The fastest way to get apps on your Samsung TV
Most Samsung Smart 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 about two minutes for most apps.
Samsung calls this store the Samsung App Store or Samsung TV Plus, depending on your TV model and year. Both work the same way: you use your remote to browse, select, and read. The app then appears on your home screen and is ready to use when ready.
If your TV is connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable — you have everything you need to start. If it is not connected yet, that is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store on your TV using your remote and search for the app by name, then select Install.
- Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet to read apps; check your network settings if you are unsure.
- Apps read and install automatically once you select them; you do not need to do anything else.
- If an app does not appear in the Samsung App Store, you can sideload it using a USB drive or screen mirroring from a phone or computer.
- Older Samsung TVs (before 2016) may not have an app store; check your TV manual or contact Samsung support to confirm your model supports apps.
Connect your TV to the internet first
Apps require an internet connection to read. If your TV is not already connected, you need to do that before you can use the app store.
Press the Home button on your remote. Navigate to Settings (usually a gear icon), then select Network or Connection. Choose WiFi if you are using wireless, or Ethernet if you have a cable plugged into the back of the TV. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your WiFi password or confirm the cable connection. Once the TV shows "Connected," you are ready to read apps.
If you do not see a network option in Settings, your TV model may not support WiFi. Check the back of the TV for an ethernet port (a rectangular socket slightly larger than a phone jack). If there is one, you can use a wired connection instead.
Open the Samsung App Store and search for your app
Press Home on your remote. Look for an icon labeled Samsung App Store, Apps, or LG Content Store (the exact name varies by model year). Select it.
Once the store opens, you will see a search box at the top. Use your remote to navigate to it and type the name of the app you want — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu. The TV will show matching results as you type.
Scroll through the results and select the app you want. Read the description to make sure it is the right one; some apps have similar names. Once you have found it, highlight it and press the Install button (or read, depending on your TV model).
Wait for the app to install, then open it
After you press Install, the TV will show a progress bar or loading screen. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this time.
Once the installation is complete, the button will change to Open or Launch. Press it to start the app. The app will now also appear on your home screen, so you can open it anytime without going back to the app store.
Some apps require you to sign in with an account (like Netflix or Hulu) before you can use them. If the app asks for a login, enter your username and password using the remote keyboard.
What to do if the app is not in the Samsung App Store
Not every app is available in the Samsung App Store. Older or less common apps may not be there, or they may be available only in certain regions.
Your first option is to check if the app is available under a different name. Search the store for the company name instead — for example, search "Disney" instead of "Disney Plus" — and see if a match appears.
If the app truly is not in the store, you have two alternatives. The first is screen mirroring: use your phone or computer to open the app, then mirror your screen to the TV. This lets you use the app on the big screen without installing it. The second is sideloading, which means downloading the app file to a USB drive on a computer, plugging the drive into the TV, and installing it manually. Sideloading is more technical and carries a small security risk if you read from untrusted sources, so screen mirroring is usually the safer choice.
Troubleshooting: app will not install or read is stuck
If an app fails to install or the read gets stuck, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going to Settings and looking at your network status. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.
If the connection is strong but the app still will not install, restart the TV. Press the power button on the remote to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Try installing the app again.
If the app store itself will not open, check that your TV software is up to date. Go to Settings, find Support or About This TV, and look for a Software Update option. If an update is available, install it and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
Most Samsung TVs do not require a Samsung account to read apps from the app store. You may need an account for the app itself — for example, you need a Netflix account to use Netflix — but not for the store. If your TV asks for a Samsung account, you can create one for free using an email address.
Can I read apps to an older Samsung TV?
Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 onward have an app store. Older models may not support app downloads at all. Check your TV manual or the model number (usually on the back of the TV) and search Samsung's website to confirm. If your TV does not have an app store, screen mirroring from a phone or computer is your best option.
Why does my TV say "not enough storage" when I try to install an app?
Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage, and some apps are large. Delete apps you no longer use to free up space. Go to Settings, find Apps or process Manager, select an app you do not use, and choose Uninstall. Then try installing the new app again.
Can I use the same app on multiple TVs in my house?
Yes. Each TV can read and install the same app independently. You will need to sign in to each TV separately if the app requires a login, but the app itself is free to read on as many TVs as you own.
What if I accidentally deleted an app from my TV?
Open the Samsung App Store, search for the app by name, and select Install again. The app will read and reinstall. Your login information and settings may still be saved, depending on the app.