The fastest way to add an app to your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs let you read apps directly from the TV itself using the remote. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote, look for an app store or apps section (usually called Samsung TV Plus, Galaxy Store, or Apps), and search for the app you want. Select it, then press Install or read. The app will appear on your home screen once it finishes.
The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model and software version you own, but the basic path is the same across most recent models: Home button → Apps or Store → Search → Install. If your TV is older or uses a different interface, you may need to use a different method, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote, find the Apps or Galaxy Store section, search for the app you want, and select Install.
- Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet (either Wi-Fi or ethernet) before you can read any app.
- Not all apps are available on Samsung TV — check the store first to see if your app exists before troubleshooting.
- If the app store is not visible on your home screen, you may need to add it as a widget or tile first.
- Older Samsung TV models may use a different app store interface or may not support certain apps at all.
Check that your TV is connected to the internet
Apps read over your internet connection, so your Samsung TV must be online before you start. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon on the home screen), then Network, and check the connection status. If it says Connected, you are ready. If it says Not Connected, select the network name and enter your Wi-Fi password.
If your TV does not show a Wi-Fi network, move closer to your router or check that your router is on. You can also connect an ethernet cable directly to the back of the TV if you have one available — this is often more stable than Wi-Fi.
Find the app store on your home screen
Press the Home button on your remote. Look at the tiles or rows on your screen for an app store. Samsung TVs typically label this as Galaxy Store, Samsung TV Plus, Apps, or sometimes just a shopping bag icon. The exact name and location vary by model year.
If you do not see an app store tile, it may be hidden or off-screen. Scroll left or right on your home screen to find it. If it still does not appear, go to Settings → Apps and look for an option to show or unhide the app store. Some older models require you to add the store as a widget first — your TV manual will show how to do this.
Search for and install the app you want
Open the app store and look for a search button (usually a magnifying glass icon). Type the name of the app — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify. The store will show you results. Select the app you want from the list.
On the app's page, you will see an Install button (or sometimes read or Get). Press it with your remote. The TV will begin downloading the app. This usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. Do not turn off the TV during installation.
Once the installation finishes, the button will change to Open or Launch. You can press it to start the app right away, or close the store and find the app on your home screen later.
Add the app to your home screen if it does not appear automatically
After you install an app, it usually shows up on your home screen automatically. If it does not, the app may be in a folder or on a different page. Scroll through your home screen to look for it, or check an Apps folder if your TV has one.
If you still cannot find it, go to Settings → Apps → My Apps and look for the app in the list. Select it and choose Add to Home or Pin to Home. The app will then appear on your main screen where you can launch it easily.
What to do if the app is not available in the store
Not every app that works on a phone or computer is available for Samsung TV. The app store only shows apps that Samsung has approved for TV use. If you search for an app and it does not appear, it is not currently available for your TV model.
Some apps may be available only on newer Samsung TV models or only in certain countries. Check the app's official website to see if they list Samsung TV as a supported platform. If the app is very new or very small, the developer may not have made a TV version yet. You can also try searching for an alternative app that does the same thing — for example, if the app you want is not available, another streaming service or music player might be.
Sideloading apps on older Samsung TV models
If you have an older Samsung TV that does not have a built-in app store, or if the app you want is not available in your region, you may be able to sideload it. Sideloading means installing an app from outside the official store, usually by connecting a USB drive or using a computer.
This method is more technical and requires downloading the app file to a USB drive first. We recommend this only if you are comfortable with computers and USB files. For most people, using the built-in app store is simpler and safer. If you want to try sideloading, your TV manual or the app developer's website will have specific instructions for your model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the app store not show up on my Samsung TV?
The app store may be hidden, off-screen, or named differently on your model. Scroll left and right on your home screen to find it. If it is still not visible, go to Settings → Apps to see all installed apps, or check your TV manual for your specific model year. Some very old Samsung TVs do not have an app store built in.
Can I use the same apps on my Samsung TV that I use on my phone?
Not always. Apps must be designed to work on a TV screen and with a remote control. Many popular apps like Netflix and YouTube have TV versions, but some phone apps do not. Always check the Samsung TV app store first to see what is available for your model.
What should I do if an app stops working after I install it?
Try restarting the app first by closing it and opening it again. If that does not work, go to Settings → Apps, find the app, and select Uninstall. Then reinstall it from the app store. If the problem continues, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model, or you may need to update your TV software.
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
Most apps are free to read and do not require a Samsung account. However, some apps may ask you to sign in with your own account (like Netflix or Spotify) once they are installed. Check the app store listing to see if it requires any account before you install.
Can I delete an app after I install it?
Yes. Go to Settings → Apps → My Apps, find the app you want to remove, and select Uninstall. The app will be deleted from your TV. You can always reinstall it later from the app store if you change your mind.