A smart TV gives you access to countless streaming services, games and handy applications. But how do you actually install these apps? In this detailed guide we explain step by step how to install apps on the three most popular smart TV brands: Samsung, LG and Sony. We also share tips for managing and updating your apps.

Why install apps on your smart TV?

With apps you turn your television from a simple screen into a complete entertainment center. You get access to:

  • Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
  • Dutch content via NPO Start, Videoland, RTL XL
  • Music apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music
  • Social media and video platforms like YouTube and Twitch
  • Games and educational apps
  • Weather, news and other utility apps

Installing apps on a Samsung Smart TV

Samsung smart TVs use the Tizen operating system, with the Samsung Smart Hub as their app store.

Step-by-step installation

  1. Open the Smart Hub: Press the Home button on your remote. The Smart Hub interface appears at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Go to Apps: Navigate to the Apps icon in the menu and press Enter/OK.
  3. Find an app: You can browse through categories or use the search function. Click the magnifying glass icon and type the name of the app you want.
  4. Select the app: Click the app you want to install to open its details page.
  5. Install: Click "Install" or "Download". The app is downloaded and installed automatically.
  6. Open: After installation you can open the app right away or find it later in your app library.

Adding apps to the home screen (Samsung)

For quick access to your favorite apps:

  1. Go to the Apps section
  2. Select the installed app
  3. Press and hold the Enter button or click "Add to Home"
  4. The app now appears in your Smart Hub for quick access

Removing apps (Samsung)

  1. Go to Apps and select the app you want to remove
  2. Press and hold the Enter button
  3. Select "Delete" from the menu
  4. Confirm the removal

Installing apps on an LG Smart TV

LG smart TVs run webOS, a user-friendly operating system with the LG Content Store as its app marketplace.

Step-by-step installation

  1. Open the Home menu: Press the Home button on the Magic Remote or a regular remote.
  2. Go to the LG Content Store: Scroll right in the app row and select "LG Content Store" or "Apps".
  3. Browse or search: You'll see categories such as Popular, New and All. Use the search function for specific apps.
  4. Select an app: Click the app you want to view its information page.
  5. Install: Click "Install". You may need to sign in with your LG account if you haven't already.
  6. Launch the app: After installation, click "Launch" or find the app in your app overview.

Creating an LG account

You need an LG account to download apps:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Account Management
  2. Select "Create Account"
  3. Follow the steps to set your email address and password
  4. Confirm your account through the email you receive

Managing apps (LG)

To arrange or remove apps:

  1. Press and hold the OK button while hovering over an app
  2. Select "Move" to change the order
  3. Select "Delete" to remove the app

Installing apps on a Sony Smart TV (Android TV/Google TV)

Sony smart TVs use Android TV or the newer Google TV, with access to the Google Play Store and its thousands of apps.

Step-by-step installation

  1. Open the Home screen: Press the Home button on your remote.
  2. Go to the Google Play Store: Navigate to the Apps tab and select "Google Play Store", or look for the Play Store icon.
  3. Find an app: Use the search function at the top or browse through categories. Voice search also works through the microphone on the remote.
  4. Select the app: Click the app to view its details, including screenshots and reviews.
  5. Install: Click "Install". If it's a paid app, you need a payment method linked to your Google account.
  6. Open the app: After installation, click "Open" or find the app in your app drawer.

Setting up a Google account

You need a Google account for the Play Store:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Add account
  2. Select Google
  3. Sign in with your existing Google account or create a new one
  4. Once you're signed in, you have access to the Play Store

Removing apps (Sony)

  1. Go to Settings > Apps
  2. Select "See all apps"
  3. Choose the app you want to remove
  4. Select "Uninstall" and confirm

These apps are available on all three platforms:

Streaming services

  • Netflix: Movies and series
  • Disney+: Disney, Marvel and Star Wars content
  • Amazon Prime Video: Included with a Prime subscription
  • Videoland: Dutch movies and series
  • NPO Start: Programs from NPO 1, 2 and 3
  • RTL XL: Catch up on RTL programs

Video platforms

  • YouTube: Free videos from all over the world
  • Twitch: Gaming livestreams
  • Vimeo: Creative video content

Music

  • Spotify: Music and podcasts
  • YouTube Music: Music streaming from Google
  • Apple Music: Via AirPlay on supported TVs

Updating apps

It's important to keep your apps up to date for the best performance and the latest security updates.

Samsung

  1. Go to Apps in the Smart Hub
  2. Select the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner
  3. Choose "Auto Update" or manually select the apps you want to update

LG

  1. Open the LG Content Store
  2. Go to "My Apps"
  3. Apps with an available update show an update button
  4. Or turn on automatic updates in Settings

Sony (Android/Google TV)

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Go to "My apps" or the profile icon
  3. Select "Update apps and games"
  4. Choose "Update all" or update individual apps

Troubleshooting app problems

An app crashes or doesn't work properly:

  • Close the app completely and open it again
  • Check for available updates
  • Clear the app's cache (usually via Settings > Apps)
  • Uninstall the app and install it again

An app isn't available in the store:

  • Some apps are region-restricted, so check whether the app is available in the Netherlands
  • Your TV may be too old, so check the app's system requirements
  • The app may not exist for your TV platform

Not enough storage space:

  • Remove apps you don't use
  • Clear app caches through the settings
  • Some TVs support USB storage for apps

Tips for getting the most out of your apps

  • Organize your apps: Put your most-used apps at the front of your app row for quick access
  • Turn on automatic updates: That way you always have the latest features and security patches
  • Sign in to your accounts: Link your streaming accounts for a seamless experience
  • Check the privacy settings: Limit data tracking if you want to
  • Restart your TV regularly: This fixes many small problems and improves performance

Conclusion

Installing apps on your smart TV is easier than you might think. Whether you have a Samsung, LG or Sony television, the process comes down to opening the app store, searching for the app you want and clicking install. With the right apps you get the most out of your smart TV and can enjoy all your favorite content on the big screen. Don't forget to update your apps regularly for the best experience, and take the time to discover your favorite apps in the extensive app stores.

Frequently asked questions

Are all apps free on smart TVs?

Most apps are free to download, but often require a paid subscription for the content (such as Netflix or Disney+). There are also completely free apps such as YouTube and NPO Start. The Play Store on Sony TVs also offers paid apps and games.

Can I install apps that aren't in the store?

On Samsung and LG TVs this isn't possible without complicated workarounds. On Sony TVs with Android TV you can sometimes sideload APK files, but this isn't officially supported and can involve risks.

Why are some apps not available on my smart TV?

There can be several reasons: the app isn't available in your region, your TV model is too old and no longer supported, or the app developer hasn't made a version for your TV platform. Check the app's system requirements.

How many apps can I install on my smart TV?

That depends on your TV's internal storage. Most smart TVs have 8 to 32 GB of storage, part of which is used by the system. Streaming apps are usually small (50 to 200 MB), so you can install dozens of apps. If the storage fills up, remove apps you don't use.

Looking for WordPress hosting? See what we offer.