The basic steps to install apps on your LG TV

Adding apps to an LG Smart TV happens through the LG Content Store, which is built into your TV. You access it from your home screen, browse or search for the app you want, and install it directly to your TV — no computer or extra device needed. Most apps install in under a minute.

The exact steps depend on which LG TV model you have, because LG uses different operating systems. Older LG TVs run webOS (versions 3.0 through 6.0), while newer models run webOS 7.0 and up. Both use the same general process, but the menu layout differs slightly. The good news: once you know where to find the Content Store on your specific TV, the rest is the same.

Before you start, make sure your TV is connected to the internet — either by WiFi or ethernet cable. Apps won't install without it, and your TV won't show you what's available.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the LG Content Store from your TV's home screen by pressing the Home button on your remote, then look for the store icon or search option.
  • Search for the app by name or browse categories, then select it and choose Install — the app downloads and appears on your home screen automatically.
  • Your LG TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet before you can browse or install anything from the store.
  • If an app won't install, restart your TV, check that you have enough free storage space, and confirm your internet connection is stable.
  • Apps you've already installed appear in your Apps folder or in a dedicated section of your home screen, depending on your webOS version.

Finding and opening the LG Content Store

Press the Home button on your LG remote — it's usually marked with a house icon. This takes you to your TV's home screen, where you'll see rows of apps and content. Look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store," "App Store," or sometimes just a shopping bag icon. On some models it's in the top row; on others you may need to scroll right to find it.

If you don't see a store icon, use the search function instead. Press the Search button on your remote (usually a magnifying glass icon), type the name of the app you want, and the TV will show you whether it's available in the store. Select it from the search results and you can install it directly without opening the store first.

Once you're in the Content Store, you'll see featured apps, categories like Entertainment, Sports, and Games, and a search bar at the top. The layout is designed to be browsable, but searching by name is usually faster if you already know what you want.

Installing an app step by step

Search for the app by typing its name into the search bar, or browse a category. When you find the app you want, select it — this opens a detail page showing the app's description, rating, and an Install button. Press Install and the TV begins downloading the app to its internal storage.

Most apps finish installing within 30 to 60 seconds. You'll see a progress bar or a notification when it's done. The app then appears automatically on your home screen, usually in a section labeled "My Apps" or at the end of your app rows. You can now open it by selecting it from the home screen.

Some apps, like Netflix or YouTube, may ask you to sign in with an account the first time you open them. Have your username and password ready, or be prepared to create an account if you don't have one yet.

What to do if an app won't install

If you see an error message or the install button doesn't respond, first check that your internet connection is working. Go to your TV's Settings menu, find Network or WiFi, and confirm you're connected. If you're on WiFi, try moving closer to your router or restarting it.

If your connection is fine, restart your TV completely. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. This clears temporary memory and often fixes installation problems.

Storage space can also block installations. If your TV's internal storage is full, you won't be able to add new apps. Go to Settings, then Storage or Apps, and look at how much space is available. If it's very low (under 500 MB), delete apps you no longer use to free up room. Select an app from your home screen, press and hold it, and choose Delete or Remove.

Managing apps you've already installed

Your installed apps live on your home screen, usually grouped in a section called "My Apps" or "Installed Apps." On newer webOS versions, you can also access them by pressing the Home button and looking for an Apps folder or menu option. Scroll through to find the app you want to open.

To remove an app, select it on your home screen, press and hold the remote's OK or Select button, and choose Delete, Remove, or Uninstall from the menu that appears. The app disappears from your home screen and frees up storage space. You can always reinstall it later from the Content Store for free.

You can also rearrange your home screen by moving apps around. Select an app, press and hold, and choose Move or Rearrange. Then use your remote's arrow buttons to place it where you want it. This helps you organize frequently used apps near the top of your screen.

Apps that may not be available in your region

Some apps don't appear in the LG Content Store for all countries or regions. This is usually because of licensing agreements or content restrictions. If you search for an app and it doesn't show up, it may not be available where you are, even though it exists elsewhere.

You can't bypass this restriction through the LG Content Store itself. However, some LG TVs allow you to change your region settings in the Store's settings menu, which may unlock different apps. Go to the Content Store, look for a Settings or Account option, and check whether you can change your region. Be aware that changing your region may affect other features or content on your TV.

If an app you need isn't available through the LG Content Store, check whether it's available through other streaming services you already subscribe to, or whether the content you want is available through a different app that is in your region's store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from somewhere other than the LG Content Store?

LG TVs are designed to install apps only from the official LG Content Store. You cannot sideload apps from USB drives or other sources on most LG TV models. If an app isn't in the store, it's not available for your TV through official channels.

Do I need a subscription to use the LG Content Store?

No. Browsing and installing apps from the LG Content Store is free. Some apps themselves require a subscription or payment (like Netflix or Disney+), but the store itself costs nothing.

What happens to my apps if I factory reset my TV?

A factory reset erases all installed apps and returns your TV to its original state. You'll need to reinstall each app afterward from the LG Content Store. Your login information for individual apps (like Netflix passwords) is also erased, so have those ready.

Why does my TV say "not enough storage" when I try to install an app?

LG TVs have limited built-in storage, and it fills up as you add apps. Delete apps you don't use regularly to free up space. You can also check Settings > Storage to see exactly how much room is left and which apps are taking up the most space.

Can I move apps to an external USB drive or SD card?

Most LG TVs don't support moving apps to external storage. Apps must install to the TV's internal storage. If you're running out of space, your only option is to delete apps you don't need.