The basic process: Samsung's app store and your remote

Installing apps on a Samsung Smart TV happens through the Samsung TV Plus app store, which comes built into your TV. You navigate to it using your remote, browse for the app you want, and select it to read. The TV downloads and installs the app automatically — you don't need a computer or USB drive. Most apps are free, though some require a paid subscription to use once installed.

The exact steps depend on which Samsung TV model you own, because Samsung changed the interface between older and newer models. Both routes take about five minutes from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • You access the app store directly from your TV remote without needing a computer or phone.
  • Samsung TVs made after 2016 use the Tizen operating system, while older models use a different menu structure — the steps differ between them.
  • Your TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet cable before you can read any app.
  • Apps read to your TV's internal storage, and some TVs have limited space, so you may not be able to install dozens of apps at once.

How to find and install apps on newer Samsung TVs (2016 and later)

On Samsung TVs made in 2016 or later, press the Home button on your remote. This opens the main menu. Look for an icon that says "Apps" or shows a grid of squares — it's usually in the bottom row. Select it.

You'll see the Samsung TV Plus app store. At the top, you'll see a search icon (magnifying glass) and a list of app categories like Entertainment, Sports, and News. You can either search for a specific app by name or browse by category. Once you find the app you want, select it. The TV will show you details about the app, including whether it's free or paid. Select the read button (usually labeled "Install" or showing a downward arrow). The TV downloads and installs the app automatically. You'll see a notification when it's done.

After installation, the app appears in your Apps menu. You can also add it to your home screen by selecting it and choosing "Add to Home" — this makes it easier to find next time.

How to find and install apps on older Samsung TVs (2015 and earlier)

On older Samsung TVs, the process is similar but the menu looks different. Press the Home button on your remote. Look for an icon labeled "Apps" or "Smart Hub" — on some models it's a separate button on the remote itself. Select it.

You'll see a menu with options like "Featured," "Categories," or "Search." Use the arrow buttons on your remote to navigate. Search for the app by name, or browse categories to find it. Once you find the app, select it and choose "read" or "Install." The TV will read and install it automatically. You'll see a notification when it's done, and the app will appear in your Apps menu.

What to do if an app won't install or read

If you try to install an app and nothing happens, the most common reason is that your TV isn't connected to the internet. Check that your WiFi is on and connected — go to Settings, then Network, and look for your WiFi network name. If it shows "Connected," your internet is working. If not, select your network and enter your WiFi password.

If your TV is connected but the app still won't read, your TV's storage may be full. Samsung TVs have limited internal storage — usually between 4 and 8 gigabytes — and apps take up space. If you've installed many apps, you may need to delete some to make room. Go to Settings, then Apps, and select an app you don't use. Choose "Delete" or "Uninstall." Then try installing the new app again.

Some apps are not available in all regions. If you search for an app and it doesn't appear in the store, it may not be offered in your country. This is common with streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, which are available everywhere, but less common with smaller apps. Check the app's website to see if it supports your region.

Understanding storage limits and what happens when your TV is full

Every Samsung TV has a fixed amount of storage built in — this is different from the storage on your phone or computer. When you install an app, it takes up space on that storage. Once your TV's storage is nearly full, it will slow down, and you won't be able to install new apps until you delete old ones.

You can check how much storage you're using by going to Settings, then Storage or Memory. The TV will show you how much space is used and how much is free. If you're running low, delete apps you no longer use. Go to Settings, Apps, select the app, and choose Delete. This frees up space when ready.

If you have a Samsung TV from 2016 or later, you can also move some apps to an external USB drive to save internal storage, though not all apps support this. Check your TV's manual or Samsung's support website to see if your model allows this.

How to update apps and manage what's installed

Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically if you have automatic updates turned on. To check or change this setting, go to Settings, then Apps, then Auto Update. You can turn automatic updates on or off. If you turn them off, you'll need to manually update apps by going to the Apps menu, finding the app, and selecting "Update" if an update is available.

You can see all the apps you've installed by going to the Apps menu and looking at "My Apps" or "Installed Apps" — the exact label depends on your TV model. From there, you can delete apps, move them to your home screen, or check for updates. Deleting an app removes it from your TV and frees up storage space. You can always reinstall it later by downloading it again from the app store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?

No. You can read and install most apps without signing in to a Samsung account. However, some apps — like Netflix or Disney+ — require you to create an account with that service and sign in once the app is installed. The app store itself doesn't require a Samsung account.

Can I install apps from places other than the Samsung app store?

On most Samsung TVs, no. The TV only lets you install apps from the official Samsung TV Plus app store. You cannot sideload apps from USB drives or other sources on newer models. Some older Samsung TVs allow this, but it requires technical steps and voids your warranty.

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

A factory reset erases everything on your TV, including all installed apps. After the reset, your TV will have only the apps that came with it. You'll need to reinstall any apps you want. This is why it's a good idea to remember which apps you use regularly.

Why does my TV say an app is not available in my region?

Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries. Streaming services, news apps, and sports apps often have regional restrictions. You cannot bypass this restriction on a Samsung TV. Check the app's website to see if it's available where you live.

Can I install the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?

Yes. Each TV downloads and installs its own copy of the app. You'll need to go through the installation process on each TV separately. Some apps let you sign in with the same account on multiple TVs, so your settings and watch history sync across them.