The basic process: finding and installing apps through LG's app store

Most LG Smart TVs come with a built-in app store called LG Content Store or LG App Store, depending on your TV's age and model. To download an app, you press the Home button on your remote, navigate to the app store icon (usually labeled "LG Content Store" or with a shopping bag symbol), and search for the app you want. Once you find it, select it and choose "Install" or "Download"—the TV handles the rest and adds the icon to your home screen.

The whole process takes a few minutes, and you don't need a separate account or payment method unless you're downloading a paid app. Most apps are free. Your TV needs to be connected to the internet via WiFi or ethernet for this to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Home on your remote, then open LG Content Store to browse and download apps directly to your TV.
  • Your LG TV must be connected to WiFi or ethernet before you can download anything.
  • Most apps install automatically once you select them, and the icon appears on your home screen within minutes.
  • If an app doesn't appear in LG Content Store, it may not be available for your TV model or region.
  • Older LG TVs may use webOS 3.0 or earlier, which has a smaller app selection than newer models.

Checking your internet connection before you start

Apps download over your home WiFi or a wired ethernet connection. If your TV isn't connected, you won't see the LG Content Store or be able to download anything. To check your connection, go to Settings (usually accessed from the Home menu), then Network or WiFi, and confirm your TV shows a connected status.

If you're on WiFi, make sure your password is correct and your router is within range. If you're using ethernet, plug a cable directly into the ethernet port on the back of your TV. A wired connection is faster and more stable for downloads, especially for larger apps.

Finding apps in LG Content Store and understanding what's available

Once you're in LG Content Store, you can search by name or browse by category—Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and other major streaming services are usually featured prominently. The store also has sections for games, news, sports, and utilities. Not every app that exists for phones or computers is available for LG TVs, so if you're looking for something specific, search first to see if it's there.

The apps available depend on your TV's webOS version. Newer LG TVs (2019 and later) running webOS 9 or higher have access to more apps than older models. If you have a TV from 2018 or earlier, your app selection will be smaller. You can check your webOS version in Settings under About This TV or System Information.

Installing an app and finding it on your home screen

When you select an app and choose Install, your TV downloads and installs it automatically. You don't need to do anything else—just wait. The process usually takes one to five minutes depending on the app's size and your internet speed. Once it's done, a confirmation message appears, and the app icon is added to your home screen or an apps folder.

If you don't see the app right away, press Home and look at the bottom of your screen or in a dedicated Apps section. You can rearrange app icons by highlighting one, pressing the OK button on your remote, and dragging it to a new position. This helps you organize frequently used apps near the top.

What to do if an app won't download or install

If an app fails to download, the most common reasons are a weak internet connection, insufficient storage space on your TV, or the app not being available in your region. First, check your WiFi signal strength in Settings and move your router closer if needed. Then restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

If the app still won't download, go to Settings, then Storage or Apps, and delete apps you no longer use to free up space. LG TVs typically have 8 to 16 GB of storage, and large apps can take up several hundred megabytes. If the app is still unavailable after that, it may not be supported on your TV model or in your country—check the app's description in the store to see any restrictions listed.

Updating apps and managing storage on your TV

LG TVs can update apps automatically if you turn on auto-update in Settings. Go to Settings, then Apps or LG Content Store, and look for an auto-update option. If you prefer to update manually, open LG Content Store, go to My Apps or Purchased Apps, and you'll see a list of installed apps with an Update button next to any that have new versions available.

Over time, apps and their updates take up storage space. If your TV starts running slowly or you get a storage full message, delete apps you don't use anymore. Go to Settings, then Apps, highlight an app, and choose Uninstall or Delete. This frees up space without affecting your TV's basic functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sideload apps that aren't in LG Content Store?

Most LG TVs don't support sideloading apps from USB drives or other sources the way Android phones do. Your best option is to use the apps available in LG Content Store. If an app you want isn't there, contact the app maker to request LG TV support, or use a streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV instead.

Do I need an LG account to download apps?

You don't need an LG account to browse or download free apps from LG Content Store. If you want to download a paid app or use certain features, you may be asked to create an account or sign in with an existing one. The TV will prompt you when needed.

Why does my TV say an app is incompatible?

An app is incompatible when it requires a newer webOS version than your TV has, or when it's not available in your region. Check your TV's webOS version in Settings under About This TV. If it's older than webOS 5.0, many newer apps won't work. Updating your TV's software sometimes adds support for more apps.

How much storage do apps use on my TV?

Most streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube use 100 to 500 MB each. Games can be larger, sometimes 1 to 2 GB. You can see how much space each app uses by going to Settings, then Storage or Apps, and selecting an app. If you're running low on space, uninstall apps you rarely use.

What happens if I uninstall an app by mistake?

You can reinstall it anytime by going back to LG Content Store and downloading it again. Your login information and saved data for that app may still be there if you sign back in, depending on the app. Uninstalling an app doesn't delete your account or subscriptions.