The basic process: finding and installing apps through the Samsung app store

To download an app on a Samsung Smart TV, you use the TV's built-in app store, which Samsung calls the Samsung TV Plus or Samsung Apps depending on your TV model and year. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and select it to install — the TV downloads and installs it automatically without needing a computer or phone.

The exact steps depend on whether your TV runs Tizen (Samsung's operating system, used on most Samsung Smart TVs made after 2015) or an older system. Nearly all Samsung Smart TVs sold in the last eight years run Tizen, so that's what we'll focus on here.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Home button on your Samsung remote, navigate to Apps, and search for the app you want to download directly from your TV.
  • Your TV needs an internet connection — either wired through ethernet or wireless through WiFi — to download apps.
  • Apps install automatically once you select them; you don't need to confirm installation or restart your TV.
  • If an app doesn't appear in the Samsung app store, it may not be available for your TV model or region, and sideloading (installing from outside the store) carries security risks.

Step-by-step: downloading an app on a Tizen Samsung TV

Start by pressing the Home button on your Samsung remote. This takes you to the main menu. Look for an icon labeled Apps or Applications — it usually appears as a grid of squares. Select it.

Once you're in the Apps section, you'll see apps already installed on your TV and a search option. Select the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) and type the name of the app you want. For example, if you want Netflix, type "Netflix." The TV searches the Samsung app store and shows you results.

When you find the app you want, select it. A details page appears showing the app name, description, and an Install button (or sometimes Download). Select that button. The TV begins downloading and installing the app automatically — you don't need to do anything else. Once installation finishes, the button changes to Open or Launch.

The app now appears in your Apps menu and is ready to use. You can launch it immediately or come back to it later.

What you need before you start: internet connection and Samsung account

Your TV must be connected to the internet. This can be a wired connection (ethernet cable plugged into the back of the TV) or a wireless connection (WiFi). To check your connection, go to Home, then Settings, then Network. If you see "Connected" next to your network name, you're ready to download apps.

You do not need a Samsung account to download most free apps from the Samsung app store. However, some apps — particularly paid apps or apps that require a subscription — may ask you to sign in with a Samsung account or the app's own account (like a Netflix login) before you can use them. Creating a Samsung account is free and takes a few minutes if you need one.

Apps that may not appear in the Samsung store and why

Not every app available on a phone or computer is available for Samsung TVs. The app developer has to create a version specifically for Tizen, and many smaller developers don't do this. Common apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video are available. Niche apps, older apps, or apps designed only for phones often are not.

Your region also matters. Some apps are restricted to certain countries or regions, so an app available in the US Samsung store may not appear if your TV is set to another region. You can check your region in Settings, then General, then System Manager, then Region.

If an app you want doesn't appear in the store after searching, it's not available for your TV model or region. Attempting to sideload it (install it from outside the Samsung store) is possible but carries real security risks — you're installing software from a source Samsung hasn't checked, which could contain malware or spyware. Unless you have a specific reason to trust the source, it's safer to use an alternative app or access the service through a web browser instead.

Freeing up space if your TV runs out of storage

Samsung Smart TVs have limited built-in storage, typically between 4 GB and 8 GB depending on the model. If you install many apps, you may see a message that storage is full and new apps won't install. You can check how much space you have left in Settings, then Apps, then Storage.

To free up space, uninstall apps you no longer use. Go to Home, then Apps, then find the app you want to remove. Select it and look for an Uninstall or Delete button. Removing even a few apps usually frees up enough space to install new ones. You can always reinstall an app later if you change your mind.

Troubleshooting: app won't download or install

If an app fails to download, the most common cause is a weak or interrupted internet connection. Check that your TV is still connected to WiFi or ethernet by going to Settings, then Network. If the connection dropped, reconnect and try downloading again.

If the connection is stable but the app still won't install, try restarting your TV. Press the power button to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Once it's fully booted, try downloading the app again. This clears temporary files that may be blocking the installation.

If the app still won't install after a restart, it may be a problem with that specific app or your TV model. Check the Samsung support website for your TV model number (usually found in Settings, then About This TV) to see if there are known issues. You can also try the app store's search again to make sure you're downloading the official version and not a similarly named app.

Using apps you've downloaded and managing them

Once an app is installed, you can launch it from the Apps menu or, on many Samsung TVs, pin it to your Home screen for faster access. To pin an app, go to Apps, find the app, select it, and look for a Pin to Home option. The app then appears as a tile on your main menu.

Apps update automatically on most Samsung TVs if you have automatic updates turned on. You can check this in Settings, then Apps, then Auto Update. If an app has an update available and auto-update is off, you'll see an Update button instead of Open when you select the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download apps on an older Samsung TV that doesn't have a smart TV system?

No. Only Samsung Smart TVs with built-in internet and an operating system (like Tizen) can download apps directly. If your TV is older and doesn't have a smart system, you can connect a separate device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick to add app functionality.

Do I need to pay for apps, or are they all free?

Most apps in the Samsung store are free, but some charge a one-time purchase price or a monthly subscription. The app's details page shows the price before you download. Free apps may also include ads or offer paid features within the app.

What happens if I uninstall an app and then want it back?

You can reinstall it anytime by going to Apps, searching for it, and selecting Install again. Your TV remembers that you've used the app before, so it may appear in a "Previously Installed" section for faster access.

Can I use the same app on my phone and my TV at the same time?

It depends on the app. Most streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube let you use them on multiple devices at once, though some limit how many screens can play simultaneously (Netflix, for example, limits this based on your subscription tier). Check the app's terms or settings to see what's allowed.

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

Samsung TVs from different years and different regions sometimes have different hardware or software versions. An app may require a newer version of Tizen than your TV has, or it may not be available in your region. You can update your TV's software in Settings, then Support, then Software Update to see if a newer version is available.