How to Remove Apps From Your Samsung Smart TV

The Basic Steps to Delete an App

To remove an app from your Samsung Smart TV, navigate to the app using your remote, press and hold the select button (the center circle on your remote), and choose Delete from the menu that appears. The app will be removed from your home screen and your TV's storage within seconds. This works for almost any app you installed yourself, though some pre-loaded Samsung apps cannot be deleted this way.

The exact button names vary slightly depending on your TV model and remote type, but the principle is the same: find the app, hold down the center button, and select the delete option. If your remote has a dedicated apps button, pressing it takes you directly to your app library, which can be faster than scrolling through your home screen.

Key Takeaways

Press and hold the center select button on your remote while highlighting an app to see the delete option.
Pre-installed Samsung apps like Settings or SmartThings usually cannot be deleted, only hidden or disabled.
Deleting an app removes it from your TV's storage and your home screen but does not affect your Samsung account or other devices.
If the delete option does not appear, the app is likely a system app that Samsung does not allow removal of.

Finding the App You Want to Remove

On most Samsung Smart TVs, apps appear on your home screen in rows. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight the app you want to delete. If you have many apps installed, you may need to scroll right or down to find the one you are looking for. Some TVs organize apps into categories like "Entertainment" or "Streaming," so check those folders if the app is not when ready visible on the main screen.

If you cannot find the app on your home screen, it may be hidden or in a secondary menu. Press the Apps button on your remote (usually marked with a grid icon) to open your full app library. This shows every app installed on your TV, including ones you have not pinned to the home screen. Scroll through the list until you locate the app, then proceed with the deletion steps.

What Happens When You Delete an App

Deleting an app removes it from your TV's internal storage and your home screen. The app no longer takes up space on your device, and it will not appear in your app library or home screen unless you reinstall it later. Your login information for that app is also removed, so you will need to sign in again if you reinstall it.

Deleting an app does not affect your Samsung account, your other Samsung devices, or any subscriptions you may have with the service (like Netflix or Disney+). Your subscription remains active on your account; you straightforward cannot access it through that TV until you reinstall the app. If you delete an app by mistake, you can reinstall it free of charge from the Samsung App Store at any time.

System Apps You Cannot Delete

Samsung pre-installs certain apps on every TV, such as Settings, SmartThings, and Samsung Health. These system apps do not have a delete option when you press and hold them. Instead, you will see options to Hide or Disable the app. Hiding an app removes it from your home screen and app library view, but it remains installed on your TV. Disabling an app prevents it from running in the background and removes it from view, though it still occupies storage space.

If you want to remove a system app from view without disabling it, hiding is the better choice because it does not affect the app's ability to function if another service needs it. For example, SmartThings may be used by other apps or TV features in the background, so disabling it could cause problems. If you hide an app and later want to see it again, you can unhide it through the same menu where you hid it.

Freeing Up Storage Space on Your TV

Deleting unused apps is one of the fastest ways to free up storage on your Samsung Smart TV. Over time, apps accumulate updates that take up more space, and removing ones you no longer use can improve your TV's performance. If your TV is running slowly or you are seeing storage warnings, start by deleting apps you have not opened in several months.

To see how much space each app is using, go to Settings, select Apps, and look for a storage or size column (the exact path varies by TV model). Apps like games, streaming services, and social media tend to use the most space. Removing even three or four large apps can often free up several gigabytes. If you need more detailed storage information, check Settings > Device Care or Settings > Storage, depending on your TV model.

Reinstalling an App You Deleted

If you delete an app and later want it back, open the Samsung App Store (usually accessible from your home screen or the Apps menu). Search for the app by name, select it, and choose Install. The app will read and install to your TV within a few minutes, depending on your internet connection and the app's size. You will need to sign in again with your account credentials for that service.

Some apps, particularly older or less popular ones, may no longer be available in the Samsung App Store. If you cannot find an app you previously had, it may have been discontinued or removed from Samsung's store. In that case, you can check the app developer's website to see if they offer an alternative version or if the app is still supported on Samsung TVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the delete option not appear when I press and hold an app?

The app is likely a system app that Samsung does not allow deletion of. Try the Hide or Disable option instead. If neither option appears, the app may be required for your TV to function properly. You can still hide it from your home screen to keep it out of sight.

Will deleting an app cancel my subscription to that service?

No. Deleting the app removes it from your TV only. Your subscription to Netflix, Disney+, or any other service remains active on your account. You can reinstall the app and sign back in to continue using the service whenever you want.

Does deleting apps make my Samsung TV faster?

Removing apps frees up storage space, which can help your TV run more smoothly if storage was nearly full. However, if your TV is slow for other reasons (like a poor internet connection or too many apps running at once), deleting apps may not noticeably improve performance. Restarting your TV often helps more than deleting apps.

Can I delete multiple apps at once?

Most Samsung TVs require you to delete apps one at a time using the press-and-hold method. There is no bulk delete feature. If you have many apps to remove, you will need to go through them individually, though the process is quick for each one.

What is the difference between hiding and disabling an app?

Hiding removes the app from your home screen and app library view, but it remains installed and can still run in the background if needed by other services. Disabling prevents the app from running and removes it from view, but it still takes up storage space. For most apps, hiding is sufficient if you just want them out of sight.

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.