LG TV How to Add Apps: Full Guide

To add apps on an LG TV, open the Home dashboard, select the LG Content Store, search for the app you want, and click Install. The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether your TV runs webOS (most LG TVs since 2014) or an older Netcast system, but the Content Store method covers nearly all modern models.

Understanding LG TV Operating Systems

LG smart TVs primarily use webOS, a Linux-based platform LG acquired from HP in 2013. It powers virtually every LG TV released since 2014, from entry-level 4K models to the premium OLED lineup. The interface is recognizable by its launcher bar at the bottom of the screen, showing recently used apps and a full app list.

Older LG TVs (2012–2013) ran Netcast, a now-abandoned platform with a limited app store. Netcast TVs cannot install new apps, and many existing apps (like Netflix and YouTube) have been discontinued or no longer receive updates. If you own a Netcast TV, the only reliable way to add modern streaming apps is to use an external device such as a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or a game console.

Starting with webOS 5.0 (2020 models), LG introduced a redesigned home screen with a full-screen app shelf. The app installation process remained essentially the same, but the visual layout changed. Newer webOS versions (6.0 and later) also added support for LG Channels, a free ad-supported streaming service that appears as a dedicated app.

Step-by-Step: Adding Apps on webOS (2014–Present)

The process is nearly identical across all webOS versions. Here are the exact steps:

Press the Home button on your LG remote (the icon with a house).
Select the LG Content Store icon from the launcher bar at the bottom of the screen. On newer models, it may be labeled App Store or simply Store.
Use the search function (magnifying glass icon) to find a specific app, or browse categories like Video, Music, Sports, or Games.
Click on the app’s tile to open its detail page.
Click Install (or Get). The app will download and install automatically.
Once installed, you can launch the app directly from the detail page or find it in the My Apps row on the Home screen.

If you want to remove an app later, highlight it on the Home screen, press and hold the OK button on the remote, and select Delete (or Remove). This frees up storage space, though most apps are small (under 100 MB).

What Apps Are Available?

The LG Content Store offers a curated selection of apps. You will find all major streaming services:

Video: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Peacock, Paramount+, Tubi, Pluto TV
Music: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora
Sports: ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL
News: YouTube News, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Bloomberg
Games: A limited selection of casual games (e.g., Sudoku, Solitaire) and cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW and Google Stadia (Stadia is discontinued as of January 2023).
Productivity: Web browsers (LG’s built-in browser), screen mirroring apps like AirPlay (built-in on 2019+ models), and remote desktop clients.

Notably absent are apps that LG has not licensed, such as Twitch (though a third-party app exists) and some niche services. Also, LG does not support Android apps; you cannot sideload APK files. The Content Store is the only official source.

Common Problems and Fixes

Users frequently encounter issues when adding apps. Here are the most common ones and how to resolve them:

“App not available in your region” – Some apps are geo-restricted. Use a VPN (if allowed by the service) or change your LG account region (requires a valid address in that region).
Insufficient storage – Older webOS TVs have limited internal storage (often 1–2 GB). If you see a storage warning, delete unused apps or clear the app cache (Settings > Apps > select app > Clear Cache).
App fails to install or update – Check your internet connection, restart the TV (unplug for 30 seconds), and try again. If the issue persists, update the TV’s firmware (Settings > General > About This TV > Check for Updates).
App icon missing from Home – Sometimes installed apps don’t appear immediately. Press the Home button, scroll to the My Apps row, and click the Edit (pencil) icon to add it manually.
Content Store not loading – This is often due to network issues or LG server problems. Try resetting your router, or check LG’s service status page (if available in your region).

How to Choose Which Apps to Install

With limited storage, prioritize apps you actually use. Here are practical tips:

Install the streaming services you subscribe to (Netflix, Prime, etc.) first.
Add free ad-supported services (Pluto TV, Tubi, YouTube) to expand content without extra cost.
Skip duplicate apps (e.g., don’t install both Hulu and Hulu with Live TV if one suffices).
For games, only install if you have a compatible controller and a strong internet connection (for cloud gaming).
Consider using LG’s built-in voice search (on models with Magic Remote) to find apps faster.

Alternatives to the Content Store

If an app isn’t available on LG’s store, you have several alternatives:

Screen mirroring – Use AirPlay (2019+ models) or Miracast to mirror your phone or laptop screen to the TV. This lets you access any app on your device, though quality depends on your network.
External streaming devices – Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Android TV boxes offer a wider app selection and often better performance. They connect via HDMI and use their own remote.
Built-in web browser – The LG web browser can access many streaming sites (e.g., Netflix, YouTube) directly, though the experience is clunkier than a dedicated app.
Game consoles – PlayStation and Xbox have their own app stores with all major streaming services.

Costs and Account Requirements

Adding apps is free – you never pay to install an app from the LG Content Store. However, most streaming apps require a paid subscription to access content (e.g., Netflix, Disney+). Free apps like YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi are supported by ads.

You will need an LG account to access the Content Store. Creating one is free and can be done on the TV or via LG’s website. Some apps also require you to sign in with your own credentials (e.g., Netflix account) after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I find a specific app on my LG TV?

If an app isn’t in the Content Store, it’s likely not licensed for LG’s platform. For example, Twitch is not officially available. You can try using a web browser or an external device as a workaround.

Can I install apps from a USB drive on an LG TV?

No. LG TVs do not support sideloading apps from USB. The only official method is the Content Store. Attempting to install third-party APK files will fail because webOS is not Android.

Do LG TVs support Android apps?

No. LG uses webOS, which is not compatible with Android apps. If you need Android apps, consider a TV with Android TV/Google TV or an external Android streaming device.

How do I update apps on my LG TV?

Apps update automatically by default. To check manually, go to the Content Store > My Apps > select the app and choose Update. You can also enable auto-updates in Settings.

Will adding more apps slow down my LG TV?

Generally no, but if storage is full, performance can degrade. Keep only essential apps and regularly clear cache. If your TV feels slow, restart it or perform a factory reset (Settings > General > Reset to Initial Settings).

Can I add apps to an older LG TV (Netcast)?

No. Netcast TVs cannot install new apps. Use an external streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick to access modern apps.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →