The fastest way to add an app to your Samsung TV
Open the Samsung Smart TV App Store directly from your TV's home screen, search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and installs automatically, then appears on your home screen or in your Apps folder. Most apps take less than two minutes to install, and you do not need a computer or phone to do it.
Your TV must be connected to the internet—either by WiFi or ethernet cable—for the App Store to load. If you have not set up your internet connection yet, go to Settings > General > Network and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable.
Key Takeaways
- The Samsung Smart TV App Store is built into your TV and accessed from the home screen without needing any other device.
- You must have an active internet connection before you can search for or install apps.
- Apps install directly to your TV and appear on your home screen or in a dedicated Apps folder depending on your TV model.
- If an app will not install, restart your TV, check your internet connection, and make sure your TV software is current.
Finding and opening the App Store on your remote
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to bring up the home screen. Look for an icon labeled Apps, App Store, or a grid symbol—the exact name and location depend on your TV model and software version, but it is always on the main home screen.
Select that icon with your remote's arrow buttons and press Enter. The App Store opens and shows featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the top. If you do not see an Apps icon on your home screen, your TV may have an older software version—scroll left or right on the home screen to find it, or go to Settings > Apps to access your app library directly.
Searching for and installing a specific app
Use the search bar at the top of the App Store. Press the arrow buttons on your remote to move to the search field, then press Enter to open the keyboard. Type the app name using the on-screen keyboard—arrow buttons move between letters, and Enter selects each one. When you finish typing, press Enter again or select the search button.
The App Store shows matching results. Select the app you want and read the description, rating, and size. Press the Install button (or Get on some models). The app begins downloading when ready—you will see a progress bar. Once installation finishes, the button changes to Open or Installed. You can close the App Store and the app is ready to use from your home screen.
Where your new apps appear after installation
Newly installed apps appear in one of two places depending on your TV model. Newer Samsung TVs add them directly to your home screen, usually at the end of the row or in a dedicated Apps section. Older models place them in an Apps folder that you access from the home screen.
You can rearrange apps on your home screen by pressing and holding the app icon with your remote, then moving it with the arrow buttons. Press Enter to drop it in a new spot. If your TV organizes apps into folders, open the Apps folder the same way you would open any other app, and your newly installed programs appear there.
What to do if an app will not install
First, check your internet connection. Go to Settings > General > Network and select your WiFi network or check that your ethernet cable is plugged in. If the connection shows as connected but the App Store still will not load, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
If the app still will not install, the App Store may be temporarily unavailable or your TV software may be out of date. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and select Update if an update is available. Wait for the update to finish—your TV may restart on its own. After the update, try installing the app again.
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, it may not be compatible with your TV. Check the app's description in the Samsung App Store to see which TV models it supports, or try a similar app from a different developer.
Installing apps from outside the Samsung App Store
Samsung Smart TVs can install apps from sources other than the official App Store, but this requires enabling Unknown Sources in your TV settings. Go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources and toggle it On. This allows you to install apps from third-party sources, though Samsung does not test these apps for safety or performance.
Most people should stick with the official App Store, which tests all apps before listing them. Third-party sources carry a higher risk of bugs or security issues. If you do use an outside source, read only from trusted developers and be cautious with any app that asks for unusual permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
No. You can install apps from the Samsung App Store without creating an account. However, some apps—like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube—require you to sign in with your own account once they are installed on your TV. Your Samsung account is optional and mainly used for backing up your TV settings.
Can I install the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?
Yes. Each TV must be connected to the internet and have the app installed separately. If you have a Samsung account, you can link it to multiple TVs in your home, and some apps will sync your preferences across devices. Check the app's description in the App Store to see if it supports multi-device sync.
What happens if I uninstall an app and want it back?
Go to the App Store, search for the app by name, and select Install again. Your TV will re-read and install it. Any saved data or login information you had before uninstalling may or may not be restored, depending on the app—most apps do not save data after you uninstall them.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Compatibility depends on your TV model, screen size, and software version. Older TV models may not support newer apps, and some apps only work on TVs with certain processors. Check your TV's model number in Settings > Support > About This TV and compare it to the app's system requirements in the App Store listing.