The basic steps to download an app on Samsung Smart TV
To download an app on a Samsung Smart TV, open the Samsung App Store from your TV's home screen, search for the app you want, and select Install. The app downloads and installs automatically, then appears on your home screen or in your Apps folder. The whole process takes a few minutes and requires only your TV remote.
Samsung Smart TVs come with the App Store built in — you do not need to buy anything or create a separate account to browse it. Most popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu are available. Less common apps may not be, depending on your TV model and the year it was made.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Samsung App Store from your home screen, search for the app by name, and press Install on your remote.
- Your TV must be connected to the internet by WiFi or ethernet for downloads to work.
- Apps install to your TV's internal storage, and older TV models have limited space for multiple apps.
- If an app does not appear in the Samsung App Store, it may not be available for your TV model or year.
- You can delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding the app icon, then selecting Remove or Delete.
How to find and open the Samsung App Store
Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote. This takes you to the main screen where all your apps and inputs appear. Look for an icon labeled Samsung App Store, Apps, or sometimes just a grid symbol. The exact name and location depend on your TV model and software version, but it is usually in the top row or in a dedicated Apps section.
Select the App Store icon with your remote. The store opens and shows featured apps, categories, and a search bar at the top. If you cannot find the App Store icon on your home screen, scroll left or right to see if it is on another page of your home screen.
Searching for and installing a specific app
Once the Samsung App Store is open, use the search bar at the top. Press the remote button to highlight the search field, then use the on-screen keyboard or your remote's number pad to type the app name. For example, type "Netflix" or "YouTube". As you type, the store shows matching results below.
Select the app you want from the search results. A details page opens showing the app name, description, size, and an Install button. Press Install. The app begins downloading — you will see a progress bar or loading indicator. Once the download finishes, the button changes to Open or the app appears on your home screen automatically.
What to do if your TV is not connected to the internet
Apps download over your internet connection, so your TV must be connected to WiFi or plugged into an ethernet cable. If your TV is not connected, go to Settings on your home screen, select Network, and choose WiFi or Ethernet. Enter your WiFi password if prompted. Once connected, return to the App Store and try your download again.
If you do not have WiFi available, you can use an ethernet cable plugged directly into your TV's ethernet port on the back. This is often faster and more stable than WiFi, especially for large downloads.
Managing storage when your TV runs out of space
Older Samsung TV models have limited internal storage — sometimes only a few gigabytes. If you install many apps, your TV may run out of space and refuse to download new ones. Check how much space you have left by going to Settings, then Storage or Memory. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use.
To remove an app, go to your home screen, find the app icon, and press and hold it with your remote. A menu appears with options like Remove, Delete, or Uninstall. Select the delete option. The app is removed and its storage space is freed up. You can always reinstall it later from the App Store.
Why an app might not be available in the Samsung App Store
Not every app that exists for phones or computers is available for Samsung Smart TVs. Developers choose which platforms to support, and TV apps require different design than phone apps. Older TV models also receive fewer new apps because they run older software versions.
If you search for an app and it does not appear, it is not currently available for your TV. Check the app's official website or social media to see if a TV version exists. Some apps like Peacock, Paramount+, and Apple TV+ are available on most Samsung TVs, while smaller or newer apps may only work on recent models.
Updating apps you have already installed
Apps on your Samsung TV update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates when it is in standby mode and installs them overnight. You can also check for updates manually by opening the Samsung App Store, selecting your profile icon in the top right corner, and looking for an Updates section.
If an app is not working correctly or seems slow, an update may fix it. Go to the App Store, find the app, and see if an Update button appears instead of Install. Select it to download the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Samsung account to download apps?
No. You can browse and download apps from the Samsung App Store without creating an account. However, some individual apps like Netflix or Disney+ require their own accounts to use the app once it is installed on your TV.
Can I download apps from somewhere other than the Samsung App Store?
Most Samsung TVs only allow downloads from the official Samsung App Store. Some older models or developer-focused TVs may support sideloading apps from USB drives, but this is not a standard feature and requires technical steps beyond the normal download process.
What happens if I unplug my TV while an app is downloading?
The download stops and the app does not install. When you turn your TV back on and return to the App Store, you can start the download again from the beginning. The TV does not resume partial downloads.
Why does my app keep crashing after I download it?
Try restarting your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the app still crashes, go to Settings, find the app in the Apps section, and select Clear Cache or Clear Data. If it continues to fail, uninstall the app and download it again from the App Store.
Can I move an app to an external USB drive to save space?
Most Samsung Smart TVs do not support moving apps to external storage. Apps must install to your TV's internal storage. If you are out of space, delete apps you do not use regularly to make room for new ones.