How to Add Apps to Your Samsung Smart TV

The quickest way to add apps to your Samsung TV

You add apps to a Samsung Smart TV through the Samsung TV Plus app store, which is built into your TV's home screen. Press the Home button on your remote, look for the Apps section or an app store icon, and browse or search for the app you want. Select it, then press Install. Most apps read and install in under a minute, and you'll see them appear on your home screen or in your Apps folder right away.

The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model and operating system you have — Samsung uses either Tizen OS or Google TV on newer models — but the process is nearly identical on both. If you can't find an app in the Samsung store, it may not be available for your TV model, or you may need to sideload it, which requires a different method.

Key Takeaways

Open the Samsung TV Plus app store from your home screen and search for the app by name, then select Install.
Your TV must be connected to the internet (WiFi or ethernet) for apps to read and install.
Not all apps are available in the Samsung store — check whether your TV model supports the app before troubleshooting.
If an app won't install, restart your TV, check for a system update, and clear the app store cache before trying again.
Sideloading apps (installing from outside the official store) is possible but requires a USB drive and is only necessary if an app isn't in the store.

Step-by-step: Installing an app from the Samsung store

Start by pressing the Home button on your Samsung remote. This takes you to the home screen. Look for an icon labeled "Apps," "Samsung TV Plus," or a grid-like symbol — the exact label varies by model year.

Select that icon and you'll enter the app store. Use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top) to type the name of the app you want. If you prefer to browse, scroll through categories like Entertainment, Sports, News, or Games.

When you find the app, select it to open its detail page. You'll see a description, reviews, and an Install button. Press Install. The app will begin downloading — you'll see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open" or "Installed." You can press Open to launch it when ready, or go back to your home screen and find it in your Apps folder.

Internet connection requirements

Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet to read and install apps. Check your connection by going to Settings > General > Network > Network Status. Your TV should show "Connected" and display your WiFi network name or ethernet connection.

If you're not connected, go to Settings > General > Network > WiFi Settings, select your network, and enter your password. If you're using ethernet, plug the cable into the port on the back of your TV and it should connect automatically. Once connected, return to the app store and try installing again.

A weak WiFi signal can slow downloads or cause them to fail partway through. If your TV is far from your router, move it closer temporarily, or consider using a WiFi extender or ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

What to do if an app won't install

If you see an error message or the Install button is grayed out, the app may not be compatible with your TV model. Not every app available on phones or computers is available for Samsung TVs. Check the app's detail page — it should say whether it's compatible with your TV.

If the app should be compatible but still won't install, try these steps in order. First, restart your TV: unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary files that sometimes block installations.

Second, check for a system update. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. If an update is available, let it install completely — this can fix bugs that prevent app downloads. Third, clear the app store cache. Go to Settings > Apps > App Store > Storage > Clear Cache. Then try installing the app again.

If none of these work, the app may genuinely not be available for your TV model, or there may be a temporary issue with Samsung's servers. Wait a few hours and try again.

Finding apps that work with your Samsung TV

The Samsung TV Plus store only shows apps that are compatible with your specific model. This means if you don't see an app in the store, it's not available for your TV — you can't force it to install. Popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu are available on nearly all Samsung TVs, but smaller or newer apps may not be.

Before you buy a Samsung TV or assume an app won't work, check the app's detail page on the Samsung store on your TV itself. Search for it by name. If it appears, your TV supports it. If it doesn't appear in search results, it's not available for your model.

You can also visit Samsung's website and search for your TV model number (found on the back of your TV or in Settings > Support > About This TV) to see a list of compatible apps, though the in-TV store is usually more current.

Sideloading apps if they're not in the store

If an app genuinely isn't in the Samsung store and you want to install it anyway, you can sideload it using a USB drive. This is more technical and should only be done if the app isn't available through normal means. Sideloading requires downloading the app file (usually a .apk file for Tizen TVs) onto a USB drive on a computer, then plugging the drive into your TV and installing from there.

The process varies depending on whether your TV runs Tizen OS or Google TV. For Tizen TVs, you'll need to enable Developer Mode in Settings > General > System Manager > Smart TV Code, then use a tool like Tizen Studio on your computer to push the app file to your TV. For Google TV models, you can enable Unknown Sources in Settings > Apps > Unknown Sources, then browse to the USB drive and install the file directly.

Sideloading carries risks — apps from outside the official store aren't checked by Samsung for security or stability — so only do this if you trust the source and the app isn't in the store for a reason. Most people never need to sideload.

Managing apps and freeing up storage

Over time, your TV's storage can fill up, which can slow down app installation or performance. Check how much space you have left by going to Settings > Support > About This TV > Storage. If you're running low, uninstall apps you don't use.

To uninstall an app, go to Settings > Apps > App List, find the app, select it, and choose Uninstall. Alternatively, on your home screen, highlight an app, press the Options button (three dots or menu button on your remote), and select Remove or Uninstall.

You can also move apps to an external USB drive if your TV supports it — check Settings > Apps > App Storage to see if this option is available. This frees up your TV's internal storage without deleting the apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from Google Play Store on my Samsung TV?

It depends on your TV model. Newer Samsung TVs that run Google TV have Google Play Store built in and can install apps from there. Older Samsung TVs that run Tizen OS use only the Samsung TV Plus store. Check your TV's home screen — if you see a Google Play Store icon, you can use it. If not, you're limited to the Samsung store.

Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?

Apps are only available for TV models that meet their technical requirements. An app might need more processing power, more storage, or a newer version of the TV's operating system than your model has. This doesn't mean your TV is broken — it just means that particular app wasn't made for it. Thousands of other apps will still work.

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most apps are free to read and don't require a Samsung account. However, some paid apps or apps that require a subscription (like Netflix or Hulu) will ask you to sign in with your account for that service once the app is installed. You don't need a Samsung account itself to use the app store.

What should I do if my TV keeps running out of storage?

Uninstall apps you rarely use, clear the cache of apps you keep (Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache), and avoid installing too many large games at once. If your TV has a USB port, you can also connect an external drive and move some apps there if your TV supports it.

Can I install apps on my Samsung TV from my phone?

Not directly through the Samsung app store, but some apps like Netflix and YouTube let you cast or mirror content from your phone to your TV. For actual app installation, you need to use your TV remote and the TV's app store. Some newer Samsung TVs have a SmartThings app that lets you control your TV from your phone, but app installation still happens on the TV itself.

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.