3 Ways to Add Apps to Samsung Smart TV

Samsung Smart TVs have preloaded apps and games that give you access to your favourite content. You can also lock, move, and remove some of these applications.

However, if you need to add more apps to your Samsung TV, you will have to download them from the Appstore. We will be recommending ways to add Applications to your Samsung Smart TV, both preloaded apps and third-party apps.

Adding Apps to Samsung TV From the App Menu

To add apps to your Samsung Smart TVs from the app store (i.e., preloaded apps), you need to set up your Samsung account if you don’t have one already.

After setting up your account, you can take the following steps to add apps from the app menu.

  • Using your remote control, press the Home button.
  • Select Apps
  • Select the search icon ( a magnifying glass) at the top-right corner of your TV screen
  • Search for the app you want to download by entering the name in the search box
  • Select the app and select Install
  • To access the app after installing it, go back to your home screen using the Home button
  • Highlight the app and select it to open it.

You can add other desired apps and games available in the app menu by following the above steps.

Adding Third-Party Apps to Samsung Smart TV

Adding a third-party app can be tricky as most of the new models of Samsung Smart TVs are not compatible with third-party apps because they have an operating system different from Android OS.

Also, most of them don’t have a Google Play Store from which you can easily download any app of your choice. This means that you have to ensure that the app you want to install is compatible with your Samsung Smart TV configuration.

3 Ways to Add a Third-Party App to Samsung Smart TV

The following are ways by which you can add third-party apps to your Samsung Smart TV.

1. Using a streaming device

Using a streaming device is one of the easiest ways to add third-party apps to your TV.

With a streaming device like Chromecast or Firestick, you can access your favourite media content from it if the apps are not available in your Samsung Smart TV’s app store. All you have to do is connect it to your TV.

2. Use a USB Drive

With a USB drive, you can add third-party apps to your Samsung Smart TV. All you have to do is;

  • Download the apk version of the app you want to add (make sure it is in the ‘apk’ format)
  • Transfer the file to your USB and check to confirm that it is there
  • Install the app
  • Connect the USB drive to your Samsung Smart TV and access the app through the drive.

3. Enable ‘Developer mode

The Developer mode method is a little bit technical and can be complex. But if you follow the steps described below, it should be easy;

  • Navigate to Settings
  • Select Smart Hub
  • Select the app option
  • Enter the PIN (default PIN is 12345)
  • Enable Developer mode
  • Enter the IP address of the computer you would download the app from
  • Reboot the TV.

How to Allow Installation from Unknown Sources

After doing the above, you have to allow ‘installation from unknown sources by taking these steps;

  • Go to Settings
  • Select Personal
  • Select Security
  • Enable installation from unknown sources.

With that, you will be able to add third-party apps to your Samsung Smart TV easily.

Locking Apps on Samsung Smart TV

Locking your Apps will help you control who has access to content on the TV, especially if you have kids. Below is a guide on how to lock apps on Samsung Smart TV:

  • Press Home button
  • Select Apps
  • Select the Settings icon at the top-right corner of the screen
  • Select the app you want to lock (or unlock)
  • Select Lock (or Unlock)
  • You will require a PIN for this action (it is the same as your TV’s security code). The default PIN is 0000.

Moving Apps on Samsung Smart TV

You can also move your apps to preferred locations on your Samsung Smart TV. Below is a guide on how to move apps on Samsung Smart TV:

  • Press the Home button
  • Navigate to the app you want to move and press the Down keyon your remote
  • A menu will expand on your screen
  • Select Move on the menu
  • Use the directional keys on the remote to move the app to the preferred location.

Deleting Apps on Samsung Smart TV

In case the storage space of your Samsung Smart TV is full, and you need to create space, or you want to remove unwanted apps, do the following;

  • Press the Home button
  • Select Apps
  • Select Settings
  • Select the app you want to delete
  • Select Delete and confirm the action

However, there are certain preloaded apps you won’t be able to remove or delete from your Samsung Smart TV.

Still Unable to Install Apps on Your Samsung TV?

If you’re still unable to install apps on your Samsung TV, you might have to do a hard reset. Before you do a hard reset, make sure that your network connection is working great. Next, you’ll need to hold down the power button for about 8 seconds. Your TV screen will go black then eventually come back up with a start screen; let go of the power button at this point.

Finally, go to apps and try to install an app. Should work with no problems.

Conclusion

With the steps described above, you will find ways to add regular apps to your Samsung Smart TV and third-party apps. Also, you will find how to lock, move and delete apps from the TV; to give you total control over your favourite media content.

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