The fastest way to search for apps on Samsung TV
Open the Samsung TV app store by pressing the Home button on your remote, then navigate to the Apps section — usually a grid icon or labeled menu at the top of the screen. From there, use the search function (a magnifying glass icon) to type the name of the app you want. The on-screen keyboard appears automatically; use your remote's arrow buttons to select letters, or speak the app name into your remote if your model has voice search built in.
Once you find the app in the search results, select it and choose Install. The app downloads and installs to your TV automatically — you do not need to restart your TV or do anything else. After installation finishes, the Install button changes to Open, and the app appears in your Apps menu for future use.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote, go to Apps, then select the search icon to look up any app by name.
- Samsung TVs use their own app store built into the TV itself — you do not read apps from your phone or computer.
- Voice search works on most newer Samsung models; hold the microphone button on your remote and say the app name.
- Apps install directly to your TV and appear in your Apps menu once the read finishes.
Using the search function with your remote
When you select the search icon in the Apps section, an on-screen keyboard appears. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to move left, right, up, and down through the letters. Press OK or Select (the center button) to choose each letter. Most remotes also have a number pad; you can press the number buttons to jump to letters that start with that number — for example, pressing 2 jumps to letters A, B, and C.
If typing feels slow, look for a microphone icon on your remote. Press and hold it, then speak the app name clearly. Your TV will search for matches automatically. This works best with common app names like Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video. After you finish typing or speaking, press Enter or Search to see the results.
Finding apps by category instead of searching
If you do not know the exact name of the app you want, browse by category. In the Apps section, look for tabs or menu options like Featured, Games, Entertainment, or Lifestyle. Scroll through these categories to see what is available. This method works well if you are looking for a type of app — like a streaming service or a news app — but do not have a specific name in mind.
Samsung also shows recommended apps based on what you have already installed. These appear near the top of the Apps menu and can help you discover new apps you might use. You can install any of these the same way: select the app and choose Install.
What happens after you install an app
Once installation finishes, the app appears in your Apps menu and is ready to use when ready. You do not need to restart your TV or do anything else. Open the app by selecting it from the Apps menu, or look for it on your Home screen if your TV displays recently used apps there.
If you want to remove an app later, go to the Apps menu, find the app you want to delete, and look for a delete or remove option — usually accessed by pressing the Options button on your remote or right-clicking on the app. Deleting an app frees up storage space on your TV but does not affect any other apps or settings.
Troubleshooting apps that do not appear in search
If you search for an app and it does not show up, the app may not be available in your region or on your TV model. Samsung TVs from different years have different app stores, and some apps only work on newer models. Check the app's requirements on Samsung's website or the app developer's site to confirm your TV supports it.
If an app you previously installed has disappeared, it may have been removed from the Samsung app store or your TV may have run out of storage space. Check your TV's storage in Settings — if it is full, delete apps you no longer use to free up room. You can always reinstall the app later if it becomes available again.
Using voice search on Samsung remotes
Most Samsung TV remotes made in the last five years have a microphone button with a microphone symbol. Press and hold this button, speak the app name clearly, and release. Your TV searches for the app automatically and shows results within a few seconds. Voice search works best with well-known apps like Hulu, Disney+, or Peacock.
If your remote does not have a microphone button, or if voice search is not working, check your TV's settings to make sure voice features are turned on. Go to Settings, then look for Voice or Voice Recognition, and make sure it is enabled. Some TVs require you to agree to privacy terms before voice search works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for apps on my Samsung TV without using the remote?
You can use your phone as a remote if you have the SmartThings app installed. Open SmartThings, connect to your TV, and use the app's keyboard to type app names. This is often faster than using the physical remote's on-screen keyboard, especially for longer app names.
What if I cannot find an app I want on my Samsung TV?
The app may not be available for your TV model or region. Check the app developer's website to see which TV brands and models they support. Some apps only work on Samsung TVs from certain years. You can also contact Samsung support to ask whether an app is available for your specific model.
Do I need a Samsung account to search for and install apps?
You do not need a Samsung account to search for or install most free apps. However, some apps require you to sign in with your own account — for example, Netflix asks for your Netflix login, and YouTube asks for your Google account. These are separate from your Samsung account.
How much storage space do apps use on my Samsung TV?
Storage varies by app. Most streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube use 50 to 200 megabytes. Games can use more. If your TV runs out of storage, you will see a message during installation. Delete apps you no longer use to make room for new ones.
Can I search for apps using the Samsung TV website instead of the TV itself?
No. The Samsung app store only works through your TV. You search for and install apps directly on the TV using your remote. You cannot browse or install apps from a computer or phone and send them to your TV.