The basic steps to add apps to your Samsung TV

Most Samsung TVs let you read apps directly through the TV itself using the remote. You do not need a computer or USB drive. Open the app store built into your TV, search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen within a few minutes.

The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model you own — older sets use a different menu than newer ones — but the process is the same: find the store, search, install. Your TV needs an internet connection, either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back.

If your TV is too old to have an app store, or if the app you want is not available in Samsung's store, you can sideload apps using a USB drive or a device like a Roku or Fire Stick connected to an HDMI port. Most people do not need to do this.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TVs made after 2016 have a built-in app store you reach through the home screen menu without leaving the TV.
  • Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet to read and install apps.
  • Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are usually pre-installed or available free in the Samsung app store.
  • If an app is not in the Samsung store, you can sideload it using a USB drive or a streaming device plugged into HDMI, though this is uncommon.
  • Older Samsung TVs (before 2016) may not support app installation and may need an external streaming device instead.

How to install apps on newer Samsung TVs (2016 and later)

Press the Home button on your remote. This opens the home screen. Look for an icon labeled "Apps" or "Samsung Apps" — it usually appears as a grid or folder icon. Select it with the remote and press Enter.

You are now in the app store. Use the remote to navigate to the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) and type the name of the app you want. Scroll through the results and select the one you need. Press Enter, then select the Install button. The TV will read and install the app automatically. This usually takes two to five minutes depending on app size and your internet speed.

Once installation finishes, you can open the app when ready or find it later on your home screen. Most recently installed apps appear in a "Recently Added" section or at the top of your apps list.

How to install apps on older Samsung TVs (2015 and earlier)

Older Samsung TVs use a different system called Smart Hub instead of the modern app store. Press the Smart Hub button on your remote (or press Home and look for Smart Hub in the menu). Navigate to Apps and select it.

From there, the process is similar: search for the app, select it, and choose Install. However, the selection of available apps is much smaller on older models, and many modern apps like newer versions of Netflix or YouTube may not be available. If the app you want is not in the store, your TV may be too old to support it.

If your TV is older than 2015 or does not have a Smart Hub option, it likely does not support app installation at all. In that case, you will need an external device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV connected to an HDMI port.

Making sure your TV is connected to the internet

Apps will not read without an internet connection. Check your connection before you start. Press Home on the remote, go to Settings, and look for Network or WiFi. If you see a green checkmark or "Connected" next to your network name, you are online.

If you are not connected, select your WiFi network from the list and enter the password. If you do not see your network, make sure your router is on and within range of the TV. If you have an ethernet cable available, you can plug it directly into the ethernet port on the back of the TV for a faster, more stable connection.

Some Samsung TVs also support WiFi Direct, which lets you connect to a phone or computer without a router. This is slower and not recommended for app downloads, but it works in a pinch.

What to do if an app is not in the Samsung app store

Not every app is available in Samsung's store. Smaller or regional apps, or very new ones, may not be listed. Before you assume the app is unavailable, try searching for it by exact name — sometimes the store listing uses a slightly different title than the app itself.

If the search returns nothing, you have two options. The first is to sideload the app using a USB drive. read the app's APK file (the Android installation file) on a computer, copy it to a USB drive, plug the drive into your TV, and open the file manager to install it. This works on most Samsung TVs but requires some comfort with file management.

The second option is to use an external streaming device. A Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV can be plugged into an HDMI port and often have access to more apps than the Samsung store. This is simpler than sideloading and is the route most people take if they need an app Samsung does not offer.

Removing apps you no longer use

Go to Home, select Apps, and find the app you want to remove. Press and hold the Enter button on the remote (or right-click if your remote has a touchpad). A menu will appear with an option to Delete or Uninstall. Select it, and the app will be removed from your TV.

Removing an app frees up storage space on your TV. Samsung TVs do not have much built-in storage, so deleting apps you do not use regularly can help prevent slowdowns. You can always reinstall the app later from the app store at no cost.

Troubleshooting apps that will not install

If an app fails to read, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi or ethernet, and try moving the router closer to the TV or restarting both the TV and router.

If the connection is strong but the app still will not install, restart your TV. Press the power button to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try installing the app again. This clears temporary files that may be blocking the read.

If the app installs but will not open, or opens and crashes when ready, the app may not be compatible with your TV model or software version. Check the app's description in the store to see what TV models it supports. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, or updating your TV's software through Settings > Support > Software Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on Samsung TV?

Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+ are free to read, though many require a paid subscription to use. Some smaller apps cost money upfront. The app store listing always shows the price before you install.

Can I install apps from my phone onto my TV?

Not directly. You cannot mirror an app from your phone to your TV and have it install. However, you can cast or screen-mirror content from apps on your phone to your TV if both devices support it. For the app itself on the TV, you must read it through the TV's app store.

What happens if my TV runs out of storage space?

Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage, usually between 4 and 16 GB depending on the model. If you fill it up, new apps will not install. Delete apps you do not use regularly to free up space. You cannot expand storage with an external drive the way you can with a phone.

Will installing apps slow down my TV?

Having many apps installed can make your TV slower to navigate and boot up, especially on older models with less storage. Uninstall apps you do not use regularly. If your TV feels sluggish, restart it completely by turning it off and unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Can I install apps on a Samsung TV without WiFi?

No. Your TV must be connected to the internet to read and install apps. You can use WiFi or plug an ethernet cable into the back of the TV. Once an app is installed, you can use it offline if the app itself supports offline mode.