How to Add Apps on a Samsung TV
Samsung Smart TVs run Tizen OS, Samsung's proprietary operating system, which includes a built-in app store called the Samsung Smart Hub. Adding apps is straightforward in concept — but the exact steps, available apps, and compatibility depend heavily on which TV model you own and which version of Tizen it's running.
How the Samsung App Ecosystem Works
Unlike a phone or tablet, Samsung TVs don't use Google Play or the Apple App Store. Instead, they rely entirely on the Samsung Smart Hub — a centralized dashboard that manages streaming services, apps, settings, and inputs from a single interface.
When you install an app, it downloads directly to the TV's internal storage and appears in your app row. Most apps are free to install, though many require a subscription to use (Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.).
Samsung's app library covers:
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV+)
- Sports and live TV (ESPN, fuboTV, Sling TV)
- Music and audio (Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio)
- Gaming and utilities (GeForce NOW, ambient/screensaver apps)
- Fitness and lifestyle (Samsung Health on supported models)
Not every app available on your phone exists on Samsung's TV platform. Developers must build a Tizen-compatible version, which means the library — while large — has gaps.
Step-by-Step: Adding Apps on a Samsung Smart TV 📺
The process is largely consistent across recent models (roughly 2017 and newer), though menu labels vary slightly.
1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote. This opens Smart Hub.
2. Navigate to the Apps section. On most models, this is a dedicated icon in the home bar — it looks like a grid of squares.
3. Use the search icon (magnifying glass) within the Apps section to find a specific app by name, or browse categories like Most Popular, New Apps, or genre-based sections.
4. Select the app you want and press Install (or Download).
5. Wait for installation to complete. The app will then appear in your home screen app row or inside the Apps library.
6. Launch the app, log in with your credentials, and start using it.
To rearrange apps on your home screen, highlight the app, hold the Select button, and use the directional pad to move it to your preferred position.
Variables That Affect Which Apps You Can Install
This is where things get more personal. Several factors determine which apps are available to you and how well they perform:
TV Model Year and Tizen Version
Samsung TVs from 2017 onward generally support a robust app library. Older models (pre-2016) may have significantly fewer options or may have been dropped from support entirely. Apps like Apple TV+ and some newer streaming services require Tizen 4.0 or later, which typically corresponds to 2018+ TV models.
To check your Tizen version: Settings → Support → About This TV.
Regional App Availability
The apps visible in the Samsung App Store are region-specific. If you're in the UK, US, Canada, or Australia, your libraries will differ. Some apps are simply not published for certain markets, regardless of whether the TV hardware could run them.
Internal Storage
Samsung TVs have limited internal storage — typically 8GB to 16GB, with a significant portion reserved for the OS. If your storage is nearly full, you may need to delete unused apps before installing new ones. Unlike Android TVs, Tizen does not support external USB storage for apps.
Internet Connection Speed
While installing apps doesn't require blazing speeds, running them does. Streaming at 4K HDR generally requires 25 Mbps or more sustained throughput. A weak Wi-Fi signal won't stop installation, but it will affect playback quality once apps are running.
What If an App Isn't Available? 🔍
If a specific app doesn't appear in the Samsung store, you have a few options:
| Option | What It Does | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Check for TV software update | Updates Tizen, may unlock newer app versions | Depends on Samsung's support cycle |
| Use a streaming device | Plug in a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV | Adds hardware; bypasses TV app store |
| Screen mirror from phone | Cast content via SmartThings or Miracast | Not all apps support casting |
| Browser workaround | Samsung TVs have a built-in browser | Limited; not all sites work well on TV |
Tizen is a closed ecosystem — you can't sideload APK files the way some Android TV devices allow. If an app isn't in the Samsung store for your region and model, native installation isn't possible without external hardware.
Managing Apps After Installation
Once installed, apps live in Smart Hub → Apps. From here you can:
- Update apps individually or enable auto-updates (Settings within the Apps section)
- Delete apps you no longer use to free up storage
- Lock apps with a PIN for parental control purposes
- Reinstall previously downloaded apps from your account history
Samsung periodically pushes automatic updates to the TV's firmware, which can also update bundled apps. You can trigger a manual firmware check under Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now.
The Part Only You Can Answer
Adding apps on a Samsung TV is technically simple — open Smart Hub, search, install. But whether the app you want is available on your specific TV, in your region, on your version of Tizen, with enough storage remaining — those are variables that sit entirely within your own setup. Two Samsung TV owners asking the same question can have meaningfully different experiences depending on a TV bought three years apart, or a different country of purchase. Your model number and current Tizen version are the most useful things to know before you start troubleshooting any gaps.