How to Download Apps on Your LG Smart TV

The basic steps to add apps to your LG Smart TV

Most LG Smart 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 app store is usually called LG Content Store or LG App Store depending on your TV model and year.

The process takes about five minutes for most people. You do not need to connect anything to a computer or read files elsewhere first. Everything happens on the TV itself, and the apps stay on your TV once installed.

Key Takeaways

LG Smart TVs have a built-in app store you reach from the home screen using your remote control.
You search for the app by name, select it, and choose Install — the TV downloads and installs it automatically.
Your LG account (or lack of one) determines which apps you can see and whether you can install paid apps.
If the app store is not visible on your home screen, you may need to update your TV's software first.
Apps stay on your TV after installation and can be removed the same way you would remove them from a phone.

Finding the app store on your LG TV

Press the Home button on your LG remote. This takes you to the main screen where all your apps and inputs appear. Look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store," "LG App Store," or sometimes just "Apps." The exact name and position depend on your TV model and when it was made.

If you do not see an app store icon on your home screen, your TV may need a software update. Go to Settings on your home screen, then select About This TV or System Information. Look for a Software Update or System Update option. Let the TV update fully — this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes — then restart it and check your home screen again.

Searching for and installing an app

Open the LG Content Store. You will see categories like Featured, Popular, or Games. Use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) to find the app you want by name. Type the app name using your remote — most LG remotes let you use the arrow buttons to select letters, or you can use a magic remote that has a keyboard built in.

Once you find the app, select it and look for an Install button. Press Install. The TV will read the app and add it to your home screen automatically. You do not need to restart the TV or do anything else. The app is ready to use as soon as the installation finishes, which usually takes less than a minute for smaller apps.

What to do if an app is not in the store

Not every app is available in the LG Content Store. Popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Hulu are there. Smaller or newer apps may not be. If you cannot find an app you want, check whether the app maker offers it for LG TVs at all — some apps are only made for Roku, Samsung, or other TV brands.

If the app exists for LG but is not showing up in your store, your TV region settings may be blocking it. Go to Settings, then General or System, and look for Region or Country. Make sure it matches where you are. Some apps are only available in certain countries. You can also try signing out of your LG account and signing back in, which sometimes refreshes what the store shows you.

Using an LG account to access more apps

You can browse the LG Content Store without an account, but creating one unlocks more features. An LG account lets you install paid apps, save your preferences across devices, and sometimes access apps that are region-locked otherwise. You create an account directly on the TV through Settings, or you can go to LG's website on a computer and create one there, then sign in on your TV.

If you want to install a paid app, you will need to add a payment method to your LG account. Go to Settings on your TV, select your account, and look for Payment Methods or Billing. You can add a credit card or debit card. Your LG account is separate from your Google account, Apple account, or any other service — you manage it only through LG.

Removing apps you no longer want

Apps stay on your TV until you remove them. To delete an app, go to your home screen and find the app icon. Press and hold the button on your remote (or right-click if you have a magic remote with a pointer). A menu will appear with options like Remove, Delete, or Uninstall. Select the option to remove it. The app disappears from your home screen when ready.

Removing an app frees up storage space on your TV. LG Smart TVs have limited built-in storage — usually between 4 and 8 gigabytes — so removing apps you do not use regularly can help if your TV is running slowly or if you want to install new apps.

Troubleshooting common problems

If an app will not install, first check that your TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network or Wi-Fi, and make sure you are connected to your home network. If you are connected but the app still will not install, try restarting the TV. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up before trying again.

If the app installs but will not open, or if it crashes when you try to use it, check whether your TV software is up to date. Go to Settings, select System or General, and choose Software Update. Install any available updates and restart the TV. If the app still does not work after that, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh from the app store.

If you see an error message saying "Storage Full" or "Not Enough Space," you have too many apps on your TV. Remove apps you do not use regularly, then try installing the new app again. You can also clear the cache of existing apps to free up space — go to Settings, select Apps or process Manager, choose the app, and select Clear Cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from outside the LG Content Store?

No. LG Smart TVs do not allow installation of apps from other sources the way Android phones do. You can only install apps that are in the official LG Content Store. This is a security measure — it prevents malware from being installed on your TV.

Do I need to pay for apps?

Most popular apps like Netflix and YouTube are free. Some apps cost money, and some have free versions with paid upgrades. The LG Content Store shows the price before you install. You only pay if you choose to install a paid app, and you need a payment method on your LG account to do so.

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

A factory reset removes all apps you installed. Your TV will go back to whatever apps came with it originally. If you reset your TV, you will need to reinstall your apps afterward. Your LG account will remember which apps you installed before, so you can reinstall them quickly by signing back in.

Can I use the same LG account on multiple TVs?

Yes. Sign in with the same LG account on each TV, and you can install the same apps on all of them. Your account settings and preferences sync across devices. However, paid apps you bought are tied to that account, so you can only use them on TVs where you are signed in.

Why is my app store showing different apps than my neighbor's?

Your region settings, your LG account status, and your TV model all affect which apps appear in the store. If you are in a different country or region than your neighbor, some apps may not be available to you. Updating your TV software and making sure your region settings are correct usually fixes this.

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.