The fastest way to add an app on Samsung TV
Open the Samsung TV app store directly from your home screen by pressing the Home button on your remote, then navigate to the Apps section. Find the app you want, select it, and choose Install. The app downloads and installs automatically — most finish in under a minute. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and in your Apps folder, ready to open immediately.
The exact steps depend slightly on which Samsung TV model you own, because Samsung uses different operating systems on different TV generations. Newer Samsung TVs run Tizen OS, while some older models run a different system. The process is similar on both, but the menu layout changes slightly.
Key Takeaways
- Press Home on your remote, go to Apps, find the app you want, and select Install — the TV handles the rest automatically.
- Samsung TV apps come from the official Samsung TV app store, which is built into your TV and requires no separate account beyond your Samsung account.
- Your TV needs an active internet connection to download and install apps, either through WiFi or ethernet.
- Apps install to your TV's internal storage, and you can uninstall them the same way you installed them if you need the space back.
Finding the app store on your Samsung TV
The app store location depends on your TV's age and operating system. On newer Tizen-based Samsung TVs (2016 and later), press the Home button on your remote and look for an Apps icon or Apps folder on the home screen. Select it to open the app store. On some models, you may see an Apps section already visible on the home screen without needing to navigate.
If you do not see an Apps section, scroll left or right on your home screen using the arrow buttons on your remote until you find it. Some Samsung TVs also let you press the Apps button directly on the remote if your remote has one — look for a button with grid or app-like icons.
Searching for and installing an app
Once you are in the Apps section, look for a search icon or a Browse option. Select Search and type the name of the app you want using your remote's keyboard or on-screen keypad. As you type, matching apps appear below. Select the app you want from the results.
On the app's detail page, you will see an Install button. Select it. The TV begins downloading the app immediately — you will see a progress bar or percentage. Once the download finishes, the button changes to Open or Launch. You can select it to start the app right away, or close the screen and find the app on your home screen later.
What you need before installing apps
Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet, either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV. Check your internet connection by going to Settings, then Network, and selecting your WiFi network or checking your ethernet status. If you are not connected, connect to your WiFi network first before trying to install apps.
You also need a Samsung account to install apps, though you may already have one if you set up your TV when you first bought it. If you do not have one, you can create a free Samsung account during the installation process — the TV will prompt you. Your account is free and requires only an email address and password.
Apps that may not appear in the Samsung app store
The Samsung TV app store carries most major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Hulu. However, some apps do not appear in the Samsung store because their developers have not built a TV version or have chosen not to release one. If you search for an app and it does not appear, that app likely does not have a Samsung TV version available.
Some older or less common apps may have been removed from the store over time. If an app you used to have is no longer there, check the developer's website to see if they still support Samsung TV. If they do not, you may need to use a different app that does the same thing, or access that service through a web browser on your TV if your TV has one.
Managing storage when apps fill up your TV
Samsung TVs have limited built-in storage — typically between 8 and 16 gigabytes depending on the model. Apps take up space, and if you install many apps, you may run out of room. You can check how much storage you have left by going to Settings, then Storage or Device Care, depending on your model.
If you are running low on space, uninstall apps you no longer use. Go to Apps, find the app you want to remove, select it, and choose Uninstall. The app and all its data are removed, freeing up space immediately. You can always reinstall the app later if you change your mind — the TV remembers that you owned it, so you do not have to pay again.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
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 by going to Settings and Network. If the connection is unstable, move your router closer to the TV or restart both your TV and router.
If the connection is strong but the app still will not install, restart your TV completely by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it boots up, try installing the app again. If it still fails, the app store itself may be temporarily down — wait a few hours and try again. If the problem persists after a full day, contact Samsung support with your TV model number, which you can find in Settings under About TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps on Samsung TV?
Most apps are free, including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, though those services require their own paid subscriptions. Some apps in the Samsung store do cost money upfront, but the store clearly shows the price before you install. Free apps show Install; paid apps show the price and a Buy button.
Can I move an app to a different spot on my home screen?
Yes. Press and hold the app icon on your home screen using your remote, then select Move or Rearrange. Use the arrow buttons to move it where you want, then press Select or OK to confirm. The exact button names vary by TV model, but the process is the same.
What happens if I uninstall an app and then want it back?
You can reinstall it the same way you installed it the first time — go to Apps, search for it, and select Install. The TV remembers that you owned it, so you will not be charged again if it was a paid app. Your saved data inside the app is usually deleted when you uninstall, so you may need to log back in.
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 or developer versions allow sideloading, but this is not supported by Samsung and can void your warranty. For nearly all users, the Samsung app store is the only safe way to add apps.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Some apps require a newer version of Tizen OS than your TV has. Samsung releases OS updates periodically, but older TV models eventually stop receiving them. Check Settings for any available updates, but if your TV is more than five or six years old, some newer apps may simply not work on it.