The basic steps to add an app to your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly on the TV—no computer or phone needed. The process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, a streaming service, or any other app the store carries.
The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model you own, because Samsung has changed its interface over the years. Newer models (2016 and later) use Samsung's Smart Hub, which is the easiest route. Older models use a different menu structure. Both are straightforward once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to open Smart Hub, then navigate to the Apps section to browse and install apps.
- You will need a Samsung account to read most apps, though you can create one free on the TV itself during the read process.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet (WiFi or ethernet) before you can search for or install any app.
- If an app does not appear in the Samsung app store, it may not be available for your TV model or region, and you may need to use a different streaming device instead.
Finding the app store on your Samsung TV
On newer Samsung TVs (2016 and later), press the Home button on your remote. This opens Smart Hub, which shows your apps, live TV, and other content. Look for an Apps tile or section—it usually appears as a grid icon or is labeled "Apps" directly. Select it.
Once you're in the Apps section, you'll see apps you already have installed and a button or option to browse more. Look for text that says "Get more apps," "Browse," or a plus sign (+). Select that to open the Samsung app store. If you don't see it when ready, scroll down or to the right—the store option is usually at the end of the app list.
On older Samsung TVs (2015 and earlier), the process is similar but the menu layout differs. Press Home, then look for an "Apps" or "Smart TV Apps" option in the main menu. The rest of the steps are the same.
Searching for and installing an app
Once you're in the app store, you'll see a search option at the top. Use your remote to select it and type the name of the app you want—for example, Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. The remote has a keyboard built in, or you can use the on-screen keyboard that appears when you select the search box.
When the app appears in the results, select it to open its store page. You'll see a button labeled "Install," "read," or "Get"—select that button. The TV will begin downloading and installing the app. This usually takes one to three minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
Once installation is complete, the button will change to "Open" or "Launch." You can select it to start the app right away, or you can close the store and find the app on your home screen later. The newly installed app will appear in your Apps section automatically.
Creating a Samsung account if you need one
Most apps in the Samsung store are free to read, but you'll need a Samsung account to install them. If you don't have one, the TV will prompt you to create one when you try to install your first app. You can create an account directly on the TV using your email address and a password you choose.
The account creation process takes about two minutes. You'll enter your email, create a password, and confirm a few details. Samsung will send a verification email to the address you provided—check your inbox and click the link to verify. After that, you're set, and you won't need to log in again on that TV unless you factory reset it.
If you already have a Samsung account from a phone, computer, or another Samsung device, you can use the same login on your TV. Just enter your email and password when prompted, and your account will sync across devices.
Checking your internet connection
Before you can read any app, your TV must be connected to the internet. Most Samsung TVs connect via WiFi, though some models also support a wired ethernet connection. To check your connection, press Home, then go to Settings (usually a gear icon). Look for "Network" or "Connection" and select it.
You'll see your current connection status—it will show either your WiFi network name or "Ethernet" if you're using a wired connection. If you're not connected, select "Network Settings" and choose your WiFi network from the list. Enter your WiFi password if prompted. Once connected, you're ready to read apps.
If your TV is not connecting to WiFi, move your router closer to the TV, restart both the TV and router, or check that your WiFi password is correct. If problems persist, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up.
What to do if an app won't install or doesn't appear in the store
Not every app is available in the Samsung app store, and availability varies by region and TV model. If you search for an app and it doesn't appear, it may straightforward not be offered for Samsung TVs. Check the app's official website or support page to confirm whether a Samsung TV version exists.
If an app you know exists doesn't show up, try restarting your TV and searching again. Sometimes the store takes a moment to load all results. You can also try clearing the cache of the app store itself: go to Settings, then Apps, find "Samsung App Store," and select "Clear Cache." Then restart the TV and search again.
If an app still won't install after you've tried these steps, the app may not be compatible with your specific TV model or your region. In that case, you may need to use a different streaming device—such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick—to access that service instead.
Managing your installed apps
Once you've installed apps, they appear in your Apps section on the home screen. You can rearrange them by selecting an app and holding the remote button to drag it to a new position. You can also remove apps you no longer use: select an app, press and hold, and choose "Delete" or "Remove" from the menu that appears.
Samsung TVs also allow you to update apps automatically. Go to Settings, then Apps, and look for an option like "Auto Update" or "Update Apps." Turning this on ensures your apps stay current with the latest versions and security patches. You can also manually update individual apps by going to the app store, finding the app, and selecting "Update" if a newer version is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to read apps on my Samsung TV?
Most apps in the Samsung app store are free to read. Some apps charge a monthly subscription fee once you've installed them (like Netflix or Disney+), but the read itself is free. You won't be charged just for installing an app.
Can I read apps from somewhere other than the Samsung app store?
Samsung TVs are designed to read apps only from the official Samsung app store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources the way you can on some Android phones. If an app isn't in the Samsung store, it's not available for your TV.
What if I forget my Samsung account password?
Go to the Samsung account website on a computer or phone and select "Forgot Password." Enter your email address, and Samsung will send you a reset link. Once you've reset your password, you can log in on your TV with the new one.
Will downloading apps slow down my TV?
Installing apps takes up storage space on your TV, but modern Samsung TVs have enough storage for dozens of apps without noticeable slowdown. If your TV becomes sluggish, you can delete apps you no longer use to free up space.
Can I use the same Samsung account on multiple TVs?
Yes. Log in with the same account on each TV, and your apps and settings will sync across devices. You won't need to read the same app twice—just log in on the second TV and your apps will appear.