European UnionMy smart TV stopped receiving software updates and some features no longer work. Am I covered?
Yes, you may be covered under EU consumer law: your smart TV must remain functional for a reasonable time, including receiving security and feature updates.
What the Law Says
Under EU law, digital elements (like software and updates) bundled with smart TVs are covered by legal guarantees. The functionality, including security and feature updates, must last for a reasonable time after purchase.
The EU’s Directive (EU) 2019/771 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods — known as the Consumer Sales Directive — applies to smart TVs as ‘goods with digital elements’. It requires that goods are ‘in conformity with the contract’ at delivery and remain so for a reasonable time thereafter.
Article 16(1) states that ‘the seller shall be liable for any lack of conformity which exists at the time the goods were delivered’, and Article 16(2) clarifies that this includes lack of conformity arising ‘after delivery’ if it is due to ‘a design or manufacturing defect’ — which can include failure to provide necessary updates.
The Directive (EU) 2019/770 on digital content and digital services also supports this: Article 8(2) says digital content must be ‘fit for the purposes for which digital content of the same type would normally be used’, and Article 10(1) requires continuous provision of updates ‘necessary to ensure compatibility and security’.
Statutory Textthe seller shall be liable for any lack of conformity which exists at the time the goods were delivered
— Directive (EU) 2019/771, Art. 16(1)
Statutory Textdigital content shall be fit for the purposes for which digital content of the same type would normally be used
— Directive (EU) 2019/770, Art. 8(2)
Statutory Textthe supplier shall provide updates necessary to ensure compatibility and security
— Directive (EU) 2019/770, Art. 10(1)
What to Do
Contact the seller (not just the manufacturer) within 2 years of purchase to report the issue.
Request free repair or replacement — the seller must fix the lack of update support or restore full functionality.
If repair/replacement fails or is disproportionate, ask for a price reduction or contract termination.
Keep proof of purchase and evidence (e.g., screenshots, error messages, update logs) showing the TV no longer receives updates or loses features.
If unresolved, contact your national consumer authority (e.g., BEUC member organisation) or use the EU’s Online Dispute Resolution platform.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.