The basic process: find the app, read it, and open it
Installing an app on a Samsung Smart TV takes about two minutes. You use the TV's remote to navigate to the app store built into your TV, search for the app you want, and select "Install." The TV downloads and installs it automatically. Once it's done, you can open the app right away — no computer needed, no cables, nothing extra to buy.
The exact steps depend slightly on which Samsung TV model you have, but the process is nearly identical across all recent Samsung Smart TVs. If your TV is more than five or six years old, the app store may look different, but the basic idea is the same: find the app, install it, use it.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store on your Samsung TV using the remote, search for the app by name, and select Install — the TV handles the rest.
- Your TV needs an internet connection (WiFi or ethernet) to read apps, and enough storage space, which most Samsung TVs have for dozens of apps.
- If an app won't install, restart your TV, check your internet connection, and make sure your TV's software is up to date.
- You can delete apps you no longer use by highlighting them and pressing the delete or remove button on your remote.
Step-by-step: installing an app on your Samsung TV
Start by picking up your Samsung remote. Press the Home button (usually at the top or in the center). This brings up the main menu on your TV screen. Look for an icon that says "Apps" or shows a grid of squares — this is your app store.
Select the Apps icon with your remote. You'll see a list of apps already on your TV, plus a search option. Use the search function to type the name of the app you want — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, or any other app. The remote has a small keyboard or number pad you can use to type. Once you find the app in the search results, highlight it and press Select or Enter.
You'll see an "Install" button. Press it. The TV will begin downloading and installing the app. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. You'll see a progress bar or a message saying the app is installing. When it finishes, the button will change to "Open" — you can press that to start using the app right away, or come back to it later.
What you need before you start
Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet. This can be WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV. If your TV isn't connected yet, go to Settings on your TV's home menu, find Network or WiFi, and follow the prompts to connect to your home network. Once connected, you can install apps.
Your TV also needs enough storage space. Most Samsung Smart TVs have between 4 and 16 gigabytes of built-in storage. A typical app takes up 100 megabytes to 500 megabytes, so you can install dozens of apps before running out of room. If your TV is very full, you may need to delete apps you don't use anymore to make space for new ones.
Finally, you need a Samsung account to install some apps, though many apps install without one. If an app asks you to sign in, you can create a free Samsung account on your TV during the installation process, or use an existing one if you already have one.
Finding apps: what's available and where to look
Samsung's app store is called the Samsung TV Plus app store or the Smart Hub. It includes Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Max (formerly HBO Max), Peacock, and most other major streaming services. It also has apps for news, sports, music, games, and utilities.
Not every app exists for Samsung TVs. Some apps are only made for phones or computers. If you search for an app and it doesn't appear in the store, it's not available for your TV model. In that case, you can use the TV's web browser (usually found in the Apps menu) to watch that service through its website, though this is slower and less convenient than using an app.
You can also see what apps are popular or newly available by browsing the app store without searching. The store usually shows categories like "Featured," "Streaming," "Games," and "Utilities." Browsing these sections can help you discover apps you didn't know existed.
Troubleshooting: what to do if an app won't install
If you press Install and nothing happens, or the installation stops partway through, first check your internet connection. Go to Settings, then Network, and make sure your TV shows a strong WiFi signal or that the ethernet cable is plugged in. If the connection is weak, move your TV closer to the WiFi router or use an ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
Next, restart your TV. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary files that might be blocking the installation. Once the TV restarts, try installing the app again.
If the app still won't install, check whether your TV's software is up to date. Go to Settings, then Support or About, and look for a Software Update option. If an update is available, install it. Samsung regularly releases updates that fix bugs and add new features, and some apps require a recent software version to install.
If none of these steps work, the app may not be compatible with your specific TV model. Check the app store listing to see if it lists any model restrictions. You can also contact Samsung support through their website with your TV's model number — you'll find it in Settings under About.
Managing your apps: organizing, updating, and deleting
Once you've installed several apps, you can organize them on your home screen. Most Samsung TVs let you move apps around by highlighting one, pressing and holding the Select button, and dragging it to a new position. You can also create folders to group similar apps together — for example, a "Streaming" folder for Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
Apps update automatically on Samsung TVs. When a developer releases a new version of an app, your TV downloads and installs the update in the background, usually overnight. You don't have to do anything. If you want to check for updates manually, go to the app store, find the app, and look for an "Update" button.
To delete an app you no longer use, highlight it on your home screen, press and hold the Select button, and choose "Delete" or "Remove." This frees up storage space on your TV. You can always reinstall the app later if you change your mind — your login information and settings are usually saved, so you won't lose your place in shows or movies.
Signing in to apps and managing accounts
After you install an app, you'll usually need to sign in with your account for that service. For Netflix, you sign in with your Netflix email and password. For YouTube, you use your Google account. For Disney+, you use your Disney+ login. Each app handles this differently.
Most Samsung TVs can save your login information so you don't have to type it in every time. When you sign in, the app usually asks if you want to stay signed in or remember this device. Choosing yes makes it faster to use the app next time. If you share your TV with others and want to keep your accounts private, you can choose not to save the login, but you'll have to sign in each time.
If you forget a password, use the "Forgot Password" link in the app to reset it. This usually sends a reset link to your email. You can then create a new password and sign back in on your TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
No. Most apps install without a Samsung account. Some apps may ask you to create one during installation, but you can skip this step. You will need accounts for the individual services — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and so on — but those are separate from your Samsung account.
Can I install apps from somewhere other than the Samsung app store?
Not easily. Samsung TVs are designed to install apps only from the official Samsung app store. There are ways to install apps from other sources, but they require technical knowledge and can void your warranty. For most people, the Samsung app store has everything you need.
What happens if my TV runs out of storage space?
You'll see a message saying there's not enough space to install the app. Delete apps you don't use anymore to free up room. You can always reinstall them later. If you use a lot of apps, consider which ones you actually watch and keep only those.
Can I use the same login on multiple TVs?
Yes. If you have more than one Samsung TV, you can sign into the same Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu account on both. Each service has its own rules about how many devices can stream at the same time, so check the service's website if you're unsure.
Why does an app say it's not compatible with my TV?
Some apps require a newer TV model or a recent software version. If an app says it's incompatible, check that your TV's software is fully up to date. If it is, the app may straightforward not be available for your TV model. You can contact Samsung support with your TV's model number to confirm.