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. Most apps are ready to use within seconds; a few larger ones may take a minute or two.
You do not need a computer or phone to do this. Everything happens on the TV itself. If you already have a Samsung account, the TV may sign you in automatically — if not, you can create one free during the process, or skip it and install apps without an account.
Key Takeaways
- Press the Home button on your remote, then navigate to the Apps section to reach the Samsung Smart TV App Store.
- Use the remote's arrow buttons and the Select button to search for an app by name, then choose Install from the app's details page.
- Apps install directly to your TV and appear on the home screen automatically — you do not need to move them or set them up separately.
- If an app will not install, restart your TV and check that it is connected to the internet; most installation problems clear up after a restart.
- You can remove an app by highlighting it on the home screen, pressing the Options button on your remote, and selecting Delete.
Step-by-step: Finding and installing an app
Start by pressing the Home button on your Samsung remote — it is usually at the top or bottom of the remote and has a house icon. This takes you to the home screen.
Look for an icon labeled Apps or Samsung TV Plus on the home screen. Highlight it using the arrow buttons on your remote, then press Select (the center button). This opens the app store.
Once you are in the app store, you will see a search icon — usually a magnifying glass at the top of the screen. Press Select on it, then use the remote's number pad or arrow buttons to type the name of the app you want. For example, type "Netflix" or "YouTube".
When the app appears in the search results, highlight it and press Select. This opens the app's details page. You will see a button labeled Install — highlight it and press Select. The read begins when ready. You will see a progress bar or a spinning circle while the app installs.
What to do while the app is installing
Leave the TV on and connected to the internet while the app installs. Do not unplug the TV or disconnect it from Wi-Fi. Most apps finish within 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.
When the installation is complete, the button will change from Install to Open or Launch. You can press Select to open the app right away, or press Home to go back to the home screen. The app will now appear as a tile on your home screen, and you can open it anytime by highlighting it and pressing Select.
Finding apps that work on your TV model
Not every app in the Samsung App Store works on every TV model. Older Samsung TVs (made before 2016) may not support newer apps, and some apps require a certain amount of storage or a faster processor than older models have.
When you search for an app, the store will only show you apps that your TV can run. If an app does not appear in the search results, your TV model does not support it. In that case, you have two options: use a streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV connected to your TV's HDMI port, or check whether the app is available through a different service on your TV.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
If you see an error message or the installation gets stuck, restart your TV first. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary files that sometimes block installations.
Next, check that your TV is connected to the internet. Press Home, then look for a Settings icon (usually a gear or wrench). Navigate to Network or Wi-Fi and confirm that your TV shows a connected status. If it is not connected, select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password.
If the app still will not install after a restart and a confirmed internet connection, try these steps: go to Settings, find Storage or Memory, and check how much free space your TV has. If you are running low on storage (less than 500 MB free), delete an app you no longer use to make room. Then try installing again.
If none of these steps work, the app may be temporarily unavailable or incompatible with your TV model. Wait a few hours and try again, or contact Samsung support with your TV model number (found in Settings under About This TV).
Managing apps on your home screen
Once an app is installed, it appears as a tile on your home screen. You can rearrange these tiles, remove apps you do not use, or organize them into folders.
To move an app, highlight it with the arrow buttons on your remote, then press and hold the Select button (or press the Options button, which is usually marked with three lines or dots). A menu will appear with options like Move or Rearrange. Follow the on-screen instructions to drag the app to a new position.
To remove an app, highlight it and press the Options button, then select Delete or Remove. The app disappears from your home screen. You can reinstall it anytime by going back to the App Store and selecting Install again — your TV remembers that you had it before.
Using a Samsung account to sync apps across devices
If you own more than one Samsung TV or plan to buy another one, you can create a Samsung account to keep your apps in sync. When you sign in with the same account on a different TV, your installed apps and settings follow you.
To create or sign in to a Samsung account, press Home, go to Settings, and look for Accounts or Samsung Account. Select Sign In or Create Account and follow the on-screen prompts. You will need an email address and a password. Once you are signed in, any app you install will be linked to your account.
This is optional — you can install and use apps without a Samsung account. The account is useful only if you want your apps to sync across multiple TVs or if an app requires you to sign in to use it (like Netflix or Hulu).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from outside the Samsung App Store?
No. Samsung TVs only install apps from the official Samsung App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or from a computer. This is a security feature to protect your TV from malware.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Your TV model does not support that app. This usually happens with older TVs and newer apps. Check your TV's model year in Settings under About This TV. If the app is important to you, a streaming device plugged into your TV's HDMI port can run apps your TV cannot.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install an app?
Yes. Your TV must be connected to the internet to read and install any app. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi, go to Settings, find Network or Wi-Fi, and select your network. Enter your Wi-Fi password if prompted.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset removes all installed apps and returns your TV to its original state. If you signed in with a Samsung account before the reset, you can sign back in afterward and reinstall your apps. Without an account, you will need to reinstall each app manually.
Can I move an app to external storage or a USB drive?
No. Apps on Samsung TVs install to the TV's internal storage only. You cannot move them to a USB drive or external hard drive. If your TV is running low on storage, delete apps you no longer use to free up space.