How to Add Apps to Your Samsung Smart TV

The fastest way to add an app to your Samsung TV

Open the app store built into your Samsung TV by pressing the Home button on your remote, then look for an icon labeled "Apps" or "Samsung Apps Store." Search for the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or whatever else — and select it. Press the Install button. The app downloads and installs automatically, then appears on your home screen ready to open.

The whole process takes two to five minutes for most apps. You do not need a computer or phone. Everything happens on the TV itself.

Key Takeaways

Samsung's app store is built into every Samsung Smart TV and opens from the Home button on your remote.
Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu are available directly from the Samsung Apps Store with no extra steps.
Apps install to your TV's storage, so older or budget models with less storage may not hold as many apps as newer ones.
If an app does not appear in the Samsung Apps Store, you can sideload it using a USB drive or by connecting your phone to the TV.

Finding the app store on your Samsung TV

The Samsung Apps Store location depends on your TV's age and software version, but the process is nearly identical on all models made in the last five years. Press the Home button on your remote — it usually has a house icon. Look at the bottom row of your home screen for an icon that says "Apps" or shows a grid of squares. Select it.

If you cannot find it on the home screen, press the Home button again and look for a menu option. On some older models, you may see "Smart Hub" instead of "Apps" — select that and then choose "Apps" from the menu that appears. Once you are in the app store, you will see a search bar at the top. Type the name of the app you want.

Installing apps from the Samsung Apps Store

After you search for an app, Samsung shows you a list of results. Select the one you want — the icon and name should match what you are looking for. A details page opens showing the app description, reviews, and an Install button. Press Install and wait. The app downloads and installs automatically without any input from you.

Installation usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. When it finishes, the Install button changes to Open. You can press Open to start the app right away, or press the Home button to go back to your home screen, where the new app now appears in your apps list.

What to do if the app you want is not in the Samsung Apps Store

Most major apps are available in the Samsung Apps Store — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV, and Peacock are all there. But some smaller or regional apps may not be. If you search and the app does not appear, you have two options: sideload it using a USB drive, or use your phone to cast the app to your TV.

Sideloading requires downloading the app file to a USB drive on a computer, then plugging the USB drive into your TV. This is more technical and works only if the app developer provides the file. Casting is simpler — if the app exists on your phone and supports casting, open it on your phone and look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a WiFi symbol). Select your TV from the list and the app content appears on your screen.

Storage and how many apps your TV can hold

Every Samsung Smart TV has built-in storage for apps, but the amount varies. Newer models and higher-end models typically have 8 to 16 gigabytes of storage available for apps. Budget models and TVs from five or more years ago may have only 4 to 8 gigabytes. Each app takes up space — Netflix uses about 50 megabytes, YouTube about 100 megabytes, and larger apps can use 200 to 500 megabytes.

If your TV runs out of storage, you will see a message when you try to install a new app. You can delete apps you no longer use to make room. Press Home, find the app you want to remove, press and hold the select button on your remote, and choose Delete or Uninstall from the menu. Deleting an app frees up space when ready, and you can always reinstall it later.

Signing into apps and managing accounts

After you install an app, you usually need to sign in with your account. Open the app and look for a Sign In or Log In button. Enter your email and password the same way you would on a phone or computer. Some apps let you stay signed in permanently; others ask you to sign in each time you open them.

If you have multiple people in your household, each person can have their own account on the TV. Go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, and add a new user. Each user can have their own apps, home screen layout, and app accounts. When someone else wants to use the TV, they select their name from the user menu and their personalized home screen appears.

Updating apps and keeping them current

Samsung automatically checks for app updates and installs them in the background when your TV is on and connected to the internet. You do not need to do anything. If you want to check for updates manually, open the Samsung Apps Store, press the menu button on your remote (usually three horizontal lines), and select My Apps or Updates. You will see a list of apps with available updates. Select Update All to install them all at once, or select individual apps to update them one by one.

Keeping apps updated is important because updates fix bugs, add new features, and improve security. Apps that have not been updated in months may stop working if the service they connect to changes. If an app stops working, check the Samsung Apps Store to see if an update is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps to my Samsung TV if I do not have internet?

No. Apps read from Samsung's servers over the internet, so your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet. You can sideload apps using a USB drive if you have the app file, but that requires a computer and is not the normal way to add apps.

Why does my Samsung TV say an app is not compatible?

Older Samsung TVs running older software versions cannot run all apps. If an app shows "Not Compatible" in the Samsung Apps Store, your TV's software is too old. Check Settings, then About This TV, then Software Update to see if an update is available. Updating may unlock the app, but very old TVs may never support newer apps.

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

All apps and accounts are deleted when you factory reset your TV. You will need to reinstall each app and sign back into your accounts. Before you reset, write down which apps you use so you remember what to reinstall.

Can I move apps between Samsung TVs?

No. Apps are tied to the individual TV they are installed on. If you get a new Samsung TV, you will need to install your apps on the new TV. Your accounts and settings do not transfer automatically, though you can sign into the same accounts on the new TV.

Why is my Samsung TV running slowly after I install many apps?

Too many apps use storage and memory, which slows down your TV's performance. Delete apps you do not use regularly. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If it is still slow, check Settings, then Apps, and see which apps are using the most storage or memory.

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.