The fastest way to get apps on your Samsung TV
Most Samsung Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to your TV — no computer needed. The app store is called the Samsung App Store on older models or Samsung TV Plus on newer ones, though the process works the same way on both.
The entire process takes about five minutes if you already know your WiFi password. Your TV needs an internet connection first, which means either a wired ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV or a WiFi connection set up through the TV's settings menu.
Key Takeaways
- Your Samsung TV has a built-in app store accessible from the home screen — you do not need a separate device to read apps.
- Before downloading any app, your TV must be connected to the internet either by WiFi or ethernet cable.
- Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are already installed on new Samsung TVs, so check your app list before searching.
- If an app will not install, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.
- Some older Samsung TV models use a different app store interface, but the steps are nearly identical.
Connect your TV to the internet first
Your Samsung TV cannot read anything without an internet connection. You have two options: WiFi or a wired ethernet cable. WiFi is easier if your router is in the same room or nearby. Ethernet is more stable if your TV is far from the router or if you have a weak WiFi signal.
To connect by WiFi, pick up your Samsung remote and press the Home button (usually at the bottom center). Navigate to Settings using the arrow buttons, then select General. Choose Network, then WiFi Connection. Your TV will show a list of available networks. Select yours, enter your password, and wait for the connection to confirm. This usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.
If you are using ethernet, plug one end of an ethernet cable into the port on the back of your TV labeled Ethernet or LAN, and plug the other end into your router or wall outlet. Your TV should detect the connection automatically within a few seconds.
Open the Samsung App Store from your home screen
Once your TV is online, press the Home button on your remote. You will see your TV's home screen, which shows rows of apps and content. Look for an icon labeled Samsung App Store, Apps, or sometimes just a shopping bag icon. The exact name and location depends on your TV model and how old it is, but it is always on the home screen.
Select that icon and press Enter on your remote. The app store will open and show you featured apps, categories, and a search function at the top. If you cannot find an app store icon on your home screen, press the Apps button on your remote (it looks like a grid of squares on most Samsung remotes). This opens your app menu, and you should see the app store listed there.
Search for and install the app you want
Once you are in the app store, use the search function to find the app. Press the magnifying glass icon or select the search bar at the top of the screen. Use your remote's arrow buttons to type the app name — most Samsung remotes have a built-in keyboard that appears on screen, or you can use the number pad to select letters. Type the name of the app you want, like "Netflix" or "YouTube".
When the app appears in the search results, select it and press Enter. You will see an Install button. Press Enter again to start the read. The app will read and install automatically — you do not need to do anything else. A progress bar will show you how far along the installation is. Once it finishes, the button will change to Open or Installed.
The app is now on your TV. You can open it when ready by pressing the button on screen, or you can go back to your home screen and find it in your app list. New apps usually appear in a section called My Apps or at the end of your app rows on the home screen.
What to do if an app will not install or read
Sometimes an app will not read, or the read will stall halfway through. The first step is always to restart your TV. Unplug the power cable from the back of the TV (or from the wall outlet), wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears your TV's memory and often fixes read problems.
If the app still will not install after a restart, check that your internet connection is still working. Go back to Settings > General > Network and look for a Connection Status or Test Connection option. If your TV shows no internet connection, reconnect to WiFi or check that your ethernet cable is plugged in on both ends.
Some apps are not available in all regions or on all TV models. If you search for an app and it does not appear in the store at all, it may not be compatible with your TV. Check the app's official website or contact Samsung support to confirm whether the app works on your model. Alternatively, you can use a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick, which plug into your TV's HDMI port and have their own app stores.
Apps that come pre-installed on most Samsung TVs
Many popular apps are already on your TV when you buy it, so you may not need to read them at all. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Spotify are usually pre-installed on newer Samsung models. Check your home screen or your app list before searching the app store — you might already have what you need.
If a pre-installed app is missing or you accidentally deleted it, you can reinstall it from the app store using the same steps above. Search for the app by name, and it will appear in the results even if it was originally built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read apps on my Samsung TV without WiFi?
No, your TV needs an internet connection to read anything from the app store. You can use either WiFi or an ethernet cable. If you do not have WiFi available, an ethernet cable plugged directly into your router is the most reliable option.
Why does my app keep saying "not available in your region"?
Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries. If an app shows this message, it is not compatible with your location and cannot be installed. This is a restriction set by the app maker, not Samsung, and there is no way around it.
Can I delete an app I downloaded by mistake?
Yes. Go to your home screen, find the app, and press and hold the Enter button on your remote. A menu will appear with an option to delete or uninstall. Select it, and the app will be removed. You can always reinstall it later from the app store.
What if my remote does not have a keyboard for typing app names?
Older Samsung remotes may not have a built-in keyboard. When you select the search bar in the app store, an on-screen keyboard will appear on your TV screen. Use your remote's arrow buttons to highlight each letter and press Enter to select it. It is slower than a physical keyboard, but it works the same way.
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
Most free apps do not require a Samsung account — you can read them directly. Some apps, like Netflix or Prime Video, require you to sign in with your own account for that service, but that is separate from a Samsung account. If you want to purchase paid apps, you may need to set up a Samsung account and add a payment method.