The basic steps for adding an app to Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs let you read apps directly from the TV itself using the remote. Open the app store on your TV — usually called Samsung TV Plus or the Galaxy Store depending on your model year — navigate to the app you want, and select it to read. The TV installs it automatically and adds it to your home screen. You do not need a computer or phone to do this.
The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system) or Google TV. Both work similarly, but the menus look different. If you are not sure which one you have, go to Settings on your TV remote, then About TV, and look for the operating system name.
Key Takeaways
- You can add apps directly on your Samsung TV using the remote and the built-in app store without needing a phone or computer.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet cable before you can read any apps.
- Apps appear on your home screen after read, and you can rearrange them or delete ones you no longer use.
- If an app does not appear in the store, your TV model may be too old or the app may not support your TV's operating system.
Make sure your TV is connected to the internet
Apps read over your home WiFi or a wired ethernet connection. If your TV is not connected, you cannot read anything. Check your connection by going to Settings, then Network, and looking for your WiFi network name in the list. If it shows "Connected," you are ready to read apps.
If your TV is not connected, select your WiFi network from the list, enter your password using the remote, and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes less than a minute. If you use an ethernet cable plugged directly into the TV, the connection should happen automatically.
Finding and downloading apps on Tizen TVs
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. Look for an app store icon — it usually says "Samsung TV Plus" or "Apps" depending on your model. Select it with the remote. You will see a grid of apps organized by category like Entertainment, Sports, and News.
Use the arrow buttons on your remote to navigate to the app you want. When you find it, select it and choose read or Install. The TV will show a progress bar while it downloads. Once finished, the app appears on your home screen automatically. You can now open it and sign in with your account if the app requires one.
If you cannot find an app in the store, search for it using the search function. Press the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the app store, type the app name using the remote keyboard, and select it from the results.
Finding and downloading apps on Google TV
Press the Home button on your remote. Look for the Google Play Store icon, which shows a colorful triangle. Select it. You will see featured apps and categories like Entertainment, Games, and News.
Navigate to the app you want using the arrow buttons. You can also search by pressing the search icon and typing the app name. When you find the app, select it and choose Install. The TV downloads and installs it automatically. The app then appears on your home screen.
Google TV also shows you which apps are already installed and which ones have updates available. You can update apps the same way you install them — select the app and choose Update instead of Install.
Organizing and removing apps from your home screen
After you read an app, it sits on your home screen with your other apps. You can rearrange them by selecting an app, holding the select button, and moving it with the arrow buttons to a new position. This helps you keep the apps you use most at the top or on the left side where they are easier to find.
To remove an app you no longer use, select it on the home screen, press the Options button (usually marked with three dots or lines), and choose Remove or Uninstall. The app disappears from your home screen. You can always read it again later from the app store if you change your mind.
What to do if an app is not available for your TV
Some apps do not appear in Samsung's app store because they are not compatible with your TV model or operating system. Older Samsung TVs from before 2016 may not support newer apps. Apps designed only for phones or tablets will not show up in the TV app store at all.
If an app you want is not in the store, check whether your TV model supports it by visiting the app's website or looking at the app store listing on your phone. Some apps list which TV brands and operating systems they work with. If your TV is too old, you may need to use a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick instead, which you can plug into your TV's HDMI port.
Signing in to apps and managing your accounts
After you read an app, you usually need to sign in with your account. Open the app and look for a Sign In or Log In button. Use the remote keyboard to enter your email and password. Some apps let you sign in with your Google account or Samsung account instead, which is faster because you do not have to type your password.
If you forget your password, most apps have a Forgot Password link that sends a reset email to your account. Check your email on your phone or computer, follow the link, create a new password, and then sign in on your TV with the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps to my Samsung TV without WiFi?
No. Your TV must be connected to the internet to read apps from the store. You can use WiFi or plug an ethernet cable directly into the TV. Once an app is installed, you can use it offline if it does not require an internet connection, but you cannot read new apps without internet.
Why does my app keep saying it is not compatible?
Your TV model may be too old or may run an operating system the app does not support. Samsung TVs from 2015 and earlier sometimes cannot run newer apps. Check your TV's model number in Settings, then search online to see which apps that model supports. A streaming device may work better for older TVs.
How do I delete an app I downloaded?
Select the app on your home screen, press the Options button (three dots or lines), and choose Remove or Uninstall. The app disappears from your home screen. You can read it again anytime from the app store if you want it back.
Can I use my phone to add apps to my TV?
Some apps let you cast or mirror from your phone to your TV, but you cannot install apps on your TV using your phone. You must read apps directly on the TV using the remote and the TV's app store. Your phone can control the app once it is installed if the app supports remote control.
What if the app store is not showing up on my TV?
Make sure your TV is connected to the internet. Press the Home button on your remote and look for an app store icon — it may be called Samsung TV Plus, Apps, or Google Play Store depending on your model. If you still cannot find it, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and trying again.