How to Download and Install Apps on Your Samsung TV

The fastest way to add apps to your Samsung TV

Most Samsung TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself—you don't need a computer or phone to read anything. You navigate using your remote, find the app you want, and install it directly on the TV. The process takes about two minutes for most apps.

The app store on Samsung TVs is called the Samsung TV Plus app store or Samsung Apps, depending on your TV model and year. Newer models (2016 and later) use a system called Tizen, which has its own app store built into the home screen. Older models may use a different interface, but the basic steps are the same: find the app store icon, search for what you want, and select install.

Key Takeaways

Open the app store directly from your Samsung TV's home screen using your remote—no computer needed.
Search for the app by name, select it, and choose the install or read button to add it to your TV.
Most apps install in under a minute and appear on your home screen or in an apps folder automatically.
If the app store is slow or won't load, restart your TV and check that it is connected to the internet.
Some apps may not be available in your region or may require a Samsung account to read.

Finding and opening the app store on your TV

On newer Samsung TVs (2016 and later), the app store is usually a tile or icon on the home screen. Press the Home button on your remote to see the main menu. Look for an icon labeled "Apps," "Samsung Apps," or a grid symbol. Select it with your remote's arrow buttons and press Enter.

If you don't see an app store icon on the home screen, scroll left or right to find it—it may be on a second or third row of tiles. On some models, you may need to scroll down to see more options. Once you find it, select it and press Enter to open the store.

If your TV is older (2015 or earlier), the app store may be labeled differently or accessed through a menu. Press the Menu or Settings button on your remote and look for "Apps" or "Smart Hub." The layout varies, but the principle is the same: you're looking for a place to browse and read programs.

Searching for and installing an app

Once the app store is open, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Select it and use your remote's keypad or an on-screen keyboard to type the name of the app you want—for example, "Netflix" or "YouTube." As you type, the store will show matching results below.

Select the app you want from the list. The app's page will open and show a description, screenshots, and an "Install" or "read" button. Press Enter on that button. The TV will begin downloading and installing the app, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.

Once installation is complete, the button will change to "Open" or "Installed." You can press Enter to open the app right away, or close the app store and find the app on your home screen or in your apps folder. Most newly installed apps appear in a dedicated apps section or at the end of your home screen tiles.

What to do if an app won't install or read

If an app fails to install, the most common reason is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to your Wi-Fi network by going to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Status. If the connection is poor, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.

If the app still won't install after restarting, it may not be available in your region or on your TV model. Some apps—particularly older ones—are no longer supported on newer Samsung TV systems. Try searching for an alternative app that does the same thing, or check the app's description to see if it lists compatible TV models.

If the app store itself is slow or frozen, restart your TV completely. Press and hold the power button on your remote for 10 seconds until the TV turns off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears the TV's memory and often fixes temporary glitches in the app store.

Creating a Samsung account to read certain apps

Some apps—particularly paid apps or those that require a subscription—may ask you to sign in with a Samsung account before you can install them. If you don't have one, you can create it directly on the TV. When the app store prompts you to sign in, select "Create Account" and follow the on-screen steps to enter an email address and password.

A Samsung account is free and takes about two minutes to set up. Once you have created it, you can use the same account on any Samsung device. You will not be charged for creating an account; you are only charged if you choose to buy a paid app or subscription.

Managing apps and freeing up space on your TV

If your TV is running slowly or you want to remove an app you no longer use, you can uninstall it. Go to your home screen, find the app you want to remove, and press and hold the Select button on your remote (or press the Menu button). A menu will appear with an "Uninstall" or "Delete" option. Select it and confirm.

Uninstalling apps frees up storage space on your TV, which can improve performance if your TV is running many apps at once. Most Samsung TVs have between 4 and 8 gigabytes of storage available for apps, so removing apps you don't use regularly is a good habit if you notice the TV slowing down.

You can also organize your apps by moving them around on the home screen. Press and hold an app tile, and your remote will let you drag it to a new position. This makes it easier to find the apps you use most often.

Updating apps that are already installed

Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically if you have automatic updates turned on. To check or change this setting, open the app store, select Menu, and look for "Settings" or "Auto Update." You can choose to update apps automatically over Wi-Fi, or you can update them manually whenever you want.

To update an app manually, open the app store and look for a "My Apps" or "Installed Apps" section. This shows all the apps currently on your TV and tells you which ones have updates available. Select an app with an available update and choose "Update." The TV will read and install the new version in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps from outside the Samsung app store?

Samsung TVs are designed to read apps only from the official Samsung app store for security reasons. You cannot sideload apps from other sources the way you can on some Android phones. If an app is not in the Samsung store, it is not available for your TV model.

Do I need to pay for apps on a Samsung TV?

Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify are free to read on your Samsung TV, though you may need a subscription to use them. Some apps are paid, and the app store will tell you the price before you install. You will need a payment method on file with your Samsung account to buy paid apps.

What if my TV is not connecting to the internet and I can't read apps?

Check that your TV is connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Status. If it shows "Not Connected," select your network name and enter your Wi-Fi password. If the TV still won't connect, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart.

Can I use the same Samsung account on multiple TVs?

Yes, you can sign in with the same Samsung account on multiple TVs. Apps you have downloaded will be available to install on any TV using that account, though each TV stores its own copy of the app. This is useful if you have more than one Samsung TV in your home.

Why does the app store show "Not Available in Your Region"?

Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries or regions. This is usually a legal or licensing restriction, not a problem with your TV. Try searching for an alternative app that provides the same service, or check if the app becomes available later.

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.