Necessities for Downloading Apps
To download apps on your Samsung TV, two essential elements are needed: a stable internet connection and a Samsung account.
Connect the TV to the internet
Firstly, ensure your Samsung TV is connected to the internet.
Here’s how to establish a Wi-Fi connection if it hasn’t been done already:
- In the home screen, go to Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings.
- Choose the Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
- Choose Done, then OK.
If you’re using an Ethernet cable, simply plug it into the Ethernet port on the back of the TV, then navigate to Settings > General > Network. Select OK, and you’re good to go!
It will connect to the internet automatically.
Create a Samsung account
Remember how you needed a Google Play or Apple App Store account to download apps on your phone?
The same principle applies here.
If you don’t have a Samsung account yet, create an account here, then log in on your TV.
You can also create an account directly on your TV, but you’ll still need your phone to scan a QR code or type the given link.
So, it might be easier to use the above link on your phone.
Once the account is created, set up your Samsung account on your TV by following these steps:
- Press the Home button on the remote.
- Go to Menu > Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > System Manager > Samsung Account > Sign In.
- Enter your Samsung account details.
With the account all set and the TV connected to the internet, you’re ready to venture into the world of apps.
How to download apps on Samsung smart TV
Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading apps on your Samsung TV:
- Press the Home button on the remote.
- Select APPS on the home screen.
- Tap the Search icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Type the name of the app you want to download.
- Select the app you want to download, then click Install.
- After installation, you’ll see a prompt asking if you want to Open or Add to Home.
- Click Add to Home so it can be displayed on the home screen.
If you want to download more apps, simply hit the Return button on the remote and repeat the process (search for the app’s name, then click Install).
Once everything’s installed, press the Home button once again to return to the home screen.
Where can I find my recently downloaded apps?
All apps appear on the home screen.
Specifically, Video and Media apps will be located in the Media Home, while game apps can be found under the Game Home.
To browse the downloaded apps, press the Home button on your remote and look at the very bottom of the screen.
Launching an app is as simple as highlighting it and tapping the Select button on your remote.
Easy, right?
App is not installing
There have been instances reported where the TV refuses to install an app despite multiple attempts to click Install.
You hit Install, it shows that it’s starting to download, but then it zooms back to the app info page where the Install button needs to be clicked again.
It feels like you’re stuck in a loop, pressing Install repeatedly, yet nothing happens.
Believe it or not, the simple act of unplugging and replugging the TV might resolve this issue.
Alternatively, you could hold the Power button on your remote for about 8 seconds.
These are surprisingly effective quick fixes. So, if you experience this issue, now you know what to do.
How to download third-party apps on my Samsung TV
Unfortunately, you can only download apps available in the official Samsung TV app store.
If you want to access third-party apps not listed in the app store, consider connecting a streaming device like Roku or Apple TV to the TV instead.
Downloaded apps stopped responding
We want your viewing experience to be as smooth as possible.
So, if at some point, you encounter an issue launching an app, here’s what you should do:
1. Unplug-replug method
Just as it can solve an app downloading issue, the unplug-replug method can also address minor glitches, like an unresponsive app or recurring crashes.
Perhaps your TV just needs a quick power refresh.
All you need to do is turn off your TV, disconnect it from the power socket for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
No extra steps necessary!
The problematic app should start working again after this power refresh.
2. Update the Samsung TV software
Samsung continually enhances its software, so outdated software could lead to system errors on your TV.
It’s a good practice to check for available software updates occasionally.
Keep your TV updated to ensure it runs smoothly.
Here’s how to install a software update:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
3. Reinstall the app
If an app frequently crashes or becomes unresponsive, you can try deleting and reinstalling it.
Please note that deleting an app will remove it from the home screen, and any related data will also be deleted.
Here are the steps for reinstalling an app:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to Apps > Settings.
- Browse the app list and highlight the app you want to delete.
- Select Delete.
- Press the Return button on the remote to return to the app’s main page.
- Follow the downloading process mentioned earlier in the piece
(search for the app’s name, then click Install).
Wrapping up
Downloading and navigating apps on a Samsung TV is relatively easy because of its user-friendly design.
In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about installing apps on a Samsung TV, including what you’ll need, where to find the downloaded apps, how to troubleshoot installation issues, and the recommended steps if an app becomes unresponsive.
If you’ve just unboxed your Samsung TV and are having trouble installing apps despite following these steps and troubleshooting tips, there might be an issue with your unit.
Contact Samsung’s technical support team immediately.
There are various ways to connect with Samsung support.
You can reach out online, call 1-800-SAMSUNG, or visit a support center.
You should also consider contacting the store where you bought the TV.
Since it’s still under warranty, you might be eligible for a replacement if needed.
