The Basic Steps to Pin an App to Your Home Screen
To add an app to your Samsung TV home screen, open the app store on your TV, find the app you want, and select the option to add it to the home screen—usually labeled "Add to Home" or a pin icon. The app then appears in your home row, and you can move it around or remove it later without uninstalling the app itself.
The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model you have and which operating system it runs. Most newer Samsung TVs use Tizen OS, while some older models use a different interface. The process is similar across models, but the menu names and button locations may vary slightly.
Key Takeaways
- You can add apps to your home screen without uninstalling them—pinning and uninstalling are two separate actions.
- Most Samsung TVs let you rearrange home screen apps by selecting an app, holding the button, and moving it left or right.
- If an app does not appear in your app store, your TV model or region may not support it, and Samsung's support site can confirm this.
- Removing an app from your home screen does not delete it from your TV—you can add it back anytime from the app store.
Finding the App Store on Your Samsung TV
On most Samsung TVs running Tizen OS, the app store is called Samsung Apps or Samsung TV Plus, depending on your model year. Look for an icon that resembles a grid or shopping bag on your home screen, or use the remote's search button to type the app name directly.
If you do not see an app store icon, press the Home button on your remote, then look for a menu option labeled "Apps" or "Applications." From there, you should see a store icon or a link to browse available apps. Some TVs also let you search by pressing the microphone button on your remote and speaking the app name aloud.
Pinning an App to Your Home Screen
Once you find the app you want in the store, highlight it and press the Select button on your remote. A menu will appear with options including "Add to Home," "Install," or a pin icon. Select "Add to Home" or the equivalent option for your TV model.
The app now appears on your home screen, usually at the end of the row or in a designated apps section. You do not need to wait for installation to complete—pinning happens when ready. If the app is not yet installed on your TV, the system will install it in the background while you continue using your TV.
Moving Apps Around on Your Home Screen
To rearrange apps on your home screen, highlight the app you want to move and press and hold the Select button on your remote for two to three seconds. The app will enter edit mode, and you can then press the left or right arrow buttons to slide it to a new position.
Release the Select button when the app is where you want it. You can move apps between rows or to the far left or right of your home screen. If you want to move an app to a specific spot, you may need to move other apps out of the way first, since most Samsung TVs do not allow you to insert an app in the middle of a row.
Removing an App from Your Home Screen
To remove an app from your home screen without uninstalling it, highlight the app and press and hold the Select button until edit mode activates. Look for a delete or remove option—this varies by TV model but is usually shown as an X icon or a "Remove from Home" button.
Select the remove option, and the app disappears from your home screen. The app itself remains installed on your TV and can be added back anytime by going to the app store and selecting "Add to Home" again. This is different from uninstalling, which deletes the app entirely from your TV's storage.
What to Do If an App Does Not Appear in the Store
Not all apps are available on every Samsung TV model or in every region. If you cannot find an app in the Samsung Apps store, it may not be supported on your TV. Check the app's official website or Samsung's support documentation to confirm whether the app works with your specific TV model and operating system version.
Some apps require a minimum TV model year or a software update to run. If your TV is older, you can check for system updates by going to Settings, then Support, then Software Update. If an update is available, install it and then search for the app again. If the app still does not appear, it is not compatible with your TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps that are not in the Samsung Apps store?
No, Samsung TVs only allow you to install apps from the official Samsung Apps store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps from a computer. If an app is not in the store, it is not supported on your TV model.
Will removing an app from my home screen delete it from my TV?
No. Removing an app from your home screen only hides it—the app remains installed on your TV. You can add it back to your home screen anytime by opening the app store, finding the app, and selecting "Add to Home" again.
Why is my app store showing different apps than my friend's Samsung TV?
Samsung TVs in different regions and model years have access to different apps. Your TV's region setting, model year, and operating system version all affect which apps appear in the store. Check your TV's settings to confirm your region, and contact Samsung support if you think your region setting is wrong.
Can I create folders on my Samsung TV home screen to organize apps?
Most Samsung TVs do not support app folders on the home screen. You can only rearrange apps in rows. Some newer models may have this feature, so check your TV's settings menu or user manual to see if your model supports it.
What should I do if an app keeps crashing after I add it to my home screen?
Try removing the app from your home screen, then uninstalling it completely from Settings. Restart your TV, go back to the app store, and reinstall the app fresh. If it still crashes, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model, and you should contact the app's support team or Samsung support for help.