The basic way to add an app to a Samsung Smart TV
Most Samsung Smart TVs let you add apps through the built-in app store, which Samsung calls the Samsung TV Plus or Samsung Apps depending on your model year. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer needed.
The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system, used on most models from 2016 onward) or an older system. Tizen TVs have an app store button on the home screen. Older models may require you to go through the Settings menu instead. Either way, the process takes about two minutes once you find the app.
Not every app is available on Samsung's store. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu are there. Smaller streaming services, niche apps, and some regional services may not be. If the app you want is not in Samsung's store, you have other options — but they require more steps.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs with Tizen (most models from 2016 onward) have an app store button on the home screen where you can search and install apps directly.
- Major streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are available in Samsung's app store, but smaller or regional apps often are not.
- If an app is not in Samsung's store, you can use a Roku device, Fire TV stick, or Apple TV connected to your Samsung TV as a workaround.
- Your Samsung account is not required to install apps, but creating one lets you save preferences and sign in faster across apps.
How to install an app on a Tizen Samsung TV step by step
Press the Home button on your remote. Look for an icon labeled Apps or Samsung TV Plus — it usually appears as a grid or colorful square on the home screen. Select it and press Enter.
Once the app store opens, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top. Select it, type the name of the app you want, and press Enter. The store will show you matching results. Select the app you want and press Enter again.
A details page will appear showing the app name, description, and an Install button. Select Install and press Enter. The TV will read and install the app — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once it finishes, the button will change to Open. You can select Open to launch the app right away, or go back to your home screen and find the app in your apps list later.
What to do if the app you want is not in Samsung's store
Samsung's app store is curated, meaning Samsung decides which apps appear there. This keeps the store organized and reduces malware risk, but it also means some apps straightforward will not show up no matter how you search.
The most reliable workaround is to use a separate streaming device. A Roku streaming stick, Amazon Fire TV stick, or Apple TV can be plugged into your Samsung TV's HDMI port. These devices have their own app stores with broader selections. You control them with their own remotes, and your Samsung TV acts as the display. This approach costs $25 to $150 depending on the device, but it gives you access to thousands of additional apps without replacing your TV.
Another option is screen mirroring from your phone or computer. Most Samsung TVs support Miracast (for Android phones and Windows computers) or AirPlay (for iPhones and Macs). You can mirror your phone's screen to the TV and use apps that way, though the experience is slower and the app controls are designed for a small screen, not a TV. This works in a pinch but is not ideal for regular use.
Understanding app permissions and your Samsung account
When you install an app, Samsung may ask you to sign in with a Samsung account. This is optional — you can skip it and use the app as a guest. A Samsung account does make things easier: it remembers your preferences, keeps you signed into apps longer, and syncs settings if you get a new TV later. If you decide to create one, go to Settings > Accounts and follow the prompts.
Some apps ask for permission to access your TV's microphone, camera, or location data. Read these requests carefully. Most streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube) do not need these permissions. Apps that use voice commands or video calling will ask for them. You can always deny a permission and the app will still work, though some features may be unavailable.
Your TV does not collect data about which apps you use or what you watch unless you sign into a Samsung account. Even then, Samsung's privacy policy lets you control what data is shared. You can review this in Settings > Privacy.
Freeing up space when your TV runs out of storage
Samsung Smart TVs have limited built-in storage — usually between 4 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. After installing 10 to 20 apps, you may get a message that storage is full. Unlike a phone or computer, you cannot add an external hard drive to a Samsung TV.
The solution is to uninstall apps you no longer use. Press Home, go to Apps, find the app you want to remove, press and hold the remote's center button (or select the app and look for a menu option), and choose Uninstall. This frees up space when ready. Most people keep 8 to 12 apps installed at a time and uninstall ones they rarely use.
If you uninstall an app and want it back later, you can reinstall it anytime — your login information for that app is usually saved, so you will not have to sign in again.
Updating apps and keeping your TV current
Samsung TVs update apps automatically by default. You do not have to do anything. If you prefer to control when updates happen, go to Settings > Apps > Auto Update and turn it off. Then you can update apps manually by going to Apps, finding the app, and selecting Update if one is available.
Your TV itself also receives software updates from Samsung. These come over the internet and install automatically when you are not using the TV, usually at night. You can check for updates manually by going to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. These updates fix bugs, add features, and patch security issues, so it is worth letting them happen.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install or crashes
If an app fails to install, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to WiFi and that the connection is stable. You can test this by going to Settings > General > Network > Network Status. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.
If the connection is fine but the app still will not install, try restarting the TV. Press the power button on the remote to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try installing the app again. This clears temporary files that may be blocking the installation.
If an app crashes or freezes after you install it, go to Settings > Apps, find the app, select it, and choose Clear Cache. This removes temporary files the app created without deleting the app itself. If the problem continues, uninstall the app and reinstall it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
No. You can install and use most apps without a Samsung account. A Samsung account is optional and mainly useful if you want your preferences saved across devices or if an app requires sign-in. You can create one anytime in Settings > Accounts.
Can I sideload apps that are not in Samsung's store?
Samsung does not officially support sideloading apps from unknown sources on Tizen TVs. The safest approach is to use a separate streaming device like a Roku or Fire TV stick, which have broader app stores and are designed for this purpose.
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. If you sign into a Samsung account before resetting, your apps and preferences will reinstall automatically when you sign back in. Without an account, you will need to reinstall apps manually.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible with my model?
Some apps require newer hardware or a more recent version of Tizen than your TV has. Older Samsung TVs (before 2016) may not support newer apps. Check your TV's model year in Settings > Support > About This TV. If your TV is very old, a streaming device is usually the best solution.
Can I use the same login for apps on my TV and my phone?
Yes. Most apps (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.) use the same account across devices. Sign in with the same email and password on your TV and phone, and your watchlist and preferences will sync between them.