The basic steps to get an app on your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You find it on the home screen, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer or phone needed. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you're looking for Netflix, YouTube, or a news app.
The app store on Samsung TVs is called the Samsung App Store or Samsung Smart TV App Store, depending on your TV's age. Newer models call it Samsung TV Plus or just "Apps." The exact name matters less than knowing where to look: it's always on your home screen, usually marked with a grid icon or the word "Apps."
Key Takeaways
- Open the home screen on your Samsung TV, find the Apps section, and search for the app you want by name.
- Press the install button when you find the app, and it downloads and installs automatically without any setup on your part.
- Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Prime Video are available on Samsung TVs, but some niche or very new apps may not be.
- If an app won't install, restart your TV and check that it's connected to the internet with a strong signal.
Finding and opening the app store on your TV
Turn on your Samsung TV and look at the home screen. You'll see rows of apps and content. On the left side or at the top, there's usually a button or section labeled "Apps," "Samsung App Store," or sometimes just a grid icon. Press it with your remote.
If you can't find it when ready, press the Home button on your remote — this takes you to the main home screen if you're watching something. From there, look for the Apps tile. On very new Samsung TVs, you might see "Samsung TV Plus" at the top, which also leads to the app store.
Searching for and installing an app
Once you're in the app store, look for a search icon — it usually looks like a magnifying glass. Press it and type the name of the app you want. For example, type "Netflix" or "YouTube." The TV will show you matching results as you type.
When you see the app you want, highlight it and press the Select button on your remote (usually the center button). You'll see an "Install" button appear. Press it. The app will read and install automatically — you don't need to do anything else. A progress bar may appear briefly, and then the app is ready to use.
Once installation finishes, you can open the app when ready by pressing a button that says "Open," or you can close the app store and find the app on your home screen in a section called "My Apps" or "Installed Apps."
What apps are actually available on Samsung TVs
The major streaming services are always there: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Apple TV+. News apps like CNN, BBC, and local news stations are usually available. Music apps like Spotify and YouTube Music work on Samsung TVs too.
Smaller or very new apps may not be in the Samsung App Store. If you search for an app and nothing comes up, it either isn't made for Samsung TVs yet or the developer hasn't submitted it to Samsung's store. This doesn't mean the app is bad — it just means you can't install it directly on the TV. You might be able to use it through a web browser on the TV instead, or cast it from your phone.
Troubleshooting when an app won't install
If you press Install and nothing happens, or the installation stops partway through, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to WiFi and that the signal is strong. If you're far from your router, move the TV closer or move the router closer.
If the connection is fine, restart your TV completely. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary problems that can block installations. Once it's back on, try installing the app again.
If an app still won't install after a restart, check that your TV's software is up to date. Go to Settings, then Support or About, and look for a Software Update option. If an update is available, install it and try again. Outdated software can prevent new apps from installing.
Managing apps and freeing up space
Samsung TVs have storage space for apps, just like phones do. If you install many apps, you might eventually run out of room. You can delete apps you don't use to make space for new ones. Go to Settings, then Apps, find the app you want to remove, and select Delete or Uninstall.
You can also organize your apps on the home screen. Most Samsung TVs let you move app tiles around, hide apps you don't use often, or create folders to group similar apps together. Press and hold an app tile with your remote to see options for moving or organizing it.
Using your phone to install apps remotely
If you have a Samsung account and your TV is signed in, you can install apps from your phone using the Samsung SmartThings app. Open the app on your phone, find your TV, and look for an option to browse or install apps. Search for what you want and send it to your TV. The TV will install it in the background, even if you're not in the room.
This is useful if you're at work and want to set up an app before you get home, or if your TV remote is lost. You'll still need your TV to be turned on and connected to the internet for this to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from outside the Samsung App Store?
Not easily. Samsung TVs are designed to install apps only from the official Samsung App Store for security reasons. You cannot sideload apps from a USB drive or read them from other websites the way you might on a computer. If an app isn't in the Samsung store, it's not made for Samsung TVs.
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
No. You can install most apps without signing into a Samsung account. However, some apps — like Netflix or your bank's app — will ask you to sign in once they're installed. That's different from needing a Samsung account to install them.
Why does an app say it's not compatible with my TV?
Apps are built for specific TV models and software versions. If your TV is older, a newer app might not work on it. Check your TV's software version in Settings and update it if possible. If the app still won't install, it's designed for newer Samsung TVs only.
Can I install the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?
Yes. If you have a Samsung account, you can install the same app on each TV separately using the same process. You don't need to buy the app again — apps in the Samsung App Store are free or come with a subscription you pay once.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset removes all installed apps and returns the TV to its original state. You'll need to reinstall any apps you want. If you have a Samsung account, signing back in may restore some apps automatically, but it's safer to reinstall them manually to be sure.