How to Add Apps to an Element TV (Exact Method)

Adding apps to an Element TV depends entirely on which operating system your model uses. Most current Element TVs run either the Roku platform or Google TV (Android TV), and the steps are completely different for each. This guide helps you identify your TV’s system and walks you through the exact method for both, so you can install streaming services and other apps without confusion.

What You’ll Need

• Your Element TV remote control
• A stable Wi-Fi connection (for downloading apps)
• Your Element TV model number (found on the back of the TV or in the Settings menu)
• For Roku models: a Roku account (free, created on first setup or at roku.com/link)
• For Google TV models: a Google account (Gmail) to sign in to the Play Store

Step-by-Step

First: Identify Your TV’s Operating System

1. Turn on your Element TV and press the Home button on the remote.
2. Look at the home screen layout:
   – If you see a vertical sidebar with options like Home, Streaming Channels, Search, and Settings, you have a Roku TV.
   – If you see a horizontal row of app icons at the top and a “For You” or “Discover” tab, you have a Google TV (Android TV).
3. Alternatively, check the model number: Roku models usually have “Roku TV” printed on the bezel or in the manual. Google TV models often say “Android TV” in the settings.

Method A: Adding Apps on a Roku-Based Element TV

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Scroll down the left sidebar and select Streaming Channels.
3. Press OK to open the Roku Channel Store.
4. Browse the featured channels, or use the Search option (magnifying glass icon) to type the name of the app you want (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, YouTube).
5. Select the channel from the search results.
6. On the channel’s details page, select Add Channel.
7. Wait for the download and installation to finish (usually under a minute).
8. Press OK on the “Channel added” prompt, then press Home to return to the main screen.
9. The new app will appear at the bottom of your channel list. To move it to a more convenient spot, highlight it, press the * (star) button on your remote, and choose Move channel.

Method B: Adding Apps on a Google TV (Android TV) Element

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Navigate to the top row of apps and select the Google Play Store icon (a colorful triangle). If you don’t see it, go to the Apps tab on the left sidebar.
3. If prompted, sign in with your Google account.
4. In the Play Store, use the search bar (top right) to type the app name, or browse categories.
5. Select the app you want from the results.
6. On the app’s page, select Install (or Get for free apps).
7. Wait for the download and installation to complete.
8. Select Open to launch the app immediately, or press Home to find it in your app row.
9. To pin the app to the home screen for easy access, highlight it, press the OK button, and choose Move or Pin (depending on your version).

Common Mistakes

• Assuming all Element TVs are the same: The most common error is trying Roku steps on a Google TV model or vice versa. Always verify the OS first.
• Skipping the Wi-Fi connection: You must be connected to the internet before opening the channel store or Play Store. Check your network settings first.
• Not signing in: On Roku, you need a Roku account (even free) to add channels. On Google TV, you need a Google account. Skipping this will block downloads.
• Searching for “apps” instead of “channels”: On Roku, apps are called “channels.” Searching for “apps” in the Roku search may yield no results.
• Ignoring storage limits: Some budget Element TVs have limited internal storage. If you install too many large apps, the TV may slow down or refuse new installs until you remove some.

Tips

• Use the voice search: Many Element remotes have a microphone button. Press it and say the app name to find it faster.
• Update the TV firmware first: Go to Settings → System → System Update (Roku) or Settings → About → System update (Google TV) and install any pending updates. This can fix app installation glitches.
• Add apps from your phone: On Roku, you can also add channels from the Roku mobile app or the roku.com/link website. On Google TV, you can use the Google Play Store website and select your TV as the target device.
• Organize your apps: On Roku, use the * button to move or hide channels. On Google TV, you can reorder apps by pressing and holding the OK button on the app icon.
• Check for app updates: Apps update automatically by default, but if one misbehaves, go to the channel store (Roku) or Play Store (Google TV) and select “Check for updates” on that app.

Troubleshooting

App won’t install or download gets stuck:

1. Restart your TV: unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
2. Check your internet speed: run a speed test in the TV’s network settings. A very slow connection can cause timeouts.
3. Free up storage: On Roku, go to Settings → System → Storage to see available space. Delete unused channels. On Google TV, go to Settings → Apps → See all apps to uninstall old ones.
4. If the problem persists, do a system restart: Roku: Settings → System → Power → System restart. Google TV: Settings → System → Restart.

App appears but won’t open or crashes:

1. Remove the app and reinstall it. On Roku: highlight the channel, press *, choose Remove channel, then re-add it. On Google TV: go to Settings → Apps → select the app → Uninstall, then reinstall from the Play Store.
2. Check for a TV software update (see Tips above).
3. If it’s a specific app (like a streaming service), it may be down temporarily. Try another app to confirm the TV is fine.

Can’t find the app in the store:

1. The app may not be compatible with your TV model. Some older Element TVs don’t support newer apps.
2. Check if the app is region-restricted. Some services are only available in certain countries.
3. Try a different search term. For example, “HBO” might not appear, but “Max” will.

Remote control not responding during installation:

1. Replace the batteries.
2. Pair the remote again: On Roku, remove the battery, unplug the TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and reinsert the battery. On Google TV, press and hold the Home and Back buttons together for 5 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all Element TVs support app installation?
A: No. Only smart TVs with Roku or Google TV built-in can install apps. If your Element TV is a “dumb” display (no smart features), you’ll need an external streaming device like a Roku stick or Chromecast.

Q: Can I add apps from a USB drive?
A: Not officially. Element TVs don’t support sideloading apps from USB. You must use the built-in app store for your platform.

Q: How many apps can I install?
A: It depends on the TV’s internal storage. Most Element TVs have 4–8 GB of storage, with a portion used by the system. You can typically install 20–50 small apps, but large games or heavy apps will fill it quickly.

Q: Why is my Element TV not showing the Play Store?
A: If you have a Roku model, you won’t see the Play Store at all. If you have a Google TV model and the Play Store is missing, go to Settings → Apps → See all apps → Show system apps, then find and enable the Play Store if it was disabled.

Q: Do I need to pay to add apps?
A: The apps themselves are free to download. Some services (like Netflix) require a subscription to use, but the installation is free. You never pay Element or Roku/Google to add an app.

Q: Can I delete pre-installed apps?
A: On Roku, you can hide them but not delete them. On Google TV, you can disable some pre-installed apps (Settings → Apps → Disable), but you can’t remove core ones like YouTube or the Play Store.

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