How to Add Apps to Your Samsung TV

The fastest way to add an app to a Samsung TV

Open the app store built into your Samsung TV by pressing the Home button on your remote, then select Apps. Search for the app you want, select it, and choose Install. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need a computer or USB drive. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use.

The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model you own, because Samsung uses different operating systems across its lineup. Most newer Samsung TVs run Tizen, while some older models run a different system. The process is nearly identical on both, but the menu names may differ slightly.

Key Takeaways

Press Home on your remote, go to Apps, search for the app name, and select Install — the TV handles the rest without any setup on your part.
Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet for apps to read and work.
If an app does not appear in the store, it may not be available for your TV model or operating system version.
Deleting an app from your TV is the same process in reverse: find it on your home screen, press and hold the remote button, and select Delete.

What you need before you start

Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet. Check this by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming that WiFi or a wired connection shows as connected. If your TV is not online, connect it to your WiFi network first — you will need your network name and password.

You also need a Samsung account to read most apps, though some are free to use without one. If you do not have a Samsung account, you can create one directly on the TV during the first app read. You will need an email address and a password you can remember.

Step-by-step: installing an app on Tizen TVs

Most Samsung TVs made in the last five years run Tizen. Press the Home button on your remote to open the home screen. You will see a row of apps and a menu bar at the top or bottom of the screen.

Select Apps from the menu. A grid of available apps appears. At the top of the grid, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass). Select it and type the name of the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, and most other major apps are available. As you type, matching results appear below.

Select the app from the results. A details page opens showing the app name, a description, and an Install button. Select Install. The TV downloads and installs the app in the background. You will see a progress bar or a notification when it is complete. The app then appears on your home screen, usually in a row labeled "My Apps" or "Installed Apps."

Step-by-step: installing an app on older Samsung TVs

If your TV is more than five or six years old, it may run Samsung's older operating system instead of Tizen. The process is almost the same, but the menu names differ slightly. Press Home, then look for a menu option called Smart Hub or Apps instead of just Apps.

Select Smart Hub or Apps, then look for a search function or a store icon. Select it and search for the app by name. When you find it, select Install. The read and installation work the same way as on Tizen TVs — the app appears on your home screen when finished.

If you cannot find a search function, look for a Featured or Recommended section within the Apps menu. You can browse the available apps there instead of searching by name.

What to do if the app does not appear in the store

Not every app is available for every Samsung TV. Older TV models and certain regional versions may not have access to all apps. If you search for an app and it does not appear, it is not available for your specific TV model.

Check the app's official website or support page to see if it lists Samsung TV compatibility. Some apps state clearly which TV models they support. If the app is not available and you need it, you may be able to use it on a streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV instead, which you can connect to your Samsung TV via HDMI.

Managing apps: moving, organizing, and deleting

Once an app is installed, you can move it around your home screen to organize it however you like. Press and hold the app icon with your remote until a menu appears. Select Move, then use the arrow buttons on your remote to position it where you want. Press Enter or Select to confirm.

To delete an app, press and hold its icon and select Delete or Remove from the menu. The app uninstalls when ready. You can always reinstall it later by going back to the app store and selecting Install again — your settings and login information may be saved, depending on the app.

Some apps come pre-installed on your TV and cannot be deleted, only hidden. If you do not see a Delete option, the app is built into your TV and you can only remove it from view by moving it to a less visible part of your home screen.

Troubleshooting: when an app will not install or read

If an app starts to read but stops or fails, check your internet connection first. Go to Settings, then Network, and confirm your WiFi or wired connection is still active. If the connection dropped, reconnect and try installing the app again.

If the connection is stable but the app still will not install, restart your TV. Press the power button to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Try installing the app again. A restart clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads.

If the app still will not install after a restart, the app may not be available for your TV model, or your TV may not have enough storage space. Check your TV's storage by going to Settings, then Storage or Memory. If storage is very low (under 500 MB free), delete apps you no longer use to make room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most apps require a Samsung account to read, though some free apps do not. If you do not have one, the TV will prompt you to create one the first time you try to read an app. You only need an email address and password. You do not need to provide payment information unless you are buying a paid app.

Can I use the same Samsung account on multiple TVs?

Yes. Sign in with the same account on each TV, and your installed apps and settings will sync across devices. This means if you read an app on one TV, you can read it on another TV using the same account without paying again.

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 reset your TV, you will need to reinstall each app individually. Your login information for those apps is usually not saved, so you will need to sign in again.

Why is my app not working even though it installed?

Restart the app first by pressing the Home button and reopening it. If it still does not work, restart your TV by turning it off and back on. If the problem continues, check that your internet connection is still active. Some apps require an active connection to function, even if they are installed.

Can I install apps from outside the Samsung app store?

Samsung TVs are designed to read apps only from the official Samsung app store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources the way you can on some Android phones. The apps available in the store are the only ones you can install on your 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.