The basic steps to get an app on your Samsung TV
Most Samsung TVs let you download apps directly through the TV itself using the remote. Open the app store built into your TV — usually called Samsung TV Plus or the Galaxy Store depending on your model year — navigate to the app you want, and select it to download. The TV downloads and installs the app automatically, and it appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes.
You do not need a computer or phone to do this. Everything happens on the TV. The only requirement is that your Samsung TV is connected to the internet, either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store on your TV using the remote, search for the app by name, and select it to download — the TV handles installation automatically.
- Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet for downloads to work, and you may need to sign in with a Samsung account for some apps.
- Apps appear on your home screen after download, and you can organize or delete them using the remote's menu options.
- If an app will not download, restart your TV, check your internet connection, or clear the app store cache through Settings.
Finding and opening the app store on your TV
The app store location depends on your Samsung TV's age and operating system. On newer models running Tizen (Samsung's TV operating system), look for an icon labeled "Apps" or "Samsung TV Plus" on the home screen — it usually looks like a grid of squares or a colorful logo. Press it with your remote.
On older Samsung TVs, you may see "Smart Hub" instead. Press the Smart Hub button on your remote or look for it in the home menu. Once inside, navigate to "Apps" using the arrow buttons on your remote. The interface is different between models, but the goal is the same: reach the store where apps live.
Searching for and downloading a specific app
Once you are in the app store, use the search function — usually a magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen. Press it with your remote, and a keyboard appears on your TV screen. Use the remote's arrow buttons to highlight letters and spell out the app name. For example, to get Netflix, spell N-E-T-F-L-I-X.
When the app appears in the search results, highlight it and press the center button on your remote (or the button labeled "Select" or "OK"). A download button appears. Press it. The TV begins downloading and installing the app. You will see a progress bar or a spinning icon. Wait until it finishes — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your internet speed and the app's size.
Once the download completes, the button changes to "Open" or "Launch." You can press it immediately to start the app, or press the back button to return to your home screen. The app now appears in your apps list and stays there until you delete it.
What to do if you need to sign in to an app
Many apps — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, and others — require you to sign in with an account before you can watch anything. After you open the app for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Use your remote to navigate the on-screen keyboard and enter your email address and password, just as you would on a phone or computer.
Some apps offer a faster option: a code appears on your TV screen, and you can go to a website on your phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in there instead. This is often easier because typing on a TV remote is slower than typing on a keyboard. The app on your TV recognizes the sign-in and logs you in automatically.
Organizing your apps and freeing up space
After you download several apps, your home screen can get crowded. Most Samsung TVs let you rearrange apps by highlighting one, pressing and holding the center button on your remote, and dragging it to a new position using the arrow buttons. Release the center button to drop it in place.
If you want to delete an app you no longer use, highlight it, press and hold the center button, and look for a "Delete" or "Remove" option. Confirm the deletion. Removing apps frees up storage space on your TV, which can help it run faster if you have downloaded many apps.
Fixing download problems
If an app will not download, the most common cause is a weak or disconnected internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to WiFi by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming you see a connected network name. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.
If the connection is strong but the download still fails, try restarting the app store itself. Press the back button to exit, wait 10 seconds, and open the app store again. If that does not work, go to Settings, then Apps, find the app store (usually called "Samsung TV Plus" or "Galaxy Store"), and select "Clear Cache." This removes temporary files that may be causing the problem. Then try downloading again.
Some apps are not available in all regions or on all TV models. If you search for an app and it does not appear at all, it may not be compatible with your specific TV. Check the app store's description or search online for your TV model number plus the app name to confirm whether it is available for your TV.
Using your phone or computer to download apps remotely
Some Samsung TVs let you download apps from your phone using the SmartThings app, Samsung's companion application. Open SmartThings on your phone, select your TV, navigate to the app store section, and choose an app to download. The TV receives the command and downloads the app in the background.
This method is optional — it is not faster or easier than using the remote directly, but it can be useful if your remote is lost or not working. You can also use a web browser on your computer to visit the Samsung app store website and send downloads to your TV if your TV model supports it, though this feature is less common on newer models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to download apps?
Not always. Many free apps download without signing in. However, some apps and services require you to create a Samsung account or sign in with the app's own account (like Netflix or YouTube) before you can use them. The app store will tell you what is required before you download.
Can I download apps if my TV is not connected to WiFi?
No. Your TV must be connected to the internet to download anything from the app store. Connect your TV to WiFi through Settings, or plug an ethernet cable into the back of the TV if WiFi is not available in your room.
What happens if I run out of storage space on my TV?
Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage, and downloading many large apps can fill it up. If you cannot download a new app, delete apps you no longer use. Go to your home screen, highlight an app, press and hold the center button, and select Delete. This frees up space for new downloads.
Can I download apps from somewhere other than the Samsung app store?
Most Samsung TVs only allow downloads from the official Samsung app store for security reasons. You cannot sideload apps from other sources the way you can on some Android phones. Stick to the built-in app store to avoid problems.
Why does my app keep crashing after I download it?
Crashes usually mean the app needs an update or your TV needs a restart. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the problem continues, open the app store, find the app, and check whether an update is available. Download the update if one exists.