For many users, downloading and managing apps on their Samsung Smart TV can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the interface or the steps involved.

But we have good news! If you’re setting up your TV for the first time or looking to expand its functionality with new apps, you’ll find all the solutions you need here. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Apps

1. Setting Up Your TV for App Downloads

Before you begin downloading apps, ensure your Samsung Smart TV is connected to the internet and you’re logged into your Samsung account. If you haven’t created a Samsung account yet, you can do so directly from your TV, smartphone, or PC.

2. Navigating the Smart Hub

  • Turn on your Samsung Smart TV.
  • Press the Home button on your remote control.
  • Scroll left and select Apps from the home screen options.

3. Searching for Apps

  • In the Apps section, you’ll see several categories on the screen.
  • To find a specific app, select the search icon in the upper-right corner.
  • You can also browse through categories like Editor’s Choice or explore different app categories to discover new options.

4. Installing Apps

  • When you find an app you want to install, select it.
  • Click on the Install button (or Add to Home for older Samsung Smart TV models).
  • The app will begin downloading and installing automatically.

5. Adding Apps to Home Screen

  • Go find the app under your Downloaded App category: Home > Apps > Download Apps
  • Scroll to the app you want to add to the home screen and long press the “Ok” button on your remote.
  • Select Add to Home from the pop up menu.

Installing Third-Party APKs (Optional)

While Samsung Smart TVs come with a variety of pre-installed apps, you may want to expand your TV’s capabilities by installing third-party APKs. Here’s how to do it:

Enabling “Unknown Sources”

  1. Navigate to the Settings menu on your Samsung Smart TV.
  2. Scroll down and select the Security option.
  3. Find and select the Unknown Sources option.
  4. Read the warning message carefully and toggle the switch to enable it.

Preparing and Transferring APK Files

  1. Download the desired APK file on your computer.
  2. Transfer the APK file to a USB flash drive.
  3. Ensure the APK file is in the root directory of the USB drive1.
  4. Safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
  5. Insert the USB drive into a compatible USB port on your Samsung Smart TV.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

  1. On your Samsung Smart TV, navigate to the app drawer or home screen.
  2. Locate and open the file browser app.
  3. Browse to the USB storage device containing the APK file.
  4. Select the APK file you want to install.
  5. A confirmation dialog will appear. Read it carefully and select “Install” or “OK” to proceed1.
  6. Wait for the installation process to complete.
  7. Once finished, you’ll see a confirmation message.
  8. The newly installed app can now be accessed from your home screen or app drawer.

Important Considerations

  • Only install APKs from trusted sources to minimize security risks.
  • Be aware that installing third-party apps may void your TV’s warranty.
  • Some APKs may not be compatible with your TV’s operating system.
  • Regularly update your installed third-party apps for optimal performance and security.

FAQs About Downloading Apps on Samsung Smart TV

1. Can I download any app available on Android devices?

No, Samsung Smart TVs run on the Tizen operating system, which has its own app store. You can only download apps that are available in the Samsung App Store. If an app is not listed, it cannot be installed directly on your TV.

2. What should I do if an app is unavailable in my region?

If an app is not available in your region, you can try changing the region settings of your Samsung Smart TV. However, this may require resetting your TV, which could erase existing settings and apps. Proceed with caution and consult your TV’s manual for instructions.

3. Why isn’t my downloaded app showing up on the home screen?

If a newly installed app doesn’t appear on your home screen, you need to manually add it:

  • Go to the Apps section.
  • Navigate to App Settings.
  • Select the app and choose Add to Home.

4. How do I free up storage space if my TV runs out of memory?

To free up storage space:

  • Delete unused apps by navigating to the Apps section, selecting the app, and choosing Delete.
  • Clear the cache of certain apps through the settings menu (if supported by your TV model).

5. Can I install apps from external sources like APK files?

Yes, but this requires enabling “Unknown Sources” in your settings and transferring APK files via USB. Keep in mind that this process may void your warranty and could pose security risks. Only install APKs from trusted sources.

6. How can I update installed apps?

Apps are typically updated automatically if your TV is connected to the internet. To manually check for updates:

  • Go to the Apps section.
  • Select Settings (gear icon).
  • Choose the app you want to update and select Update if available.

7. What should I do if an app crashes or won’t open?

If an app crashes or fails to open:

  • Restart your TV.
  • Check for software updates under Settings > Support > Software Update.
  • Uninstall and reinstall the problematic app.

8. Can I use apps from Google Play or Apple App Store on my Samsung Smart TV?

No, Samsung Smart TVs do not support apps from Google Play or Apple App Store directly. To use such apps, you can connect external devices like Chromecast or Apple TV to your Smart TV

Mkpoikana Otu - Tech Gorilla Author

The love of tech is strong with Mkpoikana, he has worked for numerous large publications online, providing tech insights, news and reviews.

He is a great member of our team and has several years experience of writing for tech companies.