How to Download Apps on a Samsung TV

The simplest way to add apps to your Samsung TV

Most Samsung TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself — you do not need a computer or phone to read anything. You navigate using your remote, find the app you want, and install it directly on the TV. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you are adding Netflix, YouTube, or any other app your TV supports.

The app store on Samsung TVs is called the Samsung App Store or Samsung Smart TV App Store, depending on your model year. It appears as an icon on your home screen that looks like a grid or storefront. Once you open it, you can search for apps by name, browse by category, or look at what is trending.

Key Takeaways

Open the Samsung App Store from your TV's home screen using your remote — no computer needed.
Search for the app by name or browse categories, then select it and press the button to read and install.
Most apps are free, but some require a subscription or payment through the app itself after you install it.
If an app will not install, restart your TV and check that it is connected to the internet with a strong signal.
Apps you read stay on your TV and appear on your home screen, and you can delete them anytime by holding the remote button over the app icon.

Finding and opening the Samsung App Store

Turn on your TV and look at the home screen. You should see a row of app icons at the top or bottom, or a menu on the left side — this depends on your TV model and how new it is. Look for an icon that looks like a grid of squares, a shopping bag, or something labeled "Apps" or "Store." Press that icon with your remote.

If you cannot find an app store icon, press the Home button on your remote (usually at the top). This takes you to the main home screen. From there, look for a menu option or icon labeled "Apps," "App Store," or "Samsung Apps." Once you find it, press it to open the store.

Your TV needs to be connected to the internet for the app store to work. If the store opens but shows an error or will not load, check that your TV is connected to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings (usually in the home screen menu), find Network or Wi-Fi, and make sure you are connected. If you are connected but apps still will not load, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Searching for and installing an app

Once the app store is open, you will see a search box at the top or a list of popular apps. If you know the name of the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, or anything else — use the search box. Press the search icon or button, then use your remote to type the app name. Most remotes have a small keyboard that appears on screen, or you can use arrow buttons to select letters one at a time.

When you find the app in the search results, press it to open the app's page. You will see a description, screenshots, and a button that says "read," "Install," or "Get." Press that button. The app will begin downloading and installing — this usually takes less than a minute, though it depends on your internet speed and the app size.

Once installation is complete, the button will change to "Open" or "Installed." You can press "Open" to start the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen and find the app there. The app icon will appear on your home screen in the apps section, and you can open it anytime by pressing it.

What to do if an app will not read

If you press the read button and nothing happens, or if you see an error message, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings and looking at Network or Wi-Fi status. If the signal is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If your internet connection is strong but the app still will not read, restart your TV. Unplug it from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it turns on, try downloading the app again. This clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads.

Some apps are not available in all regions or on all Samsung TV models. If you search for an app and it does not appear in the store, or if the read button is grayed out, that app may not be compatible with your TV. Check the app's description to see what TV models it supports, or try a different app that does the same thing.

Managing apps you have downloaded

Apps you read appear on your home screen in an apps section or grid. You can open any app by pressing it with your remote. If you want to move an app to a different spot on your home screen, hold down the select button (usually the center button on your remote) while the app is highlighted, then use arrow buttons to move it. Release the button to drop it in the new spot.

To delete an app you no longer use, highlight it on your home screen, then hold down the select button or press a delete button (often labeled with an X or trash icon). A menu will appear asking you to confirm. Press the button to delete the app. Deleting an app removes it from your TV, but you can always read it again later from the app store.

Some apps come pre-installed on Samsung TVs and cannot be deleted, though you can usually hide them or move them to the end of your app list. If you see an app you do not recognize, you can look it up online to see what it does, or straightforward move it out of the way.

Understanding app payments and subscriptions

Most apps in the Samsung App Store are free to read and install. However, many apps require a subscription or payment to use all their features. For example, Netflix is free to read, but you need a Netflix subscription to watch shows. Disney+ is free to read, but you must pay for a Disney+ subscription to use it.

When you open an app for the first time, it will usually ask you to sign in with an account or start a subscription. You can do this through your TV remote, though typing passwords and email addresses is slower on a TV than on a phone or computer. Some apps let you sign in on your phone instead and then automatically log in on your TV, which is faster.

If an app asks for payment information, you can enter it through your TV, or you can manage subscriptions through your Samsung account settings. Go to Settings, find Accounts or Apps, and look for a section on subscriptions or payments. From there you can see what you are paying for and cancel subscriptions you no longer want.

Keeping your apps up to date

Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically most of the time. Your TV checks the app store in the background and downloads new versions when they become available. You do not need to do anything — the updates happen on their own, usually overnight or when your TV is not in use.

If you want to check for updates manually, open the Samsung App Store, look for a menu option called "My Apps" or "Installed Apps," and you should see a list of apps you have downloaded. If any have updates available, you will see an "Update" button next to them. Press it to read the latest version.

Keeping apps updated is important because updates often fix problems, add new features, and improve security. If an app is not working properly, check whether an update is available and install it before trying other troubleshooting steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps from somewhere other than the Samsung App Store?

Most Samsung TVs only let you read from the official Samsung App Store. Some older Samsung TV models or special versions may support downloading from other sources, but this is not common. Stick with the Samsung App Store — it is the safest and easiest way to get apps on your TV.

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

You do not need a Samsung account to browse or read most free apps. However, some apps or features may ask you to create an account or sign in with an existing one. If an app requires a Samsung account and you do not have one, you can create one for free through your TV settings.

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

A factory reset erases all apps you downloaded and returns your TV to its original state. Apps that came pre-installed will return, but anything you added will be gone. You can read them again afterward, but you will need to sign back into each one. Avoid factory resets unless you are troubleshooting a serious problem.

Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?

Apps are built for specific TV models and software versions. If your TV is older, some newer apps may not work on it. Check your TV model number and the app's requirements to confirm. If an app is not compatible, look for an older version of the app or find a similar app that does support your TV.

Can I use my phone to read apps to my TV?

Some apps let you start on your phone and continue on your TV — for example, you can sign into Netflix on your phone and it will automatically appear on your TV. However, you cannot remotely read apps from your phone to your TV. You must read directly through your TV's app store using your remote.

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.