The basic steps for adding apps to an LG Smart TV

Most LG Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV. The exact steps depend on which LG operating system your TV runs — some use webOS, others use Roku — but the general path is the same: find the app store, search, select, and install.

You do not need a computer or phone to add apps to your LG TV. Everything happens on the TV itself. The only thing you need is an internet connection, either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV.

Key Takeaways

  • LG Smart TVs with webOS have an app store accessible from the home screen; Roku-based LG TVs have a different app store layout but the same basic process.
  • You search for and install apps directly on the TV using your remote — no computer or phone required.
  • Some apps are free; others require a paid subscription or a separate account with the app's provider.
  • If an app will not install, restart the TV, check your internet connection, and make sure your TV has enough storage space.

Finding and opening the app store on webOS TVs

If your LG TV runs webOS (most models from 2016 onward do), press the Home button on your remote. This brings up the home screen. Look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store" or "App Store" — it usually appears as a grid or shopping bag icon. Select it and press Enter.

Once inside the app store, you will see categories like "Featured," "Games," "Entertainment," and "Utilities." You can browse these categories or use the search function. To search, look for a magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen, select it, and type the name of the app you want using the remote's keyboard or on-screen keypad.

Finding and opening the app store on Roku-based LG TVs

If your LG TV runs Roku (some newer LG models use Roku instead of webOS), press the Home button on your remote. From the home screen, scroll left or right until you see a "Channel Store" or "Roku Channel Store" option. Select it and press Enter.

Inside the Roku Channel Store, you can browse by category or search for a specific app. The search function works the same way: find the search icon, select it, and type the app name using the on-screen keyboard.

Installing an app and what to expect

Once you find the app you want, select it. You will see a description, screenshots, and an "Install" or "Add Channel" button. Select that button and press Enter. The TV will read and install the app — this usually takes between 30 seconds and two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.

After installation finishes, the button will change to "Open" or "Launch." You can select it to start the app right away, or you can go back to the home screen and find the app there. Most newly installed apps appear in a "Recently Added" section or at the end of your app list.

Some apps are free to read but require you to sign in with an account — for example, Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube. You will be prompted to enter your username and password after you open the app for the first time. Other apps are paid and will ask you to purchase them before installation begins.

Checking your TV's storage and internet connection

LG Smart TVs have limited built-in storage, usually between 4 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. If you install many apps, you may run out of space. If an app will not install and you see an error message about storage, you can delete apps you no longer use to free up room.

To delete an app on webOS, go to the home screen, find the app you want to remove, press and hold the remote's OK button, and select "Delete" from the menu that appears. On Roku-based TVs, highlight the app, press the Options button (usually marked with three dots or lines), and select "Remove Channel."

If an app installs but will not open, or if the installation fails partway through, check your internet connection first. Go to Settings on your TV, find Network or WiFi, and confirm that you are connected. If you are connected but the app still will not work, restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up.

What to do if an app is not in the store

Not every app is available in the LG app store or Roku Channel Store. Some apps are only made for phones and tablets, not for TV screens. Others may not be available in your region. If you search for an app and cannot find it, check the app's official website to see whether it offers a TV version.

If an app you want truly is not available for your TV, you have a few alternatives. You can use AirPlay (if you have an iPhone or Mac) or Chromecast (if you have an Android phone) to send video from your phone to the TV. You can also connect a streaming device like a Roku stick, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV to an HDMI port on the back of your TV — these devices have their own app stores and may have the app you are looking for.

Managing apps and keeping your TV running smoothly

Over time, apps can accumulate on your TV and slow it down. You do not need to keep every app you have ever installed. Delete apps you no longer use to free up storage and keep your TV responsive.

Some apps receive updates automatically, while others require you to update them manually. On webOS, go to the app store, find "My Apps," and look for an "Update" button next to any apps that have new versions available. On Roku, go to the Channel Store, select "My Channels," and update from there. Keeping apps updated ensures they work properly and fixes security issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on my LG Smart TV?

Some apps are free to read and use. Others require a paid subscription (like Netflix or Hulu) or a one-time purchase. The app store will tell you before you install whether an app is free or costs money.

Can I use the same account on multiple TVs?

Yes. If you sign into Netflix, YouTube, or another app on one TV, you can sign into the same account on another TV. Each TV stores its own copy of the app, but they share your account information and viewing history.

What happens if I unplug my TV while an app is installing?

The installation will stop and the app may not work properly. Always let an installation finish before turning off the TV. If you accidentally unplug it, restart the TV and try installing the app again.

Can I move apps to an external hard drive to save space?

No. LG Smart TVs do not support moving apps to external storage. Your only option is to delete apps you do not use or to replace your TV with a model that has more built-in storage.

Why does my app keep crashing after I install it?

Apps crash when they run out of memory, when your internet connection drops, or when the app itself has a bug. Try restarting the TV, closing other apps, and checking your internet speed. If the app still crashes, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh.