The Basic Steps to Install an App on Your Samsung TV
Adding an app to your Samsung TV takes about five minutes and requires only your remote. Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years have a built-in app store called the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store, depending on your model year. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and select "Install." The TV downloads and installs it automatically, then the app appears on your home screen.
The exact menu names and button locations vary slightly between Samsung TV models, but the process is the same across all of them. If your TV is older than 2018 or does not have internet access, you may need to use a different method, which we cover below.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store from your TV's home screen using your remote's home button.
- Search for the app by name, select it, and press the install button — the TV handles the rest without your input.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet by Wi-Fi or ethernet for the app store to work.
- If your TV is older than 2018 or does not have an app store, you can use a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick instead.
- Newly installed apps appear on your home screen and are ready to use when ready after installation finishes.
Connect Your TV to the Internet First
Your Samsung TV needs an active internet connection before you can browse or install apps. If your TV is not already connected, press the home button on your remote, navigate to Settings, and select Network. Choose either Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on what you have available in your home.
For Wi-Fi, select your network name from the list, enter your password, and wait for the connection to complete — this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. For ethernet, plug a cable directly into the port on the back of your TV. Once connected, you will see a checkmark or "Connected" message on the screen. If you cannot connect, check that your router is on and that you are using the correct password.
Open the App Store and Search for Your App
Press the home button on your Samsung remote. You will see your TV's home screen with rows of apps and content. Look for an icon labeled "Samsung App Store," "Galaxy Store," or sometimes just "Apps" — the exact name depends on your TV model and software version. Select it and press enter.
Once the app store opens, you will see a search icon, usually a magnifying glass in the top corner. Select it and use your remote to type the name of the app you want. Most Samsung remotes have a keyboard that appears on screen, or you can use the arrow buttons to navigate letters. Type slowly and carefully — the search results update as you type. When you see the app you want in the list, select it.
Install the App and Wait for Completion
When you select an app from the search results, a details page opens showing the app name, description, and an "Install" button. Press the install button and your TV will begin downloading the app. A progress bar appears on screen showing how much of the read is complete.
Installation usually takes between 30 seconds and three minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. Do not turn off your TV or unplug it during this time. Once the progress bar disappears and you see a message like "Installed" or "Open," the app is ready to use. You can press "Open" to launch it when ready, or close this screen and find the app on your home screen later.
Find and Launch Your New App
After installation finishes, your new app appears on your TV's home screen, usually in a row at the top or in a section labeled "My Apps." Press the home button on your remote to return to the home screen if you are not already there. Scroll left or right to find your newly installed app, select it, and press enter to open it.
Some apps require you to sign in with an account the first time you open them — for example, Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube. Have your username and password ready. You can use your remote's keyboard to type, or some apps let you sign in on your phone or computer instead, which is often faster. Once you are signed in, the app saves your login and you will not need to enter it again.
What to Do If Your TV Does Not Have an App Store
Older Samsung TVs made before 2018, or TVs that do not have internet access, do not have a built-in app store. If you press home and cannot find an app store icon, your TV likely falls into this category. The simplest solution is to use a separate streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast, which you plug into your TV's HDMI port. These devices have their own app stores and let you install apps without needing your TV to support them.
Another option is to check whether your TV model supports Samsung SmartThings, a companion app you can read on your phone. Some older Samsung TVs let you control them and access content through SmartThings, though this is not the same as installing apps directly on the TV. Look up your specific TV model number online to see which options are available for your device.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems
If an app fails to install, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings and selecting Network. If the connection dropped, reconnect and try installing the app again. If your connection is stable but the app still will not install, try restarting your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up.
If the app store itself will not open, restart your TV the same way. If you see an error message saying "Not enough storage," your TV's internal memory is full. Delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding on them from the home screen and selecting "Delete" or "Remove." You only need to free up a few hundred megabytes for most apps to install. If problems continue after restarting and freeing space, contact Samsung support with your TV model number — they can walk you through more advanced troubleshooting steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps on my Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
No. The app store requires an internet connection to read and install apps. You must connect your TV to Wi-Fi or ethernet before you can browse or install anything. If you cannot connect your TV to the internet, a separate streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick is your best option.
Why does my app keep asking me to sign in every time I open it?
The app is not saving your login information, usually because you did not check a "Remember me" or "Stay signed in" box during login. Open the app again, sign in, and look for a checkbox or toggle that says "Remember me," "Keep me signed in," or "Stay logged in." Select it before finishing your login. If the option does not exist in that app, it may not support saved logins on Samsung TVs.
How much storage space do apps take up on my TV?
Most apps use between 50 megabytes and 500 megabytes of storage. Larger apps like Netflix or YouTube may use more. Samsung TVs typically have between 4 and 16 gigabytes of total storage depending on the model. You can check how much space is available by going to Settings, selecting Storage or Memory, and looking at the available space. If you are running low, delete apps you do not use regularly.
Can I move an app to a different spot on my home screen?
Yes. Press and hold on the app icon using your remote until a menu appears. Select "Move" or "Rearrange," then use the arrow buttons to move it to a new position. Press enter to confirm. The exact menu option name varies by TV model, but the process is similar across all Samsung TVs.
What if an app I want is not in the Samsung App Store?
Not all apps are available in the Samsung App Store. If you cannot find an app you want, check the app's official website to see whether it supports Samsung TVs. If it does not, or if it is only available for other platforms, a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick may have it instead. You can also search online for your TV model and the app name to see whether other users have found a way to install it.