How to Download Apps on an LG Smart TV
LG Smart TVs run on webOS, LG's proprietary operating system, which comes with its own built-in app store called the LG Content Store (rebranded as LG ThinQ on newer models). Downloading apps on an LG Smart TV is a straightforward process — but a few variables, including your TV's model year, webOS version, and internet connection, can change exactly how that process works.
Where LG Smart TVs Get Their Apps
Unlike Android-based smart TVs, LG Smart TVs don't use the Google Play Store. Instead, all apps are sourced from LG's own Content Store, which is built directly into the TV's interface. This is an important distinction — you won't be sideloading APK files the way you might on an Android device, and you can't install apps from third-party app stores by default.
The Content Store offers apps across several categories: streaming services, games, sports, lifestyle, and utilities. Major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video are typically available, though availability varies by region and TV model year.
Step-by-Step: How to Download an App on an LG Smart TV
The general process applies to most LG Smart TVs running webOS 3.0 and newer:
- Press the Home button on your LG Magic Remote or standard remote. This opens the launcher bar at the bottom of the screen.
- Navigate to the LG Content Store icon (it may appear as a shopping bag or storefront icon depending on your webOS version).
- Browse or search for the app you want. Use the search function if you already know the app name.
- Select the app to open its detail page.
- Click "Install" — if the app is free, it installs immediately. Some apps may require you to sign into an LG account first.
- Launch the app directly from the Content Store or find it pinned in your home screen launcher.
On newer webOS versions (6.0+, found on 2021 and later models), the home screen layout changed significantly. The Content Store may be accessed differently — often through a dedicated apps icon or a "+" button in the app row.
What Affects Your Experience 🖥️
Not every LG Smart TV behaves exactly the same way. Several factors shape how app downloading works for any given user:
| Variable | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| webOS version | Older versions (2.x, 3.x) have an older Content Store layout and fewer available apps |
| Model year | Apps optimized for newer hardware may not be available on older TVs |
| Region/country | App availability varies by geographic market |
| Internet connection | A stable connection is required to browse and install apps |
| LG account | Some apps and features require you to be signed into an LG account |
| TV storage | Older or entry-level models may have limited internal storage, restricting how many apps can be installed |
Finding Your webOS Version
If you're unsure which version of webOS your TV is running:
- Go to Settings → Support → TV Information (or About This TV on some models)
- Your software version and webOS build will be listed there
Model years roughly align with webOS versions: 2019 TVs typically run webOS 4.x, 2020 models run webOS 5.x, 2021 models run webOS 6.0, and 2022+ models run webOS 22 or 23. LG shifted to a year-based versioning system starting with webOS 22.
When an App Isn't Available in the Content Store
This is where things get more nuanced. If an app you want doesn't appear in the LG Content Store, your options depend on your TV's capabilities:
- Screen mirroring or casting: Many apps support casting from a phone or tablet to your LG TV via Miracast, AirPlay 2 (on compatible models), or the LG ThinQ app. This lets you stream content without the app being natively installed.
- HDMI input: Connecting a streaming device like a Roku, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV gives you access to those devices' app ecosystems — essentially bypassing the Content Store entirely.
- Developer Mode (advanced): LG does offer a Developer Mode through its webOS developer program, which technically allows sideloading apps. However, this is intended for app developers, requires account registration, and resets every 50 hours unless renewed. It's not a practical solution for typical users and carries compatibility risks.
Why Some Apps Disappear or Stop Working 📱
Even if an app was previously installed, it may stop working or become unavailable due to:
- Developer dropping support for older webOS versions
- Regional licensing changes that pull an app from certain markets
- webOS firmware updates that alter compatibility
- App updates that require newer hardware to run properly
LG periodically drops support for older TV models in terms of new app certification, which means a TV from 2016 or 2017 may find its Content Store increasingly sparse over time.
The Variables That Make This Personal
The core process of downloading apps on an LG Smart TV is simple — open the Content Store, find your app, install it. But whether the specific app you want is available, whether your TV has the storage to accommodate it, whether your webOS version supports it, and whether your internet setup can handle it smoothly — those answers all come from your specific TV model, your region, and what you're actually trying to do with it.
A 2023 LG OLED running webOS 23 in North America has a meaningfully different app ecosystem experience than a 2017 LG TV running webOS 3.5 in Southeast Asia. 🌐 The steps may look identical, but the outcomes aren't.