The fastest way to get apps on 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, find the app you want, and install it without needing a computer or phone. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, or a less common streaming service.
Your TV needs to be connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable — before you can read anything. If your TV isn't online yet, connect it first through the network settings in your TV menu, then come back to the app store.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store from your TV's home screen using your remote, then search for the app by name.
- Select the app and press the install button on your remote; most apps read and open within one to three minutes.
- Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet before you can read anything from the app store.
- If the app store is not visible on your home screen, check your TV's settings menu under Apps or Applications to enable it.
- Older Samsung TV models may use a different app store layout, but the basic steps — navigate, search, select, install — stay the same.
Finding the app store on your home screen
When you turn on your Samsung TV, the home screen shows a row of apps and services across the top or bottom. Look for an icon labeled "Apps," "App Store," "Galaxy Store," or a grid symbol. Press that icon with your remote. If you don't see it, press the Home button on your remote to bring up the full menu, then look for an Apps section.
Once you're in the app store, you'll see categories like Featured, Games, or Entertainment. At the top of the screen is usually a search bar or magnifying glass icon. Use this to find the specific app you want instead of scrolling through categories.
Searching for and installing an app
Press the search icon or search bar with your remote. Your TV will show a keyboard on the screen. Use your remote's arrow buttons to highlight each letter of the app name, then press the center button to select it. Type the full name — for example, "Netflix" or "YouTube" — then press Enter or Search.
The app store will show results. Select the app you want from the list. A details page will open showing the app name, a description, and an "Install" button. Press the center button on your remote to start the read. The TV will show a progress bar or loading screen. Once the installation finishes, the button usually changes to "Open" or "Launch." You can press it to start the app right away, or close this screen and find the app on your home screen later.
What to do if the app store is missing or won't open
If you can't find the app store on your home screen, it may be hidden or disabled. Press Home on your remote, then look for a Settings icon (usually a gear symbol). Navigate to Apps or Applications, then look for an option like "App Store" or "Galaxy Store." If you see it listed but it's marked as disabled or hidden, select it and choose Enable or Show.
If the app store opens but won't load any apps, check that your TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network or WiFi, and confirm your connection is active. If you're connected but apps still won't load, try unplugging your TV for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart before opening the app store again.
Installing apps from Samsung's website instead
If the app store on your TV isn't working or doesn't have the app you need, you can sometimes read apps through Samsung's website on a computer or phone, then send them to your TV. This method works only if your TV supports it and if the app publisher allows it.
Go to samsung.com on your computer, find the Apps section, and look for the app you want. Some apps have a "Send to TV" button that lets you choose your TV model and send the app wirelessly. Your TV will receive a notification and read the app automatically. Not all apps support this method, so if you don't see a "Send to TV" option, the direct read method through your TV's app store is your only choice.
Freeing up space if your TV runs out of storage
Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage, usually between 4 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. If you read many apps, your TV may run out of space and refuse to install new ones. Check how much space you have left by going to Settings, then Storage or Memory.
To make room, uninstall apps you no longer use. Go to Settings, then Apps or Applications, find the app you want to remove, and select Uninstall. You can always read it again later. Clearing your TV's cache — temporary files apps create — can also free up space without removing anything. This option is usually in Settings under Storage or Apps.
Why some apps won't read on your TV
Not every app available on phones or computers works on Samsung TVs. Some apps are designed only for phones, and the Samsung App Store won't show them on your TV. Others may not be available in your region, or they may require a newer TV model than the one you own.
If you search for an app and it doesn't appear in the store, it's not available for your TV. Check the app's official website or support page to see if a TV version exists. If it does but your TV doesn't show it, your TV model may be too old to support it. In that case, you may need to use a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick instead, which you can connect to your TV's HDMI port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
Most Samsung TVs let you read free apps without signing in. If you want to read a paid app or use certain features, you'll need to create or sign into a Samsung account. The TV will prompt you to do this when you try to install a paid app.
Can I read apps if my TV isn't connected to WiFi?
No. Your TV must be connected to the internet — either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV — before the app store will work. Once connected, you can read apps even if you later disconnect from WiFi, though the read will pause if you lose connection.
What's the difference between the Samsung App Store and Galaxy Store?
Newer Samsung TV models use the Galaxy Store, while older models use the Samsung App Store. Both serve the same purpose and work the same way. The name changed as Samsung unified its app stores across different devices. Your TV will have one or the other depending on when it was made.
Why is my app taking so long to read?
Large apps can take several minutes to read, especially on slower internet connections. Check your internet speed by running a speed test on your phone or computer. If your WiFi is slow, try moving your TV closer to the router or using an ethernet cable instead. If the read stalls completely, cancel it and try again.
Can I delete an app after I read it?
Yes. Go to Settings, then Apps or Applications, find the app you want to remove, and select Uninstall. You'll free up storage space and can read the app again whenever you want.