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 or phone needed. The whole process takes two to five minutes per app. The app store is called Samsung TV Plus on newer models and the Samsung Apps store on older ones, and both work the same way.

Your TV needs to be connected to the internet for this to work. If your TV is not yet connected to WiFi or ethernet, go to Settings, then Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable. Once you are online, you can start installing apps when ready.

Key Takeaways

Open the app store on your TV using the remote, search by name, and select Install — the app downloads and installs automatically to your TV.
Your TV must be connected to the internet before you can read any apps.
Apps install to your TV's internal storage, so older or budget Samsung models may run out of space after 15 to 20 apps.
If an app does not appear in the store, check that your TV model year supports it — some apps only work on 2018 models and newer.
Uninstalling an app frees up storage space and removes it from your home screen, but you can reinstall it later at no cost.

Step-by-step installation from the Samsung app store

Press the Home button on your remote. This takes you to the main screen where you see your apps and inputs. Look for an icon labeled Apps, Samsung TV Plus, or Samsung Apps — the exact name depends on your TV model year. Select it.

You will see a grid of featured apps. At the top or side of the screen, there is a search icon (usually a magnifying glass). Select it and type the name of the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and most major streaming services are available. As you type, matching results appear below.

Select the app from the list. A detail page opens showing the app name, description, and an Install button. Select Install. The app downloads and installs automatically — you will see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the button changes to Open or Launch. You can select 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 does not show the app you want

Not every app available on phones or computers is available for Samsung TVs. Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ are always there. Smaller apps, games, and niche services may not be. If you search and find nothing, the app either does not have a TV version or does not support your specific TV model.

Check the app's official website or support page to see if it lists Samsung TV as a supported platform. If it does, your TV model year may be too old — many apps only work on 2018 models and newer. If the app is not listed as supporting Samsung TV at all, you cannot install it directly on the TV. In that case, you can use AirPlay or Chromecast from your phone to stream the app's content to your TV instead, if the app supports those features.

Managing storage when your TV runs out of space

Samsung TVs store apps on internal storage, not on a removable card or external drive. Budget and mid-range models typically have 4 to 8 GB of usable space after the operating system takes its share. Premium models have more. After you install 15 to 20 apps, you may see a message that storage is full and you cannot install more.

To free up space, go to Settings, then Apps, then Manage Apps. You will see a list of every app installed on your TV. Select an app you no longer use and choose Uninstall. The app is removed from your TV and from your home screen. You can reinstall it later for free if you change your mind. Uninstalling apps you do not use regularly is the only way to make room for new ones on most Samsung TVs.

If you use many apps and storage is always full, consider a newer Samsung TV model with more internal storage, or use external streaming devices like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick instead — these devices often have more app storage and are cheaper to replace if you want to upgrade.

Installing apps using your phone or computer instead

You can also install apps to your Samsung TV using the SmartThings app on your phone. read SmartThings from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and sign in with your Samsung account. Your TV will appear in the app. Select it, then look for an option to browse or install apps. You can search and install from there, and the app will read to your TV in the background.

This method is useful if your TV remote is lost or broken, or if you prefer using your phone. The process is slower than using the remote directly, but it works the same way — you search, select Install, and wait for the read to finish. You still need your TV to be connected to the internet.

Troubleshooting when an app will not install

If you select Install and nothing happens, or the read stalls, restart your TV. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then try installing the app again. Most installation failures are caused by temporary connection issues that a restart fixes.

If the app still will not install after a restart, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, then Network, and run a connection test. If your WiFi signal is weak, move the TV closer to your router or switch to a wired ethernet connection if possible. Slow or unstable internet can cause downloads to fail or time out.

If your internet is working but the app still will not install, the app store itself may be temporarily down, or your TV model may not support that particular app. Wait a few hours and try again. If it still does not work after 24 hours, the app likely does not support your TV model.

Updating apps after you install them

Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates overnight or when it is idle, and installs them without asking. You do not need to do anything — updates happen in the background.

If you want to check for updates manually, go to Settings, then Apps, then Manage Apps. Select the app you want to update. If an update is available, you will see an Update button. Select it. The app updates the same way it installed — you see a progress bar and the button changes once it is done.

Automatic updates are usually turned on. If you want to turn them off, go to Settings, then Apps, then Auto Update, and toggle it off. This is not recommended because updates often fix bugs and security issues, but the option is there if you prefer to update manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from somewhere other than the Samsung app store?

No. Samsung TVs do not allow you to install apps from outside the official Samsung app store, and there is no way to sideload apps like you can on Android phones. You can only install what is available in the store. This is a security feature to prevent malware from reaching your TV.

Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?

You do not need a Samsung account to browse or install apps from the store. However, some apps — like Netflix or Disney+ — will ask you to sign in with your own account for that service once you open them. Your Samsung account is only required if you want to use the SmartThings phone app to install apps remotely.

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. You will have to reinstall every app afterward. This is why it is a last resort for troubleshooting. If your TV is acting up, try restarting it first — unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in — before doing a full factory reset.

Can I move apps to an external USB drive to save space?

No. Samsung TVs do not support moving apps to external storage. Apps must stay on the TV's internal storage. If you are constantly running out of space, uninstall apps you do not use regularly, or consider upgrading to a newer TV model with more storage.

Why does an app keep crashing after I install it?

Restart your TV first — unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If the app still crashes, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh. If it crashes again when ready, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model, or your TV may not have enough free storage or memory to run it smoothly. Try uninstalling other apps to free up space, then reinstall the problematic app.

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.