads the app; app sign-in may be required again | Replaces damaged app files | Delete may be unavailable for a recommended app |
| Smart Hub reset | Several minutes plus setup | Signs out of apps and may require downloads and setup again | Rebuilds Smart Hub data and app registration | Path differs on older and newer TVs |
| Full or flash reset | Longest option | Returns the TV to initial setup and can erase settings, accounts, and apps | Escalation for severe software corruption | Physical-button procedure is model-specific |
What not to assume
- A working TV menu does not prove that the TV has internet access.
- A missing channel is not automatically evidence of a global removal; catalogs are regional and device-dependent.
- A wired Ethernet test can diagnose Wi-Fi instability, but it cannot guarantee recovery from a TV Plus service or firmware problem.
- Repeated buffering is not a confirmed outage unless Samsung publishes a current service notice. The Help Center material used here does not provide a live outage dashboard.
- There is no reliable current worldwide statistic for TV Plus outage frequency, buffering rate, channel count, or average repair time in the cited official material.
Prepare before resetting Smart Hub or the TV
- Write down the television model number and software version.
- Record the exact TV Plus error and whether it affects one channel or all channels.
- Confirm the TV’s country or region setting.
- Keep Samsung account and streaming-app passwords available.
- Photograph important picture, sound, network, and accessibility settings before a Smart Hub or full reset.
- Note whether another streaming app works and whether a wired Ethernet test changes the symptom.
These details make the escalation to Samsung Support faster and reduce the chance of repeating a reset that cannot address the underlying cause.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
