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 to 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. The exact name and location on your home screen varies, but the steps are nearly identical across all recent models.
If your TV is older or the app you want is not in the Samsung store, you have a second option: sideload the app using a USB drive or connect your phone to the TV. Both methods work, but they take longer and require more steps.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store directly from your TV remote by pressing the Home button and looking for an Apps or Store icon on the home screen.
- Search for the app by name, select it, and press Install — the app downloads and installs to your TV without any additional steps.
- If the app does not appear in the Samsung store, check whether your TV model and software version support it, as some apps require newer hardware.
- You can also sideload apps using a USB drive or by mirroring your phone to the TV if the app is not available through the official store.
- Most apps are free, but some require a subscription or payment through the app itself after installation.
Finding and opening the Samsung App Store on your TV
Pick up your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button (usually at the top or center). This takes you to your TV's home screen, which shows rows of apps and services.
Look for an icon labeled Apps, App Store, Samsung TV Plus, or sometimes just a grid of squares. The exact label depends on your TV model and when it was made. On newer models, the Apps icon is usually in the top row. On older models, you may need to scroll down to find it.
Press the center button on your remote to open it. You are now in the app store. The first screen usually shows featured or recommended apps. At the top or bottom of the screen, you should see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass).
Searching for and installing an app
Press the search icon using your remote. A keyboard appears on your screen. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to move between letters and numbers, and press the center button to select each letter. Type the name of the app you want — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu.
As you type, the store shows matching results below the keyboard. When you see the app you want, press the center button to select it. The app's page opens, showing a description, screenshots, and an Install button.
Press the center button on the Install button. The app begins downloading. A progress bar appears, and the button changes to show the read status. Most apps finish in under a minute. When installation is complete, the Install button 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 is not in the Samsung store
Not every app is available in the Samsung App Store. Smaller apps, regional apps, or very new apps may not be there yet. Before you assume the app is unavailable, check two things: your TV model and your software version.
To find your software version, go to Home, then Settings, then About This TV (or System). Write down the model number and the software version number. Visit Samsung's support website and search for your model number. Look for a list of compatible apps or a note about which apps work with your software version. Some apps require a TV made in 2018 or later, or software from 2021 or later.
If your TV is too old or the app genuinely is not available, you have two options: sideload the app using a USB drive, or use your phone or computer to stream the app to your TV. Sideloading requires downloading the app file to a USB drive on a computer first, then plugging the drive into your TV. This is more technical and works only for certain apps. Streaming from your phone (using Miracast or SmartThings) is simpler if the app supports it.
Using your phone to control the app store
If typing on your TV remote is slow or frustrating, you can use your phone instead. read the SmartThings app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone). Open it, sign in with your Samsung account, and select your TV from the list of devices.
The SmartThings app lets you control your TV and navigate the app store using your phone's keyboard and touchscreen instead of the remote. Search for apps, install them, and launch them all from your phone. This is much faster than typing on the remote, especially if you are installing multiple apps.
Troubleshooting apps that won't install
If you press Install and nothing happens, or if you see an error message, try these steps in order. First, restart your TV: unplug it from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary errors and often fixes installation problems.
Second, check your internet connection. Go to Home, then Settings, then Network. Make sure your TV is connected to your Wi-Fi network and that the connection is stable. If the connection is weak, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router.
Third, check for software updates. Go to Home, then Settings, then Support, then Software Update. If an update is available, install it. Newer software often fixes app compatibility issues.
If the app still will not install, it may not be compatible with your TV model or software version. Check the app's description in the store — it usually lists the minimum TV model or software version required. If your TV does not meet those requirements, the app will not install.
Managing storage space on your TV
Samsung Smart TVs have limited storage, usually between 4 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. If you install too many apps, you may run out of space and new apps will not install. You can check how much space you have left and delete apps you no longer use.
To delete an app, go to Home, find the app icon on your screen, press and hold the center button on your remote, and select Delete or Remove from the menu that appears. The app is removed from your TV, and the storage space is freed up. You can always reinstall it later from the app store.
To check your total storage, go to Home, then Settings, then Apps, then App Storage or Storage. This shows you how much space is used and how much is available. If you are consistently running out of space, delete apps you rarely use or consider a newer TV model with more storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
Most apps do not require a Samsung account to install. However, some apps (like Netflix or Disney+) require you to sign in with your own account after installation. A few Samsung-specific apps may ask you to create or sign in to a Samsung account, but this is uncommon. You can usually skip this step and use the app without it.
Will downloaded apps use my internet bandwidth?
Yes. Downloading apps uses your Wi-Fi bandwidth, and streaming apps (like Netflix or YouTube) use bandwidth when you watch. If you have a data cap on your internet plan, be aware that streaming video uses significant data. Downloading the app itself is usually small — under 100 megabytes for most apps.
Can I move apps to a USB drive to save space?
No. Samsung Smart TVs do not allow you to move apps to external storage. Apps must be installed on the TV's internal storage. If you run out of space, your only option is to delete apps you do not use.
What if I see an error code when I try to install?
Error codes usually mean a network problem, a storage problem, or an incompatibility. Restart your TV and router first. Then check that you have at least 500 megabytes of free space. If the error persists, the app may not be compatible with your TV model. Check the app's description or contact Samsung support with your TV model number and the error code.
Can I install apps from sources other than the Samsung App Store?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended for most users. You can sideload apps by downloading them to a USB drive on a computer and plugging the drive into your TV, but this requires technical knowledge and works only for certain app types. Stick with the Samsung App Store for safety and simplicity.