Samsung Smart TVs use a built-in app store inside Smart Hub. You do not need extra hardware to add most streaming apps, but the Apps menu can be easy to overlook depending on the remote and TV year.
These steps apply to Samsung TVs running Tizen, including many Crystal UHD, QLED, Neo QLED, and recent Samsung smart TV models.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if you want to install a new streaming app, cannot find Samsung’s app store, or search does not show an app you expected. You need the TV connected to the internet, and some apps require a Samsung Account before they install or appear correctly.
Install from the Samsung App Store
This is the normal method for adding apps to a Samsung TV.
- Press Home on the Samsung remote.
- Move to the Apps row or Apps icon and select it.
- Open Search, usually shown as a magnifying glass near the top of the Apps screen.
- Type the app name, such as Netflix, Max, Disney+, or YouTube.
- Select the app from the results and choose Install.
- When installation finishes, open the app and sign in if needed.
You can also browse categories such as Featured, Games, Recommended, or Entertainment from the Apps screen if you do not know the exact app name.
Sign in with a Samsung Account
Some apps and regional catalog features depend on the TV being signed in to a Samsung Account.
- Press Home and open Settings.
- Look for Samsung Account directly, or go through General > System Manager on some models.
- Sign in with your Samsung email address or create a free account.
- Return to Apps and search again.
Being signed in also helps app lists and settings sync if you reset the TV or add another Samsung TV later.
If an app does not appear
App availability varies by country and by TV model year. If an app works on your phone but never appears on the Samsung TV, check the app provider’s website to confirm it supports Samsung Smart TV in your region.
Outdated Tizen software can also show an old app catalog. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now, install anything available, restart the TV, and search again.
If installs fail
Some Samsung TVs, especially older or budget models, have limited internal storage. If the TV reports a storage error, remove apps you do not use by highlighting the app icon, opening its options, and choosing Delete.
If the Apps screen itself will not load, power-cycle the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and try again. A router restart can also help if the app store is slow or blank while other TV features are online.
Sources
- Samsung Support – Install apps on your Samsung Smart TV (2025)
- Samsung Support – Manage apps on your Samsung Smart TV (2025)
- Samsung Support – Samsung Account sign-in on Smart TV (2025)