The basic steps to add apps to your Samsung TV

Most Samsung Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You access it using your remote control, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer needed. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, or any other app the store carries.

Your TV needs to be connected to the internet (either by WiFi or ethernet cable) before you can read anything. If your TV isn't connected yet, go to Settings on your remote, find Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable. Once you're online, you're ready to start adding apps.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Home button on your Samsung remote, then look for an app store icon (usually labeled Samsung Apps, Galaxy Store, or LG Apps depending on your model) and open it.
  • Use the search function to find the app you want, select it, and press the button that says Install or read — the TV will handle the rest.
  • Apps install directly to your TV's storage, so very old Samsung models with limited storage may not hold many apps at once.
  • You can delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding on the app icon from your home screen, then selecting Remove or Delete.

Finding the app store on your Samsung remote

Press the Home button (the house icon) on your Samsung remote. This takes you to your TV's main menu. Look for an icon that says Samsung Apps, Galaxy Store, or sometimes just Apps — the exact name depends on which year your TV was made. Highlight it and press Enter.

If you don't see an obvious app store icon, scroll through the menu options. Some Samsung TVs put the app store in a folder labeled "Featured" or "My Apps." If you still can't find it after scrolling, your TV model may use a different system — in that case, check your TV's manual or search online for "[your TV model number] app store" to find the exact steps for your specific year and model.

Searching for and installing an app

Once you're in the app store, look for a search icon (usually a magnifying glass). Select it and type the name of the app you want using your remote's keypad or an on-screen keyboard. As you type, the store will show you matching results.

Find the app in the list and select it. You'll see a page with details about the app, including screenshots and a description. Look for a button that says Install, read, or Get — press it. The TV will read and install the app automatically. You don't need to do anything else; just wait for it to finish. Once it's done, you can open the app right away or find it later on your home screen.

What happens if an app isn't in the Samsung store

Not every app available on a phone or computer is in the Samsung app store. If you search for an app and it doesn't show up, it means Samsung doesn't carry it for TV. In that case, you have a few options: you can look for a similar app that does exist in the store, check if the company that makes the app has a different version for TV, or use a different device (like a phone or tablet) to access that service instead.

Some apps, like Spotify or Disney+, have TV versions in the Samsung store. Others, like certain banking apps or niche services, may not. Before you buy a streaming service or sign up for something new, it's worth checking the Samsung app store first to make sure it's available for your TV.

Storage limits and managing your apps

Samsung TVs have built-in storage for apps, but older models have less space than newer ones. If you install too many apps, your TV may slow down or run out of room. You can see how much storage you're using by going to Settings, then Storage or Apps, depending on your model.

If you need space, delete apps you no longer use. Go to your home screen, press and hold on the app icon with your remote, and select Remove or Delete. The app disappears when ready, and you can always reinstall it later if you change your mind. Deleting an app doesn't erase any of your account information — when you reinstall it, you'll just log back in with your username and password.

Keeping your apps updated

Samsung TVs usually update apps automatically in the background, especially if you leave your TV plugged in overnight. You can also check for updates manually by going to the app store, finding the app, and looking for an Update button if one is available.

Updates fix bugs, add new features, and patch security issues, so it's worth letting them happen. If an update is taking a long time or seems stuck, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This usually clears up any installation problems.

Troubleshooting when downloads fail

If an app won't read, the most common reason is that your internet connection dropped or is too slow. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi by going to Settings and Network. If the connection looks good, try restarting your TV and attempting the read again.

Another reason an app might fail to read is that your TV doesn't have enough storage space left. Go to Settings, find Storage or Apps, and see how much free space you have. If you're running low, delete an app or two and try again. If the same app keeps failing even after you've freed up space and restarted, it may not be compatible with your specific TV model — in that case, look for an alternative app that does the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to read apps?

Most apps require you to create an account with that specific service (like Netflix or YouTube), but you don't necessarily need a Samsung account to use the app store itself. However, some Samsung TVs do ask you to sign in with a Samsung account to access the store. If prompted, you can create one for free using an email address.

Can I use my phone to control the app store on my TV?

Yes. Samsung makes a SmartThings app for phones that can control your TV remotely, including navigating the app store and searching for apps. This is faster than typing with the physical remote if you're doing a lot of searching. read SmartThings from your phone's app store, connect it to your TV, and you can control it from there.

What if my TV is very old and doesn't have a built-in app store?

Older Samsung TVs (roughly before 2012) may not have a built-in app store. In that case, you can add apps using a separate device like a Roku stick, Apple TV, or Fire Stick that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. These devices have their own app stores and let you stream content even if your TV doesn't.

Can I sideload apps that aren't in the Samsung store?

Technically yes, but it requires connecting your TV to a computer and using developer tools — it's not something most people do. For most users, sticking to apps in the official Samsung store is simpler and safer. If there's an app you really need that isn't available, a streaming device plugged into your TV is usually the easier solution.