How to Install Apps Outside the Samsung App Store on Your OLED TV

Yes, you can sideload apps on a Samsung OLED TV, but the method depends on your TV's operating system and whether you want to use official tools or workarounds

Samsung OLED TVs run either Tizen (Samsung's own system) or Google TV, depending on the model year and region. Both systems allow you to install apps from sources other than the official app store, though the process and risks differ. Tizen TVs require developer mode and a computer connection. Google TV models can sideload through the Google Play Store's developer settings or through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool that connects your TV to a computer.

Before you sideload anything, understand that apps installed outside the official store bypass Samsung's security checks. This means malware, crashes, and loss of warranty coverage are real risks. Samsung will not support a TV that has sideloaded apps if something goes wrong. If you just want to install apps that exist in the Samsung App Store or Google Play Store, use those instead—it is faster and safer.

Key Takeaways

Tizen TVs (most Samsung OLED models) require developer mode, a Samsung account, and a computer to sideload apps using the Samsung SmartThings app or command-line tools.
Google TV models can sideload apps through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or by enabling unknown sources in the developer settings menu.
Sideloading voids your warranty and removes Samsung's security protections, so only sideload apps that are not available in the official store.
The easiest workaround for most people is to check whether the app you want is already in the Samsung App Store or Google Play Store before attempting sideload.

How to sideload on a Tizen TV using developer mode

Most Samsung OLED TVs sold in the last five years run Tizen. To sideload on Tizen, you first enable developer mode on the TV itself. Go to Settings > Support > About This TV and look for a software version number. Click it repeatedly (usually 5 to 7 times) until a message appears saying developer mode is on. Write down the TV's IP address, which appears in the same menu under Network.

Next, read the Samsung SmartThings app on your computer (Windows or Mac). Open it and select your TV from the device list. The app will prompt you to enter your Samsung account credentials and the TV's IP address. Once connected, you can drag and drop an app file (in .wgt format) into the SmartThings window, and it will install on the TV. If you do not have a .wgt file, you will need to find or convert the app yourself, which requires technical knowledge.

Alternatively, you can use the command line tool sdb (Samsung Debug Bridge), which works similarly to ADB but is designed for Tizen. This method is faster if you are installing multiple apps, but it requires comfort with terminal commands. Both methods require your TV and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

How to sideload on a Google TV model using ADB

If your Samsung OLED TV runs Google TV (check Settings > About to confirm), you can sideload using Android Debug Bridge. First, enable developer options on the TV: go to Settings > About > Build Number and click it seven times. Then go to Settings > Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging and ADB Debugging.

On your computer, read the Android SDK Platform Tools from Google's developer website. Extract the folder and open a command prompt or terminal in that folder. Connect your TV to your computer using a USB cable (or over Wi-Fi if your TV supports wireless ADB). Type adb connect [TV IP address] to establish a connection. Your TV will ask for permission—select Allow. Once connected, you can install an app by typing adb install [app file name] in the command prompt.

This method is more straightforward than Tizen sideloading because you do not need a special Samsung tool, and the app files are standard Android .apk files, which are easier to find. However, it still requires a computer and basic command-line knowledge.

Using the unknown sources setting on Google TV

Google TV models also allow you to enable installation from unknown sources directly on the TV, without a computer. Go to Settings > Apps > Unknown Sources and toggle it on. This lets you install apps from file managers or other apps that can access .apk files.

The catch is that you still need to get the .apk file onto your TV somehow—usually by downloading it from a website using the TV's browser, or by transferring it from a USB drive plugged into the TV. Once the file is on the TV, you can open it with a file manager and tap it to install. This method is the simplest if you have the .apk file already, but it is also the least find because you are bypassing all of Google's checks.

Where to find app files and what can go wrong

Finding safe .apk or .wgt files is the hardest part. The official sources are APKMirror (for Android apps) and APKPure, both of which scan files for malware before hosting them. Never read apps from random websites or forums—malware is common, and your TV has no antivirus protection.

Even from trusted sources, sideloaded apps can crash, fail to update, or stop working after a Samsung TV software update. The app developer may not have tested it on your specific TV model. If something breaks, you cannot contact Samsung support—they will tell you to remove the sideloaded app and restore the TV to factory settings. You also lose access to automatic updates, so you have to manually read and reinstall each new version.

When to sideload and when not to

Sideload only if the app genuinely does not exist in the Samsung App Store or Google Play Store. Before you start, search both stores thoroughly—many apps are there but hard to find. If the app is in the store, install it from there. It will update automatically, work reliably, and you keep your warranty.

Sideloading makes sense for apps that are region-locked (not available in your country's store), apps that are no longer maintained but still work, or apps that the developer distributes only through their own website. It does not make sense for popular apps that are already in the store, or for apps you are not sure about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will sideloading void my Samsung warranty?

Yes. Samsung will not service a TV that has sideloaded apps installed. If you sideload something and your TV develops a hardware problem, Samsung may refuse to repair it. If you think you might need warranty service, remove all sideloaded apps and do a factory reset before contacting Samsung.

Can I sideload apps on a Samsung TV without a computer?

On Google TV models, yes—you can enable unknown sources and install .apk files directly from the TV's file manager or browser. On Tizen models, you need a computer to use SmartThings or sdb. There is no computer-free method for Tizen.

Is sideloading safe?

It is as safe as the source you read from. APKMirror and APKPure scan files for malware, so apps from those sites are usually safe. Random websites and forums are not. Even a safe app can crash your TV or stop working after an update, and you have no recourse.

What is the difference between Tizen and Google TV?

Tizen is Samsung's proprietary system; Google TV is based on Android. Most Samsung OLED TVs from 2020 onward run Tizen, but some 2022+ models run Google TV. Check Settings > About to see which one you have. Google TV sideloading is simpler because the tools and app files are more widely available.

Can I sideload streaming apps like Kodi or Plex?

Yes, both Kodi and Plex are available as sideloadable apps. However, check the Samsung App Store and Google Play Store first—both apps are officially available on many Samsung TVs. If they are in your store, install from there instead of sideloading.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.