How to Add an App on Your LG Smart TV

The basic steps to install an app on an LG Smart TV

To add an app on an LG Smart TV, press the Home button on your remote, navigate to the LG Content Store (called the App Store on some models), search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen within a few seconds to a few minutes depending on your internet speed and the app size. Most apps are free, though some require a paid subscription to use after installation.

The exact menu names and button locations vary slightly between LG TV models made in different years, but the process is the same: find the app marketplace, search, install, and use. You do not need a separate account with LG to install apps — you may need an account with the app itself (like Netflix or Hulu) to actually watch anything, but installation is separate from sign-in.

Key Takeaways

Press Home on your remote, go to the App Store or LG Content Store, search for the app name, and select Install.
Apps read in the background and appear on your home screen; you do not need to restart your TV.
If an app does not appear in the store, your TV model may not support it, or the app may not be available in your region.
Uninstalling an app frees up storage space and removes it from your home screen, but you can reinstall it anytime without losing your account login.

Finding the app store on your LG TV remote and menu

The Home button is usually at the top center of your LG remote, marked with a house icon. Press it once to bring up your home screen. From there, look for a tile or menu item labeled "App Store," "LG Content Store," or sometimes just "Apps." On newer LG models (2022 and later), this is often a dedicated button or a prominent tile on the home screen. On older models, you may need to scroll right or down to find it.

If you cannot find an app store option, your TV may use webOS (LG's operating system) but be an older model with limited app support. Check your TV's model number on the back or in Settings to confirm which year it was made. LG TVs from 2015 onward generally have an app store, but very early models may have a different system.

Searching for and installing a specific app

Once you are in the App Store, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top) and type the app name using your remote's keyboard. Most LG remotes let you type by pressing numbers and letters, or they show an on-screen keyboard you navigate with arrow buttons. Type the full name — "Netflix," "Hulu," "YouTube" — and the store will show matching results.

Select the app from the search results. You will see an Install button (sometimes labeled "Get" or "Add"). Press it. The app begins downloading when ready; you do not need to confirm anything else or restart your TV. A progress bar or notification may appear briefly. Once installation finishes, the app tile appears on your home screen or in your apps list, and you can open it right away.

What to do if an app is not in the store

Not every app available on phones or computers is available for LG Smart TVs. Developers choose which platforms to support, and some apps (like banking apps or games designed for phones) straightforward do not have a TV version. If you search and find nothing, the app is not available for your TV model.

Check whether the app has a TV version by searching online for the app name plus "LG TV" or "webOS." If it exists, it will show up in the store. If it does not exist, you have no way to install it on your TV. Some apps are region-locked, meaning they are available in some countries but not others — if you moved recently or are using a VPN, this could affect what you see in the store.

Signing in to apps after installation

Installing an app and signing into it are two separate steps. After an app installs, open it by selecting its tile on your home screen. The first time you open it, you will usually see a sign-in screen asking for your username and password (for Netflix, Hulu, etc.) or asking you to create an account. Type your login details using the on-screen keyboard or a connected keyboard if you have one.

Your login credentials are the same ones you use on your phone or computer for that app. If you do not have an account yet, the app will offer a sign-up option. Some apps (like YouTube or Spotify) let you sign in with a Google or Facebook account, which is usually faster than typing a long password on a TV remote.

Managing storage and removing apps you no longer use

LG Smart TVs have limited built-in storage, usually between 4 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. Installing many large apps can slow down your TV or prevent new apps from installing. If you run out of space, you can uninstall apps you no longer use to free up room.

To uninstall an app, press and hold on the app tile on your home screen (or right-click with your remote if it has a menu button). Select Remove, Delete, or Uninstall from the menu that appears. The app disappears from your home screen and is removed from your TV's storage. Your login information for that app is usually saved, so if you reinstall it later, you can sign back in without re-entering your password. Some apps store settings or watch history in the cloud, so those carry over too.

Troubleshooting when an app will not install or crashes

If an app fails to install, first check your internet connection by opening another app or going to Settings to run a network test. A weak or unstable connection is the most common reason installation stalls. If your connection is fine, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up. Then try installing the app again.

If an app installs but crashes when you open it, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. If it still crashes, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model or webOS version. Check the app's description in the store for any compatibility notes. You can also check for TV software updates in Settings — sometimes a newer webOS version fixes app crashes. Go to Settings, then Support or About, and look for a Software Update or System Update option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from somewhere other than the LG App Store?

No. LG Smart TVs only install apps from the official LG Content Store or App Store. You cannot sideload apps from USB drives or read them from websites the way you can on a computer. This is a security feature — it means apps on your TV have been checked by LG before they reach you.

Do I need an LG account to install apps?

No. You do not need an LG account to install apps from the store. You may need an account with the app itself (like a Netflix account) to use it, but installation is free and does not require registration with LG.

Will installing apps slow down my TV?

Installing a few apps will not noticeably slow your TV. If you install dozens of apps, your TV may become slower to navigate or take longer to turn on, because it is loading more in the background. Uninstalling apps you do not use regularly helps keep your TV responsive.

What happens to my login information if I uninstall an app?

Most apps save your login information in the cloud or on LG's servers, so if you reinstall the app, you can sign back in without re-entering your password. However, some apps may forget your preferences or watch history if you uninstall them. Check the app's settings before uninstalling if you want to back up your data.

Why does the app store show different apps than my phone does?

Developers decide which platforms to support. Some apps are only made for phones, and some are only made for TVs. The LG App Store shows only apps that have a TV version. This is normal and not a problem with your TV.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.