The basic steps to add an app to your LG Smart TV
Most LG Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself — you do not need a computer or phone. You navigate to the store using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly onto the TV. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you are looking for Netflix, YouTube, or a less common streaming service.
The app store on LG TVs is called the LG Content Store (sometimes labeled as LG App Store depending on your TV model year). It comes pre-installed and is usually one of the first options you see when you turn on the TV or press the home button on your remote.
Key Takeaways
- Press the home button on your LG remote to reach the main menu, then look for the app store icon — it usually looks like a grid or shopping bag.
- Use the arrow buttons on your remote to navigate to the app you want, then press the select button (center button) to open the app's page.
- Press select again on the read or install button, and the app will begin installing — you do not need to do anything else while it installs.
- Once installed, the app appears on your home screen or in your apps list, and you can open it when ready without restarting the TV.
- If the app store does not show an app you want, your TV model or internet connection may not support it, but you can check the LG website for your specific model number.
Finding the app store on your remote and TV screen
Start by pressing the home button on your LG remote — it usually has a house icon. This takes you to the main menu of your TV. You will see a row of apps and options across the screen.
Look for an icon that looks like a grid of squares, a shopping bag, or is labeled LG Content Store or App Store. On newer LG TVs, this is often on the far left or right of the home screen. On older models, you may need to scroll left or right using the arrow buttons to find it. Once you see it, press the center select button on your remote to open the store.
Searching for and selecting an app
Once the app store opens, you will see a list of featured apps or categories. To find a specific app, look for a search icon — usually a magnifying glass — and press select on it. A keyboard will appear on your screen.
Use the arrow buttons on your remote to move between letters and numbers, and press select to choose each letter of the app name. This is slower than typing on a phone, so spell carefully. Once you have typed the app name, press select on the search button (or press enter if your remote has that button). The store will show you matching results.
Navigate to the app you want using the arrow buttons and press select to open its details page. You will see information about the app, user ratings, and a button that says Install or read.
Installing the app and watching the progress
Press the center select button on the Install or read button. The button will change to show a progress bar or percentage as the app downloads and installs. This usually takes between 30 seconds and 3 minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
You do not need to do anything while the app is installing — just leave the TV on and do not close the app store. Once the progress bar reaches 100 percent, the button will change to say Open or Installed. You can press select to open the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen and find the app there later.
Finding your newly installed app on the home screen
After installation finishes, press the home button on your remote to return to the main menu. Your new app should appear somewhere on the home screen — usually on the right side or at the bottom, depending on your TV model. If you do not see it when ready, scroll left or right using the arrow buttons to find it.
You can also organize your apps by moving them around. Press and hold the select button on an app icon, and a menu will appear with options to move it or remove it. This lets you put your most-used apps in straightforward-to-reach spots on your home screen.
What to do if an app will not install or does not appear in the store
If you search for an app and it does not show up in the LG Content Store, it may not be available for your TV model or your region. Some apps are only available on certain LG TV generations or in certain countries. Check your TV's model number (usually found in the settings menu under About TV or System Information) and visit the LG website to see which apps are supported for your specific model.
If an app starts to install but stops or shows an error, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to WiFi and that the connection is stable. You can test this by going to Settings > Network and looking at the signal strength. If the signal is weak, move your TV closer to your router or restart both the TV and your router. Then try installing the app again.
If you have enough storage space, the TV will usually tell you. Some LG TVs have limited built-in storage and cannot hold many apps. If you see a message about storage being full, you may need to remove an app you no longer use to make room for a new one. Press and hold an app icon on your home screen and select Remove or Delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate account to read apps on my LG TV?
You need an LG account to access the LG Content Store, but creating one is free and takes less than a minute. The TV will prompt you to sign in or create an account the first time you open the app store. After that, you stay signed in and do not need to log in again.
Can I read apps from somewhere other than the LG Content Store?
Most LG Smart TVs only allow you to read apps from the official LG Content Store. Some older LG models or models in certain regions may support other app stores, but this is not common. Stick with the LG Content Store unless your TV model specifically supports another source.
What happens if my internet goes out while an app is installing?
If your internet disconnects during installation, the read will pause. Once your connection is back, the app store will usually resume the read automatically. If it does not, you can go back to the app's page in the store and press install again — the TV will pick up where it left off rather than starting from the beginning.
Can I delete an app after I install it?
Yes. Press and hold the select button on any app icon on your home screen, and a menu will appear with a Remove or Delete option. This frees up storage space on your TV. You can always reinstall the app later by going back to the app store and downloading it again.
Why does my LG TV say an app is not compatible?
Compatibility depends on your TV's age, operating system version, and region. Newer apps sometimes do not work on older TV models because the TV's processor or software is not powerful enough. Check your TV's model number and the app's system requirements on the LG website to confirm whether they match.