The fastest way: use the LG Content Store built into your TV

Most LG Smart TVs come with an app store already on the remote home screen. Press the Home button on your remote, look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store" or "App Store," and select it. You will see categories like Entertainment, Sports, and Lifestyle. Browse or search for the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and most major streaming services are there.

Once you find the app, highlight it and press the Select button (usually the center of the directional pad). Choose "Install" or "read." The app will read and install automatically, usually within a minute or two. When it finishes, you can open it right away or find it later on your home screen.

This method works on LG TVs from roughly 2016 onward. If your TV is older or you do not see an app store icon, check your TV's manual or the model number (usually on the back or in Settings) to confirm which system your TV runs.

Key Takeaways

  • The LG Content Store is the main way to add apps and is accessible directly from your home screen without any setup.
  • Most popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ are available in the LG Content Store and install in under two minutes.
  • If an app is not in the LG Content Store, you can sideload it using a USB drive or screen mirroring from your phone, though this requires more steps.
  • Your TV must be connected to the internet (either by WiFi or ethernet) before you can read any apps.
  • Apps you install stay on your TV even after you turn it off, and you can delete them anytime by holding Select on the app icon and choosing Remove.

What to do if the app you want is not in the LG Content Store

Not every app is available through LG's store. If you search for an app and it does not appear, you have two options: sideload it using a USB drive, or use screen mirroring from your phone.

Screen mirroring is simpler if you have an Android phone or iPhone. On your LG TV, go to Settings, then Network, then Screen Share (the exact name varies by model year). On your phone, open the settings and look for "Cast," "Screen Mirroring," or "AirPlay." Select your TV from the list. Your phone screen will now appear on the TV, and you can open any app on your phone and use it on the big screen. This does not install the app on the TV itself — it just shows your phone's screen — but it works for one-time use or if you prefer to keep the app on your phone.

Sideloading via USB is more permanent but requires downloading the app file to a computer first. This is technical and not recommended unless you are comfortable with file management. Most people find screen mirroring easier for apps that are not in the store.

Make sure your TV is connected to the internet first

Your LG TV must have an active internet connection to read apps from the LG Content Store. Check this before you start: press Home, go to Settings, then Network or WiFi. If you see your WiFi network listed and it says "Connected," you are ready. If not, select your network, enter the password, and wait for the connection to establish.

If your TV is near your router, a wired ethernet connection is more stable than WiFi. Look for an ethernet port on the back of the TV (it looks like a phone jack but wider). Plug in an ethernet cable from your router, and the TV will detect it automatically.

Without internet, the LG Content Store will not load, and you cannot read apps. If you have internet but the store still will not open, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot.

Finding and organizing apps on your home screen

Once you install an app, it appears on your home screen. On most LG TVs, newly installed apps go to the far right of the screen. You can rearrange them by pressing and holding Select on any app icon, then using the arrow buttons to move it left or right. Press Select again to drop it in place.

If your home screen gets crowded, you can delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold Select on the app icon, then choose "Remove" or "Delete." The app is removed from your TV, but you can always reinstall it later from the LG Content Store for free.

Some apps, like Netflix or YouTube, may ask you to sign in the first time you open them. Have your username and password ready. You can also set up a PIN in Settings to prevent others from making purchases through apps — this is useful if children use the TV.

Troubleshooting apps that will not install or open

If an app fails to install, the most common reason is that your TV ran out of storage space. LG Smart TVs have limited built-in memory. Go to Settings, then Storage or Memory, to see how much space is left. If you are below 500 MB free, delete apps you do not use regularly. Then try installing the app again.

If an app installs but will not open, try restarting it: press the Home button, find the app, and select it again. If it still does not work, go to Settings, then Apps or process Manager, find the app in the list, and select "Clear Cache" or "Reset." This removes temporary files that may be causing the problem. Restart the app.

If the app still will not work, uninstall it completely (Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Uninstall), restart your TV, and reinstall it fresh from the LG Content Store. This solves most app problems. If an app crashes repeatedly even after reinstalling, it may not be compatible with your TV model — check the app's description in the store to see which LG models it supports.

Updating apps and turning on automatic updates

Apps receive updates regularly to fix bugs and add features. On LG TVs, you can check for updates manually or turn on automatic updates. Go to Settings, then Apps or process Manager, and look for an option called "Auto Update" or "Update Apps." Turn this on, and your TV will read and install app updates automatically when connected to the internet.

If you prefer to update manually, go to the LG Content Store, look for a "My Apps" or "Installed Apps" section, and you will see which apps have updates available. Select the app and choose "Update." Updates usually take a few minutes and do not require you to sign in again.

Keeping apps updated is important for security and performance. Older versions of apps may have bugs or security issues that newer versions fix. If you notice an app running slowly or crashing, check whether an update is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apps from other app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store on my LG TV?

Not directly. LG Smart TVs use their own app store, and most apps from Google Play or Apple's store are designed for phones and tablets, not TVs. However, you can use screen mirroring to display your phone on the TV and use phone apps that way. For TV-specific apps, the LG Content Store is your main option.

Do I need to pay for apps, or are they all free?

Most apps in the LG Content Store are free, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+. Some apps may charge a one-time fee or a subscription. The store will show the price before you install. If you set up a PIN in Settings, you can prevent accidental purchases.

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. Apps that came with the TV (like the LG Content Store itself) will still be there. You will need to reinstall any apps you added. This is why it is a good idea to remember which apps you use regularly.

Can I install apps on my LG TV if it is not connected to WiFi?

No. Your TV must be connected to the internet to read apps from the LG Content Store. If you do not have WiFi, you can use an ethernet cable plugged directly into the back of the TV, or you can sideload apps using a USB drive (though this is more technical).

Why does the LG Content Store show different apps than my friend's LG TV?

The apps available in the LG Content Store vary by TV model year and region. Older TVs may have fewer apps available, and some apps are only offered in certain countries. Check your TV's model number (on the back or in Settings) to see which apps are officially supported for your specific model.