The basic steps depend on your TV brand and operating system
Most smart TVs let you download apps directly from the TV's app store using your remote. The exact steps vary by brand — Samsung uses Samsung TV Plus, LG uses LG Content Store, and Amazon Fire TVs use the Amazon Appstore — but the process is similar across all of them. You navigate to the app store on your TV's home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to download. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen once it finishes.
Some apps download instantly, while others take a minute or two depending on your internet speed and the app's size. You do not need a computer or phone to download apps on most modern smart TVs, though some older models may require a different method. The TV must be connected to the internet via WiFi or ethernet for any of this to work.
Key Takeaways
- Navigate to your TV's app store using the home button on your remote, then search for the app by name.
- Select the app and choose download or install — it will appear on your home screen when finished.
- Your TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet, and you may need to sign in with an account (like your Samsung or Amazon account) before downloading.
- If your TV is older or does not have an app store, you can cast or mirror apps from your phone instead.
- Deleting apps works the same way as on a phone — highlight the app, press the menu button, and select remove or uninstall.
Finding the app store on your remote and TV screen
The app store icon usually sits on your TV's home screen as a dedicated button or tile. On Samsung TVs, it is labeled Samsung TV Plus or the Galaxy Store. On LG TVs, look for LG Content Store. On Amazon Fire TVs, it is called the Amazon Appstore. On Roku TVs, it is the Roku Channel Store. If you do not see it on the home screen, press the home button on your remote and look for an icon that looks like a grid, a shopping bag, or a store sign.
Once you find the app store, select it with your remote. The store will open and show you featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the top. Use the remote's arrow buttons to navigate and the center button to select. If your remote has a voice button (usually marked with a microphone), you can say the app name instead of typing it letter by letter.
Searching for and downloading a specific app
Select the search bar and use your remote to type the app name. Most smart TV remotes have a keyboard that appears on screen — use the arrow buttons to highlight each letter and press the center button to select it. If your remote has a voice button, press it and say the app name aloud instead. The TV will show you matching results as you type.
Find the app you want in the results and select it. The app's page will show a description, reviews, and a download or install button. Select that button and the download will start. You will see a progress bar or loading indicator. Once it finishes, the button will change to say "Open" or the app will automatically appear on your home screen. You can then open it immediately or find it later on your home screen.
What to do if you need to sign in to an account
Many apps require you to sign in before you can use them. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming services all ask for login credentials. Some apps ask you to sign in during download, while others ask after you open them for the first time. If an app asks for a sign-in during download, you can usually skip it and sign in later.
To sign in, you will need the email address and password for that service. Use your remote to type them into the on-screen keyboard, or use the voice button if your remote has one. Some apps let you sign in on your phone or computer instead and then automatically recognize your account on the TV — check the app's instructions to see if that option is available.
Downloading apps on older smart TVs without an app store
Some older smart TVs do not have a built-in app store or have a very limited selection. If your TV does not have an app store, or if the app you want is not available in it, you can cast or mirror content from your phone instead. Casting sends video and audio from your phone to your TV without needing an app on the TV itself.
To cast from an iPhone, open the app, look for an AirPlay icon (usually three curved lines), and select your TV. To cast from an Android phone, look for a Cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) and select your TV. Your phone and TV must be on the same WiFi network. This works with Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and most other popular apps, though not all apps support casting.
Managing storage and deleting apps you no longer use
Smart TVs have limited storage, so deleting apps you do not use frees up space for new ones. To delete an app, highlight it on your home screen using your remote. Press the menu button (usually marked with three dots or lines) and select remove, delete, or uninstall. Confirm the action and the app will disappear from your home screen and be removed from the TV's storage.
You can always download the app again later if you change your mind — deleting it does not prevent you from downloading it again. If your TV is running low on storage and you cannot download new apps, try deleting apps you rarely use. You can also check your TV's settings to see how much storage is available and how much each app is using.
Troubleshooting common download problems
If an app will not download, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to WiFi and that the connection is stable. Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it restarts, try downloading the app again. If the app still will not download, restart your WiFi router the same way.
If the app store itself is not loading, try restarting the TV and checking your internet connection. If you see an error message, write down the exact message and search for it online along with your TV brand — this often leads to specific fixes. Some apps may not be available in your region or on your specific TV model, in which case casting from your phone is your best option. If you are still stuck, contact your TV manufacturer's support line with your TV model number and the name of the app you are trying to download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid subscription to download apps on my smart TV?
No. Downloading apps is free. Some apps themselves require a paid subscription to use (like Netflix or Disney+), but the download and installation are always free. You can download as many free apps as your TV's storage allows.
Can I download apps from somewhere other than my TV's app store?
Most smart TVs only allow downloads from their official app store for security reasons. You cannot sideload apps from the internet the way you can on a computer. If an app is not in your TV's app store, casting from your phone is usually the only option.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset erases all downloaded apps and returns your TV to its original settings. You will need to download them again afterward. Before resetting, write down which apps you use so you remember what to download.
Why does my TV say an app is not available in my region?
Some apps are only licensed to work in certain countries due to copyright and distribution agreements. If an app is not available in your region, you cannot download it from your TV's app store. Casting from your phone may work depending on the app and your location.
Can I download apps on my smart TV without WiFi?
No. Your TV must be connected to the internet via WiFi or ethernet cable to download anything. If your TV is not connected to the internet, you can only use apps that were pre-installed by the manufacturer.