How to Add Apps to an LG Smart TV: What You Need to Know

LG Smart TVs run on webOS, LG's proprietary operating system, which comes with a built-in app store called the LG Content Store. Adding apps is generally straightforward — but the process, available apps, and any limitations you encounter will depend on your TV's webOS version, model year, and region. Here's how it works.

The LG Content Store: Your Starting Point

The primary way to install apps on an LG Smart TV is through the LG Content Store, accessible directly from the home screen. To get there:

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Navigate to the LG Content Store tile (or find it in the launcher bar at the bottom of the screen)
3. Browse by category or use the search function to find a specific app
4. Select the app, then choose Install

Once installed, apps appear in your home screen launcher and can be rearranged or pinned for easier access. The process is similar to installing apps on a phone — no technical knowledge required for the basics.

webOS Version Matters More Than You'd Expect 📺

LG has released multiple versions of webOS since the platform launched, and the version running on your TV significantly affects your experience:

Apps in the LG Content Store are curated to match your TV's webOS version. An app available on a 2023 model may not appear at all on a 2016 model — not because of a licensing issue, but because the app isn't built to run on older webOS versions.

To check your webOS version: go to Settings → Support → TV Information or About This TV.

Keeping the App Library Updated

LG periodically updates the Content Store and app availability. If you're not seeing an app you expect:

• Check for a firmware update under Settings → Support → Software Update. App store content and compatibility sometimes improves after a firmware update.
• Check your region settings. The Content Store is region-sensitive. Some apps are only available in specific countries. If your TV's region is set incorrectly, you may see a different catalog than expected.
• Restart the TV and relaunch the store. A simple refresh sometimes resolves temporary loading or catalog display issues.

What About Sideloading Apps?

Unlike Android-based smart TVs, webOS does not natively support sideloading APK files. LG's platform is more closed compared to Android TV or Google TV devices. You cannot install apps from outside the official Content Store under normal circumstances.

That said, LG does offer a Developer Mode application, which is intended for app developers to test webOS applications. It's available through the Content Store and allows installation of app packages in a specific LG format (.ipk files). This is not a consumer-facing feature — it requires developer account registration, technical setup, and is subject to LG's terms. It's also not a route to running arbitrary third-party apps.

If sideloading or installing apps outside an official store is important to your use case, webOS operates differently from Android TV, Fire TV, or Roku in that respect.

Pre-Installed Apps and Default Content 🔧

LG Smart TVs ship with a set of pre-installed apps that vary by region and model year. Common inclusions are Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+, though availability isn't universal. These apps cannot always be uninstalled, but they can typically be hidden from the launcher if you prefer a cleaner home screen.

For apps that are installed but infrequently used, you can manage them through Settings → Support → Additional Settings → Home Settings or through the launcher itself by holding the OK button on a selected app.

When an App Isn't Available on Your LG TV

This is one of the more frustrating scenarios for LG TV owners. If a streaming service or app you want simply doesn't exist in the Content Store for your model, your main options are:

• Use a streaming stick or box (Chromecast, Roku stick, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV) connected via HDMI. These devices run their own operating systems with broader app libraries and are not limited by webOS.
• Cast or screen mirror from a phone, tablet, or laptop using Miracast or the built-in Screen Share feature, depending on what the app supports.
• Access the service via the TV's web browser, though the experience varies considerably by service and browser capability.

The Variables That Shape Your Experience

How smoothly app installation and management works on your LG TV comes down to a few key factors:

• Model year and webOS version — the biggest determinant of what's available and how well apps perform
• Internet connection quality — apps on smart TVs stream data continuously; a weak connection affects performance regardless of how the app was installed
• Regional content store — directly affects which apps appear
• Storage on the TV — older models have limited internal storage, which can restrict how many apps you can install simultaneously

The gap between a 2017 LG TV and a 2023 LG TV in terms of app availability, interface speed, and compatibility is significant. Two users asking the same question — "how do I add apps to my LG TV?" — may have very different paths ahead depending on what's sitting in their living room.