The basic steps to install an app on LG Smart TV
Adding an app to your LG Smart TV takes about two minutes. Open the LG Content Store (the app marketplace built into your TV), search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen automatically. You don't need a computer or USB drive — everything happens directly on the TV.
The exact steps depend slightly on which LG TV model and operating system you have. Most LG TVs made after 2016 use webOS, which is the system this guide covers. If your TV is older or uses a different system, the menu names and button locations will differ, but the general process is the same.
Key Takeaways
- Open the LG Content Store from your TV's home screen, search for the app by name, and select Install to download it directly to your TV.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet (either WiFi or ethernet) for the app store to work and for apps to download.
- Apps appear on your home screen after installation, and you can organize them by moving or deleting them from the home screen menu.
- If an app won't install, restart your TV, check your internet connection, and make sure your TV has enough free storage space.
- Not all apps are available in the LG Content Store — some streaming services only offer apps through other TV platforms.
Finding and opening the LG Content Store
The LG Content Store is the official app marketplace for LG Smart TVs. On your TV's home screen, look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store," "App Store," or sometimes just a shopping bag icon. Press the button on your remote that corresponds to that icon, or use the arrow buttons to highlight it and press Enter.
If you don't see an app store icon on your home screen, press the Home button on your remote to make sure you're on the main screen. Some TVs have the app store tucked into a menu — look for a grid icon or a menu button that opens additional options. Once you're in the Content Store, you'll see categories like Featured, Games, and Streaming, or a search bar at the top where you can type the name of the app you want.
Searching for and installing a specific app
Use the search bar in the LG Content Store to find the app you want. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard (usually a virtual keyboard that appears on screen, or a physical keyboard if your remote has one). For example, if you want Netflix, type "Netflix" and press Enter or the search button.
The search results will show matching apps. Select the one you want — make sure it's the official version, not a third-party copy. Press the Install button (it may say "Get" or "Download" depending on your TV model). The app will begin downloading immediately. You'll see a progress bar or notification showing the download status. Once installation is complete, the button changes to "Open" or "Installed," and the app appears on your home screen.
What to do if an app won't install
If an app fails to install or gets stuck, the most common causes are a weak internet connection, not enough free storage space on your TV, or a temporary glitch. First, check that your TV is connected to the internet — go to Settings, then Network, and confirm your WiFi or ethernet connection is active and shows a strong signal.
Next, free up storage space. Go to Settings, then Storage or Device Manager, and look at how much free space you have. If it's below 1 GB, delete apps you don't use or clear the cache (Settings > Apps > System Apps > select an app > Clear Cache). Then try installing again. If the app still won't install, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up. Try the installation one more time.
If the app still fails, it may not be available in your region or on your specific TV model. Check the app's description in the Content Store to see if there are any compatibility notes. Some apps, like certain streaming services, are only available on certain TV models or in certain countries.
Organizing apps on your home screen
After you install an app, it appears as a tile or icon on your home screen. You can rearrange, delete, or hide apps to keep your screen organized. To move an app, highlight it with your remote, press and hold the OK or Select button, then use the arrow buttons to drag it to a new position. Release the button to drop it in place.
To delete an app from your home screen (but not from your TV entirely), highlight it and press the Delete or Remove button on your remote, or look for a delete option in the menu that appears. To completely remove an app from your TV, go to Settings, then Apps, find the app in the list, and select Uninstall. This frees up storage space. You can always reinstall it later from the Content Store.
Apps that may not be available in the LG Content Store
Not every app you want will be in the LG Content Store. Some streaming services, games, or utilities are only available on certain TV platforms. For example, some apps are only available on Samsung Smart TVs or Android TV, not on LG webOS. Before you buy a TV or expect a specific app to be available, check the LG Content Store on a TV in a store, or search online for "app name LG webOS" to confirm it exists.
If an app you want isn't available, you have limited options. You can't sideload apps onto LG Smart TVs the way you can on some Android devices — LG doesn't allow installation from USB drives or unknown sources for security reasons. Your best alternative is to use the app on a phone or tablet and cast it to your TV using AirPlay (for Apple devices) or Google Cast (for Android devices), if the app supports casting.
Internet connection requirements
Your TV must be connected to the internet to access the LG Content Store and download apps. You can connect via WiFi or a wired ethernet connection. WiFi is more convenient, but ethernet is more stable if your TV is near your router. Go to Settings, then Network, and select your WiFi network or connect an ethernet cable to the port on the back of your TV.
A weak or unstable connection can cause downloads to fail or apps to crash after installation. If your WiFi signal is weak, move your router closer to the TV, reduce interference from other devices, or switch to the 5 GHz WiFi band if your router supports it. If you're using ethernet, make sure the cable is plugged in firmly on both ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from sources other than the LG Content Store?
No. LG Smart TVs don't allow installation from USB drives, external sources, or unknown app stores. All apps must come from the official LG Content Store. This is a security measure to prevent malware, but it also means you're limited to apps that LG has approved and made available in your region.
Why does an app say it's not compatible with my TV?
Some apps require a newer version of webOS than your TV has, or they're not available in your country. Check your TV's webOS version in Settings > About This TV. If an app requires a newer version, you may not be able to install it unless LG releases a software update for your TV model. Contact LG support to ask if an update is available.
Do I need an LG account to download apps?
Most apps don't require an LG account to install, but some do. If an app requires an account, the Content Store will prompt you to sign in or create one before you can install it. You'll use that account to log into the app itself once it's installed.
What happens to my apps if I do a factory reset?
A factory reset removes all apps you've installed and returns your TV to its original state. The apps that came with your TV (like the LG Content Store itself) will still be there, but any apps you added will be gone. You'll need to reinstall them from the Content Store afterward.
Can I install the same app on multiple TVs?
Yes. Each TV has its own app store account and storage, so you can install the same app on as many LG TVs as you own. You'll need to go through the installation process on each TV separately. Some apps (like Netflix or Spotify) let you sign in with the same account across multiple TVs, so your preferences and watch history sync.