Add Apps to a Samsung Smart TV
If you have a Samsung Smart TV and want an app that isn’t on your Smart Hub, download it from the Samsung App Store. Here’s how:
Add Apps to an LG Smart TV
LG Smart TVs use the webOS platform, which includes app management. Like many other smart TVs, LG includes a package of preinstalled apps you’ll see on the home screen. Here’s how to add more apps:
Add Apps to a Vizio Smart TV
How you add apps to your Vizio Smart TV depends on whether it’s running the SmartCast, Vizio Internet Apps, or Vizio Internet Apps Plus system. Here’s a look at what’s involved.
SmartCast
On Vizio SmartCast TVs, you can’t install new apps. If you want to use an app that’s not preloaded, cast it to your TV via a compatible smartphone or tablet, just like using a Chromecast device. Here’s how it works:
Internet Apps and Internet Apps Plus Systems
If your Vizio TV uses the Vizio Internet Apps (VIA) or Vizio Internet Apps Plus (VIA+) system, it’s easy to install apps to your TV from the Vizio App Store.
Add Apps to a Smart TV With Built-In Chromecast
Although Vizio incorporates Chromecast within its SmartCast platform, other TVs have Chromecast built in as their core streaming apps platform. These sets include select models from Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Philips, Polaroid, Skyworth, and Soniq. The steps for using an app that isn’t preloaded on a Chromecast TV are similar to those for Vizio SmartCast TVs.
Add Apps to an Android TV
Select TVs from Element, Hisense, LeECO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, and Westinghouse incorporate the Android TV operating system. Here’s how to add more of the best Android TV apps.
Add Apps to Roku TVs
A Roku TV has the Roku operating system built in, so you don’t have to connect an external Roku streaming stick or box to access streaming apps. Roku refers to programs that provide video and audio content as Channels. Utilities, such as productivity or network functioning tools, are “apps.” TV brands that offer the Roku system on select TV models include Element, Hisense, Hitachi, Insignia, Philips, RCA, Sharp, and TCL. Here’s how to add a Roku channel using the TV remote:
Add Apps to Fire Edition TVs
Add Apps to a Sharp Smart TV
If you have a Sharp Smart TV without Roku functionality, it likely uses either the AppsNOW or VEWD system, formerly known as Opera TV. Here’s how to add apps on both systems.
Install an App Using AppsNOW
Using the VEWD Apps System
Apps in the VEWD App Store are cloud-based, so you don’t install them directly to the TV. Instead, select and open them for viewing. Here’s how:
Other Smart TV Models
Apps are preloaded on Philips Net TVs, but models from 2018 or later allow the addition of apps from the VEWD App Store. Philips Net TVs also support screencasting of select apps from a mobile phone, and some models include Chromecast built-in. Check your documentation for details. Element Smart TVs without a built-in Fire TV or Roku TV can access only preloaded apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora. Consult your documentation for more information.
