How to Add Apps to an LG 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 and a curated ecosystem of supported applications. Adding apps is generally straightforward — but how it works, and what's possible, depends on your TV's webOS version, model year, and region.

How the LG Content Store Works

The primary way to add apps on an LG Smart TV is through the LG Content Store (rebranded as LG ThinQ or the Apps section on newer webOS versions). This is essentially an app marketplace built directly into the TV's operating system.

To access it:

1. Press the Home button on your LG Magic Remote or standard remote
2. Navigate to the Apps icon in the launcher bar at the bottom of the screen
3. Browse or search for the app you want
4. Select the app and choose Install

Once installed, the app appears in your home launcher and can be pinned for quick access. Most popular streaming services — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others — are available here without any workarounds.

webOS Version Matters More Than You Might Think 📺

LG has released multiple webOS versions over the years, and the app availability and interface differ across them:

Older webOS versions may no longer receive new apps or updates for existing ones. An app that's available on a 2023 LG TV may not be installable — or may not function properly — on a 2016 model running webOS 3.x.

Checking for and Installing Software Updates First

Before trying to install new apps, it's worth ensuring your TV's firmware is current. Outdated firmware can cause apps to fail to install or behave incorrectly.

To update:

1. Go to Settings (gear icon)
2. Select All Settings → Support → Software Update
3. Choose Check for Updates

Keeping firmware current also patches security vulnerabilities and occasionally expands app compatibility.

Can You Sideload Apps on an LG TV?

Unlike Android TV or Google TV platforms, webOS does not natively support sideloading APK files through standard consumer-facing settings. LG's platform is more closed than Android-based smart TVs.

That said, LG does offer a Developer Mode through its webOS Developer Program. This is a technical option that allows loading apps not available in the LG Content Store — but it requires:

• Registering a developer account at LG's developer portal
• Enabling Developer Mode on the TV
• Using LG's SDK and CLI tools to deploy apps

This is firmly in technical/developer territory and is not designed for casual use. Unofficial apps loaded this way also need to be renewed periodically or they stop working.

What If an App Isn't Available in the Store?

This is where the situation becomes more variable. If an app you want isn't listed in the LG Content Store, your practical options depend on your setup:

• Use a streaming stick or box — Devices like a Roku, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast with Google TV plug into your TV's HDMI port and bring their own app ecosystems, often broader than what's natively available on webOS
• Screen mirroring — LG TVs support Miracast and AirPlay 2 (on compatible models), letting you mirror content from a phone, tablet, or laptop
• DLNA/media server — For locally stored media, LG TVs support DLNA, which lets you stream video, music, or photos from a device on the same network

Regional Availability Affects the App Library 🌍

The LG Content Store is region-dependent. An app available in the US store may not appear in the UK, Australian, or Canadian version. This is determined by licensing agreements between LG and app developers, not a technical limitation of the TV itself. Changing the TV's region in settings can sometimes reveal additional apps, but this may affect other features like broadcast tuning or language defaults.

Managing Apps After Installation

Once apps are installed, you can:

• Reorder them in the launcher by holding down the selection button on an app icon
• Delete apps you no longer use through the same long-press menu
• Update apps via the LG Content Store under the My Apps or Update All section

Storage space on LG TVs is limited. Older models especially may struggle if too many large apps are installed simultaneously.

The Variable That Changes Everything

The straightforward path — open the Content Store, search, install — works cleanly on most LG TVs from 2018 onward with an active internet connection. Where things get complicated is when the app you want isn't in the store, when your TV is older, or when your region's library is limited.

Whether the built-in ecosystem covers your needs, or whether you'd be better served supplementing it with an external device, comes down to which apps you actually use, how current your TV's hardware is, and how much flexibility you want in your setup.