> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Updating SmartTube

> Learn how to update SmartTube using the built-in updater and troubleshoot update issues

## Built-in Updater

SmartTube includes a **built-in updater** that makes keeping your app current simple and straightforward. You only need to follow the installation procedure once - after that, updates are handled automatically.

<Info>
  The built-in updater works for both the **beta** and **stable** release channels. Beta receives new features and bugfixes faster than stable.
</Info>

## How Auto-Update Check Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Automatic Check">
    A few seconds after launching SmartTube, the app automatically checks for available updates
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notification">
    If an update is available, you'll see a notification with the changelog showing what's new
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download & Install">
    Choose to download and install the update - SmartTube will handle the rest
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Update Check Frequency

SmartTube checks for updates shortly after each app launch. This ensures you're always informed about new versions without being intrusive.

<Tip>
  You can disable automatic update checks in the settings if you prefer to update manually.
</Tip>

## Manual Update Process

If you want to check for updates manually or missed a notification:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Navigate to the SmartTube settings menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to About">
    Select the **About** section in settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check for Updates">
    Click **Check for updates** to manually trigger an update check
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Changelog">
    If an update is available, review the changelog and proceed with installation
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Finding the Changelog

You can view the full changelog and release history through multiple channels:

* **In-app**: Shown when an update is available
* **Telegram Channel**: [@SmartTubeNewsEN](https://t.me/s/SmartTubeNewsEN) (readable without an account)
* **GitHub Releases**: [github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/releases](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/releases/)

<Info>
  The changelog includes detailed information about new features, bug fixes, and any known issues.
</Info>

## Troubleshooting Failed Updates

If an update fails to install, try these solutions:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Disk Space is Full">
    This is the most common cause of update failures.

    **Solution:**

    1. Go to your Android TV settings
    2. Navigate to **Storage** or **Device Preferences > Storage**
    3. Check available space - you need at least 100-200 MB free
    4. Clear cache from other apps or uninstall unused apps
    5. Try updating again via *Settings > About > Check for updates*
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Download Incomplete or Corrupted">
    Sometimes the update file doesn't download correctly.

    **Solution:**

    1. Wait for your internet connection to stabilize
    2. Go to *Settings > About > Check for updates*
    3. Download the update again
    4. If the problem persists, try downloading during off-peak hours
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Installation Prompt Not Appearing">
    The installation prompt might be blocked by system settings.

    **Solution:**

    1. Check that "Unknown sources" is enabled for SmartTube
    2. On newer Android versions, this is per-app:
       * Go to *Settings > Apps > Special app access > Install unknown apps*
       * Find the app you used to install SmartTube and enable it
    3. Try the update again
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Update Downloaded but Won't Install">
    If the download completes but installation fails:

    **Solution:**

    1. Restart your Android TV device
    2. Clear SmartTube's cache:
       * Go to *Settings > Apps > SmartTube > Clear cache*
    3. Try updating again
    4. If still failing, manually download and install the latest version from the official sources
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Warning>
  Never download SmartTube updates from third-party app stores or APK websites. Only use:

  * The built-in updater
  * Official GitHub releases: [github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/releases](https://github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/releases/)
  * Official download links: `kutt.it/stn_beta` or `kutt.it/stn_stable`
</Warning>

## Update Caution Notices

Some updates may include a note saying:

> "Don't update if satisfied with the current version"

**What this means:**

These updates change significant amounts of code to fix bugs affecting only a few users or specific devices. If you're not experiencing issues:

* **Affected users should update** - the changes target their specific problems
* **Everyone else** - there's no benefit to updating, and a small risk of new bugs
* **Updated anyway?** - Don't worry, you'll be fine

<Tip>
  If an update is marked as targeting specific issues and you're not affected, you can safely skip it and wait for the next regular update.
</Tip>

## Switching Release Channels

SmartTube offers two release channels:

* **Beta**: Gets new features and bugfixes faster (recommended)
* **Stable**: More thoroughly tested, fewer updates

To switch channels, you need to install the other version:

1. Download the desired version:
   * Beta: `kutt.it/stn_beta`
   * Stable: `kutt.it/stn_stable`
2. Install it over your existing installation
3. Your settings and data will be preserved

<Info>
  See the [Installation guide](/installation) for detailed instructions on downloading and installing SmartTube.
</Info>