The basic steps for downloading apps on Samsung TV

Most Samsung TVs let you read apps directly from the TV itself using the remote. You do not need a computer or phone. Open the app store built into your TV — usually called Samsung Apps or Galaxy Store depending on your model year — navigate to the app you want, and select read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes.

The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system, used on most models since 2015) or an older system. Nearly all Samsung TVs sold in the last eight years use Tizen, so the instructions below will work for you unless your TV is from 2014 or earlier.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the app store on your TV using the home button on your remote, then search for the app by name.
  • Your TV must be connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable — before you can read anything.
  • Apps read and install directly to your TV; you do not need to use your phone or computer.
  • If an app does not appear in the store, your TV model may not support it, and there is no workaround.

Make sure your TV is connected to the internet

Apps read over your home WiFi or a wired ethernet connection. If your TV is not connected, you will not see the app store at all. Check your connection by pressing the Home button on your remote, then looking for Settings. Go to Network and confirm it shows Connected.

If your TV is not connected, you can add WiFi by going to Settings > Network > Wireless and selecting your network name from the list. You will need your WiFi password. If you prefer a wired connection, plug an ethernet cable into the port on the back of your TV and into your router — most TVs recognize the connection automatically within a minute.

Open the app store and search for your app

Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. You will see your TV's home screen with rows of apps and content. Look for an icon labeled Apps, Samsung Apps, or Galaxy Store — the exact name varies by model year, but it is usually near the top left. Select it with your remote.

Once the app store opens, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Select it and type the name of the app you want — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu. The store will show matching results. Select the app you want from the list.

read and install the app

When you select an app in the store, you will see a detail page with information about it and a read button (or sometimes an Install button). Select read. The TV will begin downloading the app, and you will see a progress bar or loading indicator.

Installation usually takes less than a minute for smaller apps like Netflix or Hulu, though larger apps may take a few minutes. Do not turn off your TV during this time. When the read finishes, the button will change to Open or Launch. You can select it to start the app right away, or close the store and find the app on your home screen later.

Find your newly installed app on the home screen

After an app installs, it appears automatically on your home screen, usually in a row at the top or in a section labeled Recently Added. You can launch it by selecting it with your remote. If you want to move it to a different location on your home screen, select and hold it with your remote (the exact button varies by remote model — usually the center button or a dedicated menu button), then drag it to where you want it.

Some TVs let you organize apps into folders or hide apps you do not use. Check your TV's settings menu under Apps or Home Screen to see what organization options are available on your model.

What to do if an app is not in the store

Not every app is available for Samsung TV. Developers choose which platforms to support, and some apps only work on Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV. If you search the Samsung app store and do not find an app, it is not available for your TV model — there is no way to sideload it or install it from another source on a standard Samsung TV.

Check what apps are available by browsing the store directly. Look at the Featured, Popular, or category sections to see what your TV supports. If you need a specific app that is not available, you may want to consider a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick that plugs into your TV's HDMI port instead.

Troubleshooting when downloads fail

If a read stalls or fails, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going to Settings > Network. If the connection dropped, reconnect to your network and try downloading again.

If your TV is connected but the read still fails, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it boots up, try downloading the app again. If the problem persists, the app store itself may be temporarily unavailable — wait an hour and try again. If you consistently cannot read any apps, contact Samsung support with your TV model number, which you can find in Settings > About This TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most Samsung TVs do not require an account to read apps from the store. You can browse and install without signing in. However, some apps like Netflix or Disney+ will ask you to sign in with your own account once you open them — that is separate from a Samsung account.

Can I read apps on an older Samsung TV from 2010 or 2011?

Very old Samsung TVs may not have an app store at all, or the store may no longer work because Samsung stopped supporting those models. If your TV is older than 2015, check your manual or contact Samsung support to confirm whether it can read apps. If not, a streaming device plugged into an HDMI port is your best option.

What happens if I run out of storage space on my TV?

Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage, but most apps are small enough that you can install dozens before running into space issues. If you get a storage full message, delete apps you no longer use by going to Settings > Apps and selecting Uninstall. You can always read them again later.

Can I read apps using my phone instead of the TV remote?

Some Samsung TVs work with the SmartThings app on your phone, which lets you control your TV remotely. However, most people find it easier to use the physical remote to navigate the app store. The SmartThings app is mainly useful for controlling volume and power, not for browsing and installing apps.