How to Add an App to Your Samsung Smart TV

The Basic Steps to Install an App

To add an app to your Samsung Smart TV, press the Home button on your remote, navigate to the Apps section, and search for the app you want. Once you find it in the Samsung App Store, select it and choose Install. The app downloads and installs automatically, then appears on your home screen or in your Apps folder.

The exact steps depend slightly on your TV's model year, but the process has stayed largely the same since 2016. Older Samsung TVs (before 2016) use a different system called Smart Hub, which works similarly but with different menu names. If your TV is very old, you may need to use an external device like a Roku stick or Fire Stick instead.

Key Takeaways

Press Home on your remote, go to Apps, and search for the app you want to install from the Samsung App Store.
Most apps install in under a minute and appear automatically on your home screen once complete.
Your TV must be connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or ethernet) before you can read any app.
If an app will not install, restart your TV and check that you have enough free storage space available.
Samsung TVs made before 2016 use Smart Hub instead of the Apps menu, but the process is nearly identical.

Finding the Apps Section on Your Remote

The Home button is the button with a house icon on your Samsung remote. Press it once, and your TV will show the home screen with several tiles or icons. Look for a tile labeled Apps, Applications, or sometimes just a grid icon. On newer remotes, you may see a dedicated Apps button instead of having to navigate from Home.

If you cannot find an Apps section, your TV may be using the older Smart Hub system. In that case, press the Smart Hub button (usually marked with a colorful icon) instead, and look for an Apps or Applications folder within that menu.

Searching for and Installing an App

Once you are in the Apps section, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass). Select it and type the name of the app you want—Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, or any other app available in the Samsung App Store. As you type, matching results appear below.

Select the app from the search results. A details page opens showing the app name, description, and an Install button. Press Install, and the read begins. You will see a progress bar or loading indicator. Most apps finish installing in 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your internet speed and the app size.

Once installation is complete, the Install button changes to Open or Launch. You can press it when ready to start the app, or close this screen and find the app on your home screen or in your Apps folder later.

What to Do If an App Will Not Install

The most common reason an app fails to install is that your TV is not connected to the internet. Check your Wi-Fi connection by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming that your TV shows a connected status. If Wi-Fi is off, turn it on and select your network. If you are using an ethernet cable, make sure it is plugged in securely on both ends.

If your internet is working but the app still will not install, your TV may be running out of storage space. Go to Settings, then Storage, and check how much free space is available. If you have less than 1 GB free, delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold an app tile on your home screen, select Delete or Remove, and confirm. After freeing up space, try installing the app again.

If the app still will not install after checking both internet and storage, restart your TV completely. Unplug it from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it boots up, try installing the app again. If it continues to fail, the app may not be available in your region or may not be compatible with your TV model.

Moving and Organizing Your Apps

After you install an app, it usually appears on your home screen automatically. You can rearrange it by pressing and holding the app tile with your remote, then using the arrow buttons to move it to a new position. Release the button to drop it in place.

If you want to hide an app instead of deleting it, press and hold the app tile and look for a Hide or Remove from Home option. The app stays installed on your TV but disappears from the home screen. You can still find it by going to the Apps section and searching for it by name.

Installing Apps on Older Samsung TVs (Before 2016)

If your Samsung TV was made before 2016, it uses Smart Hub instead of the modern Apps menu. Press the Smart Hub button on your remote (it usually has a colorful icon). Look for an Apps or Applications folder, and open it. The search and installation process works the same way as newer models—find the app, select Install, and wait for it to read.

Older Smart Hub systems are slower and have fewer apps available compared to newer Samsung TVs. If you cannot find the app you want, or if your TV is too old to support it, consider using an external streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast instead. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and give you access to thousands of apps.

Checking Your Internet Speed and Connection

Apps read faster and run more smoothly on a strong internet connection. If your apps are slow to install or freeze while running, check your Wi-Fi signal. Go to Settings, then Network, and look for signal strength. If it shows one or two bars, move your router closer to the TV or switch to a 5 GHz network if your router supports it.

If you are using Wi-Fi and it keeps dropping, try connecting your TV with an ethernet cable instead. Plug one end into your TV's ethernet port (usually on the back) and the other end into your router. Wired connections are more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, especially for large app downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps that are not in the Samsung App Store?

No. Samsung TVs only allow you to install apps from the official Samsung App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps designed for phones or computers. If an app you want is not in the Samsung App Store, it is not available for your TV model.

Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?

Most apps do not require a Samsung account to install. However, some apps (like Netflix or Disney+) require you to sign in with your own account once the app is installed. You will be prompted to create or log into that account when you open the app for the first time.

What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?

A factory reset erases all installed apps and returns your TV to its original state. You will need to reinstall each app afterward. Before resetting, write down which apps you have installed so you remember what to put back.

Why does my TV say an app is not available in my region?

Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries. This is controlled by the app publisher, not Samsung. If an app shows as unavailable, it straightforward is not offered in your location. You cannot bypass this restriction.

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. There is no limit to how many Samsung TVs you can install the same app on, as long as you own or have permission to use each TV.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.