The fastest way to add apps to your Samsung TV
Most Samsung 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 onto the TV — no computer or extra device needed. The process takes about two minutes per app and works the same way whether you own a 2020 model or a current one.
Samsung calls this built-in store the Samsung App Store or Samsung TV Plus, depending on your TV's age and model. Both work the same way: press the Home button on your remote, find the app store icon, and browse from there. If you cannot find the app store on your home screen, it is usually in a folder labeled "Apps" or "My Apps".
Key Takeaways
- Press the Home button on your Samsung remote, then look for the app store icon — usually labeled "Samsung App Store" or a shopping bag symbol.
- Use your remote's arrow buttons to navigate and the center button to select; search for the app by name or browse by category.
- Once you find the app, select "Install" and wait for the read to finish — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on app size and your internet speed.
- Installed apps appear on your home screen or in your Apps folder; you can rearrange them by highlighting and holding the center button.
- If the Samsung App Store does not appear on your TV, check that your TV is connected to the internet and restart it by unplugging for 30 seconds.
Finding the Samsung App Store on your home screen
When you turn on your Samsung TV and reach the home screen, look for an icon that looks like a shopping bag, a grid of squares, or text that says "Samsung App Store" or "Apps". On newer Samsung TVs (2022 and later), this icon is usually in the top row or pinned to the left side. On older models, you may need to scroll right or look inside a folder.
If you do not see an app store icon anywhere on your home screen, your TV may not be connected to the internet. Check your TV's network settings by pressing the Home button, then going to Settings > General > Network > Network Status. If it shows "Connected", restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, waiting, and plugging it back in. The app store icon should appear after the restart.
Searching for and installing an app step by step
Once you open the Samsung App Store, you will see a search box at the top and categories below it. Use your remote's arrow buttons to move up to the search box, then press the center button to open it. Type the app name using the on-screen keyboard — arrow buttons move between letters, and the center button selects each one. For example, to install Netflix, type "Netflix" and press Enter.
The store will show you matching results. Highlight the app you want and press the center button to open its details page. You will see an "Install" button (or sometimes "Get" or "read"). Press the center button on that button, and the installation begins. A progress bar will appear showing the read percentage. Most apps finish in under two minutes. Once it reaches 100%, the button changes to "Open" or "Installed", and the app is ready to use.
If the installation fails or gets stuck, check that your TV is still connected to the internet. If the connection is fine, go back to the app store, find the app again, and try installing it once more. If it fails a second time, the app may not be available for your TV model — this happens occasionally with very old Samsung TVs or region-specific apps.
Moving and organizing your newly installed apps
After you install an app, it appears on your home screen or in your Apps folder. To move it to a different spot on your home screen, highlight the app icon, then press and hold the center button on your remote for about two seconds. A menu will appear with options to move, delete, or edit the app. Select "Move" and use the arrow buttons to drag the app to a new position. Press the center button again to drop it in place.
If your home screen is getting crowded, you can create folders to organize apps by type. Highlight an app, press and hold the center button, and select "Create Folder" or "Add to Folder". Name the folder (for example, "Streaming" or "Games"), then add more apps to it. This keeps your home screen clean and makes it easier to find what you want.
What to do if an app will not install
If you try to install an app and see an error message, the most common causes are a weak internet connection, not enough storage space on your TV, or the app not being available in your region. First, check your connection by going to Settings > General > Network > Network Status. If your TV shows a strong signal, move to the next step.
Next, check your storage. Go to Settings > Support > About This TV and look for "Available Storage" or "Storage Space". If it shows less than 500 MB free, you need to delete apps you no longer use. Highlight an unused app on your home screen, press and hold the center button, and select "Delete" or "Remove". This frees up space for new installations.
If your connection is strong and you have storage space but the app still will not install, the app may not be available for your TV model or region. Some apps only work on Samsung TVs made in the last five years, or only in certain countries. Check the app's details page in the store — it usually says "Not available in your region" or "Requires a newer TV model" if that is the issue. In that case, you cannot install it directly on your TV, but you may be able to use it through a streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV instead.
Using your phone or computer to install apps remotely
If your TV remote is lost or broken, or if you prefer not to use the on-screen keyboard, you can install apps from your phone or computer instead. On a Samsung phone or computer with internet access, go to the Samsung App Store website or the Samsung SmartThings app, search for the app you want, and select "Install on TV". Your TV must be turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The app will install on your TV within a few seconds without you touching the remote.
To use this method, you need a Samsung account linked to your TV. If you do not have one, go to Settings > General > System Manager > Samsung Account on your TV and create one. Once your account is set up, you can install apps from anywhere — at work, at a friend's house, or anywhere you have internet access — and they will be waiting on your TV when you get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps that are not in the Samsung App Store?
No, Samsung TVs do not allow installation of apps from outside the official Samsung App Store. This is a security measure to prevent malware. If an app you want is not in the store, it is not available for Samsung TVs. Your only option is to use a separate streaming device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV that supports that app.
Why does my TV say "not enough storage" when I try to install an app?
Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage, usually between 4 GB and 16 GB depending on the model. After the operating system takes its share, you may have only 1 to 2 GB left for apps. Delete apps you no longer use, clear your TV's cache (Settings > Apps > System Apps > [app name] > Storage > Clear Cache), or use a USB drive to move some apps if your TV supports it.
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
No, you can install most free apps without a Samsung account. However, some paid apps or apps that require a login (like Netflix or Hulu) will ask you to sign in once the app is installed. If you want to install apps remotely from your phone, you will need a Samsung account linked to your TV.
What happens if I unplug my TV while an app is installing?
The installation will stop and the app may not work properly. Always let the installation finish completely — the progress bar should reach 100% — before unplugging your TV or turning it off. If you accidentally unplug during installation, restart your TV and try installing the app again.
Can I install the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?
Yes, if both TVs are linked to the same Samsung account, you can install an app on one TV and it will be available on the other. You can also install the same app on each TV separately by going through the Samsung App Store on each one. There is no limit to how many Samsung TVs can have the same app installed.