The quickest way to add an app
Open the app store built into your Samsung TV by pressing the Home button on your remote, then select Apps. Search for the app you want, select it, and choose Install. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once it finishes, the Install button changes to Open, and the app appears on your home screen.
This works the same way whether your Samsung TV is a few years old or brand new. The app store is called Samsung TV Plus on older models and Galaxy Store on newer ones, but the process is identical. You need a working internet connection, but your TV handles everything else.
If you cannot find the app you are looking for in the store, it may not be available for Samsung TVs, or it may only work on certain models. Check the app's requirements before you assume it is missing — some apps require a TV made after a specific year.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote, go to Apps, search for the app you want, and select Install — the TV does the rest automatically.
- Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet for apps to download and install.
- Apps you install stay on your home screen and in your Apps folder, and you can delete them anytime by pressing and holding the app icon.
- If an app crashes or stops working, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh — this fixes most problems without needing to restart your TV.
- Not every app available on phones or computers works on Samsung TVs, so check the app store first to see if what you want exists.
Make sure your TV is connected to the internet first
Apps need an internet connection to download. If your Samsung TV is not already connected to WiFi or ethernet, do that before you try to install anything. Go to Settings, select Network, and choose your WiFi network or plug in an ethernet cable if your TV has a port for it.
If your TV connects but the internet is slow, app downloads take longer and may fail partway through. Restart your router if apps keep stopping mid-install. Move your TV closer to the router if it is far away, or switch to a wired ethernet connection if your TV supports it — this is more stable than WiFi.
Once your TV shows a working internet connection in Settings, you are ready to install apps.
Navigate the app store and search for what you want
Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. You will see a menu with options like TV, Apps, and Settings. Select Apps — this opens the app store. At the top you will see a search box. Select it and type the name of the app you want, like Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu.
The search results show apps that match what you typed. Select the one you want. The app's page opens and shows a description, reviews, and an Install button. Some apps are free; others cost money. Check the price before you proceed — if an app costs money, your TV will ask you to confirm the purchase using a payment method you have set up.
If you do not see the app you are looking for, try searching with a shorter name or different spelling. If it still does not appear, the app may not be available for Samsung TVs.
Install the app and find it on your home screen
Once you find the app you want, select the Install button. Your TV downloads and installs the app in the background — you do not need to wait or do anything else. The button changes to Open once the installation finishes, usually within a minute or two depending on the app size and your internet speed.
The app now appears on your home screen and in your Apps folder. You can open it right away by selecting Open, or you can close this screen and find it later on your home screen. Newly installed apps usually appear at the end of your app list or in a Recently Added section.
If you want to move the app to a different spot on your home screen, press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then select Move or Rearrange. This lets you organize your apps the way you want them.
What to do if an app will not install or keeps crashing
If an app fails to install, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi or ethernet, then try installing again. If it fails a second time, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up.
If an app installs but crashes when you try to open it, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh. Press and hold the app icon on your home screen, select Uninstall, and confirm. Then go back to the app store, search for the app again, and install it a second time. This fixes most crashes without needing to restart your TV or change any settings.
If the app still does not work after reinstalling, it may not be compatible with your TV model. Check the app store page to see what TV models it supports — some apps only work on TVs made after a certain year.
Remove apps you no longer want
To delete an app, press and hold its icon on your home screen or in your Apps folder. A menu appears with options including Uninstall. Select Uninstall and confirm. The app is removed from your TV immediately, and you can reinstall it anytime by going back to the app store.
Uninstalling an app does not delete any saved passwords or account information — if you reinstall the app later, you will still be logged in. If you want to completely remove your account from an app before uninstalling, open the app, go to its settings or account page, and sign out or delete your account first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?
You need a Samsung account to access the app store on your TV. If you do not have one, your TV will prompt you to create one the first time you try to install an app. You can use your email address and create a password, and the process takes less than a minute.
Can I install apps from somewhere other than the Samsung app store?
Most Samsung TVs only let you install apps from the official Samsung app store. Some older models allow sideloading (installing apps from outside the store), but this requires a USB drive and technical knowledge. For most people, the app store is the only practical option.
Why does an app I want not show up in the Samsung app store?
Not every app made for phones or computers is available for Samsung TVs. Developers choose which platforms to support, and some apps are only built for Android phones or iPhones. Check the app's website or description to see if a TV version exists before assuming it is missing from the store.
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 will need to reinstall each app afterward. Your login information for apps is also erased, so you will need to sign back in to each one.
Can I install the same app on multiple Samsung TVs?
Yes. Each TV needs its own installation, but if you use the same Samsung account on both TVs, you can install apps on each one separately using the same process. Your account login for individual apps (like Netflix) is separate from your Samsung account.