The fastest way to add an app to your Samsung TV
Open the app store built into your TV by pressing the Home button on your remote, then select the Samsung Apps icon (it looks like a grid or apps symbol). Search for the app you want, select it, and choose Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet speed and the app size.
This method works on all Samsung Smart TVs made in the last several years. The exact button labels and menu layout vary slightly between 2020 and newer models versus older ones, but the core steps stay the same: Home button, Apps store, search, install.
If you cannot find an app in the Samsung Apps store, it may not be available for your TV model or region. Some apps require a subscription or account before they will install. A few older apps have been removed from the store as Samsung updates its platform.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote, select the Samsung Apps icon, search for the app by name, and choose Install to add it to your TV.
- The app appears on your home screen once installation finishes, usually within a few minutes on a stable internet connection.
- Not every app is available in the Samsung Apps store; availability depends on your TV model, the year it was made, and your region.
- If an app will not install, restart your TV, check that your internet connection is stable, and make sure your TV software is up to date.
- Some apps require you to create an account or sign in before they will run, even after installation is complete.
Finding the Samsung Apps store on your remote and TV
The Home button is usually at the bottom center of your Samsung remote. Press it once. Your TV screen will show a menu with several icons across the top or bottom—one of them is the Apps icon. On most newer Samsung TVs (2020 and later), it looks like a grid of four squares. On older models, it may be labeled "Apps" in text.
If you do not see an Apps icon on the home screen, look for a menu option called "Smart Hub" or scroll left and right to find more options. Samsung reorganized the home screen layout between model years, so the exact position changes. The Apps store is always accessible from the home screen, even if it takes an extra step to find it.
Once you select the Apps icon, you will see a grid of app tiles. At the top or in a search bar, you can type the name of the app you want. Use the arrow keys on your remote to move between apps and press the center Select button to choose one.
Searching for and installing an app step by step
After you open the Samsung Apps store, look for a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) or a search bar at the top of the screen. Select it and use your remote's arrow keys to type the app name letter by letter. Most Samsung remotes have a text input method that cycles through letters when you press the number buttons, or they may show an on-screen keyboard you can navigate with the arrow keys.
Once you type the app name, a list of matching results appears. Select the app you want from the list. The app's detail page opens and shows a description, screenshots, and an Install button. Press Select on the Install button. Your TV will begin downloading the app—you will see a progress bar or a message saying "Installing."
Installation usually takes between 30 seconds and a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once it finishes, the Install button changes to "Open" or the app automatically appears on your home screen. You can then launch the app by selecting it from your home screen or by pressing the Open button on the detail page.
What to do if an app will not install or does not appear
If you search for an app and it does not show up in results, it may not be available for your TV model or in your region. Samsung restricts some apps to certain countries or only supports them on newer TV models. Check the app's description page if it appears—it will often say "Not available in your region" or list which TV models it supports.
If the app appears in search results but the Install button is grayed out or will not respond, restart your TV. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then try installing again. A restart clears temporary glitches that prevent installation.
If the app still will not install after a restart, check your internet connection. Go to Settings on your TV, select Network, and verify that your TV is connected to WiFi and showing a strong signal. If the connection is weak or drops frequently, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router. Some apps require a stable, fast connection to read properly.
You can also check whether your TV software is up to date. Go to Settings, select Support or About This TV, and look for a Software Update option. If an update is available, install it. Older TV software sometimes lacks support for newer apps or has bugs that prevent installation.
Installing apps from outside the Samsung Apps store
Samsung Smart TVs do not allow you to install apps from other sources the way a phone or computer does. You cannot read an app file from the internet and install it directly. The Samsung Apps store is the only official way to add apps to your TV.
Some older Samsung TV models support a feature called "Developer Mode" that allows sideloading apps, but this requires technical knowledge and is not supported by Samsung. It can void your warranty and create security risks. For most users, if an app is not in the Samsung Apps store, it is not available for your TV.
If you need an app that is not available, check whether a similar app is available instead. For example, if one streaming service is not in the store, another one might be. You can also use your TV's web browser (if it has one) to access some services through their website, though this is slower and less convenient than a dedicated app.
Signing in to apps and managing your account
After an app installs, you may need to sign in with an account before you can use it. Open the app and look for a Sign In, Log In, or Create Account button. Enter your username and password (or email and password) using your remote. Most apps let you stay signed in so you do not have to log in every time you open them.
Some apps, like Netflix or Hulu, remember your account across devices. If you already have an account on your phone or computer, use the same login on your TV. Other apps may require you to create a separate account or link your existing account to your TV.
If you forget your password, most apps have a "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in screen. You can usually reset it using your email address. Do this on your phone or computer if typing on your TV remote is too slow, then use the new password on your TV.
Removing apps you no longer want
To delete an app from your Samsung TV, go to your home screen and find the app tile you want to remove. Press and hold the Select button on your remote (or right-click if your remote has a touchpad) until a menu appears. Select Delete, Remove, or Uninstall. The app will be removed from your home screen and your TV's storage.
Removing an app does not delete your account or sign-in information for that service. If you reinstall the app later, you can usually sign back in with the same account. Your TV will remember your login credentials for most apps even after you uninstall them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps that are not in the Samsung Apps store?
No. Samsung Smart TVs only support apps from the official Samsung Apps store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources on most models. If an app is not in the store, it is not available for your TV.
Why does an app say "not available in your region"?
App publishers and Samsung restrict some apps to certain countries for licensing, legal, or business reasons. If an app is not available in your region, you cannot install it on your TV. Some apps become available later as licensing agreements change.
Do I need to pay for apps on Samsung Smart TV?
Most apps are free to read and install. Some apps are paid and require you to purchase them before installation. The price is shown on the app's detail page before you install. Paid apps are less common on Samsung TV than on phones.
What should I do if my TV keeps disconnecting from WiFi during app installation?
Move your TV closer to your router or remove obstacles between them. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, restart your TV and try installing again. A weak WiFi signal is the most common reason installations fail or hang.
Can I use the same app account on multiple TVs?
Yes. Most apps let you sign in on multiple devices with the same account. Install the app on each TV and sign in with your username and password. Your account settings and preferences usually sync across devices, though some apps keep separate watch histories or settings for each TV.