The basic steps to add an app to your LG TV

Most LG TVs come with an app store built into the TV itself. You access it using your remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to the TV — no computer or phone needed. The exact steps depend on whether your LG TV runs webOS (LG's operating system) or an older system, but the process is similar on both.

The app store on LG TVs is called LG Content Store on newer models. On older LG TVs, you might see it labeled as LG Apps or My Apps. Either way, it's the place where you find and install apps directly to your television.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Home button on your LG remote, then look for an app store icon (usually labeled LG Content Store, LG Apps, or My Apps) and select it.
  • Use the search function in the app store to find the app you want, then select Install or Download from the app's page.
  • Your TV needs an active internet connection — either through WiFi or an ethernet cable — to download and install apps.
  • Apps install to your TV's internal storage, and you can uninstall them anytime by going to Settings or by holding down the app icon on your home screen.
  • If an app won't install, check that your TV has enough free storage space and that you're signed into an account (like Google or LG account) if the app requires one.

Finding the app store on your LG TV remote

Start by pressing the Home button on your LG remote. This takes you to your TV's home screen, where you'll see rows of apps and options. Look for an icon that says LG Content Store, LG Apps, or My Apps — the exact name varies by model year and webOS version.

If you don't see it on the home screen, scroll left or right to find it. On some older LG TVs, you may need to look in a menu labeled Apps or Applications. Once you find it, select it with your remote to open the app store.

Searching for and installing an app

Once you're in the app store, look for a search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Select it and use your remote to type the name of the app you want — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu. The remote has a keyboard built in, or you can use the arrow buttons to navigate letters on an on-screen keyboard.

When the app appears in the search results, select it to open its page. You'll see a button that says Install, Download, or Get. Select that button, and the app will begin downloading to your TV. Installation usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app's size and your internet speed.

Once the installation finishes, the button will change to Open or Launch. You can select it to start the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen and find the app in your apps list.

Making sure your TV is ready to install apps

Your LG TV needs to be connected to the internet to download apps. Check your connection by going to Settings on your TV (usually accessible from the Home screen), then look for Network or WiFi. Make sure your TV is connected to your home WiFi network or plugged into an ethernet cable.

Your TV also needs enough free storage space. Apps take up room on your TV's internal storage, and if the storage is full, new apps won't install. To check how much space you have, go to Settings, then look for Storage or Device Manager. If you're running low on space, you can uninstall apps you no longer use to free up room.

Some apps require you to sign into an account before they'll install. For example, you might need a Google account to install certain apps, or an LG account to access LG-specific features. If an app asks for a sign-in during installation, follow the on-screen prompts to enter your account details.

Uninstalling apps you no longer want

To remove an app from your LG TV, go to your Home screen and find the app you want to delete. Hold down the Select button (the center button) on your remote while the app is highlighted. A menu will appear with options including Delete or Remove. Select that option, and the app will be uninstalled.

Alternatively, you can go to Settings, then Apps or Applications, find the app in the list, and select Uninstall. Either method removes the app from your TV and frees up storage space.

Troubleshooting when an app won't install

If an app fails to install, the most common reasons are a weak internet connection, not enough storage space, or a problem with your account sign-in. First, check your WiFi connection by going to Settings and running a network test. If your connection is slow or dropping, move your TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If you've checked your connection and storage space, try restarting your TV. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary files that might be blocking the installation. Once your TV restarts, try installing the app again.

If the app still won't install, check whether it's available in your region. Some apps are not offered in all countries or on all LG TV models. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the LG Content Store itself — go to Settings, find the app store, and select Uninstall, then reinstall it from your TV's pre-installed apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special account to install apps on my LG TV?

You need an LG account or Google account to access the LG Content Store, but creating one is free and takes just a few minutes. Most apps themselves don't require an account to install, though you'll need one to use them — for example, you need a Netflix account to watch Netflix, but you don't need one to install the Netflix app.

Can I install apps from places other than the LG Content Store?

Most apps come from the LG Content Store, which is the safest source. Some LG TVs allow you to install apps from other sources through a feature called Unknown Sources, but this is not recommended for most users because it increases security risks. Stick with the official LG Content Store whenever possible.

Why does my LG TV say an app is not compatible with my TV?

Compatibility depends on your TV's model, age, and operating system version. Newer apps sometimes don't work on older TV models because they require more processing power or a newer version of webOS. Check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in Settings) and the app's requirements to confirm whether they match.

How much storage space do apps use on my LG TV?

Storage varies widely by app. Streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube use 50 to 200 MB, while games or apps with lots of features can use 500 MB or more. You can check how much space each app uses by going to Settings, then Storage or Apps, and looking at the details for each installed app.

What should I do if my TV runs out of storage space?

Uninstall apps you don't use regularly to free up space. You can also clear the cache (temporary files) for individual apps by going to Settings, Apps, selecting an app, and choosing Clear Cache. This removes temporary data without uninstalling the app itself.