The three ways to add apps to your Samsung TV
Most Samsung Smart TVs let you install apps directly from the TV's app store, called the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store depending on your model year. You can also cast apps from your phone to the TV without installing them permanently, or use a remote app on your phone to control what's already built in. The easiest route for most people is the app store on the TV itself — you search, select, and the app downloads in seconds.
Which method works best depends on what you want to watch and how often. If you plan to use an app regularly (Netflix, YouTube, a news service), installing it on the TV makes sense. If you just want to show something once or twice, casting from your phone is faster and uses less TV storage.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung's built-in app store is accessed through the TV remote and requires your TV to be connected to the internet via WiFi or ethernet.
- Most popular apps (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video) are free to install on the TV, though you may need to pay for a subscription to use them.
- Your Samsung account is optional for installing apps, but creating one lets you sign in faster and keeps your app list if you get a new TV.
- Casting from a phone (using AirPlay, Chromecast, or Samsung SmartThings) does not require installation and works even if the app is not in the Samsung App Store.
- Storage fills up slowly with apps, but older Samsung TVs with less memory may need you to uninstall apps you no longer use.
How to install an app from the Samsung App Store
Turn on your TV and make sure it is connected to WiFi. Press the Home button on your remote (usually at the top or center). Look for an icon that says "Apps" or shows a grid of squares — this opens the app store. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to navigate and the center button to select.
Once you are in the app store, use the search function (usually at the top) to find the app you want. Type the app name using the remote's keypad or an on-screen keyboard. When you find it, select it and choose "Install" or "read." The app will read and install automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once it is done, the button will change to "Open" or "Launch."
The app now appears on your TV's home screen or in your apps list. You can open it anytime by pressing Home and selecting it. If you want to move it around on the home screen, most Samsung TVs let you hold down the select button and drag it to a new spot.
What to do if an app is not in the Samsung App Store
Not every app available on phones is in the Samsung App Store. Smaller services, regional apps, or very new apps sometimes do not show up. If you cannot find what you want, the fastest solution is to cast it from your phone instead.
Casting means you play the app on your phone and send the video to your TV wirelessly — the app does not actually live on the TV. Most newer Samsung TVs support AirPlay (if you have an iPhone), Chromecast (if you have an Android phone), or Samsung SmartThings. Open the app on your phone, look for a cast icon (usually three curved lines with a dot), tap it, and select your TV's name. The video appears on your TV screen while you control it from your phone.
This method works for almost any app that plays video, including apps not in the Samsung App Store. The downside is you have to cast every time you want to use it — it is not a permanent installation.
Setting up a Samsung account (optional but useful)
You do not need a Samsung account to install apps. However, creating one makes the process faster and protects your app list if you ever replace your TV. With an account, your installed apps and login information sync across Samsung devices.
To create an account, go to Settings on your TV (usually accessed from the Home menu), select "Samsung Account," and choose "Create Account." You can use an email address and password, or sign up with a Google or Apple account. Once you are signed in, the TV remembers which apps you have installed and your preferences in those apps.
If you do not create an account and later get a new Samsung TV, you will have to reinstall all your apps and log back into each one. With an account, many of them restore automatically.
Managing storage and removing apps you no longer use
Most Samsung TVs have enough storage for dozens of apps without problems. However, older models with less memory may slow down or run out of space if you install too many. If your TV starts to feel sluggish or you see a storage warning, uninstalling unused apps usually fixes it.
To remove an app, go to Home, find the app you want to delete, press and hold the select button (or right-click if using a remote with a menu button), and choose "Delete" or "Uninstall." The app disappears from your TV but you can always reinstall it later from the app store. Uninstalling does not affect your login information — when you reinstall, you just sign back in.
Check your storage occasionally by going to Settings, then "Storage" or "Device Care." This shows you how much space is left and which apps are using the most. If you are running low, start by removing apps you have not opened in a month or more.
Troubleshooting apps that will not install or open
If an app fails to install, the most common cause is a weak WiFi connection. Check that your TV is connected to the same WiFi network as your phone or computer, and that the connection is stable. If the signal is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.
If an app installs but will not open, try restarting the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it boots up, try opening the app again. If it still does not work, uninstall it and reinstall it from the app store — this usually clears out any corrupted files.
Some apps require you to update your TV's software before they will run. Go to Settings, select "Support" or "About This TV," and look for "Software Update." If an update is available, install it and restart the TV. Older Samsung TVs may not support the newest apps, especially if your TV is more than five or six years old.
Using your phone as a remote to control apps
Samsung makes a free app called SmartThings that turns your phone into a remote for your TV. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, open it, and follow the setup steps to connect it to your TV. Once connected, you can use your phone's keyboard to type in apps instead of using the TV remote's keypad, which is much faster.
SmartThings also lets you launch apps directly from your phone without touching the TV remote. Open the app, find your TV, and tap the app you want to open. This is especially useful if you have lost your physical remote or if typing on the TV remote is frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to install apps on my Samsung TV?
No. Installing apps from the Samsung App Store is free. However, many apps require a paid subscription to use them — Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu all cost money, but the app itself is free to read. Some apps are free to use with ads, and others are completely free.
Can I install apps from sources other than the Samsung App Store?
Most people should stick to the Samsung App Store for safety reasons. Installing apps from unknown sources can expose your TV to malware or security problems. If an app is not in the Samsung App Store, casting from your phone is the safer option.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset erases all installed apps and returns your TV to its original state. If you have a Samsung account, you can sign back in after the reset and many apps will reinstall automatically. Without an account, you have to reinstall everything manually.
Why is my TV running slow after installing several apps?
Older Samsung TVs have limited memory and can slow down if you install too many apps at once. Try uninstalling apps you do not use regularly, restart the TV, and check for software updates. If the TV is more than six years old, it may straightforward not have enough power for a large app collection.
Can I use the same login for an app on my TV and my phone?
Yes. Most apps let you use the same username and password on your TV and phone. When you open an app on your TV for the first time, you usually see a login screen where you enter the same credentials you use on your phone. Your watch history and preferences often sync between devices.