The fastest way to get apps on your Samsung TV
You download apps to a Samsung Smart TV through the built-in Samsung App Store, which appears as a tile on your home screen. Press the Home button on your remote, look for the App Store icon (usually in the top row), and select it. From there you can browse, find the app you want, and install it directly to your TV — no computer or phone needed.
The whole process takes about two minutes for most apps. Your TV needs to be connected to the internet, either by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. If your TV is not yet connected to Wi-Fi, you will see a prompt to do that the first time you open the App Store.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your TV's home screen using the remote, search for the app you want, and select Install.
- Your Samsung TV must be connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet to download and install apps.
- Apps install directly to your TV's storage, so older TV models with limited space may not hold many apps at once.
- If an app does not appear in the Samsung App Store, you can sideload it using a USB drive or screen mirroring from a phone or computer.
Step-by-step: downloading an app from the Samsung App Store
Step 1: Open the App Store. Press the Home button on your remote. You will see your TV's home screen with rows of tiles. Look for the App Store icon — it usually looks like a shopping bag or grid of squares — and select it with your remote.
Step 2: Search for the app. Once the App Store opens, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top. Select it, then use your remote to type the app name. The remote has a keyboard on the back, or you can use the on-screen keyboard that appears. As you type, matching apps will show below.
Step 3: Select the app and install it. When you see the app you want, select it. A details page will open showing the app description, reviews, and an Install button. Select Install. The download will begin immediately — you will see a progress bar.
Step 4: Wait for installation to finish. Most apps take one to five minutes to download and install, depending on the app size and your internet speed. You will see a notification when the installation is complete. The app will then appear on your home screen or in an Apps folder.
What to do if your TV is not connected to the internet
If you have not yet connected your Samsung TV to Wi-Fi, the App Store will not open. When you select the App Store icon, you will see a message asking you to connect to the internet first.
To connect to Wi-Fi, press Home, then go to Settings (usually a gear icon). Select Network, then Wi-Fi. Your TV will scan for available networks. Select your network name, enter your password using the remote keyboard, and select Connect. Once connected, return to the home screen and open the App Store.
If you prefer to use an ethernet cable instead, connect one end to your TV's ethernet port (on the back) and the other end to your router. Your TV should recognize the connection automatically within a few seconds.
When an app is not in the Samsung App Store
Not every app available on phones or computers is in the Samsung App Store. If you search for an app and it does not appear, you have two options: sideload it using a USB drive, or use screen mirroring to run the app from your phone or computer instead.
Sideloading with a USB drive requires downloading the app file (called an APK) to a computer, copying it to a USB drive, and plugging the drive into your TV. This method works for Android apps but is more technical and carries a small security risk if you download from untrusted sources. Only sideload apps from sources you trust.
Screen mirroring is simpler: connect your phone or computer to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, then use your phone's or computer's built-in screen mirroring feature to display it on the TV. This lets you run any app from your device on the big screen without installing anything on the TV itself. The downside is that your phone or computer must stay connected and awake the whole time you are using the app.
Storage limits and managing apps on your TV
Samsung Smart TVs have built-in storage for apps, but the amount varies by model. Newer TVs typically have 4 to 8 gigabytes of space available for apps after the operating system takes its share. Older models may have only 1 to 2 gigabytes, which fills up quickly if you install many apps.
If your TV runs out of storage, you will see an error message when trying to install a new app. To free up space, go to Settings, then Apps, and select Uninstall next to apps you no longer use. You can always reinstall them later from the App Store.
Check how much storage you have left by going to Settings, then About This TV, and looking for Storage or Memory information. If you regularly hit the limit, stick to the apps you use most and uninstall others when you are done with them.
Troubleshooting apps that will not download or install
If an app starts downloading but gets stuck, or if you see an error message, try these steps in order.
First, restart your TV. Press the power button on your remote to turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads. Once the TV restarts, try installing the app again.
Second, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, then Network, and select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to. If the signal is weak (fewer than two bars), move your router closer to the TV or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Weak connections often cause downloads to fail partway through.
Third, clear the App Store cache. Go to Settings, then Apps, find Samsung App Store in the list, and select Clear Cache. This removes temporary files the App Store uses and often fixes download problems. Then try installing the app again.
If none of these steps work, the app itself may have a problem, or your TV model may not support it. Check the app's description in the App Store to see if it lists your TV model as compatible.
Updating apps you have already installed
Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically by default, but you can also check for updates manually. Open the App Store, select the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top, and look for My Apps or Updates. Any apps with available updates will show an Update button. Select it to install the latest version.
Automatic updates happen when your TV is in standby mode and connected to Wi-Fi, usually overnight. If you want to turn off automatic updates, go to Settings, then Apps, then Auto Update, and toggle it off. You will then need to update apps manually using the method above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to download apps?
No. You can browse and download apps from the Samsung App Store without signing in. However, some apps — like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu — require you to create an account with that service and sign in once the app is installed on your TV.
Can I download apps from Google Play Store instead of Samsung App Store?
It depends on your TV model. Newer Samsung TVs (2020 and later) often have Google Play Store available as an alternative app store. Older models have only the Samsung App Store. Check your home screen to see if Google Play Store appears as a tile. If it does, you can use it the same way as the Samsung App Store.
What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?
A factory reset erases all apps you installed and returns your TV to its original state. The apps are gone, but you can reinstall them from the App Store afterward. Before resetting, write down which apps you use so you remember what to reinstall.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible with my model?
Samsung makes many TV models with different processors and amounts of memory. Some apps require newer hardware or more storage than older models have. If an app says it is not compatible, your TV model simply cannot run it. Check the app description to see the minimum TV model year required.
Can I delete an app I installed by mistake?
Yes. Press Home, find the app on your home screen, press and hold it with your remote, and select Delete or Uninstall from the menu that appears. The app will be removed from your TV immediately, but you can reinstall it from the App Store anytime.