The fastest way to read apps on Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs let you read apps directly through the TV's built-in app store, called the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store depending on your model year. You navigate using your remote, find the app you want, and install it without needing a computer or phone.
The process takes about two to five minutes per app. You will need your TV connected to the internet — either by ethernet cable or Wi-Fi — and a Samsung account (which is free to create). Some older Samsung TVs use a different system, but the steps are similar.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store on your TV by pressing the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Apps or the app store icon.
- Search for the app you want by name, or browse categories like Entertainment, Sports, or Streaming.
- Select the app and press Install; it will read and appear on your home screen automatically.
- Your TV must be connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet to read apps, and you need a free Samsung account to use the store.
- If an app does not appear in the Samsung App Store, you may be able to use AirPlay, Chromecast, or screen mirroring instead.
Step-by-step: downloading an app from the Samsung App Store
Start by pressing the Home button on your remote. This takes you to the main menu of your TV. Look for an icon labeled Apps, App Store, or Samsung Apps — the exact name varies by model, but it is usually near the top or bottom of the screen.
Select that icon and you will enter the app store. You can either search for a specific app by name using the on-screen keyboard, or browse by category. Categories typically include Entertainment, Sports, Streaming, Games, and Lifestyle. Once you find the app you want, select it to open its detail page.
On the detail page, you will see a button that says Install or read. Press it. The app will begin downloading — this usually takes less than a minute on a fast connection. Once the read finishes, the button will change to Open or Launch. You can press it to start the app when ready, or close the store and find the app on your home screen later.
What to do if your TV is not connected to the internet
Apps require an internet connection to read. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet, you will not see the Install button in the app store — the store may not even open.
To connect, press Home on your remote, go to Settings, and look for Network or Wi-Fi. Select your network name and enter your password if prompted. If you prefer a wired connection, plug an ethernet cable directly into the port on the back of your TV. Once connected, return to the app store and try downloading again.
Apps that may not be in the Samsung App Store
Not every app is available in the Samsung App Store. Some streaming services, games, or tools are only sold through other stores or are not made for Samsung TV at all. If you search for an app and it does not appear, it may not be available for your TV model.
In that case, you have other options. Many phones and tablets can send video or audio to your TV using AirPlay (for iPhones and iPads) or Chromecast (for Android phones). You can also use screen mirroring to display your phone's screen on the TV. These methods let you use an app on your phone and watch it on the bigger screen, even if the app itself is not installed on the TV.
Older Samsung TV models and Tizen OS
Samsung TVs made before 2015 or so may use an older system called Tizen or Smart Hub instead of the current Samsung App Store. The steps are nearly the same: press Home, find Apps or Smart Hub, search or browse, and select Install. The app store itself looks different, and fewer apps are available, but the basic process works the same way.
If you own a very old Samsung TV and cannot find an app store at all, your TV may not support app downloads. In that case, screen mirroring or a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick plugged into an HDMI port is your best option.
Creating and using a Samsung account
You need a Samsung account to read apps, but creating one is free and takes about two minutes. When you first open the app store, you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. You can use your email address and a password you choose, or link an existing Google or Facebook account.
Once you have created an account and signed in on your TV, you stay signed in. You will not have to enter your password every time you read an app. Your account also keeps track of which apps you have installed, so if you reset your TV or buy a new one, you can reinstall your apps more quickly.
Troubleshooting: app read fails or gets stuck
If a read stalls or fails, first check that your internet connection is still active. Press Home, go to Settings, and look at Network or Wi-Fi status. If the connection dropped, reconnect and try downloading again.
If the connection is fine but the read still fails, try restarting your TV. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then open the app store and attempt the read once more. If the same app keeps failing, the app itself may have a problem, or it may not be compatible with your TV model. Try a different app to confirm the store is working, then contact Samsung support if the issue continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps in the Samsung App Store?
Most apps are free, but some charge a one-time fee or a monthly subscription. The price will be shown on the app's detail page before you press Install. You can only read paid apps if a payment method is linked to your Samsung account.
Can I delete an app after I read it?
Yes. Press Home, find the app on your home screen or in your apps list, and press and hold the remote's center button or select button. A menu will appear with an option to Remove or Delete. Select it and the app will be uninstalled. You can always read it again later.
What if I forget my Samsung account password?
Go to the Samsung account website on a computer or phone, select Forgot Password, and follow the steps to reset it using your email address. Once you have set a new password, you can sign in on your TV using the new one.
Can I read apps on my Samsung TV using my phone?
No, you cannot remotely install apps on your TV from your phone. You must read apps directly on the TV using the remote. However, some apps let you sign in on both your phone and TV so your settings and saved content sync between them.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Compatibility depends on your TV's model year, screen size, and operating system version. Newer apps sometimes do not work on older TVs. If an app says it is not compatible, your TV does not meet its requirements. You can try updating your TV's software in Settings, but some apps straightforward will not run on older models.