The App Store on Samsung TVs is called the Samsung TV Plus app or the Galaxy Store
Samsung TVs do not have a single app called "App Store" the way iPhones do. Instead, Samsung uses two main places to read apps: the Samsung TV Plus app (which comes built in) and the Galaxy Store (Samsung's app marketplace). Which one you use depends on what you are looking for and what year your TV was made.
On most Samsung TVs made in the last five years, you will find these apps already on your home screen or in your apps menu. If your TV is older, the layout may be slightly different, but the process is similar.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TV Plus and the Galaxy Store are built into most Samsung TVs and appear on the home screen or in the apps menu without needing to be downloaded.
- The home screen button on your remote takes you to the main menu where you can find and launch either app.
- If you cannot find either app, your TV model may use an older system; checking your TV's model number in the settings menu will tell you which apps are available.
- Both apps require your TV to be connected to the internet to read or stream content.
How to reach the home screen and find the app store
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. This button usually has a house icon and sits near the top of the remote. Your TV will display the home screen with rows of apps and content.
Look for an icon labeled Samsung TV Plus or Galaxy Store. On newer models (2018 and later), these usually appear in the top row or in a section labeled "Apps." On some TVs, you may see a tile that says "Apps" or a grid icon—select that to see all available apps, then look for the store you need.
Highlight the app with your remote's arrow buttons and press Enter or Select to open it.
What Samsung TV Plus and Galaxy Store offer
Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service built into your TV. It offers live TV channels, movies, and shows at no cost. You do not need to create an account to browse, though you can sign in with a Samsung account to save favorites. Think of it as a channel guide combined with a streaming library.
Galaxy Store is where you read apps—like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or other services. It works like an app marketplace. You search for an app, select it, and it downloads directly to your TV. Most apps in the Galaxy Store are free, though some require a paid subscription to use (the subscription is separate from downloading the app itself).
If you cannot find the app store on your home screen
Press the Home button and look for an icon that looks like a grid or says "Apps". Select it to open your apps menu. Scroll through the list to find Samsung TV Plus or Galaxy Store.
If you still do not see either one, your TV may be an older model that uses a different system. Check your TV's model number by going to Settings > Support > About This TV. Write down the model number and search for it online along with "app store" to find instructions specific to your TV's year and version.
Some very old Samsung TVs (before 2015) may not have a built-in app store at all. In that case, you can still add apps by connecting a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick to your TV's HDMI port.
Making sure your TV is connected to the internet
Both Samsung TV Plus and Galaxy Store require an internet connection to work. Before you try to open either app, make sure your TV is connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet.
To check your connection, go to Settings > General > Network (or Connection on some models). You should see your Wi-Fi network listed and marked as "Connected." If it is not connected, select your network, enter your password, and wait for the connection to complete.
Troubleshooting if the app store will not open
If you select the app but nothing happens, 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 apps from launching.
If the app opens but loads very slowly or shows an error message, your internet connection may be weak. Move your TV closer to your router, or if that is not possible, consider using an ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds as well.
If you have tried these steps and the app still will not work, your TV's software may need an update. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and select Update Now. This can take several minutes. Do not turn off your TV during the update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung TV Plus the same as the Galaxy Store?
No. Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service with live channels and on-demand content. The Galaxy Store is the marketplace where you read other apps. They are separate services, though both come built into your TV.
Do I need to pay to use the Galaxy Store?
Downloading apps from the Galaxy Store is free. However, many apps (like Netflix or Disney+) require a paid subscription to watch content. The subscription cost is separate from the app read.
What if my TV is too old and does not have an app store?
If your TV was made before 2015, it may not have a built-in app store. You can add streaming capability by plugging a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port. These devices have their own app stores and work independently of your TV's system.
Can I search for apps by name in the Galaxy Store?
Yes. Once you open the Galaxy Store, look for a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) and select it. Type the name of the app you want, and the store will show matching results. Select the app and follow the prompts to read it.
Why does my app store show a blank screen?
A blank screen usually means your internet connection dropped or the app is loading slowly. Check that your TV is still connected to Wi-Fi, and wait 30 seconds for the content to load. If it still does not appear, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds.