Download apps directly from the LG Content Store on your TV
You download apps on an LG Smart TV using the built-in LG Content Store, which comes pre-loaded on your TV. You do not need a computer or USB drive — everything happens on the TV itself using your remote control. The process takes about five minutes from start to finish.
Start by pressing the Home button on your LG remote. This takes you to the main menu. Look for an icon that says "LG Content Store" or sometimes just "Store" — it usually appears as a shopping bag or storefront icon on the home screen. Select it and press Enter.
Once inside the Content Store, you will see categories like Games, Entertainment, Utilities, and Sports. You can browse by category or use the search function. To search, look for a magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen, select it, and use your remote to type the app name. The remote has a small keyboard on the back of many models, or you can use the on-screen keyboard that appears.
Key Takeaways
- The LG Content Store is built into your TV and accessed through the Home button on your remote — you do not need any additional equipment.
- Search for the app you want by name, select it from the results, and choose the download button to begin installation.
- Downloaded apps appear in your Apps folder on the home screen, and you can rearrange them or delete them at any time.
- If the app does not appear in the LG Content Store, it may not be available for your TV model or your region.
Finding and selecting the app you want
Once you have the Content Store open, type the name of the app into the search box. Common apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video are almost always available. Smaller or region-specific apps may not be in the store.
When the search results appear, select the app you want. The TV will show you a description, any user ratings, and the file size. Read the description to make sure it is the app you actually want — some apps have similar names. Select the button that says "Download" or sometimes "Install." The TV will begin downloading the app automatically.
The download speed depends on your internet connection. Most apps finish in one to three minutes, though larger apps can take longer. You will see a progress bar showing how much has downloaded. Do not turn off your TV or unplug it during this time.
What to do after the app finishes downloading
Once the download completes, the button will change to say "Open" or "Launch." You can select this to start the app right away, or you can close the Content Store and find the app later in your Apps folder.
To find your downloaded apps anytime, press Home on your remote and look for an Apps folder or Apps icon on your home screen. All your downloaded apps will be listed there. You can select any app to open it. Some LG TVs let you rearrange apps by highlighting one, pressing and holding the center button on your remote, and dragging it to a new spot.
If you want to remove an app you no longer use, go to your Apps folder, highlight the app, press and hold the center button, and select Delete or Remove. This frees up storage space on your TV.
Signing in to apps after you download them
Many apps require you to sign in with an account before you can use them. When you open an app for the first time, it will prompt you to log in or create an account. You will need to enter your username and password using the on-screen keyboard or the keyboard on the back of your remote.
For apps like Netflix or Hulu, use the same email and password you use on other devices. Some apps offer a faster sign-in option where you visit a website on your computer or phone, enter a code shown on your TV, and your TV automatically logs in. Check the app's instructions to see if this option is available.
Keep your passwords handy when you first open an app. Typing on a TV remote is slower than typing on a keyboard, so having the password ready saves time.
Troubleshooting when an app will not download
If you select Download and nothing happens, check your internet connection first. Press Home, go to Settings, and select Network or Wi-Fi. Make sure your TV is connected to your network and shows a strong signal. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to the TV or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If your internet is working but the app still will not download, the app may not be available in your region or for your specific TV model. LG Smart TVs come in different versions, and not all apps work on all models. Try searching for a similar app instead, or check the app's website to see if it supports LG TVs.
If you see a message saying your TV is out of storage space, you may need to delete apps you are not using. Go to your Apps folder, remove a few apps, and try downloading again. Most LG TVs have between 4 and 8 gigabytes of usable storage for apps.
Using the LG ThinQ app as an alternative
Some LG TVs also let you download apps through the LG ThinQ mobile app on your smartphone. Download the ThinQ app from your phone's app store, sign in with your LG account, and look for your TV in the app. You can sometimes browse and download apps from your phone, and they will install on your TV automatically.
This method is useful if your TV remote is lost or broken, or if you find it easier to search on your phone. However, the LG Content Store on the TV itself remains the primary way to download apps, and not all apps can be installed through the ThinQ app.
Keeping your apps updated
Apps on your LG TV update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates when it is in standby mode and downloads them overnight. You do not need to do anything — the updates happen in the background.
If you want to check for updates manually, go to your Apps folder, highlight an app, press and hold the center button on your remote, and look for an Update option. Not all apps will show this option if they are already up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download apps that are not in the LG Content Store?
No, LG Smart TVs only download apps from the official LG Content Store. You cannot sideload apps from USB drives or other sources on most LG models. If an app is not in the store, it is not available for your TV.
Do I need an LG account to download apps?
You do not need an LG account to browse or download most apps from the Content Store. However, some apps require their own accounts — like Netflix or Hulu — which you set up inside the app after downloading it.
What happens to my apps if I reset my TV?
A factory reset deletes all downloaded apps and returns your TV to its original state. If you reset your TV, you will need to download your apps again from the Content Store. Your app accounts and settings will also be erased.
Why does my TV say an app is not compatible?
Compatibility depends on your TV model, the version of webOS it runs, and your region. Older LG TV models may not support newer apps. Check your TV's model number in Settings to see which webOS version you have, then check the app's requirements on the LG website.
Can I download apps on an older LG TV?
Most LG Smart TVs from 2012 onward have the LG Content Store and can download apps. Very old models or non-smart LG TVs cannot. Check your TV's manual or look in the Settings menu for "LG Content Store" to confirm your TV supports app downloads.