Where to find and install apps on a Samsung Smart TV
Samsung Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself — you do not need a computer or separate device. The store is called the Samsung App Store or Samsung Smart TV App Store depending on your TV model year. You access it directly from your remote control using the home button, then navigate to the Apps section, search for what you want, and install it the same way you would on a phone.
The process takes about two minutes for most apps. Your TV needs to be connected to the internet — either through WiFi or an ethernet cable — for the store to load and for apps to read. If your TV is not connected to the internet yet, you will need to do that first through the Settings menu.
Once an app is installed, it stays on your TV and appears in your Apps menu. You can open it anytime without reinstalling. If you run out of storage space — which is rare but possible if you install many apps — you can delete apps you no longer use to free up room for new ones.
Key Takeaways
- Press the Home button on your Samsung remote, then navigate to Apps to reach the Samsung App Store without needing another device.
- Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet before you can browse or read apps from the store.
- Search for the app by name, select it, and choose Install — the app downloads and appears in your Apps menu automatically.
- You can delete apps anytime to free storage space, and reinstalling an app you deleted is as straightforward as installing it the first time.
Connecting your TV to the internet first
If your Samsung TV is not yet connected to WiFi or ethernet, you need to do that before the app store will work. Press the Home button on your remote, go to Settings, then select Network. You will see options for WiFi or Wired Connection depending on your setup.
For WiFi: select WiFi, choose your network name from the list, enter your password, and wait for the TV to confirm the connection. The TV will show "Connected" when it is done. For a wired connection: plug an ethernet cable into the port on the back of your TV and into your router. The TV usually detects this automatically within a few seconds.
Once connected, go back to Home and open Apps to confirm the app store loads. If it does not load, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and trying again.
Opening the app store and searching for an app
Press the Home button on your remote. You will see a menu with options like Live TV, Apps, Settings, and others. Select Apps — this takes you to your installed apps and to the app store itself.
Look for a search icon or a button labeled "Search" or a magnifying glass symbol. Select it and type the name of the app you want using your remote. Most Samsung remotes have a small keyboard on the back, or you can use the on-screen keyboard that appears. Type slowly and carefully — the TV will show suggestions as you type.
Once you see the app you want in the results, select it. The app's page will open and show a description, reviews, and an Install button. Select Install and wait — the read usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed.
Installing the app and finding it afterward
After you select Install, the TV will show a progress bar or a message saying "Installing". Do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this time. When the installation finishes, the Install button changes to Open or a checkmark appears, meaning the app is ready to use.
The app now appears in your Apps menu. You can open it when ready by selecting Open on that same screen, or you can go back to your Apps menu anytime later and select the app from the list. The app will be in the same place every time you open Apps.
If you want quick access, some Samsung TVs let you pin apps to your Home screen. Go to Apps, find the app, select it, and look for a Pin or Add to Home option. This puts a shortcut on your main home screen so you do not have to go through the Apps menu every time.
What to do if an app will not install
If you tap Install and nothing happens, or the read stops partway through, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming it shows "Connected". If the connection dropped, reconnect to WiFi or check your ethernet cable.
If the connection is fine but the app still will not install, restart your TV. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try installing again. This clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads.
Some apps require a certain amount of free storage space on your TV. If you have installed many apps and storage is full, delete apps you no longer use. Go to Apps, select an app you want to remove, and choose Delete or Uninstall. This frees up space for new apps.
Removing apps you no longer want
Open your Apps menu by pressing Home and selecting Apps. Find the app you want to delete, select it, and look for a Delete, Uninstall, or Remove button. Select it and confirm when the TV asks if you are sure. The app disappears from your Apps menu when ready.
Deleting an app does not affect other apps or your TV's performance. You can reinstall the same app later anytime by going back to the app store and selecting Install again — you do not lose any settings or data by removing it first, though some apps may reset to their default state when you reinstall.
Popular apps and where to find them
Common apps for Samsung Smart TVs include Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Spotify, and Plex. All of these are in the Samsung App Store and install the same way as any other app. Search by name, select Install, and wait for the read to finish.
Some apps are free to read but require a paid subscription to use — Netflix and Disney+ are examples. Others like YouTube and Spotify are free to read and use, though Spotify has a free tier with ads and a paid tier without them. The app store description tells you whether an app is free or costs money before you install it.
If you cannot find an app in the Samsung App Store, it may not be available for your TV model or your region. Not every app works on every TV. Try searching for an alternative — for example, if one streaming service is not available, another often is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
Most apps do not require a Samsung account to install. You may need an account with the app itself — for example, a Netflix account to use Netflix — but the Samsung App Store usually lets you read without signing in. If an app asks for a Samsung account during installation, it will tell you clearly on the screen.
Can I install apps from somewhere other than the Samsung App Store?
Samsung Smart TVs are designed to use the Samsung App Store. Some older models or developer versions allow sideloading — installing apps from outside the store — but this is not the normal path and can create security risks. For most users, the Samsung App Store is the only practical way to install apps.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset removes all installed apps and returns your TV to its original state. You would need to reinstall each app afterward. If you think you might reset your TV, write down which apps you use so you remember what to reinstall.
Why does my TV say there is not enough storage for an app?
Samsung Smart TVs have limited built-in storage. If you have installed many large apps, you may run out of room. Delete apps you do not use regularly, and the TV will have space for new ones. Restarting your TV can also free up temporary storage space.
Can I use the same app on multiple TVs?
Yes. Each TV has its own app store account, so you install apps separately on each TV. If you have a Samsung account, some apps remember your login information across devices, but you still install each app on each TV individually.