The basic steps for adding apps to Samsung Smart TVs
Adding an app to a Samsung Smart TV takes about two minutes. Open the app store built into your TV — Samsung calls it the Samsung App Store or Samsung TV Plus depending on your model year — search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen. You do not need a computer or phone to do this; everything happens on the TV itself.
The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system, used on most models made after 2016) or an older system. Tizen is the standard now, so that is what most people encounter. If your TV is older than 2016, the app store may look different or have fewer apps available, but the basic idea is the same: find the store, search, install.
You will need your TV connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable — before you start. If your TV is not connected yet, go to Settings on your remote, select Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable. Once you are online, you are ready to add apps.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store from your TV's home screen, search for the app you want, and select Install — the whole process takes a few minutes and happens entirely on your TV.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet before you can read apps.
- Apps appear on your home screen after installation and can be rearranged or removed at any time.
- If an app is not in the Samsung App Store, you cannot add it to your TV — Samsung does not allow sideloading apps from outside sources.
- Some apps require a paid subscription (like Netflix or Hulu) but are free to install; others are free to use.
How to find and install an app on a Tizen Samsung TV
Start at your TV's home screen. Look for an icon that says Apps, Samsung App Store, or looks like a grid of squares — this is your app store. Press it with your remote. The store opens and shows categories like Entertainment, Sports, and Lifestyle, plus a search bar at the top.
Use the search bar to find the app you want. Press the search icon, type the app name (like "Netflix" or "Disney+"), and select the result. The app's page opens and shows a description, user ratings, and an Install button. Press Install. The read starts and usually finishes in under a minute, depending on your internet speed and the app's size.
Once installation is complete, the button changes to Open. You can press it to launch the app right away, or go back to your home screen where the app now appears as a new tile. You can rearrange apps on your home screen by highlighting one, pressing and holding your remote's center button, and moving it with the arrow keys.
What apps are available and where to find them
The Samsung App Store carries the major streaming services — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and others. It also has apps for news (CNN, BBC, Reuters), sports (ESPN, YouTube TV), music (Spotify, YouTube Music), and utilities like weather and calendar. The selection varies slightly by region and TV model year.
If you are looking for a specific app, the fastest way to check if it is available is to open the app store on your TV and search for it by name. If it does not appear in the search results, it is not available for Samsung TVs. This is different from a phone or computer, where you can read apps from multiple sources — Samsung TVs only use the Samsung App Store, and Samsung controls what appears there.
Some apps are free to read and use (like YouTube or Pluto TV). Others are free to read but require a paid subscription to watch anything (like Netflix or Hulu). The app store listing tells you which category each app falls into before you install it.
Managing apps after you install them
Once an app is on your home screen, you can move it, delete it, or pin it to keep it at the top. To move an app, highlight it with your remote, press and hold the center button, and use the arrow keys to drag it to a new spot. To delete an app, highlight it, press the Options button (usually marked with three dots or lines on your remote), and select Delete or Remove. The app disappears from your home screen, though you can reinstall it anytime by going back to the app store.
To pin an app so it stays at the top of your home screen, highlight it, press Options, and select Pin to Home or Add to Favorites. The exact wording depends on your TV model, but the idea is the same. Pinned apps stay in place even if you add new ones.
If an app stops working or acts slow, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it fresh. Open the app store, search for the app, and select Install again — this downloads the latest version and often fixes problems. You do not lose any saved passwords or settings inside the app; those are stored separately.
Updating apps on your Samsung TV
Samsung TVs update apps automatically by default. When you turn on your TV, it checks for app updates in the background and installs them without asking. You do not have to do anything — updates happen on their own schedule, usually overnight or when your TV is idle.
If you want to check for updates manually, open the Samsung App Store, press Options, and look for My Apps or Installed Apps. This shows all the apps you have installed and tells you which ones have updates waiting. Select an app and press Update to install the new version right away.
Updates usually add new features, fix bugs, or improve performance. They rarely remove features you are using. If an update causes a problem, you can uninstall the app and reinstall the previous version by going back to the app store, though this is uncommon.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
If you press Install and nothing happens, or the read stalls, check your internet connection first. Go to Settings, select Network, and run a connection test. If your TV is connected but slow, move closer to your WiFi router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
If your internet is working but the app still will not install, try restarting your TV. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then go to the app store and try installing again. This clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads.
If the app store itself is not opening, or you see an error message, your TV may need a software update. Go to Settings, select Support or About This TV, and look for Software Update or System Update. Select it and let your TV read and install any available updates. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires your TV to restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps that are not in the Samsung App Store?
No. Samsung TVs only allow apps from the Samsung App Store. You cannot sideload apps from a phone, computer, or other source. If an app is not in the store, it is not available for your TV model.
Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?
No. You can read and install apps without creating a Samsung account. However, some apps inside the store (like Netflix or Hulu) require you to sign in with your own account for that service before you can watch anything.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset removes all apps you installed and returns your TV to its original state. You will have to reinstall each app afterward. Your TV's built-in apps (like Samsung TV Plus) come back automatically, but anything you added is gone.
Why does an app keep crashing after I install it?
Try uninstalling the app, restarting your TV, and reinstalling it fresh. If it still crashes, check that your TV has the latest software update — go to Settings, Support, and Software Update. If the app crashes even after updating, it may not be compatible with your specific TV model, and contacting the app maker is your next step.
Can I use the same streaming app on my TV and phone at the same time?
It depends on the app and your subscription. Most streaming services allow you to watch on multiple devices, but some limit how many can play at once. Check your subscription details inside the app or on the service's website to see how many simultaneous streams you get.