Where to find and install apps on your Samsung TV

Samsung Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You access it through the home screen using your remote. The exact steps depend on which Samsung model you own — the interface changed around 2016 — but the basic path is the same: press the Home button on your remote, look for an app store or apps section, search for what you want, and select Install.

The app store on Samsung TVs is called Samsung TV Plus on newer models (2016 and later) and Samsung Apps on older ones. Both work the same way: you browse categories, search by name, read descriptions, and read directly to your TV. The apps install automatically once you select them — you don't need to do anything else.

Your TV needs to be connected to the internet for this to work. If your TV is not yet connected to WiFi or ethernet, go to Settings, then Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable. Once connected, the app store will load.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Home on your remote, navigate to the app store (Samsung TV Plus or Samsung Apps depending on your model year), search for the app by name, and select Install.
  • Your TV must be connected to the internet before you can read apps, either through WiFi or an ethernet cable.
  • Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Hulu are already pre-installed on Samsung TVs, so check your home screen before searching.
  • Apps read and install automatically — you do not need to create an account with Samsung or pay to use the app store itself.
  • If an app does not appear in the store, it may not be available for your TV model or region, and you can use a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick instead.

What apps are already on your Samsung TV

Samsung TVs ship with several apps pre-installed on the home screen. These typically include Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and sometimes Spotify or other services depending on your model and region. You do not need to install these — they are ready to use as soon as you turn on the TV.

If you do not see an app you want on the home screen, it may still be installed but hidden. Scroll right on the home screen to see more apps, or go to the app store and search for it by name. Some apps come pre-installed but not pinned to the home screen.

How to search for and install a specific app

Open the app store by pressing Home on your remote and selecting the app store icon. Look for a search button — it usually looks like a magnifying glass — and select it. Type the name of the app you want using the on-screen keyboard. The TV will show you matching results.

Select the app from the search results. You will see a description, screenshots, and an Install button. Select Install. The TV will read and install the app, which usually takes less than a minute depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once it finishes, the button will change to Open or Launch.

The app now appears on your home screen or in your apps list. You can move it around by selecting and holding it, or delete it by selecting and holding and choosing Remove.

Managing storage and removing apps you don't use

Samsung TVs have limited storage space, usually between 4 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. If you install many apps, you may run out of space and see an error message when trying to install new ones. You can free up space by removing apps you no longer use.

To remove an app, go to your home screen or apps list, select and hold the app icon with your remote, and choose Remove or Delete. The app uninstalls when ready and frees up space. You can always reinstall it later from the app store at no cost.

If you frequently run out of storage, consider using a streaming device instead. External devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV have their own storage and do not take up space on your TV.

Signing in to apps and managing accounts

Most apps require you to sign in with an account — Netflix needs your Netflix login, Prime Video needs your Amazon account, and so on. When you open an app for the first time, it will prompt you to sign in. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your username and password, or look for a QR code option that lets you sign in on your phone instead.

Your TV will remember your login after you sign in once. If you share your TV with others and want to keep your accounts separate, some apps let you create multiple profiles within the app itself. Check the app's settings to see if this option is available.

If you forget a password, use the app's website on a computer or phone to reset it, then sign back in on your TV using the new password.

What to do if an app is not available in the Samsung app store

Not all apps are available for Samsung TVs. Some developers only make apps for other platforms like Roku or Fire TV. If you search for an app and it does not appear, it is likely not available for your TV model or region.

You have two options: wait to see if the developer releases a Samsung version later, or use a different device to access that service. Many people use a streaming stick or external device plugged into an HDMI port on their TV. These devices have their own app stores and often have more apps available than Samsung TVs.

You can also check the app developer's website to see which TV platforms they support. Some apps are only available on certain brands or only in certain countries.

Troubleshooting when apps won't install or won't open

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. Try restarting your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and attempting the install again.

If an app installs but will not open, try these steps in order: open the app store and check for updates to the app, restart your TV, sign out and sign back into the app, or uninstall and reinstall the app. If the app still will not work, it may not be compatible with your TV model.

If you see a storage full message, you need to remove other apps to make room. Go to Settings, then Storage, to see how much space is available and which apps are using the most storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

No. You can read apps from the Samsung app store without creating a Samsung account. However, you will need accounts with individual services like Netflix or Hulu to use those apps once they are installed on your TV.

Can I use the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?

Yes. If you sign into the same account on multiple TVs, you can read the same apps on each one. Your login information will be saved on each TV separately, so you will need to sign in to each TV the first time you use an app.

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

A factory reset removes all apps you installed and returns your TV to its original state with only pre-installed apps. Your account logins are also erased. You will need to reinstall apps and sign back in afterward. Only do a factory reset if you are troubleshooting a serious problem.

Can I sideload apps that are not in the Samsung app store?

Sideloading (installing apps from outside the official store) is technically possible on some Samsung models but requires technical knowledge and voids your warranty. For most people, using a streaming device is a simpler and safer option if the app you want is not available in the Samsung store.

Why is my internet speed slow when I read apps?

Your TV may be far from your WiFi router or the signal may be weak. Move closer to the router, or use an ethernet cable for a faster, more stable connection. You can also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.