If you own a Samsung TV, chances are you might have gotten an error code 116 that prevents you from watching anything on TV. At the core, Samsung TV error 116 indicates a smart hub connectivity issue that is usually related to a bad internet connection.
An unstable internet connection renders the TV unusable since nowadays most smart TVs require an internet connection for a proper operation.
Error 116 can be fixed by resetting the smart hub or checking the internet connection. In this guide, we will list all the steps that you need to follow.
Fix Samsung Error Code 116
Most Samsung TV errors are, in one way or another, related to internet connectivity issues. Let’s start by answering the question: What is Samsung TV error 16?
An Error code 116 on a Samsung Smart TV is usually caused by an open API error with the Smart Hub device. In other words, the Smart Hub is not able to broadcast the content from the Internet to the TV. And this happens when the internet connection is poor, unstable, or doesn’t work at all.
Smart Hub is Samsung’s TV interface that allows the user to browse the TV content and access various shows, channels, and specific apps. The error 116 gets displayed because there’s no reliable internet.
There are many reasons why the internet is not working properly such as poor WiFi coverage, unreliable connection, maybe the TV is not detecting the wireless network.
In some other cases, the error 116 may be caused by a firmware issue (such as an old one) or the TV may need a reset. Below we’ve listed what needs to be covered.
Check the internet connection
Start by checking your WiFi connection, try to open some pages on your phone, and see if the internet works. Check the internet strength by going through the following steps:
- Point your remote to the TV and press Home.
- Locate Settings and press OK.
- Go to the General option and choose Network.
- Click Open Network Settings.
- Choose Wireless and your TV will show the current signal strength of your network. If the bars are low, then you have a problem with the WiFi coverage.
Next, troubleshoot your local network by following the tips below:
Ensure that all the cables are properly connected to your router. Inspect the cable runs and make sure nothing is loose.
Reboot the router. Simply, unplug the power cord, wait one minute and then plug it back on. Wait a few minutes for the router to come back and try again browsing the content on TV. Some routers have a power switch on the back and you may use that instead of unplugging the cord.
Additionally, you may use your laptop (or phone) to connect to your router and check the functionality of the connection. You may also do a speed test to see the download and upload parameters.
If your wireless network does not connect to the internet, then you may contact your internet provider to find out if there’s a local outage, other technical issues, or even a payment problem. If the internet works, then the Samsung TV error 116 will get automatically solved.
Check the WiFi router’s coverage
This is another thing that you should consider, sometimes the WiFi router and the TV are too far away from each other and the connection is unstable and may randomly drop (which causes the TV to show error code 116).
Ensure that your router is providing enough coverage, use your phone to check the strength (bars) on the same spot where the TV is located.
If you’re using the 5GHz band, you may use the 2.4GHz which provides more distance. Additionally, you may use a WiFi repeater or upgrade to a better WiFi router.
Reboot the TV
You can reboot the TV by unplugging the TV’s power cord from the power outlet or (surge unit) for 60 seconds before plugging it back on.
By power cycling the TV, you may get rid of random errors on the software. Just ensure to allow enough time for all the equipment to charge up before turning on the TV using the remote. Once you power it back on, wait another 60 seconds before turning the TV on.
Update the TV
In some cases, the error code 116 may be caused by outdated firmware. It’s recommended to update the TV and reboot it. For Samsung Smart TV, you need to follow the steps below:
- Press the Menu button on your TV remote.
- Go to Settings and select the Support button.
- Go to Software Update” and hit Update Now.
- Your Samsung Smart TV will automatically look up for the latest update. A loading bar will show on the screen and you have to wait until everything is done.
Once the Samsung TV reboots and comes back on, see if the error 116 has disappeared.
Reset the Samsung Smart TV
Another method is to reset the TV. You should perform this action only if you’re sure that the internet connection works fine. Sometimes, the TV’s software is running on some bugs and misconfigurations that can be fixed by doing a reset on the unit.
To reset the TV is pretty straightforward, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Menu panel and select Support. Then hit Enter via the remote control.
- Select Self Diagnosis and press Enter again.
- Select Reset and then Enter.
- Enter the default Samsung PIN which is 0000 and hit enter.
- Confirm you want to reset by selecting Yes.
If you did change your PIN (or you forgot it), you can reset the code by switching off your Samsung Smart TV and pressing sequentially these buttons on the remote: Mute, 8, 2, 4, Power.
The PIN will revert to the default one (0000). If you tried the sequence but it didn’t work, try again at a faster pace until the command goes through.
Conclusion
Samsung TV error code 116 is annoying because it prevents the user from viewing the content and accessing the apps. At its core, error 116 indicates a problem with the internet connection; basically, the TV can’t connect to the internet and access the server.
To solve it, you need to fix the internet connection, check your WiFi, reboot the router, and ensure the cables are correctly plugged in. If the internet actually works, then ensure that the TV is updated to the latest firmware.
Next, you may try to reset the TV by going through the menu (using the remote control) and erasing any settings on the Smart Hub. Lastly, you may contact Samsung’s Service Center for more detailed assistance.
