How to Download Apps on a Samsung Smart TV

Press the Home button, then select APPS to search for new apps to add

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
  • Shoreline Community College

Jeremy Laukkonen is a former writer for Lifewire. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .

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Updated on December 6, 2023
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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What to Know

  • Press Home on remote, then choose APPS and select the Search icon.
  • Type the name of the app you want, select it, then choose Install. 
  • Before you can download apps on your Samsung TV, you need to have a Samsung account.

This article explains how to download apps on a Samsung smart TV. Apps let you watch more content from streaming services and more.

How to Download Apps on a Samsung Smart TV

Your Samsung TV has a number of preinstalled apps, and you can add a variety of other apps manually. Popular apps like Netflix and Prime Video are all available on your Samsung TV. Here’s how to download and install an app on your Samsung TV:

Before you can access apps on a Samsung TV, you need to create a user account. You can make a Samsung account from a computer or a phone. It's also available on your TV: Settings > General > System Manager > Samsung Account.

  1. Press the Home button on your remote.

  2. Select APPS.

    APPS highlighted on the Samsung Smart Hub.

    If you don’t see this, press the back arrow button on your remote.

  3. Select the Search icon.

  4. Use the on-screen keyboard to type the name of the app you want, and then select it.

  5. Choose Install.

  6. The app will download and install on your TV. To open it, press Home and then select the app.

How Do I Find the App Store on My Samsung Smart TV?

Locating the Samsung app store is simple: Press Home on the remote, then select APPS.

The Samsung app store is located on your TV’s home screen (aka, the Smart Hub). It’s integrated directly into the Apps section of the Smart Hub. It's there you can see the apps you already have installed right alongside new apps you don’t have yet.

How Do I Download New Apps to My Old Samsung Smart TV?

If you have an older Samsung smart TV connected to the internet, you should still be able to download new apps. However, there are some exceptions. For example, Netflix is no longer available on some older Samsung TVs. If the app you want isn't supported on your TV, you'll need to use a dedicated streaming device like a Fire TV Stick or Roku to access that app.

Downloading new apps to an old Samsung TV works the same way it does on a newer TV, but you may have to push a Smart Hub or Internet @TV button on your remote instead of the Home button. From there, you can select Apps or My Apps to install something.

How Do I Install Third-Party Apps on My Samsung Smart TV?

There's no easy way to put third-party apps on a Samsung TV. Unlike Android-based smart TVs which let you sideload unofficial apps from third-party sources, Tizen-based Samsung TVs only allow you to download apps from the official app store.

If you want to use an app that isn’t available on your Samsung TV, you can connect a streaming device that does support the app, like a Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV.

FAQ
  • How do I screen-mirror an iPhone to a Samsung TV?

    You can connect your iPhone to a Samsung TV using three methods. The easiest way is if your TV supports AirPlay; to see if it does, select the Mirroring icon in Control Center on your phone and see if your TV shows up as a source. Otherwise, you can connect the iPhone directly to the TV using a Lightning digital AV adapter, or try an app like Samsung SmartView.

  • How do I reset a Samsung TV?

    You can reset several things on a Samsung TV. To reset a Smart Hub, go to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub. To only reset the picture or sound, try Settings > Picture or Sound icon > Expert Settings > Reset Picture or Reset Sound. For a total reset of the whole TV, including all of your settings, go to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset.

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