How to Add Apps to Your Samsung Smart TV

The basic way to add apps to a Samsung Smart TV

Most Samsung Smart TVs let you add apps directly from the TV's app store, called the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store depending on your model year. You navigate to the app store using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it to your TV's storage. The whole process takes a few minutes and requires no computer or extra equipment.

The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system for most models made after 2015) or an older system. Nearly all current Samsung Smart TVs use Tizen, so that's what this guide covers. If your TV is older than 2015, the app store may not exist or may work differently — check your manual or the model number on the back of the TV.

Key Takeaways

Open the Samsung App Store or Galaxy Store from your TV's home screen, search for the app by name, and select Install to add it to your TV.
Your TV needs an internet connection (WiFi or ethernet) and enough storage space — most apps take 50 MB to 500 MB, and your TV typically has 4 GB to 8 GB total.
If an app won't install, restart your TV, check that your internet connection is stable, and make sure your TV model is compatible with that app.
Some apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ are pre-installed on many Samsung TVs, so check your home screen before searching the store.
You can delete apps you no longer use by highlighting them on the home screen, pressing the menu button on your remote, and selecting Remove or Delete.

Step-by-step: Installing an app from the Samsung App Store

Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to open the home screen. Look for an icon labeled "Apps," "App Store," or "Samsung Apps" — it usually appears as a grid of squares or a shopping bag. Select it and wait for the store to load.

Once the store opens, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon at the top) to find the app you want. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard or voice search if your remote has a microphone. When you see the app in the results, select it to open its details page.

On the details page, look for a button labeled "Install," "Download," or a downward arrow. Select it. The TV will begin downloading and installing the app — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. You'll see a progress bar or a spinning icon while it installs.

Once installation finishes, the button will change to "Open" or "Installed." You can select Open to launch the app right away, or go back to your home screen and find the app in your apps list. The app will stay on your TV until you delete it.

What you need before you start

Your Samsung TV must be connected to the internet — either through WiFi or an ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV. Without an internet connection, the app store won't load and you can't download anything. If your TV is connected but the store still won't open, restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Check that your TV has enough free storage space. Most Samsung TVs have between 4 GB and 8 GB of total storage, and the operating system takes up about half of that. Each app uses 50 MB to 500 MB depending on what it does. If your TV is full, you'll need to delete apps you don't use to make room for new ones. Go to Settings, then Storage or Memory, to see how much space is left.

Some apps require a Samsung account to download or use. If you don't have one, you can create one for free through the TV's settings menu or on Samsung's website. A few apps also require a paid subscription (like Netflix or Hulu) to work, but you can download them free and sign in with your existing account once they're installed.

Apps that come pre-installed on Samsung TVs

Many Samsung Smart TVs come with popular apps already built in, so you may not need to download them. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Spotify are commonly pre-installed on newer models. Check your home screen first by pressing Home on your remote and looking through the available apps before searching the store.

Pre-installed apps take up storage space even if you don't use them. If you want to remove one, highlight it on the home screen, press the menu or options button on your remote (usually marked with three lines), and select Remove, Delete, or Uninstall. You can always download it again later from the app store if you change your mind.

Troubleshooting when an app won't install

If an app won't download or you get an error message, first check that your internet connection is working. Open a web browser on your TV or try loading the app store again. If the store loads but the app still won't install, the app may not be compatible with your TV model. Some apps only work on certain Samsung TV models or require a minimum amount of storage space.

Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This clears temporary files and often fixes download problems. If the app still won't install after a restart, try deleting other apps you don't use to free up storage space, then try again. If you still have trouble, check the app's details page in the store — it usually lists which TV models it works with.

For apps that require a Samsung account or subscription, make sure you're signed in to your account on the TV. Go to Settings, then Accounts or User Profile, and verify that you're logged in. Some apps also need you to update your TV's software to the latest version — go to Settings, then Support or About, and look for a Software Update option.

Managing your apps and freeing up storage

Your TV's home screen shows the apps you use most often, but all your installed apps live in the full Apps list. Press Home, then select Apps to see everything you've downloaded. From here you can rearrange apps by highlighting one, pressing menu, and selecting Move or Arrange. You can also create folders to organize apps by category.

To delete an app, highlight it in the Apps list, press the menu button on your remote, and select Remove, Delete, or Uninstall. The app will disappear from your TV and free up storage space. Deleting an app doesn't affect your account or any saved data outside the TV — you can download it again anytime from the app store.

If your TV is running slowly or apps are crashing, you may be running out of storage. Go to Settings, then Storage or Memory, to see how much space is used. Delete apps you haven't used in a while, or clear the cache for apps you keep. To clear cache, go to Settings, then Apps, select the app, and choose Clear Cache or Clear Data.

Using other ways to add apps if the store doesn't work

If the Samsung App Store isn't working or doesn't have the app you want, some Samsung TVs support sideloading — installing apps from outside the official store. This requires downloading an app file to a USB drive on a computer, then plugging the USB drive into your TV. Sideloading is more technical and carries more risk, so it's only worth trying if the app you want isn't available in the store and you're comfortable with extra steps.

Another option is to use screen mirroring or casting to send content from your phone or computer to your TV. Many apps like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix support casting, so you can play content on your TV without downloading the app directly. Check if your phone or computer supports casting to Samsung TVs — most Android phones and Windows computers do this automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Samsung account to download apps?

You need a Samsung account to download most apps from the Samsung App Store. Creating one is free and takes a few minutes through your TV's settings menu. Some apps also require their own separate account (like Netflix or Hulu) to use, but you can download the app free and sign in once it's installed on your TV.

Can I install apps from Google Play Store on my Samsung TV?

Most Samsung TVs use Tizen and can only download from the Samsung App Store, not Google Play. However, some newer Samsung TVs support Google TV or have access to both stores. Check your TV's settings or manual to see which app stores your model supports. If your TV doesn't have Google Play built in, you can cast content from your phone instead.

What happens if my TV runs out of storage space?

If your TV is full, new apps won't install until you delete old ones. Go to Settings, then Storage, to see how much space is used. Delete apps you don't use, or clear the cache for apps you keep. Most apps take 50 MB to 500 MB, so deleting even a few unused apps usually frees up enough space.

Can I move apps to an external USB drive to save space?

Most Samsung TVs don't support moving apps to USB drives the way phones do. Your TV's internal storage is where apps must be installed. If you're running out of space, delete apps you don't use or clear cache files. If storage is consistently a problem, consider upgrading to a newer TV model with more built-in storage.

Why is my app crashing or freezing after I installed it?

Restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the app still crashes, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Make sure your TV's software is up to date by going to Settings, then Support or About, and checking for a Software Update. If the problem continues, the app may not be fully compatible with your TV model.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.