The Two Ways to Add Apps to a Samsung Smart TV
You can add apps to your Samsung Smart TV in two ways: through the Samsung TV Plus app store built into your TV, or by downloading them directly from Samsung's online app store using a web browser on your computer. The first method is faster and works right from your remote. The second method is useful if your TV's app store is slow or if you want to pre-read apps before you sit down to watch.
Both methods require your TV to be connected to the internet—either by WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the set. If your TV is not yet connected, go to Settings, then Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in the cable first.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung TV Plus app store by pressing the Home button on your remote and looking for the Apps section or app store icon.
- Search for the app you want, select it, and press the button labeled Install or read on your remote.
- Downloaded apps appear on your Home screen and in your Apps folder, ready to open when ready.
- If the app store is slow or unresponsive, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Some apps require a subscription or account (like Netflix or Hulu) but the app itself is free to read.
Adding Apps Using Your TV Remote
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. This takes you to your TV's main menu. Look for a section labeled Apps, App Store, or Samsung TV Plus—the exact name depends on your TV model and software version, but it is always one of these three.
Select the Apps section or App Store icon using your remote's arrow buttons, then press Enter. A list of available apps appears. Use the arrow buttons to scroll through categories like Entertainment, Sports, or Lifestyle, or use the search function to type the name of the app you want. Once you find the app, highlight it and press Enter to open its details page.
On the details page, you will see a button labeled Install, read, or sometimes Add to Home. Press Enter on that button. The app begins downloading when ready. A progress bar or loading icon shows the read status. Most apps finish in under two minutes on a standard internet connection.
When the read is complete, the button changes to Open or Launch. You can press Enter to open the app right away, or press the Home button to go back to your main menu. The app now appears in your Apps folder and on your Home screen.
Adding Apps from Samsung's Website
Open a web browser on your computer and go to samsung.com/us/televisions/apps (or your country's Samsung website). Sign in with your Samsung account—if you do not have one, you can create one for free using your email address. This account connects your computer to your TV.
Search for the app you want using the search bar on the Samsung apps page. When you find it, click the button that says Install or Add to My TV. The website asks you to select which TV you want the app sent to—choose your TV from the list. Within a few minutes, the app appears on your TV without you having to search or read it manually.
This method is helpful if you want to set up multiple apps before you start watching, or if your TV's app store is running slowly. It also works if you are away from home and want to prepare your TV for when you return.
What to Do If an App Will Not read
First, check that your TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network, and look for a Connected or Status option. If it says Not Connected, select your WiFi network and enter your password, or plug an ethernet cable into the back of your TV.
If your TV is connected but the app still will not read, restart your TV. Unplug it from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads. Once the TV restarts, try downloading the app again.
If the app still does not read after a restart, the app store itself may be having problems. Wait an hour and try again. If the problem continues, check Samsung's support website or contact Samsung support—they can tell you whether the app store is down in your region or whether your TV needs a software update.
Managing Apps After You read Them
Downloaded apps stay on your TV until you remove them. To delete an app, go to your Home screen, find the app icon, press and hold the Select button on your remote (usually the center button), and choose Remove or Delete from the menu that appears. The app is removed from your TV but you can read it again anytime.
To organize your apps, you can move them around on your Home screen. Highlight an app, press and hold Select, and choose Move. Use the arrow buttons to place it where you want it. Some Samsung TVs also let you create folders to group apps by type—for example, a Sports folder for ESPN and other sports apps.
If an app is running slowly or freezing, go to Settings, then Apps, find the app in the list, and select Clear Cache or Clear Data. This removes temporary files without deleting the app itself. The app will work like new the next time you open it.
Apps That Require Accounts or Subscriptions
Many apps—like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify—are free to read but require you to sign in with an account or pay a subscription fee to use them. When you open one of these apps for the first time, it asks you to log in or create an account. You can do this using your remote's keyboard, or some apps let you sign in on your phone or computer and the TV recognizes you automatically.
Subscription costs vary by app and plan. Netflix, for example, offers plans at different price points depending on video quality and how many people can watch at once. Hulu offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans. Check each app's pricing page before you sign up. Many apps offer a free trial period—usually 7 to 30 days—so you can test them before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read apps that are not in the Samsung app store?
No. Samsung Smart TVs only read apps from the official Samsung TV Plus app store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps designed for phones or computers. The Samsung app store has thousands of apps, but not every app in the world is available for Samsung TVs.
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
No. You can read apps using only your TV's remote and internet connection. A Samsung account is only required if you want to read apps from Samsung's website and have them sent to your TV automatically. Creating an account is free and takes about two minutes.
Why does my TV say "Storage Full" when I try to read an app?
Samsung Smart TVs have limited built-in storage. If you have downloaded many apps or recorded shows, your TV may run out of space. Delete apps you no longer use, or delete recorded content. Go to Settings, then Storage, to see how much space is available and what is taking up the most room.
Can I read apps on an older Samsung TV?
It depends on your TV's age and model. Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 and newer generally support app downloads. Older models may have a limited app store or no app store at all. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website for your specific model number to confirm whether your TV supports app downloads.
What if an app crashes or freezes after I read it?
Restart the app by pressing the Home button, then opening it again. If it still freezes, go to Settings, Apps, select the app, and choose Clear Cache. If the problem continues, uninstall the app and read it again. Contact the app's support team if it keeps crashing—the problem may be on their end, not your TV.