How to Install Apps on Your Samsung Smart TV

The fastest way to add apps to 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 needed. The process takes about two minutes per app and works the same way whether you own a 2020 model or a current one.

The app store on Samsung TVs is called the Samsung App Store or Samsung Apps, depending on your TV's age. Newer models (2016 and later) use the Samsung App Store. Older models use Samsung Apps. Both work the same way: find the app, select it, and press install.

You will need your TV connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable — before you start. If your TV is not yet connected, go to Settings, then Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable.

Key Takeaways

Open the Samsung App Store or Samsung Apps from your TV's home screen using your remote, then search for the app by name.
Select the app and press the install button; most apps read and install within one to three minutes.
Your TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet before you can read anything.
Apps you install stay on your TV even after you turn it off, and you can uninstall them anytime from the same menu.
If the Samsung App Store does not have an app you want, you can sideload it using a USB drive or a computer, though this method is more complex.

Step-by-step installation from the Samsung App Store

Press the Home button on your remote. This takes you to your TV's main screen, where you see rows of apps and content. Look for an icon that says "Samsung App Store" or "Apps" — it is usually in the top row or in a menu labeled "Featured" or "My Apps".

Select the Samsung App Store icon and press Enter. The store opens and shows you featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the top. Use the search bar to find the app you want. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard or voice search (if your remote has a microphone button, press it and say the app name).

When you find the app, select it and read the description to make sure it is the right one. Press the Install button. The app begins downloading when ready. You will see a progress bar or a spinning circle while it installs. Most apps finish within one to three minutes.

Once installation is complete, the Install button changes to Open or Launch. You can press it to start the app right away, or press the Home button to go back to your TV's main screen. The app now appears in your apps list and stays there until you remove it.

Finding apps that work on your specific Samsung TV

Not every app in the world is available for Samsung TVs. The Samsung App Store only shows apps that Samsung has tested and approved for your TV model. This means you cannot install every app you use on your phone, but the most popular ones — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, and others — are always there.

If you search for an app and it does not appear in the Samsung App Store, it is not available for your TV. This does not mean the app is broken or that Samsung blocked it; it means the app maker has not built a version for Samsung TVs. In that case, you have two options: use a different app that does the same thing, or sideload the app using a USB drive (see the section below).

You can also browse the Samsung App Store by category. Select Categories from the main store screen to see Entertainment, Sports, News, Games, Lifestyle, and other sections. This is useful if you want to discover new apps or see what is available in a particular area.

Installing apps using a USB drive (sideloading)

If an app is not in the Samsung App Store, you can sometimes install it using a USB drive. This process is called sideloading. It requires a computer, the app file itself, and a USB drive, and it is more involved than using the app store.

First, you need the app file in APK format (the file type Android apps use). You can find APK files on websites like APKMirror or APKPure, though you should only read from sources you trust. read the APK file to your computer, then copy it to a USB drive.

Plug the USB drive into your Samsung TV's USB port (usually on the back or side of the TV). Open the File Manager app on your TV (it is usually in the main menu or under Apps). Navigate to the USB drive, find the APK file, and select it. Your TV will ask if you want to install the app. Select Yes, and the installation begins.

Sideloading works on most Samsung TVs from 2016 onward, but Samsung does not officially support it. If something goes wrong during installation, you may need to restart your TV or contact Samsung support. For this reason, sideloading is best used only when the app you want is not available any other way.

Managing and removing apps you have installed

Apps you install stay on your TV until you remove them. To see all your installed apps, press Home and look for a section called "My Apps" or "Apps" — it is usually in the top menu. Select it to see every app you have downloaded.

To remove an app, navigate to it in your apps list, press and hold the Select button on your remote (or right-click if your remote has a touchpad), and choose Delete or Uninstall. The app is removed when ready. You can reinstall it anytime by going back to the Samsung App Store and downloading it again.

You can also rearrange your apps. In the My Apps section, you can usually move apps around by selecting them and pressing the arrow buttons on your remote. This lets you put your most-used apps at the top of the list for faster access.

Troubleshooting when apps will not install

If an app fails to install, the most common reason is that your TV is not connected to the internet. Check your WiFi connection by going to Settings, then Network, and making sure you are connected. If you are on WiFi, try moving closer to your router or restarting your router.

If your TV is connected but the app still will not install, restart your TV. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try installing the app again. This fixes most temporary glitches.

If the app still will not install after a restart, check how much storage space your TV has left. Go to Settings, then About, and look for Storage or Memory. If you are using more than 80 percent of your TV's storage, delete apps you no longer use to free up space. Apps need room to read and install.

If none of these steps work, the app may not be compatible with your TV model. Check the app's description in the Samsung App Store to see what TV models it supports. If your TV is not listed, the app maker has not made a version for your TV.

Updating apps you have already installed

Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates when it is turned on and downloads them in the background. You do not have to do anything — the updates happen on their own.

If you want to check for updates manually, go to the Samsung App Store, select Menu (usually in the top left), and look for an option like "Update Apps" or "My Apps". Select it to see which apps have updates waiting. You can update all apps at once or select individual apps to update.

You can also turn off automatic updates if you prefer to update apps yourself. Go to Settings, then Apps, then App Update Settings, and toggle off Automatic Update. After that, you will need to manually update apps using the method above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?

No. You can install apps from the Samsung App Store without creating an account. However, some apps — like Netflix or Spotify — require you to sign in with your own account once they are installed on your TV. That is different from a Samsung account.

Can I install apps from Google Play Store on my Samsung TV?

No. Samsung TVs do not have access to Google Play Store. They use only the Samsung App Store. If an app is not in the Samsung App Store, you can try sideloading it using a USB drive, but this is not may provide to work.

What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?

A factory reset removes all apps you installed and returns your TV to its original state. The apps that came with your TV stay, but anything you downloaded is deleted. If you reset your TV by accident, you can reinstall your apps by going back to the Samsung App Store and downloading them again.

Can I install the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?

Yes. Each TV has its own app store account, so you can install the same app on as many Samsung TVs as you own. Just go to the Samsung App Store on each TV and read the app. You will need to sign into the app itself on each TV if it requires a login.

Why does my TV say "not available in your region" for an app?

Some apps are only available in certain countries because of licensing agreements or local laws. If an app says it is not available in your region, the app maker has not made it available in your country. You cannot install it, even by sideloading.

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.