(5 Fixes) Samsung TV Memory Full (Updated 2023 Guide)

Do you ever get those bad migraines when you study too much?

I do. And your Samsung TV does too.

Only they don’t get headaches when their memory is full…

Instead, they become slow and buggy.

Do you want to avoid getting worse migraine because of your TV’s storage issues?

Stay tuned…

Keep reading to discover:

• An in-depth guide on how to remove bloatware.
• 5 easy ways to free up storage on your Samsung TV.
• Why you should update your firmware if you get memory errors on your Samsung TV.
• And so much more…

Why does my Samsung TV keep memory full?

Your Samsung TV has a full memory because of apps, cache, and pre-installed bloatware. Otherwise, the error must be caused by an outdated firmware. To avoid this, you can reset your smart hub or the TV itself. You can also uninstall apps or clear cache and data on your Samsung TV.

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Samsung TV memory full: 5 fixes

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#1: Uninstall apps

The easiest way to free up storage on your Samsung?

Delete your apps.

Especially those that you don’t use frequently.

Hoarding apps can take up a massive chunk of your storage, which can lead to:

• Slower and glitchy interface.
• Constant notifications about freeing space.
• Not being able to update your firmware. (More on that later.)

Now, the question is:

How can you remove apps?

Simple, all you have to do is…

For models released in 2017 or after

1. Click the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Press the Settings logo on the upper right corner of your screen.
4. Highlight and select the app that you want to delete.
5. Press Delete.

For other models

What if you have an older Samsung TV?

Don’t worry. I got you covered.

Just follow these directions, and you’ll be good to go:

1. 2014: Samsung Apps > Long-press Enter button > Delete.
2. 2015: Smart Hub > Apps > My apps > Long-press Enter button > Delete.
3. 2016: Apps > My apps > Options > Delete > Delete.

How to delete pre-installed apps

Pro tip: Have you ever come across an app with the “Delete” option greyed out? Let me help you with removing those too.

But first, let me explain what those apps are.

The apps that you can’t uninstall are called bloatware.

Essentially, they’re apps that manufacturers install on your TV by default. 

For what reason? 

Because they partnered up with the companies that developed those apps.

Samsung doesn’t want you deleting bloatware…

But that doesn’t mean you can’t.

So here’s how:

Step 1: Activate Developer Mode

Do you know that your Samsung TV has some advanced settings hidden from you?

That’s right. And you can access these settings by turning on Developer Mode.

Developer Mode is a profile setting that’s available for all devices.

Tech-savvy people usually use them to:

• Debug a system.
• Install 3rd-party apps.
• Edit hard-coded settings using a computer.

And so much more…

But, in this case, you’ll need Developer Mode to remove pre-installed apps.

This is how you can turn Developer Mode on:

1. Go to your Smart Hub.
2. Select Apps.
3. Press buttons 1 to 5 on your remote.
4. Toggle on Developer Mode.
5. Restart your TV.

Step 2: Delete the apps

Finally, it’s time to delete those pesky bloatware apps.

1. Return to Apps.
2. Highlight and select the app that you want to delete.
3. Scroll down and press Deep Link Test.
4. Select Cancel.

After that, scroll back up.

If you did everything right, the Delete button should now be ungreyed.

But, if you need more information, you can check out this video:

#2: Clear cache and data

Here’s a strange fact for you:

Your apps know who you are.

But for a good reason.

We’ve reached a point where technology can do everything instantly.

And that includes signing in or using your apps.

How’s that possible? Through cache.

Cached data are information stored on your device about you, like:

• Personal data.
• Content preferences.
• Username and passwords.

Unfortunately, these data can eat up your storage.

Not only that, but do you also like downloading shows or movies?

Multiple shows and movies on streaming apps can also deplete your memory space.

To get rid of cache and data, follow these 7 quick steps:

1. Press the Settings button on your remote.
2. Go to Support.
3. Select Self Diagnosis.
4. Click TV Device Manager.
5. Under Manage Storage, select Show App List.
6. Look for the app you want to clear, then press the down button.
7. Press both Clear cache and Clear data.

Note: If you download large amounts of content daily, consider buying a hard drive. Your Samsung will automatically save downloaded files there instead.

#3: Reset Smart Hub

Smart Hub is your TV’s menu system.

All of your settings and apps are held inside the Smart Hub.

Every once in a while, you need to reset your TV’s menu.

Why?

To clear up space and get rid of bugs in your system.

Fortunately, it wouldn’t take you hours to do so.

For 2020 and 2021 models

Note: The default PIN for Samsung TVs is 0000.

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under Support, select Device Care.
4. Press Self Diagnosis.
5. Select Reset Smart Hub.
6. Enter the PIN for your TV.

For 2016 to 2019 models

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under Support, select Self Diagnosis.
4. Select Reset Smart Hub.
5. Enter the PIN for your TV.

For other models

Don’t be shy if you’re still rocking that early 2010s TV.

There’s nothing wrong with being frugal.

And you can still reset your Smart Hub by following these steps:

1. 2012 E, EH, and ES TVs: Smart Hub > Tools > Settings > Reset.
2. 2013 F TVs: Menu > Smart Hub > Smart Hub Reset.
3. 2014 H, HU, and F TVs: Menu > Smart Features > Smart Hub Reset.
4. 2015 J, JU, and JS TVs: Menu > Smart Hub > Reset Smart Hub.

#4: Factory reset

When all else fails…

Factory reset your TV.

Now, you might ask:

“What’s the difference between a factory reset and resetting your Smart Hub?”

That’s a good question and something that used to confuse me.

A Smart Hub reset doesn’t remove your apps. It’ll just reset all of your system and app settings to default.

On the other hand, a factory reset will wipe your entire system.

What’s left after a factory reset is the settings and apps that came with the TV. Nothing else.

Got it?

With that in mind, this is how you can reset your entire Samsung TV:

For 2022 models

1. Go to your Menu screen.
2. Press the Settings logo.
3. Select All Settings.
4. Under General & Privacy, select Reset.
5. Enter your PIN to confirm.

For 2017 to 2021 models

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under General, select Reset.
4. Enter your PIN to confirm.

For 2014 to 2016 models

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under Support, select Self Diagnosis.
4. Press Reset.
5. Enter your PIN.
6. Select Yes to confirm.

For earlier models

Note: This method is for non-smart Samsung TVs.

1. Turn on your TV.
2. On your remote, hold your Power button for 12 seconds.
3. Select OK to confirm reset.

#5: Update firmware

You can also get an “Insufficient Storage Available” error because of a bug.

In that case, you’ll need to update your firmware.

Think of firmware as your hardware’s instruction manuals.

If it’s outdated, your TV can experience bugs and errors, like:

• Missing channels.
• Constant shutdown.
• Screen discoloration.

Moreover, older firmware could also be bigger than new ones.

“Great, so how can I update my firmware?”

You have 2 choices, either update:

• With a flash drive.
• Through your Settings menu.

Settings menu

In general, updating through the settings menu is easier.

You just have to:

1. Press the Settings button.
2. Go to Support.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Press Update Now.

Via flash drive

Alternatively, you can also opt to use a flash drive.

Why?

Sometimes, your TV can experience network issues related to outdated firmware.

And that means your Samsung can’t download the firmware update themselves.

So you’ll have to download it manually and then load it to a USB.

Step #1: Download the update

Note: Open your Samsung’s About settings to find its model number. Searching using a model number is far easier than using the model name.

1. Open a laptop or a PC.
2. Go to Samsung’s Download Center.
3. Enter your TV’s model number or name on the search bar.
4. Look for your TV.
5. Select the latest version of the firmware.
6. Press Download.

Step #2: Copy the update to your USB

1. Right-click your downloaded file.
2. Select Extract Here.
3. Insert your flash drive into your PC.
4. Copy the extracted file to your USB’s root folder.

Step #3: Complete update

1. Turn your TV off.
2. Insert the flash drive into the TV’s USB port.
3. Turn on your TV and go to Settings.
4. Select Support.

Under Software Update, press Update Now.