Yes, you can add apps to most smart TVs, but the method depends on your TV's operating system

Most modern smart TVs let you read and install apps directly on the TV itself, the same way you'd add apps to a phone. The TV's built-in app store—whether it's Google Play Store, Samsung's app marketplace, LG's content store, or Apple's App Store—is where you find, read, and launch apps. You don't need a separate device to watch streaming services, games, or other content.

The exact steps and which apps are available depend on what operating system your TV runs. An Apple TV runs tvOS and accesses the Apple App Store. A Samsung TV runs Tizen and uses Samsung's app store. An LG TV runs webOS and uses LG's content store. A generic Android TV uses Google Play Store. Each system has its own library, and not every app is available on every platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Most smart TVs have a built-in app store you access from the home screen using your remote control.
  • The apps available to you depend on your TV's operating system—Apple TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, or Android TV each have different app libraries.
  • You need an account with the app publisher (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) to use the app, but downloading the app itself is free.
  • If your TV doesn't have an app you want, you can connect an external device like a streaming stick or set-top box instead.

How to read an app on your TV

Start at your TV's home screen. Look for an app store icon or a section labeled "Apps," "Store," or "Get More Apps"—the exact label varies by brand. Select it with your remote. You'll see a search bar and categories of available apps.

Search for the app you want by name. When you find it, select it and choose "read" or "Install." The TV will read and install the app automatically, which usually takes less than a minute. Once it's done, the button will change to "Open" or "Launch." You can then open the app when ready or find it later on your home screen.

To use the app, you'll need to sign in with an account. If you have a Netflix subscription, for example, you sign in with your Netflix email and password inside the Netflix app on the TV. The TV itself doesn't need a subscription—the app does.

What apps are available on your TV

The major streaming services—Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and HBO Max—are available on nearly every smart TV platform. Most TV manufacturers also include some built-in apps for free content, news, or their own services.

Beyond the big names, availability gets narrower. A gaming app might be available on Android TV but not on Samsung Tizen. A niche streaming service might skip Apple TV entirely. The only way to know for sure is to search your TV's app store and see if it appears. If it doesn't, the app either hasn't been built for your TV's operating system, or the publisher chose not to release it there.

Storage and how many apps you can install

Smart TVs have built-in storage, but it's limited—typically between 8 and 32 gigabytes depending on the model. Streaming apps like Netflix take up very little space, usually under 100 megabytes each. Games and apps that store content locally take up more.

You can install dozens of streaming apps without running out of space. If you do fill up your TV's storage, you can delete apps you're not using to make room for new ones. Deleting an app doesn't delete your account or your saved preferences—when you reinstall it later, you just sign back in.

When your TV doesn't have the app you want

If an app isn't available in your TV's app store, you have two options: wait for the publisher to release it for your platform, or use an external device.

An external device is a separate box or stick that connects to your TV via HDMI. A Roku stick, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV box, or Chromecast all have their own app stores and operating systems. You can plug one into your TV's HDMI port and use it to access apps that aren't available on your TV directly. This is common for people with older TVs or for accessing very niche apps.

Some people use external devices even when their TV has the app, because the external device's version might be faster or have more features. It's entirely up to you.

Updating apps on your smart TV

Most smart TVs update apps automatically in the background, usually overnight when the TV is in standby mode. You don't have to do anything—the updates happen on their own.

If you want to check for updates manually, go to your app store, find the app, and look for an "Update" button. If one appears, select it. If no button appears, the app is already up to date. Keeping apps updated fixes bugs and adds new features, so it's worth checking occasionally if automatic updates aren't working.

Troubleshooting apps that won't read

If an app won't read, the most common causes are a weak internet connection, not enough storage space, or a temporary problem with the app store itself.

First, check your internet connection. Go to your TV's settings and look for a network or Wi-Fi section. Make sure your TV is connected and the signal is strong. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.

Next, check your storage. Go to settings and look for "Storage" or "Device Storage." If you're using more than 90 percent of your available space, delete an app or two and try again. Finally, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes block downloads.

If the app still won't read after you've tried these steps, the problem may be on the publisher's end. Check their website or social media to see if other people are reporting issues. If they are, wait a few hours and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to read an app?

No. Downloading the app itself is free on every smart TV platform. You only pay if the app requires a subscription—like Netflix or Disney+—and you choose to sign up for that service. Most streaming apps are free to read; you pay for the content inside them.

Can I use the same account on multiple TVs?

Yes. Sign in to your Netflix, Disney+, or other account on as many TVs as you own. Most services let you stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the exact number varies by service. Check your account settings in the app to see how many simultaneous streams you're allowed.

What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?

A factory reset erases all apps and returns your TV to its original state. You'll have to read them again. Your accounts and passwords are also erased, so you'll need to sign back in. Before you factory reset, write down which apps you use so you remember what to reinstall.

Can I sideload apps onto my smart TV?

Sideloading—installing an app from outside the official app store—is possible on some Android TVs but not on Apple TV, Samsung, or LG. It requires technical knowledge and can introduce security risks. For most people, sticking to the official app store is simpler and safer.

Why is an app available on my phone but not on my TV?

Apps are built separately for different platforms. A developer might build an app for iPhone and Android phones but not for smart TVs, because the TV version requires different code and testing. The publisher decides which platforms to support based on demand and resources.