How to Add Apps to Samsung Smart TV?

I remember sitting in front of my new Samsung Smart TV, excited to explore what it had to offer. But soon I realized the pre-installed apps were not enough. Most Samsung TVs come with a default selection, but they rarely include everything you truly want. Some apps are essential for daily entertainment, and you will often need to install new apps to Samsung TV manually to unlock its full potential.

Samsung makes it easy to browse, search, and add apps to Samsung Smart TV through its built-in app store. No matter the model year of your TV, the process is nearly identical and easy to follow. Also check out how to close unused apps on Samsung TV.

How to Add Apps to Samsung Smart TV?

Start by powering on your TV and connect it to the internet.
On your remote, press the Home button to access the main menu.
Navigate to the APPS tab and enter it using the center button.
Use the search feature to type the name of the app you want.
From the results, choose the app and hit the Install button.
Once installed, press the Home button again and scroll to find it.
Select the app to launch and start using it right away.

Samsung TVs also come with TV Plus, which offers live channels for free. If you prefer avoiding third-party downloads, explore its built-in catalog of streaming options.

However, sideloading external apps isn’t possible on Samsung Smart TVs. If you are looking for apps not offered in the Samsung store, devices like Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or an HDMI-connected PC can expand your access with little effort.

How to Enable Auto App Updates on Samsung TVs

You can let your TV handle updates automatically so you are always using the latest version of every app. Here’s how to turn this feature on:

Press the Home key on your remote.
Navigate to Apps, then select Settings.
Find the Auto-update option and turn it on.

Once activated, your TV will keep apps updated without interrupting your experience.

How to Move and Organize Apps on the Home Screen

After installing new apps, they may not show up on your home screen by default. To make them easier to access, follow these steps to move and organize them:

Press the Home button and go to the APPS section.
Scroll to the Downloaded App section using the directional pad.
Highlight the app you want, long-press the OK/Enter button, and select Add to Home.

To rearrange apps for quicker access:

Return to the Home screen.
Highlight any app, hold the OK/Enter button, then choose Move.
Use the directional buttons to shift its position and press OK.

You’ll find this small adjustment makes daily viewing much smoother.

How to Remove Apps from Your Home Screen

Not every app deserves a front-row seat. If you want to declutter your home screen, here’s what to do:

In the Apps section, scroll to the end and tap Edit List.
Navigate to the app you want to remove.
Press the down arrow on the remote to open options.
Select Remove and confirm your choice.

The app remains installed, but it won’t clutter your Home menu anymore.

How to Lock or Unlock Apps on Samsung Smart TVs

Locking apps is a smart way to manage content access, especially in shared households. You can set a PIN to control who opens what. Here’s how to lock or unlock an app:

Press the Home key and go to Apps.
Open Settings and highlight the app you want to restrict.
A small menu appears for each app. Choose Lock.
Enter your TV’s PIN (default is 0000 if unchanged).
To unlock, repeat these steps but select Unlock instead.

This feature gives you peace of mind when kids or guests are browsing your TV.

You now have a complete walkthrough to add apps to Samsung Smart TV. From installation to organizing, locking, and updating, everything is within your reach. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with someone who just got a new Samsung TV and wants to make the most of it.