How to Add Apps on Your Samsung TV

The simplest way to add apps on a Samsung TV

Most Samsung TVs come with an app store built into the home screen. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to your TV — no computer needed. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, a news app, or anything else the store carries.

The app store on Samsung TVs is called the Samsung App Store or Samsung Smart TV App Store, depending on your TV's age. Newer models (2016 and later) have it built in. If your TV is older than that, you may need to use a different method, which we cover below.

You will need your TV remote and a working internet connection. Your TV should already be connected to WiFi or plugged into ethernet — if it isn't, do that first before you start looking for apps.

Key Takeaways

Open the home screen on your Samsung TV, find the Samsung App Store, and search for the app you want by name.
Press the Install button on the app's page, wait for the read to finish, and the app will appear on your home screen automatically.
If the app store is not on your home screen, check your TV's settings menu under Apps or Smart Hub to enable it.
Older Samsung TVs (before 2016) may not have an app store; use the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone instead to add apps remotely.
If an app won't install, restart your TV, check that your internet connection is working, and make sure your TV has enough storage space.

Finding and opening the Samsung App Store on your TV

Turn on your Samsung TV and look at the home screen. You should see a row of apps and options at the bottom or top of the screen. Look for an icon that says "Apps," "App Store," or shows a grid of squares. This is your entry point to read new apps.

If you don't see an app store icon on your home screen, press the Home button on your remote (usually marked with a house symbol). This takes you to the main menu. From there, look for a menu option called "Apps" or "Smart Hub." Select it, and you should see a section for downloading new apps. On some older models, you may need to go into Settings and look under Apps or Applications.

Once you've found the app store, you're ready to search. The remote has a directional pad and a center button — use these to navigate and select options on the screen, just as you would on any other menu.

Searching for and installing an app

Inside the app store, look for a search icon or a search bar. It usually looks like a magnifying glass. Select it with your remote and use the on-screen keyboard to type the name of the app you want. For example, if you want to add Hulu, type "Hulu" and press Enter or the search button.

The app store will show you results. Find the app you're looking for in the list and select it. The app's page will open and show you a description, screenshots, and an Install button. Press the Install button using your remote's center button.

Your TV will read and install the app. This usually takes between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on the app's size and your internet speed. You'll see a progress bar or a loading indicator. Do not turn off your TV or unplug it during this time. Once the installation is complete, the Install button will change to "Open" or the app will appear on your home screen automatically.

Finding your newly installed app on the home screen

After installation finishes, the app you just added will appear somewhere on your home screen. On newer Samsung TVs, it usually shows up at the end of your app row or in a section labeled "My Apps" or "Installed Apps." You may need to scroll right or down to see it if your home screen is full.

If you want to move the app to a different spot on your home screen, most Samsung TVs let you rearrange apps. Highlight the app, press and hold the center button on your remote, and look for a "Move" or "Rearrange" option. Use the directional pad to move it where you want, then press the center button again to place it.

You can now open the app by selecting it from your home screen. The first time you open it, you may need to sign in with your account (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.) or complete a setup process. This is normal and happens the same way it would on a phone or computer.

What to do if the app store is not visible on your TV

If you cannot find an app store icon anywhere on your home screen or in your menus, your TV may be older or the app store may be hidden. First, check your TV's model number and year. You can find this in Settings, usually under About TV or System Information. If your TV is from 2015 or earlier, it may not have a built-in app store.

For older Samsung TVs, you have two options. The first is to use the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone. read SmartThings from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign in with a Samsung account, connect it to your TV, and you can search for and install apps from your phone. The app will then appear on your TV.

The second option is to use an HDMI cable to connect a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV to your Samsung TV. These devices have their own app stores and may offer more apps than your TV's built-in store. This is also a good choice if your TV's app store is slow or outdated.

Troubleshooting when an app won't install

If you try to install an app and it fails, stops partway through, or shows an error message, start by restarting your TV. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This clears temporary files and often fixes installation problems.

Next, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, find Network or WiFi, and verify that your TV is connected and showing a strong signal. If your connection is weak or dropping, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If the app still won't install, your TV may be running low on storage space. Go to Settings, find Storage or Memory, and check how much space is available. If you're running low, delete apps you no longer use. Highlight an app on your home screen, press and hold the center button, and look for a Delete or Uninstall option. Free up at least 1 to 2 gigabytes of space and try installing again.

If the app is still not installing after these steps, the app itself may not be compatible with your TV model or your TV's operating system version. Check the app's page in the store to see if it lists any compatibility requirements. You can also try searching for an alternative app that does the same thing.

Managing and removing apps you no longer use

Over time, you may install apps you stop using. Removing them frees up storage space and keeps your home screen less cluttered. To delete an app, highlight it on your home screen, press and hold the center button on your remote, and select Delete, Uninstall, or Remove from the menu that appears. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Deleting an app does not delete your account or your saved settings within that app. If you reinstall the app later, you can usually sign back in and pick up where you left off. The only thing that gets removed is the app itself and any temporary files it stored on your TV.

If you want to keep an app but don't use it often, you can also hide it from your home screen instead of deleting it. Highlight the app, press and hold the center button, and look for a Hide or Remove from Home option. The app stays on your TV but won't clutter your main screen. You can still find it in your full app list if you need it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most apps require you to create an account with that specific service (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.), but you do not need a Samsung account just to read apps from the Samsung App Store. However, some Samsung-specific features and services may ask you to sign in with a Samsung account. You can create one for free if prompted.

Can I install apps that are not in the Samsung App Store?

The Samsung App Store is the official way to add apps to your TV, and it includes most popular streaming and entertainment apps. Apps not in the store are usually not compatible with Samsung TVs. If you need an app that is not available, consider using a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick connected to your TV via HDMI instead.

Why does my TV say an app is not compatible with my device?

Apps are built for specific TV models and operating system versions. If an app says it is not compatible, your TV is either too old or does not have the right software version. Check your TV's Settings to see if a software update is available. If an update is available, install it and try downloading the app again. If the app is still not compatible after updating, it may not work with your TV model.

How much storage space do apps take up on my TV?

Most streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube take up 50 to 200 megabytes each. Larger apps or games can take up more. Your Samsung TV typically has between 4 and 16 gigabytes of total storage, depending on the model. You can check how much space each app uses by going to Settings and looking for Storage or Apps. If you're running low on space, delete apps you don't use regularly.

Can I use the same app account on multiple TVs?

Yes. Once you sign into an app like Netflix or Hulu on your Samsung TV, you can sign into the same account on other TVs, phones, or computers. Your watch history, preferences, and saved content will sync across devices. Check each app's settings to see how many devices you can stream on at the same time — most services have a limit.

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.