The basic steps to add apps to your LG TV
Most LG TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer needed. The exact steps depend on which LG TV model you have, because LG has changed the interface several times over the years.
If your TV is from 2022 or later, it almost certainly runs webOS, LG's operating system. Older models may run webOS too, but some run a different system. The method is the same either way: you use the TV remote to open the app store, find what you want, and press install.
You do not need to connect your TV to a computer. Everything happens on the TV itself, as long as the TV is connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet cable.
Key Takeaways
- LG TVs have a built-in app store you access with the remote — search for the app name and press install.
- Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet to read apps, but you do not need a computer.
- The app store location varies by TV age: newer models have it on the home screen, older ones may require navigating through settings.
- If an app will not install, restart the TV, check that WiFi is working, and make sure you have enough free storage space.
- Some apps require you to sign in with an account (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube) before you can use them after installation.
Finding the app store on your LG TV remote
On most LG TVs made in 2020 or later, the app store is called LG Content Store or LG App Store. You reach it by pressing the home button on your remote — usually the button with a house icon — which brings up the home screen. Look for a tile or icon labeled "LG App Store" or "LG Content Store" and select it.
On some older models, the app store may be in a different location. Press the home button, then look for a menu option called "Apps" or "My Apps". If you do not see an obvious app store icon, check the settings menu: press the settings button (usually a gear icon), then look for "Apps" or "process Manager".
If you cannot find the app store at all, your TV model may not have one built in. In that case, you can use a streaming device instead — a separate box like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and has its own app store.
How to search for and install a specific app
Once you are in the LG App Store, look for a search icon — usually a magnifying glass — and select it. Type the name of the app you want using the on-screen keyboard. The remote usually has a button to bring up the keyboard, or you can use the arrow buttons to navigate letter by letter.
When you find the app in the search results, select it to open the app's page. You will see a button that says "Install" or "read". Press it. The app will begin downloading and installing automatically. This usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.
Once installation is complete, the button will change to "Open" or "Launch". You can press it to start the app right away, or you can go back to the home screen and find the app there — it will now appear in your list of installed apps.
What to do if the app will not install
If you see an error message or the installation stops partway through, the most common cause is a weak WiFi connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going to settings and looking for a network or WiFi option. If the connection is weak, try moving the TV closer to your router or restarting the router.
Another common reason is that your TV does not have enough free storage space. Go to settings, find "Storage" or "Device Storage", and check how much space is available. If you are running low, delete an app you no longer use to free up room. Press and hold the app icon on the home screen, then select "Delete" or "Remove".
If the app still will not install after checking WiFi and storage, restart the TV completely. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it has fully powered back on, try installing the app again. If it still fails, the app may not be available for your specific TV model — check the app's page in the store to see if there is a note about compatibility.
Signing in to apps after you install them
Many apps — Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, and others — require you to sign in with an account before you can watch anything. After the app finishes installing and you open it for the first time, you will usually see a sign-in screen.
You can sign in using the on-screen keyboard and remote, but it is often faster to use your phone or computer instead. Many apps offer a code-based sign-in: the app shows a code on your TV screen, you go to a website on your phone (like netflix.com/set up or youtube.com/set up), enter the code, and sign in there. The app on your TV will then recognize you automatically.
Check the app's sign-in screen to see if this option is available. If it is, use it — typing passwords with a remote is slow and error-prone.
Managing apps and freeing up space
Once you have installed several apps, they take up storage space on your TV. If you run out of space, new apps will not install and your TV may slow down. To see how much space you are using, go to settings, find "Storage" or "Device Storage", and look at the total and available space.
To delete an app you no longer use, go to the home screen, find the app icon, and press and hold it with your remote. A menu will appear with options including "Delete", "Remove", or "Uninstall". Select it. The app will be removed from your TV, and the storage space will be freed up.
You can always reinstall the app later by going back to the LG App Store and installing it again. Your sign-in information and settings are usually saved, so you will not have to set everything up from scratch.
Using a streaming device if your TV does not have an app store
If your LG TV is very old or does not have a built-in app store, you can add apps using a separate streaming device. The most common options are Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. These are small boxes or sticks that plug into your TV's HDMI port.
Each device has its own app store and remote. You set it up by plugging it in, connecting it to WiFi, and signing in with an account (Amazon, Roku, Apple, or Google). Then you use that device's app store to read and install apps, just as you would on a TV with a built-in store.
The advantage is that you can use the same device on any TV, and you get access to a wider range of apps. The disadvantage is that it is an extra piece of hardware to buy and keep track of. For most people, a TV with a built-in app store is simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need WiFi to read apps on my LG TV?
Yes. Your TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet cable to read and install apps. If your TV is not connected to the internet, you will not be able to access the app store or read anything.
Can I read apps from my computer and put them on my TV?
No. LG TVs do not allow you to transfer apps from a computer. You must read apps directly from the LG App Store on the TV itself. The TV's app store handles all the installation automatically.
What if an app I want is not in the LG App Store?
Not all apps are available for LG TVs. If an app is not in the store, it may not be made for webOS, or LG may not have chosen to include it. In that case, you can use a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick instead, which may have the app you want.
Will downloading apps slow down my TV?
Installing a few apps will not noticeably slow your TV. However, if you install many apps and run out of storage space, your TV may become slower. Delete apps you no longer use to free up space and keep your TV running smoothly.
Can I move apps to an external hard drive to save space?
Most LG TVs do not allow you to move apps to external storage. Your only option to free up space is to delete apps you do not use. Some newer TV models may have this feature, but it is not standard.