How to Download Apps on an LG TV: A Complete Guide

LG smart TVs run on webOS, LG's proprietary operating system, which comes with its own dedicated app store called the LG Content Store (rebranded as LG ThinQ App Store on newer models). Downloading apps on an LG TV is straightforward once you understand how the platform is organized — but a few variables, including your TV's model year, webOS version, and internet connection, can affect which apps are available and how the process works.

Understanding webOS and the LG Content Store

Unlike Android-based smart TVs, LG's webOS is a closed ecosystem. You can't sideload APK files the way you might on an Android TV or Google TV device. All app installations go through the official LG Content Store, which means:

• Apps must be officially published and approved by LG for your region
• Available titles vary by country and webOS version
• Older TVs running earlier webOS versions may have a smaller app library

This is an important distinction if you're expecting to install apps the same way you would on a phone or tablet.

How to Download an App on an LG TV: Step by Step

Step 1: Connect to the Internet

Your TV must be connected to Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection before accessing the store. Navigate to Settings → Network to confirm your connection status.

Step 2: Open the LG Content Store

Press the Home button on your LG Magic Remote or standard remote. From the launcher bar at the bottom of the screen, scroll to find the LG Content Store icon (it may also appear as "Apps" depending on your webOS version).

Step 3: Browse or Search for an App

Inside the store, you can:

• Browse featured, trending, or category-based sections
• Use the search function to type a specific app name using the on-screen keyboard or voice input (on Magic Remote models)

Step 4: Select and Install

Click on the app you want. If it's free, you'll see an Install button. Paid apps require an LG account and payment method. Once you tap Install, the app downloads directly to your TV's internal storage and appears in your home screen launcher.

Step 5: Launch the App

Newly installed apps appear in your launcher bar or within the My Apps section. You can rearrange or pin frequently used apps for quicker access.

📺 What Affects App Availability on Your LG TV

Not every app is available on every LG TV, even if the app exists in the store for other users. Several variables determine your specific app library:

If you're searching for a specific app and it doesn't appear in results, it may not be available for your TV's region or webOS version — not necessarily a bug.

When an App Isn't Available in the LG Content Store 🔍

This is where things get more nuanced. Because webOS is a closed system, you have limited workarounds if an app isn't officially listed:

• Screen Mirroring: Use your phone or laptop to mirror content to your TV using built-in options like AirPlay 2 (on select LG models) or Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct
• External Streaming Devices: Plugging in a device like a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Roku gives you access to a completely different app ecosystem through the HDMI port — this is a common solution when a needed app isn't natively available on webOS
• Developer Mode: LG does offer a developer mode for technically inclined users to sideload apps, but this is intended for app developers, requires an LG developer account, and is not a standard consumer feature

The right approach depends entirely on which app you're trying to access, how often you'll use it, and how comfortable you are with secondary devices or workarounds.

Managing Apps After Installation

Once apps are installed, you can manage them from the LG Content Store → My Apps section or through the home screen launcher:

• Update apps: Updates typically install automatically, but you can manually check for updates in the store
• Delete apps: Hover over an app icon on the launcher, press and hold (or use the options button), and select Delete or Remove
• Storage management: If your TV's internal storage fills up, you'll need to remove apps before installing new ones — LG TVs don't support external USB storage for app installation

How webOS Version Changes the Experience

The experience of downloading and managing apps has evolved significantly across webOS generations:

• webOS 3.x – 4.x (2017–2019 models): Functional but more limited store, fewer supported streaming services
• webOS 5.x (2020 models): Improved UI, better app compatibility
• webOS 6.x and newer (2021+ models): Redesigned home dashboard, broader app library, faster performance, support for newer streaming protocols

If your TV is running an older webOS version, some apps may list your model as unsupported even if the app itself exists in the store.

The Variable That Matters Most

How smoothly the whole process works — and whether the specific apps you want are actually available — comes down to the intersection of your TV's model year, your region's content store, the webOS version it shipped with, and which apps you're trying to use. Two people asking the same question can end up with meaningfully different answers based on those factors alone.