The App Store is in your TV's main menu, usually called Samsung TV Plus or the Apps section
On most Samsung televisions, the App Store is not a separate icon you hunt for — it is built into the main menu system. Press the Home button on your remote. From there, look for a section labeled Apps, Samsung TV Plus, or sometimes Smart Hub. The exact name and location depend on your TV model and the year it was made, but all Samsung smart TVs have this menu somewhere on the home screen.
Once you open the Apps section, you will see apps already installed on your TV and a button or option to browse more. That browse option is where you read new apps — it functions as your App Store. You do not need to go anywhere else or read anything to your phone first.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote and look for Apps, Samsung TV Plus, or Smart Hub to reach the App Store menu.
- The exact location and name varies by TV model year, but all Samsung smart TVs have an app browsing section in the main menu.
- You can read and install apps directly from your TV without using a phone or computer.
- If you cannot find the Apps section, check your TV's manual or model number to confirm it has smart TV features.
How to navigate to Apps on different Samsung TV models
Samsung has used several different menu layouts over the years. On newer models (2020 and later), press Home and you will see a row of icons at the bottom or side of the screen — Apps is usually one of them, or grouped under a menu labeled More or All Apps. On older models (2015–2019), the home screen may show larger tiles, and Apps appears as one of those tiles or under a section called Smart Hub.
If you see a menu labeled Samsung TV Plus, that is Samsung's free streaming service, not the App Store itself. Look instead for a separate Apps button or icon. Some TVs also have a Google Play Store option if your TV runs Google TV or Android TV — that is a different app marketplace, but it works the same way.
What to do if you cannot find the Apps section
If you press Home and do not see an Apps option anywhere, your TV may not have smart TV features, or it may be too old to support app downloads. Check the model number on the back of your TV or in the Settings menu (usually under About TV or System Information). You can then search online for your specific model number plus "app store" to confirm whether your TV supports apps.
Another reason the Apps section might be hidden is if parental controls are turned on. If you have a PIN set for content restrictions, you may need to enter it to access the Apps menu. Check Settings and look for Parental Controls or Security to see if this is blocking your access.
How to read an app once you find the App Store
Once you open the Apps section, you will see a list of apps you can read. Use your remote's arrow buttons to highlight an app, then press Select or Enter. A details page will open showing the app name, description, and a button that says Install, read, or Get. Press that button, and the app will begin downloading to your TV.
The read usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet connection and the app size. Once it finishes, the button will change to Open or Launch. You can press it to start the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen and find the app in your installed apps list.
Why some apps might not appear in your App Store
Not every app available on a phone is available for Samsung TVs. Developers choose which platforms to support, and some apps are only made for phones or tablets. If you are looking for a specific app and cannot find it in the Samsung App Store, it may straightforward not have a TV version.
Your TV's internet connection can also affect what shows up. If your TV is not connected to Wi-Fi or has a weak signal, the App Store may load slowly or show fewer results. Make sure your TV is connected to the same network you use for other devices, and try refreshing the Apps section by pressing Home and opening Apps again.
Troubleshooting if the App Store will not open
If you press the Apps button and nothing happens, or the menu loads but appears blank, try restarting your TV. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes prevent menus from loading.
If the App Store still will not open after a restart, check that your TV has the latest software. Go to Settings, find Support or About TV, and look for an option to check for updates or install updates. Samsung releases updates that fix bugs and improve performance, and an outdated system can cause menu problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung App Store the same as Google Play?
No. Samsung TVs use the Samsung App Store by default, but some newer models also include Google Play Store. Both let you read apps, but they have different app libraries. Check which one your TV has by looking at the Apps menu — you may see both options listed separately.
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
Most apps do not require a Samsung account to read, but some do. When you try to read an app, the TV will tell you if you need to sign in. If you do not have a Samsung account, you can create one on your TV during the read process, or you can set one up on a computer first and sign in on your TV.
Can I delete apps from my Samsung TV?
Yes. Go to the Apps section, highlight an app you have installed, and press and hold the Select button (or look for a delete or remove option in the menu). The app will be removed from your TV. You can always read it again later from the App Store.
Why is my App Store showing apps I cannot read?
Some apps in the store may not be compatible with your specific TV model or region. If you try to read an app and get an error message, it means that app is not available for your TV. This is usually because the app requires features your TV does not have, or it is not sold in your country.
What if my TV is not connected to the internet?
You cannot read apps without an internet connection. Your TV needs Wi-Fi to reach the App Store and read files. Connect your TV to your home Wi-Fi network through Settings, then try opening the App Store again.