The basic path: find the app in LG's app store and install it
Adding an app to an LG Smart TV means going through the LG Content Store, which comes built into every LG Smart TV. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer or phone needed. The whole process takes about two minutes once you find the app you're looking for.
The app stays on your TV permanently after installation. You can delete it later if you change your mind, and you can reinstall it without paying again. Most apps are free, though some require a subscription to use (like Netflix or HBO Max) — the app itself installs free, but you pay the service separately.
Key Takeaways
- Open the LG Content Store from your TV's home screen using the remote, then search for the app by name.
- Press the Install button when you find the app, and it downloads and installs automatically without any setup on your part.
- Once installed, the app appears on your home screen or in your apps list, ready to open and use.
- If an app won't install, restart your TV and check that it is connected to the internet — most installation problems come from a weak or dropped connection.
- You can delete an app by highlighting it on the home screen, pressing the Options button on your remote, and selecting Remove.
Step-by-step: installing an app from the LG Content Store
Start at your TV's home screen. Look for a tile or icon labeled "LG Content Store" — it usually appears in the top row or in a menu labeled "Apps." Press it with your remote. The store opens and shows you featured apps and categories.
Press the search button (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) and type the name of the app you want. Use the remote's arrow buttons to move between letters and the OK button to select each one. When you finish typing, press OK or the search button again. The store shows you matching results.
Find the app in the list and highlight it with your remote. Press OK to open the app's detail page. You will see a description, screenshots, and an "Install" button. Press OK on the Install button. The TV downloads and installs the app automatically — you do not need to do anything else. A progress bar appears briefly, then the button changes to "Open" once installation is complete.
Press OK on the Open button to launch the app when ready, or press the back button to return to the home screen. The app now appears on your home screen or in your apps list and is ready to use whenever you want.
What to do if the app does not appear after installation
If you installed the app but cannot find it on your home screen, check your apps list first. Press the Home button on your remote, then look for an "Apps" or "My Apps" tile. Highlight it and press OK. Scroll through the list — your newly installed app should be there, usually near the bottom or in alphabetical order.
If the app is in the list but you want it on your home screen for faster access, highlight it in the apps list, press the Options button on your remote (usually marked with three horizontal lines or a gear icon), and select "Add to Home" or "Pin to Home." The app moves to your home screen when ready.
If the app does not appear in the apps list at all, the installation may have failed silently. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it restarts, open the LG Content Store again, search for the app, and try installing it once more. If it still does not work, check that your TV is connected to the internet by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming you see a connected Wi-Fi network or ethernet connection.
Why an app might fail to install
The most common reason an app fails to install is a weak or interrupted internet connection. If your TV is far from your router or the signal is poor, the read may stall or stop. Move your TV closer to the router if possible, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Then try installing the app again.
Some apps are not available in all regions. If you search for an app and it does not appear in the store at all, it may not be offered in your country. This is especially true for streaming services and apps tied to specific networks. There is no way around this — the app straightforward is not available through the LG Content Store in your location.
Occasionally an app is temporarily unavailable because LG is updating it or removing it from the store. If you installed the app before and it has disappeared, it may return in a few days or weeks. Check back periodically, or search for an alternative app that does the same thing.
Managing storage if your TV runs out of space
LG Smart TVs have limited built-in storage, and installing many apps can fill it up. If you see a message that says "Not enough storage" when you try to install an app, you need to delete apps you no longer use. Go to your home screen, highlight an app you want to remove, press the Options button on your remote, and select "Remove" or "Delete." The app uninstalls when ready and frees up space.
Start by deleting apps you rarely open. You can always reinstall them later if you change your mind — the LG Content Store remembers that you installed them before. After deleting a few apps, try installing the new app again. If you still run out of space after removing several apps, your TV's storage is straightforward too full for the app you want. In that case, delete more apps or consider whether you really need the new one.
How to update an app after it is installed
LG Smart TVs usually update apps automatically in the background when you are not using the TV. You do not need to do anything — the TV checks for updates periodically and installs them on its own. If you want to check for updates manually, open the LG Content Store, press the Menu or Options button, and look for "My Apps" or "Installed Apps." Highlight any app that shows an "Update" button and press OK to update it when ready.
If an app is not working correctly, updating it often fixes the problem. Open the LG Content Store, find the app, and check whether an update is available. If one is, install it and try using the app again. Most app problems come from outdated versions that have known bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from somewhere other than the LG Content Store?
No. LG Smart TVs only install apps from the LG Content Store. You cannot sideload apps from a phone, computer, or USB drive. If an app is not in the LG Content Store, you cannot install it on your TV.
Do I need to sign in to my LG account to install apps?
Not for most apps. You can install free apps without signing in to anything. Some apps may ask you to create an account with that specific service (like Netflix or Hulu) after you install them, but the app installation itself does not require an LG account.
What happens if I delete an app and then want it back?
You can reinstall it anytime by opening the LG Content Store, searching for it by name, and pressing Install again. The LG Content Store remembers that you installed it before, so you do not pay again or lose any settings you saved within the app.
Why does my app keep crashing after I install it?
Restart your TV first by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the app still crashes, check that you have the latest version by opening the LG Content Store, finding the app, and installing any available update. If it continues to crash after updating, the app may not be compatible with your specific TV model — try uninstalling it and using a different app that does the same thing.
Can I move an app to a different spot on my home screen?
Yes. Highlight the app on your home screen, press the Options button on your remote, and select "Move" or "Rearrange." Use the arrow buttons to move it to a new position, then press OK to confirm. The app stays in that spot until you move it again.