The fastest way to add apps to your Samsung TV home screen

You can add apps to your Samsung Smart TV home screen in three ways: through the Samsung App Store built into your TV, by pinning apps you already have installed, or by downloading new apps directly from the home screen menu. The method you use depends on whether the app is already on your TV or whether you need to find it first.

Most Samsung TVs let you add apps by opening the home screen, navigating to the app you want, and selecting an option to pin it or add it to your favorites. Some models call this "Add to Home" or "Pin to Home." If the app does not exist on your TV yet, you will need to open the Samsung App Store, search for it, read it, and then add it to your home screen in a second step.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pin existing apps to your home screen by highlighting the app, pressing the menu button on your remote, and selecting "Add to Home" or "Pin to Home."
  • To read a new app that is not yet on your TV, open the Samsung App Store from your home screen, search for the app by name, and select "read."
  • The exact menu names and button locations vary slightly between Samsung TV models made in different years, so check your remote or TV manual if the steps do not match.
  • You can rearrange apps on your home screen by highlighting an app, pressing the menu button, and selecting "Move" or by dragging the app to a new position.
  • If an app does not appear in the Samsung App Store, it may not be compatible with your TV model or may require a software update.

Pinning an app you already have installed

If the app is already on your Samsung TV but not on your home screen, you can pin it in a few steps. Press the Home button on your remote to open the home screen. Navigate left or right through the menu until you find the app you want to add, or scroll down to see all installed apps.

Highlight the app by moving your cursor over it. Press the menu button on your remote — this is usually labeled with three horizontal lines or a gear icon, depending on your remote model. A small menu will appear with options. Look for "Add to Home," "Pin to Home," or "Add to Favorites." Select that option, and the app will move to your home screen.

If you do not see a menu button option, try pressing and holding the select button (the center button on your remote's directional pad) while the app is highlighted. Some older Samsung TV models use this method instead.

Downloading and adding a new app from the Samsung App Store

To add an app that is not yet on your TV, you need to read it first. From your home screen, look for an icon labeled "Samsung App Store," "Apps," or a shopping bag symbol. Select it to open the store.

Use the search function — usually a magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen — to find the app you want. Type the app name using your remote's on-screen keyboard. Once you find the app, select it to open its details page. Look for a button labeled "read," "Install," or a down-arrow icon. Select it to begin the read.

The read usually takes one to five minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once the read finishes, the button will change to "Open" or "Add to Home." Select "Add to Home" if that option appears, and the app will be placed on your home screen. If only "Open" appears, the app has been installed but not yet pinned — go back to the home screen and pin it using the method described in the section above.

Rearranging apps on your home screen

Once apps are on your home screen, you can move them to different positions. Highlight the app you want to move. Press the menu button on your remote and select "Move," or try pressing and holding the select button to enter edit mode.

Use the directional pad on your remote to move the app left, right, up, or down to the position you want. Press select to confirm the new position. Some Samsung TV models let you drag apps directly by holding the select button and moving the directional pad at the same time.

You can also remove an app from your home screen without uninstalling it. Highlight the app, press the menu button, and select "Remove from Home" or "Unpin." The app will disappear from your home screen but will still be installed on your TV and available in the full apps list.

What to do if an app will not read or does not appear in the App Store

If you search for an app in the Samsung App Store and it does not appear, the app may not be compatible with your TV model. Samsung Smart TVs run different software versions depending on the year they were made, and some apps only work on newer models. Check the app's description page on Samsung's website or the app developer's website to see which TV models it supports.

If the app appears in the store but the read button is grayed out or shows an error, your TV may need a software update. Go to your TV's Settings menu, find "Support" or "About This TV," and look for "Software Update" or "System Update." Select it and follow the on-screen steps to update your TV. Once the update is complete, try downloading the app again.

If your TV is not connected to the internet, you will not be able to read apps from the Samsung App Store. Check your TV's network settings to make sure it is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings, select "Network," and choose your Wi-Fi network. Enter your password if prompted.

Differences between Samsung TV models and remote types

The exact steps to add apps can vary slightly depending on your TV model and remote. Older Samsung Smart TVs (made before 2016) may have different menu names and button layouts than newer models. If the steps in this guide do not match what you see on your screen, check your TV's manual or visit Samsung's support website for your specific model number.

Samsung remotes also come in different versions. Some have a physical menu button, while others use a touch pad or voice control. If your remote has a touch pad, you may need to tap the menu icon on the pad instead of pressing a dedicated button. If your remote has a microphone, you can say the app name aloud to search for it in the App Store.

To find your TV model number, go to Settings, select "Support," and look for "About This TV." Write down the model number and search for it on Samsung's website along with the word "manual" to read the full user guide for your specific TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps from sources other than the Samsung App Store?

No. Samsung Smart TVs only allow you to read apps from the official Samsung App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps from a USB drive. This is a security feature built into Samsung's operating system.

Why is an app I want not available in the Samsung App Store?

Some apps are not available for Samsung Smart TVs because they are designed only for phones or tablets, or because the developer has not created a TV version. Check the app developer's website to see if a Samsung TV version exists. If it does not, you may be able to use the app on your phone and cast it to your TV instead.

How many apps can I add to my home screen?

Most Samsung TVs allow you to add between 12 and 20 apps to your home screen, depending on the model. Once you reach the limit, you will need to remove an app before adding a new one. You can still access other installed apps by scrolling down or using the full apps list.

What happens if I delete an app from my home screen?

Removing an app from your home screen does not uninstall it from your TV. The app will still be installed and available in your full apps list. You can pin it back to your home screen at any time using the steps above.

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most apps in the Samsung App Store do not require a Samsung account to read. However, some apps may ask you to sign in with your own account (like Netflix or YouTube) once they are installed. Check the app's details page in the store to see if it requires any account information.