The basic steps to install an app on your Samsung TV
To add an app to your Samsung Smart TV, open the Samsung TV Plus app or the Galaxy Store (depending on your TV model and year), search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and installs automatically, then appears on your home screen. Most Samsung TVs made after 2016 use this same process, though the exact menu names vary slightly by model year.
The whole process takes two to five minutes for most apps. You need an active internet connection — either through WiFi or ethernet — and a Samsung account. If you do not have one, you can create it free during the installation process using an email address.
Key Takeaways
- Open the app store on your TV (usually Samsung TV Plus or Galaxy Store), search for the app by name, and tap Install to download it directly to your TV.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet via WiFi or ethernet cable for apps to download and work.
- Apps appear on your home screen after installation, and you can rearrange or delete them by pressing and holding the app icon.
- If an app will not install, restart your TV, check that your internet connection is stable, and confirm your TV model supports that particular app.
Finding the app store on your Samsung TV
The app store location depends on your TV's age and operating system. On newer Samsung TVs (2021 and later), look for an icon labeled Galaxy Store or Apps on the home screen — it usually looks like a shopping bag or grid of squares. On older models (2016 to 2020), the store may be called Samsung TV Plus or simply Apps.
If you cannot find it on the home screen, press the Home button on your remote, then look at the bottom row of icons. Scroll left or right to see all available options. The app store is almost always in the first few rows. If you still cannot locate it, check your TV's manual — you can find this by searching "[Your TV model number] manual" online, where the model number is printed on the back of your TV.
Searching for and installing a specific app
Once you open the app store, you will see a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Select it and type the name of the app you want — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+. Results appear as you type.
Select the app from the search results. A details page opens showing the app name, description, and an Install button. Press Install. The download begins immediately, and you will see a progress bar. Most apps finish installing in under a minute. Once complete, the button changes to Open or Installed, and the app appears on your home screen.
What to do if an app will not install
If you see an error message or the install button does not respond, first restart your TV. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary glitches that often block installations.
Next, check your internet connection. Go to Settings > General > Network and confirm your WiFi is connected or your ethernet cable is plugged in. If the connection shows as unstable or weak, move your TV closer to your router or use an ethernet cable instead of WiFi — ethernet is more reliable for downloads.
Some apps are not available in all regions or on all TV models. If the app does not appear in search results at all, it may not be supported on your specific TV. Check the app's official website or contact Samsung support with your TV model number to confirm compatibility. You can find your model number in Settings > General > About This TV.
Managing apps after installation
After an app installs, it appears as a tile on your home screen. To rearrange it, press and hold the app icon with your remote until a menu appears, then select Move and use the arrow buttons to place it where you want. To remove an app you no longer use, press and hold it and select Delete or Remove.
Your TV stores apps in its internal memory. Older Samsung TVs have limited space, so if you install many large apps, you may run out of room. If this happens, delete apps you do not use regularly. You can always reinstall them later from the app store at no cost.
Using your Samsung account to manage apps
When you install your first app, your TV may ask you to sign in with a Samsung account or create one. This account lets you download apps, receive updates, and restore your apps if you reset your TV later. You can create an account using any email address — you do not need a Samsung phone or other Samsung device.
If you have multiple Samsung TVs in your home, the same account can be used on all of them. Apps you install on one TV do not automatically appear on another, but you can install the same apps on each TV using the same account. To sign out of your account, go to Settings > General > Samsung Account and select Sign Out.
Updating apps on your Samsung TV
Apps on Samsung TVs update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates when it is in standby mode (turned off but plugged in) and installs them overnight. You do not need to do anything — updates happen in the background.
If you want to check for updates manually, open the app store, select your account icon (usually in the top right corner), and look for My Apps or Updates. Any apps with available updates will be listed there. Select Update next to each one, or choose Update All to update everything at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sideload apps that are not in the Samsung app store?
Samsung TVs do not support sideloading apps the way Android phones do. You can only install apps that are available in the Galaxy Store or Samsung TV Plus. If an app you want is not there, it is not supported on your TV model. Check the app developer's website to see if they offer a Samsung TV version.
Do I need a Samsung account to download apps?
Most apps require you to sign in with a Samsung account to download them, though you can create one free with any email address. A few free apps may not require an account, but this is rare. Once you create an account during your first app installation, you will not need to create it again.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Apps are built for specific TV models and operating systems. Older Samsung TVs (before 2016) may not support newer apps, and some apps are only available in certain countries. Check your TV model number and the app's system requirements on the developer's website to confirm compatibility.
What happens to my apps if I reset my TV?
A factory reset erases all apps and settings. If you sign back in with the same Samsung account afterward, you can reinstall your apps from the app store. Your login information for individual apps (like Netflix or Hulu) is not saved, so you will need to sign into each one again.
Can I use a USB drive to install apps on my Samsung TV?
No. Samsung TVs do not support installing apps from USB drives. All apps must be downloaded from the Galaxy Store or Samsung TV Plus over your internet connection. USB drives on Samsung TVs are only for viewing photos, videos, or music files.