The basic steps to add an app to your LG Smart TV
Most LG Smart TVs come with an app store built in. You access it from your TV remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer needed. The process takes about two minutes once you find the app.
The exact steps depend on which LG operating system your TV runs. LG Smart TVs made after 2016 use either webOS (the most common) or ThinQ AI. Both have the app store in roughly the same place, but the menu names differ slightly.
Key Takeaways
- Open the LG Content Store from your TV's home screen using the remote, then search for and install the app you want.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable — before any app will read.
- Some apps require you to sign in with an account (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+) before they will work, even after installation.
- If an app will not install, restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again.
How to find and open the LG Content Store on webOS
Press the Home button on your LG remote. This brings up the home screen with rows of apps and options. Look for an icon labeled LG Content Store, App Store, or sometimes just a shopping bag icon. It is usually in the top row or in a menu labeled "Apps" or "My Apps".
Click on it with the remote. The store will open and show you featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the top. If you do not see the Content Store on your home screen, press the remote's menu button and look for "Apps" or "process Manager" — the store may be nested there instead.
How to find and open the LG Content Store on ThinQ AI
Press the Home button on your remote. Look for an icon labeled LG Store or App Store — it usually appears as a shopping bag or storefront icon. Select it with your remote.
If you cannot find it on the home screen, press the remote's menu button and select Apps or process Manager. From there, you should see an option to browse or search for new apps.
Searching for and installing an app
Once the store is open, use the search bar at the top of the screen. Type the name of the app you want — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify — using your remote's arrow buttons and the on-screen keyboard. Press Enter or Select when you have typed the name.
The store will show you results. Click on the app you want. A details page will appear with a description, reviews, and an Install button. Press the Install button. The app will begin downloading and installing automatically. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
Once installation is complete, the Install button will change to Open or Launch. You can click it to start the app right away, or close the store and find the app on your home screen later.
What to do if your TV is not connected to the internet
Apps will not read without an internet connection. Check that your TV is connected by going to Settings (usually accessed from the home screen or remote menu), then Network or WiFi. You should see your WiFi network listed and marked as "Connected".
If your TV is not connected, select your WiFi network from the list, enter your password, and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes 10 to 20 seconds. Once connected, return to the Content Store and try installing the app again.
If you have an ethernet cable, you can also plug it directly into the ethernet port on the back of your TV. This provides a faster, more stable connection than WiFi and does not require a password.
Signing in to apps after installation
Some apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify, require you to sign in with an account before you can use them. After the app installs, open it and you will see a sign-in screen. Use your remote to enter your email address and password, or look for a code-based sign-in option (many streaming apps let you sign in on your phone or computer instead).
If you do not have an account with the app, you will need to create one before you can use it. Most apps have a "Create Account" or "Sign Up" link on the sign-in screen.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
If an app fails to install or gets stuck, the first step is to restart your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears the TV's temporary memory and often fixes installation problems.
If the app still will not install, check that your internet connection is stable by opening another app or streaming a video. If your connection is slow or dropping, move your TV closer to your WiFi router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Some apps may not be available in your region or on your specific TV model. If you search for an app and it does not appear in the store at all, it is not available for your TV. In that case, you may be able to use the app on a phone, tablet, or computer instead, or look for a similar app that is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an app from my computer or phone onto my LG TV?
No. Apps must be downloaded directly from the LG Content Store on the TV itself. You cannot transfer an app from another device. However, many apps (like Netflix and Spotify) let you sign in on your TV using an account you created on your phone or computer.
What if I do not see the app I want in the LG Content Store?
The app may not be available for LG Smart TVs, or it may not be available in your region. Check the app's website to see if it supports LG webOS or ThinQ AI. If it does not, you can use the app on a phone, tablet, or computer instead.
Do I need to pay to read apps from the LG Content Store?
Most apps are free to read. Some apps charge a one-time purchase fee or a monthly subscription, but the store will tell you the cost before you install. You will need a payment method on file (usually a credit card) to buy paid apps.
Will downloading lots of apps slow down my TV?
Installing many apps uses storage space on your TV, but it does not significantly slow down performance unless your TV's storage is almost full. If your TV starts running slowly, you can delete apps you no longer use by going to Settings, then Apps or process Manager, selecting an app, and choosing Delete or Uninstall.
What happens if I uninstall an app and then reinstall it later?
Reinstalling an app is the same as installing it for the first time. You will need to sign in again if the app requires an account. Your saved data or preferences within the app may be lost, depending on whether the app stores that information in the cloud or on your TV.