Can you download apps on a smart TV?

Have you finally bought a smart TV but cannot find your favorite app? You can always download more apps on this device.

A smart TV is an internet-connected device that allows you to access and stream different media content forms without the need for an external connector. Unlike a regular television, a smart TV comes with preloaded apps. It also allows you to download more if you wish to customize your streaming experience.

What you should know before you start downloading apps on a smart TV

Every smart TV gives you the chance to download different apps within its app store. You can download specific apps depending on the smart TV model you are using. If, for instance, you bought a Roku TV, you can access more than 4000 apps. Other smart TVs, such as Android and Sony TV, also have many apps that can be accessed through their respective app stores.

Each smart TV manufacturer has a preference in terms of the operating system. Individual programmers develop apps for TV use then sell them to companies such as Android and Apple, which later include them in their app stores.Though not every smart TV has an app store, including an app repository is mandatory for modern smart TVs. If, for instance, you purchase a smart TV that does not have an app store, you can still install apps with the help of digital media players. Devices such as the Amazon Fire TV come with app stores that can help you install new apps.

A guide to downloading apps on different smart TV models

The process of downloading apps on a smart TV is unique for every model. If, for instance, you are using the Samsung TV, you have to use the Samsung app store to download more apps. The home page will come with some popular apps that you can start using. To find these apps, press on the Smart Hub button on your remote and choose apps on the menu bar. Once you get to the My apps screen, you should notice all the preloaded apps on this smart TV. These apps fall under different categories such as Entertainment, most popular, what’s new, and video.

If you have a particular app in mind but cannot find it on this screen, you can install it from the app store. Once you access the app store, you need to look for the app you intend on installing then click on the app’s icon. Look for the section labeled install then download. Once you have installed the app, you can open it and start enjoying your favorite content from the Samsung smart TV.

Do you have an LG smart TV? If yes, this can help you download more apps through the webOS platform. Just like a Samsung TV, the LG smart TV also comes with some preinstalled apps. It does not, however, limit you to these since you can still download more. The home button on your remote will take you to the homepage, which has different options. From here, click on the LG content store and navigate to the Apps section. From here, you can search for a particular app if you don’t want to go through the entire app category.

You can either choose free or paid shows to download from the LG content store. Once you click on install, the app will start downloading. If the app comes at a fee, you will get a notification regarding payments. As soon as the app has finished downloading, you should click on Launch.

If you have a Vizio smart television, you can also download more apps. Some of the Vizio smart TVs run the smartcast while others use the Apps Plus system. When you have the Vizio smartcast TV and don’t want to use any of the preloaded apps, you have to use a compatible tablet or smartphone to cast content to the TV.

Instead of downloading more apps like in other smart TVs, this model allows you to cast content from a compatible device. You should ensure that the mobile device uses the same network as smart TV. On your smartphone, proceed to the Google Play store and click on install a Chromecast enabled app. After installing the app, open it on the mobile device and click on the cast icon. As soon as you choose the Vizio smart TV, the content should begin playing instantly.

If you have a smart TV from Sharp, Element, Hisense, or Toshiba, you can also download more apps using the operating system known as Android TV. The screen appearance is different based on the specific Android TV model you have. From the home screen of your Android TV, you should look for the section labeled Apps and click on it. Choose Google Play Store so that you can search for the app that you want to install. You can either install a free or paid app. Paid apps come with specific instructions that you need to follow. After installation, launch the app from the TV’s home screen.

Conclusion

Apps and internet connectivity are what distinguish a smart TV from a traditional TV. Though most smart TVs have preloaded apps, they allow you to download more apps. The process of installing additional apps in most smart TVs is straightforward. You should find out the operating system that your smart TV uses then follow the brief steps to download more apps.

FAQs

Do smart TVs have similar apps?

No. Since smart TV manufacturers prefer different operating systems, the selection of apps is unique in every brand. You can, however, find some of the popular apps on most smart TVs.

Does Netflix come free on a smart TV?

Downloading and installing this app on a smart TV is free, but you require a subscription to enjoy content from it.