The basic steps to add apps to your LG Smart TV
Most LG Smart TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer or phone needed. The process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, or a less common streaming service.
The app store on LG TVs is called LG Content Store on older models and LG App Store on newer ones. Both work the same way: press the Home button on your remote, look for an app store icon or search option, find the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes depending on file size and your internet speed.
You do need a working internet connection — either WiFi or ethernet — and an LG account to download most apps. Creating an LG account is free and takes less than a minute. Some apps are free to install but require a separate subscription (like Netflix or Disney+), while others are completely free.
Key Takeaways
- Open the LG App Store from your TV's home screen using the remote, search for the app by name, and select Install to add it to your TV.
- You need an active internet connection and a free LG account to download apps, though the account setup takes only a minute.
- Most streaming apps are free to install but require a paid subscription to watch content, which you set up inside the app after installation.
- If an app does not appear in the LG App Store, check whether your TV model and software version support it, as older TVs may not have access to newer apps.
- Uninstalling an app is as simple as pressing and holding the app icon on your home screen and selecting Remove or Delete.
Finding and searching for apps in the LG App Store
The LG App Store is organized by category — Streaming, Games, Utilities, and so on — but the fastest way to find a specific app is to use the search function. Press Home on your remote, look for a search icon (usually a magnifying glass), type the app name, and the store shows matching results. The app you want usually appears at the top of the list.
Not every app available on phones or computers is available for LG TVs. Older LG TV models from before 2016 have a smaller selection, and some apps simply do not make a TV version. If you search for an app and nothing comes up, it may not be available for your specific TV model. Checking the app's official website or support page will tell you whether a TV version exists and which TV brands support it.
Popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube are available on nearly all LG Smart TVs made in the last five years. Smaller services, niche apps, and games are more likely to be missing from older models. If you own a TV from 2015 or earlier, the app store may be significantly smaller than what newer TVs offer.
Creating and signing into your LG account
The first time you try to download an app, the TV will prompt you to create or sign into an LG account. You can do this on the TV itself using the remote, though it is slower than doing it on a phone or computer because you have to type with the remote. The easier route is to visit accounts.lge.com on your phone or computer, create your account there, and then sign in on the TV using the same email and password.
Your LG account is separate from your TV's WiFi login and separate from any streaming service subscriptions. It is only used to track which apps you have installed and to sync settings across LG devices if you own more than one. You do not pay anything for the account, and LG does not charge you to download free apps.
If you forget your LG account password, you can reset it at accounts.lge.com by clicking "Forgot Password" and following the email link. Make sure you use the same email address on the TV that you used to create the account, or the sign-in will fail.
Installing apps and managing storage space
Once you find an app in the LG App Store and select Install, the TV downloads it automatically and adds it to your home screen. Most apps install in under a minute, though larger apps like games may take several minutes depending on your internet speed. You do not need to do anything while the app installs — you can watch TV or use other apps at the same time.
LG Smart TVs have limited built-in storage, typically between 8 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. If you install many apps, you may eventually run out of space. When that happens, the TV will tell you there is not enough storage to install a new app. The solution is to uninstall apps you no longer use: press and hold the app icon on your home screen, select Remove or Delete, and confirm. This frees up space for new apps.
Some LG TVs allow you to expand storage using a USB drive, though this is not common and does not work with all apps. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see whether external storage is supported. For most people, managing storage simply means uninstalling apps you do not use regularly.
Updating apps and keeping them current
Apps on your LG TV update automatically by default, usually overnight when the TV is in standby mode. You do not need to do anything — the TV checks for updates and installs them without your involvement. If you want to check for updates manually, go to the LG App Store, look for a menu option like "My Apps" or "Installed Apps," and select Check for Updates.
Automatic updates mean your apps always have the latest features and security fixes. If you prefer to control when apps update, you can usually turn off automatic updates in the TV's settings menu, though this is not recommended because it leaves your apps vulnerable to security problems. Most people leave automatic updates on and never think about it.
If an app stops working or crashes after an update, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it fresh from the LG App Store. This usually fixes problems caused by incomplete updates or corrupted files. If the problem continues, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model, and you may need to use a different app or service instead.
Troubleshooting when apps will not install or download
If you try to install an app and get an error message, the most common causes are a weak internet connection, not enough storage space, or an outdated TV software version. First, check that your TV is connected to WiFi and that the connection is working — try opening another app or streaming a video to confirm. If the internet is working, try restarting the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
If the app still will not install, check how much storage space is available. Go to Settings, look for Storage or Device Information, and see how much free space remains. If you have less than 500 megabytes free, uninstall apps you do not use and try again. Some apps require a minimum amount of free space to install, and the TV will reject the installation if you do not have enough.
If you have internet and storage but the app still will not install, the app may not be compatible with your TV model or software version. Check the LG App Store page for that app to see which TV models it supports. If your TV is listed as compatible, try signing out of your LG account and signing back in, then attempt the installation again. If nothing works, contact LG support with your TV model number and the name of the app you are trying to install.
Using a phone or computer to install apps remotely
Some LG TVs allow you to install apps from your phone using the LG ThinQ app or from a web browser at the LG website. This is useful if your TV remote is lost or broken, or if you simply prefer typing on a phone keyboard instead of using the remote. Open the LG ThinQ app on your phone, sign in with your LG account, select your TV, and look for an option to browse or install apps. The app then installs on your TV automatically.
Not all LG TV models support remote installation through the phone app, so this feature may not be available on your TV. Check whether your TV appears in the LG ThinQ app and whether the app shows an option to manage apps. If it does not, you will need to use the TV remote to install apps directly on the TV.
The LG website also allows you to browse the app store and send apps to your TV if you are signed into your LG account. This is another option if you prefer using a computer keyboard, though the process is slower than using the remote on the TV itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to download apps from the LG App Store?
No. Downloading apps from the LG App Store is always free. Some apps are free to use, while others require a paid subscription to watch or use content — but the app itself costs nothing to install. You set up any subscription inside the app after you have installed it.
Can I install apps that are not in the LG App Store?
Not easily. LG Smart TVs do not allow you to install apps from outside the official LG App Store the way phones do. If an app is not in the store, it is not available for your TV. Some very technical users can sideload apps using USB drives or developer tools, but this is not recommended for most people and may void your warranty.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset erases all installed apps and returns the TV to its original state. You will need to reinstall each app afterward. This is why it is a good idea to note which apps you use regularly before doing a factory reset. Your LG account will remember which apps you have installed, so signing back in may restore some of them automatically depending on your TV model.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible with my model?
Older LG TV models and those with less processing power may not support newer or more demanding apps. Compatibility depends on your TV's processor, the amount of RAM it has, and its software version. Updating your TV's software to the latest version sometimes adds support for apps that were previously unavailable, so check Settings for any pending software updates.
Can I move apps to a USB drive to save space?
Most LG Smart TVs do not support moving apps to external storage. Some newer models may have this feature, but it is not standard. Your best option for freeing up space is to uninstall apps you do not use regularly. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to see whether external storage is supported on your specific model.