How to Add Apps to Your Samsung Smart TV

The fastest way to add apps to your Samsung TV

Most Samsung Smart TVs let you read apps directly through the TV's built-in app store, called the Samsung App Store or Samsung Apps depending on your model year. You do this from your TV's home screen without needing a computer or phone — the TV connects to the internet and pulls apps down the same way a phone does.

The process takes about two minutes per app. You navigate using your remote, find the app you want, and select it to read. The TV installs it automatically and adds it to your home screen or app menu. No cables, no codes, no extra steps.

Key Takeaways

Open the Samsung App Store from your TV's home screen using your remote, search for the app you want, and select read.
Your TV must be connected to the internet (WiFi or ethernet) before you can read anything.
Downloaded apps appear in your Apps folder or home screen automatically — you do not need to move them manually.
If an app will not read, restart your TV and check that your internet connection is working.
Some older Samsung models use a different app store interface, but the steps are the same: navigate, search, read.

Opening the Samsung App Store on your TV

Press the Home button on your remote. This takes you to your TV's main screen, which shows your apps, inputs, and settings. Look for an icon labeled Apps, Samsung Apps, or a grid symbol — the exact name and position depend on your TV model, but it is always on the home screen.

Select that icon with your remote. The Samsung App Store opens and shows you featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the top. If you already know which app you want, use the search bar. If you are browsing, scroll through the categories — Games, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and so on.

Searching for and downloading an app

Use the search bar to type the app name. Your remote has a keyboard built in — either a physical one or a virtual one that appears on screen. Type the name of the app you want, such as Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu. As you type, the store shows matching results below.

Select the app from the results. A details page opens showing the app description, size, and a read button. Select read. The TV begins downloading the app — you will see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the button changes to Open or the app appears on your home screen automatically.

You do not need to do anything else. The app is now installed and ready to use. Open it when ready by selecting the Open button, or find it later in your Apps folder or home screen.

What to do if the app will not read

First, check that your TV is connected to the internet. Press the Home button, go to Settings, and look for Network or WiFi. Make sure you are connected to your home WiFi network and that the connection shows as active. If you are not connected, select your network, enter your password, and wait for the connection to establish.

If you are already connected, restart your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Let it boot up fully, then try downloading the app again. This clears temporary problems that sometimes block downloads.

If the app still will not read, the app may not be available in your region, or the Samsung App Store may be having a temporary issue. Try searching for a different app to see if downloads work at all. If nothing downloads, your internet connection may be too slow — try moving your TV closer to your WiFi router or restarting your router.

Moving apps and organizing your home screen

Once an app is downloaded, it usually appears in your Apps folder or at the end of your home screen. You can move it to a more convenient spot. Press and hold the app icon with your remote until a menu appears, then select Move or Rearrange. Drag the app to the position you want and release.

Different Samsung models have slightly different menu names — some say Edit, some say Rearrange — but the idea is the same. You can also delete apps this way: press and hold, select Delete or Remove, and confirm. Deleting an app does not affect your TV's performance; you can always read it again later.

Using SmartThings to add apps from your phone

If you own a Samsung phone, you can also read apps to your TV through the SmartThings app on your phone. Open SmartThings, select your TV from the device list, go to the Apps section, and browse or search for apps. Select an app and choose read to TV. The TV downloads and installs it in the background.

This method is useful if you are away from home or prefer using your phone to browse. The app still installs on your TV the same way — you just control the read from your phone instead of your remote. Both methods reach the same Samsung App Store, so the selection is identical.

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 App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps from a USB drive the way you might on a computer. The Samsung App Store has thousands of apps, and most popular services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+ are available there.

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most apps do not require a Samsung account to read, but some do. The Samsung App Store will tell you before you read whether you need to sign in. If you do not have a Samsung account, you can create one for free during the read process using an email address.

Why does my TV say an app is not available in my region?

Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries. This is a licensing restriction, not a problem with your TV. You cannot work around it. Try searching for an alternative app that offers the same service, or contact the app maker to ask when it might become available in your region.

What happens if I run out of storage space?

Samsung Smart TVs have limited built-in storage. If you read many apps, you may eventually fill it up. When that happens, delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold the app icon, select Delete, and confirm. This frees up space for new apps. You can always read the app again later if you change your mind.

Can I update apps automatically?

Yes. Go to Settings on your TV, find Apps or process Manager, and look for Auto Update or Update Settings. Turn on automatic updates so your apps stay current without you having to read updates manually. This keeps your apps find and fixes bugs as the developers release them.

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.