How to Delete Apps From Your Samsung TV

How to remove apps from your Samsung TV

You can delete apps from a Samsung TV in two ways: through the Apps menu on the TV itself, or through the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone. The on-TV method takes about 30 seconds per app. Most Samsung TVs let you delete any app except the core system apps like Settings and SmartThings, which cannot be removed.

Deleting apps frees up storage space on your TV and removes clutter from your home screen. Samsung TVs typically come with 4 to 8 GB of storage depending on the model, and apps like Netflix, YouTube, and gaming apps can use 100 MB to 500 MB each. If your TV is running slowly or you are running out of space, removing unused apps often helps.

Key Takeaways

Press the Home button on your Samsung remote, navigate to the app you want to delete, press and hold the Select button, and choose Delete from the menu.
You can also delete apps through the SmartThings app on your phone by opening the TV settings and selecting the app to remove.
System apps like Settings and SmartThings cannot be deleted, but you can hide them from your home screen instead.
Deleting an app removes it completely, but you can reinstall it later from the Samsung App Store at no cost.

Delete an app using your Samsung remote

This is the fastest method if you are sitting in front of your TV. Press the Home button on your remote to open the home screen. Use the arrow buttons to highlight the app you want to delete.

Once the app is highlighted, press and hold the Select button (the center button on the remote's directional pad) for about two seconds. A menu will appear with options including Delete. Press Select again to choose Delete, then confirm the deletion when the TV asks you to verify. The app will disappear from your home screen within seconds.

If the Delete option does not appear, the app is a system app that Samsung does not allow you to remove. You can hide it instead by selecting Hide from the same menu, which removes it from your home screen without actually deleting it from the TV.

Delete an app using the SmartThings app

Open the SmartThings app on your phone and make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV. Tap the TV icon at the top of the screen to select your TV, then tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner.

Select Settings, then Apps. You will see a list of all installed apps on your TV. Tap the app you want to remove, then tap Uninstall. The app will be deleted from your TV within a few seconds. This method works the same way whether you use an iPhone or Android phone.

What happens when you delete an app

Deleting an app removes it completely from your TV's storage. Any data the app stored — such as login information, watch history, or game progress — is also deleted. If you reinstall the app later, you will need to log in again and set up your preferences from scratch.

The app no longer appears on your home screen or in your Apps menu. You can reinstall it at any time by opening the Samsung App Store, searching for the app by name, and selecting Install. Reinstalling is free and takes about one to three minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.

Apps you cannot delete

Samsung locks certain system apps to prevent accidental removal that could break your TV's core functions. These typically include Settings, SmartThings, and the TV's built-in web browser. The exact list varies by TV model and software version.

If you do not want to see these apps on your home screen, you can hide them instead of deleting them. Press and hold Select on the app, choose Hide, and it will no longer appear in your Apps menu or home screen. You can unhide it later using the same method if you need it again.

Freeing up storage space on your Samsung TV

If your TV is running slowly or you are getting storage warnings, deleting unused apps is the most direct fix. Check which apps are taking up the most space by going to Settings, then Apps, then App Size. This shows you how much storage each installed app uses.

Start by deleting apps you have not used in the past month. Streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube are convenient to keep, but gaming apps and lesser-used services often take up significant space. After deleting apps, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears the TV's temporary cache and often improves performance.

Reinstalling a deleted app

Open the Samsung App Store from your home screen — it is usually labeled as App Store or Samsung Apps. Use the search function to find the app by name. Once you find it, select Install and wait for the read to finish. Most apps install in one to three minutes on a standard internet connection.

If the app is not in the Samsung App Store, it may have been removed by Samsung or the developer. This is rare, but it can happen if an app is no longer maintained or violates Samsung's policies. In that case, you will not be able to reinstall it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete Netflix or YouTube from my Samsung TV?

Yes. Both Netflix and YouTube are third-party apps that can be deleted. If you delete them, you can reinstall them later from the Samsung App Store at no cost. You will need to log in again after reinstalling.

Will deleting an app speed up my Samsung TV?

Deleting unused apps frees up storage space, which can help if your TV is running low on memory. However, the main reason a TV slows down is too many apps running in the background at once. Restarting your TV usually fixes slowness faster than deleting apps.

What if I accidentally delete an app I need?

You can reinstall it from the Samsung App Store. Search for the app by name, select Install, and wait for it to read. The process takes one to three minutes. You will need to log in again and set up your preferences.

Can I delete the SmartThings app?

No. SmartThings is a system app that Samsung does not allow you to delete. You can hide it from your home screen by pressing and holding Select on the app and choosing Hide, but you cannot remove it completely.

Do I lose my login information when I delete an app?

Yes. Deleting an app removes all data it stored, including usernames, passwords, and watch history. When you reinstall the app, you will need to log in again. Some apps may remember your login if you use the same account, but this depends on the app's design.

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.