The basic way to add apps to an LG TV

Most LG TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You access it through the home screen — press the home button on your remote, then look for an icon that says "LG Content Store" or "App Store". From there, you can browse, search for specific apps, and install them directly to your TV. The whole process takes a few minutes and requires nothing but your remote and an internet connection.

The apps you can install depend on your TV model and the year it was made. Newer LG TVs (2016 and later) have access to hundreds of apps including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and Spotify. Older models have fewer options. Before you buy an LG TV, check the spec sheet or ask the retailer which apps are available for that specific model — this matters more than you might think if there is one streaming service you use every day.

Once an app is installed, it stays on your TV. You can organize your apps into folders, delete ones you do not use, and rearrange them on the home screen so your most-used apps appear first. If an app needs an update, LG usually handles that automatically in the background.

Key Takeaways

  • LG TVs have a built-in app store you reach through the home button on your remote, and most apps install in under five minutes.
  • Newer LG TVs support hundreds of apps, but older models have fewer options, so check what is available before you buy.
  • You need an internet connection and an LG account to read apps, though you can use the TV without an account for basic functions.
  • Apps update automatically on most LG TVs, and you can delete, rearrange, or organize apps into folders from the home screen.

What you need before you start

Your LG TV must be connected to the internet — either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV. If your TV is not connected yet, go to Settings on the home screen, select Network, and choose your WiFi network. Enter your password and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes less than a minute.

You will also need an LG account. If you do not have one, the TV will prompt you to create one the first time you try to read an app. You provide an email address and a password, and that is it — no credit card required. If you already have an LG account from owning another LG device or from visiting their website, you can sign in with those credentials instead.

Step-by-step: Installing an app from the LG Content Store

Press the home button on your remote. This takes you to the main home screen where all your apps and inputs are displayed.

Look for the app store icon — it is usually labeled "LG Content Store" or sometimes just "App Store" — and select it. The icon typically looks like a shopping bag or grid of squares. Once you open it, you will see featured apps, categories like Entertainment or Sports, and a search bar at the top.

Search for the app you want by typing its name into the search bar, or browse by category. When you find the app, select it to open its details page. You will see a description, screenshots, and a button that says "Install" or a read icon. Select that button.

The TV will ask you to sign in with your LG account if you are not already signed in. Enter your email and password. The app will then read and install — you will see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the button will change to say "Open" or "Installed". The app is now on your TV and ready to use.

Finding apps that are not in the LG Content Store

Some apps are not available in the LG Content Store because they are region-specific, very new, or the developer chose not to list them there. If you cannot find an app you want, check whether it is available for LG TVs at all by visiting the app developer's website or searching online for the app name plus "LG TV".

A few apps can be installed through other methods. Some developers offer direct read links on their websites that work with LG TVs. Others are available through third-party app stores, though this is less common and requires more technical steps. For most people, if an app is not in the LG Content Store, it is not worth the effort to find another way — the apps that are there cover the major streaming services, games, and utilities that most people use.

Organizing and managing your apps

Once you have installed several apps, your home screen can get crowded. You can rearrange apps by pressing and holding on an app icon with your remote, then moving it to a new spot. You can also create folders to group related apps together — for example, a folder for streaming services or a folder for games. Press and hold on an app, select "Create Folder", and drag other apps into it.

To delete an app you no longer use, press and hold on it and select "Delete" or "Remove". This frees up space on your home screen. Deleting an app does not affect your TV's performance — LG TVs have plenty of storage, and removing apps just makes your home screen cleaner.

If an app stops working or behaves strangely, you can uninstall it and reinstall it fresh. Go back to the LG Content Store, search for the app, and install it again. This usually fixes minor glitches. If the problem persists, check whether the app has been updated recently — sometimes a new version fixes bugs that were in the old version.

Signing in to apps after installation

Installing an app and signing into that app are two different things. Once Netflix (or Hulu, or Disney+, or any other service) is installed on your TV, you still need to open it and sign in with your account for that service. Your LG account is separate — it just lets you read apps from LG's store.

When you open an app for the first time, it will ask you to sign in. Use the email and password for that specific service. If you do not have an account with that service yet, most apps let you create one right from your TV. After you sign in, the app remembers your account, and you will not have to sign in again unless you uninstall the app or clear the TV's cache.

Troubleshooting when apps will not install

If an app fails to install, the most common reason is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going to Settings and looking at Network status. If the connection is unstable, move your router closer to the TV, restart your router, or switch to an ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

If the connection is fine but the app still will not install, restart your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it boots up, try installing the app again. This clears temporary files that sometimes interfere with downloads.

If you still cannot install a specific app, it may not be available for your TV model. Check the app's details page in the LG Content Store — it will say whether your TV is compatible. If it says your TV is not compatible, there is no workaround; that app is not designed to run on your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps?

Most apps are free to read and install on your TV. Some apps, like games or specialized tools, cost money — the LG Content Store will show the price before you install. You will not be charged unless you choose to install a paid app, and you can always delete it later if you change your mind.

Can I use the same streaming account on multiple TVs?

Yes. Once you sign into Netflix, Hulu, or any other streaming service on one TV, you can sign into the same account on another TV. Each service has its own rules about how many devices can stream at the same time, so check their terms if you plan to watch on multiple TVs simultaneously.

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

A factory reset erases all your installed apps and returns the TV to its original state. You will have to reinstall each app afterward. Your LG account information is also erased, so you will need to sign in again. This is why you should only factory reset if you are troubleshooting a serious problem or preparing to sell or give away the TV.

Can I install apps from my phone or computer onto my TV?

Not directly. You must install apps through the LG Content Store on the TV itself using your remote. Some LG TVs have a companion app for phones that lets you control the TV or cast content to it, but you cannot push apps from your phone to the TV.

Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?

LG TVs use different software depending on the year and model. Newer apps are sometimes built only for newer TV models, and older TVs may not have the processing power or software version to run them. Check your TV's model number and year on the spec sheet to see which apps are officially supported.