How to Add Apps on Your Samsung TV

The fastest way to add apps on Samsung TV

You add apps to a Samsung TV through the Samsung TV Plus home screen or the Galaxy Store, depending on which Samsung model you own. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're adding Netflix, YouTube, or a less common app. You don't need a computer — everything happens on the TV itself using your remote.

The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system) or Google TV. Most Samsung TVs made after 2016 use Tizen. If your TV is newer than 2021, it might use Google TV instead. Both systems let you search for apps and install them directly, but the menu locations are slightly different.

Key Takeaways

Open the Samsung TV Plus home screen by pressing the Home button on your remote, then navigate to the Apps section to find and install apps.
You can search for specific apps by name in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, depending on your TV's operating system.
Most apps are free to install, though some require a paid subscription to use after installation.
If an app won't install, restart your TV and check that it's connected to the internet with a strong signal.
Uninstalling apps works the same way as installing them — find the app on your home screen, press and hold it, then select remove or uninstall.

Adding apps on a Tizen Samsung TV

Press the Home button on your remote to open the home screen. You'll see rows of apps and content recommendations. Look for an icon labeled "Apps" or "Galaxy Store" — it usually appears as a grid or shopping bag icon on the left side of the screen.

Select the Apps icon and you'll enter the app store. Use the search function (usually a magnifying glass at the top) to type the name of the app you want. Scroll through the results and select the app you're looking for. Press the Install button, and the app will download and install automatically. Once it's done, you'll see an Open button instead of Install.

The newly installed app will appear on your home screen, usually at the end of your app row. You can rearrange apps by pressing and holding them, then moving them left or right with your remote's arrow buttons.

Adding apps on a Google TV Samsung TV

Press the Home button on your remote to open the home screen. Look for the Google Play Store icon — it's the colorful triangle logo, usually in the top row of apps. Select it to open the store.

Use the search bar at the top to type the app name. Scroll down to find the app in the results and select it. Press the Install button. The app will download in the background, and you'll see a progress bar. Once installation finishes, the Install button changes to Open.

Your new app appears on the home screen automatically. You can move it by pressing and holding it, then dragging it to a new position with your remote's arrow keys.

What to do if an app won't install

The most common reason an app won't install is a weak internet connection. Check that your TV is connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings, then Network, and confirming the connection status. If the signal is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart both the TV and router.

If the connection is strong but the app still won't install, restart your TV completely. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary files that sometimes block installations. Try installing the app again after the TV fully boots up.

Some apps are not available in all regions. If you search for an app and it doesn't appear in the store at all, it may not be offered in your country. Check the app's official website to confirm whether it's available where you live.

Finding apps that aren't in the main store

Most popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and Spotify appear in the main Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Less common apps may require you to search more carefully or may not be available for Samsung TV at all.

If you can't find an app in the store, search the app's official website to see whether it offers a Samsung TV version. Some apps only work on certain TV models or operating systems. The app's support page will tell you which Samsung TVs it supports.

If an app you want isn't available for Samsung TV, you can sometimes use screen mirroring to display it from your phone instead. This lets you run phone apps on your TV screen, though the experience is usually slower than a native TV app.

Managing storage when you have too many apps

Samsung TVs have limited storage space, and installing too many apps can slow down your TV or prevent new apps from installing. If you see a message that storage is full, you need to remove apps you're not using.

To uninstall an app, go to your home screen and find the app you want to remove. Press and hold it with your remote until a menu appears. Select Remove, Uninstall, or Delete (the exact wording depends on your TV model). Confirm the action when prompted. The app disappears immediately and frees up storage space.

You can always reinstall an app later by going back to the store and installing it again. Your login information and saved data may or may not be preserved depending on the app — most streaming apps remember your account, but games often start fresh.

Updating apps you've already installed

Apps on Samsung TV update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates when it's in standby mode and installs them overnight. You don't need to do anything — the updates happen in the background.

If you want to check for updates manually, open the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, find the app, and look for an Update button. If one appears, select it to install the latest version immediately. If no Update button appears, the app is already current.

Automatic updates can sometimes cause an app to behave differently or use more storage. If you prefer to control when apps update, go to Settings, then Apps, and turn off automatic updates. You'll then need to update apps manually when you want to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from outside the Samsung store?

No, Samsung TV doesn't allow installation from unknown sources the way Android phones do. You can only install apps from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. This is a security feature to prevent malware, but it also means you're limited to apps Samsung has approved.

Do I need a Samsung account to install apps?

You need a Samsung account to use the Galaxy Store on Tizen TVs, but the account is free and takes less than a minute to create. Google TV Samsung models use a Google account instead. Both can be set up directly on your TV during the app installation process.

Why does an app say it's not compatible with my TV?

Apps have minimum requirements — they need a certain amount of storage space, a specific operating system version, or a particular TV model year. If an app says it's incompatible, your TV doesn't meet those requirements. Check the app's details page in the store to see what it needs.

Can I move apps to a USB drive to save storage space?

Most Samsung TV apps cannot be moved to external storage. They must be installed on the TV's internal storage. If you're running out of space, uninstalling apps you don't use regularly is the only solution.

What happens to my saved data if I uninstall an app?

Most streaming apps like Netflix and Spotify save your account information in the cloud, so your data stays safe when you uninstall. Games and other apps may lose saved progress. Before uninstalling, check whether the app has a cloud save feature in its settings.

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.