The fastest way to add apps to your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs let you read apps directly through the TV's built-in app store, called the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store depending on your model year. You navigate using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it in a few taps — no computer needed. The whole process takes less than five minutes for most apps.
Your TV needs to be connected to the internet (either by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable) before you can read anything. If your TV is not yet connected, go to Settings, then Network, and choose your Wi-Fi network or plug in an ethernet cable. Once you are online, you are ready to add apps.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store from your TV's home screen using your remote, then search for and install the app you want.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet by Wi-Fi or ethernet before you can read any apps.
- Apps you install stay on your TV and appear on your home screen; you can delete them anytime by pressing and holding the app icon.
- If the app store is not visible on your home screen, go to Settings, then Apps, and turn on the app store if it is hidden.
- Some apps require a paid subscription (like Netflix or Disney+) but the app itself is free to read.
Finding and opening the Samsung App Store on your TV
On your TV's home screen, look for an icon labeled "Samsung App Store," "Galaxy Store," or sometimes just "Apps." The exact name depends on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system) or Google TV. Press the icon with your remote to open the store.
If you do not see the app store icon on your home screen, press the Home button on your remote, then navigate to Settings. Go to Apps, then look for an option to show or unhide the app store. Once it is visible, you can pin it to your home screen so it is easier to find next time.
Searching for and installing an app
Once the app store is open, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen). Use your remote to type the name of the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, or any other app your TV supports. The remote has a keyboard on the back of most Samsung models, or you can use the on-screen keyboard.
When the app appears in the search results, select it and press the Install button (or read button on some models). The app will read and install automatically. You will see a progress bar while it installs. Once it is done, the button will change to Open or Done, and the app will appear on your home screen.
What to do if an app will not install
If you try to install an app and see a message that says it is not available, your TV model may not support that app. Older Samsung TVs (more than five or six years old) sometimes cannot run newer apps because they do not have enough memory or processing power. Check the app store listing to see if there is a note about which TV models are compatible.
If the app store itself will not open or is frozen, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If you still cannot access the app store after a restart, go to Settings, then Apps, and look for an option to clear the cache or reset the app store. This usually fixes temporary glitches without erasing your other apps.
Managing apps you have already installed
Apps you read stay on your TV until you remove them. To delete an app, press and hold the app icon on your home screen with your remote. A menu will appear with options including Delete or Remove. Select it, and the app will be uninstalled. You can always reinstall it later from the app store.
To organize your home screen, you can move apps around by pressing and holding an icon, then dragging it to a new spot. You can also create folders by dragging one app onto another. This keeps your home screen tidy if you have many apps installed.
Apps that require a paid subscription
Many popular apps — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and others — are free to read from the Samsung App Store. However, you will need a paid subscription to watch content in those apps. You can sign up for a subscription through the app itself using a credit card or other payment method. The subscription cost is separate from downloading the app.
Some apps offer a free trial period before you have to pay. When you open the app for the first time, it will usually ask you to sign in or create an account. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your subscription. You can cancel anytime through the app's settings or through your Samsung account.
Using your Samsung account to sync apps across devices
If you have a Samsung account, you can sign in on your TV to sync apps and settings. Go to Settings, then Samsung Account, and sign in with your email and password. This lets you read apps you have already purchased on other Samsung devices, and it backs up your app preferences.
You do not need a Samsung account to read free apps, but having one makes it easier to manage your apps if you own multiple Samsung devices. If you forget your Samsung account password, you can reset it on Samsung's website using your email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps from outside the Samsung App Store?
No. Samsung TVs only install apps from the official Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources like you might on a phone. This is a security feature to protect your TV from malware.
Do I need to pay to read apps from the Samsung App Store?
Most apps in the Samsung App Store are free to read. Some apps cost money upfront, but the store will show the price before you install. You will need a payment method on file with your Samsung account to buy paid apps.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset erases all apps you have downloaded and returns your TV to its original state. If you have a Samsung account signed in, you can reinstall your apps afterward by going to Settings, then Apps, and selecting Restore or Reinstall. Otherwise, you will need to read them again one by one.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Older Samsung TV models do not have enough memory or processing power to run newer apps. If an app is not compatible with your TV, the app store will show a message saying so. Check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in Settings, then About TV) to see if the app maker lists supported models.
Can I use voice commands to search for apps?
Yes, if your Samsung remote has a microphone (most newer models do), you can press the microphone button and say the app name. The TV will search for it in the app store. If your remote does not have a microphone, you can use the on-screen keyboard to type instead.