If your older Samsung Smart TV won't run newer apps like Netflix or YouTube because its hardware and software are outdated, you can still get new apps on old Samsung smart TV by using the built-in App Store, adding a streaming device, or resetting the Smart Hub as a fix.
First, sign in to your Samsung account
A Samsung account is required to access the Smart Hub and install apps. If you skipped signing in during the initial setup, go to the Smart Hub Home and select "Set Up Now" to sign in.
Install available apps from the App Store
Before you begin, ensure your TV is connected to the internet. To download apps that are compatible with your model, follow these steps:
- Press the Home button on your remote control.
- Select "APPS" from the menu.
- If a pop-up appears asking you to agree to the Terms and Conditions, select "Agree" to display the Apps List.
- Select the Search icon (magnifying glass) in the top-right corner.
- Enter the name of the app you want to download and select it from the search results.
- Select "Install".
- Once the download completes, you can select "Open" to launch the app, or press the Home button and navigate to the newly downloaded app. To make the app easier to find, select "Add to Home" after downloading it, which adds it to your Smart Hub Home screen.
Only apps available in the Samsung App Store can be installed on your TV. If you cannot find a specific app, it likely means it is not compatible with your TV model due to increased app requirements and hardware limitations like memory or processing power.
Add any app with a streaming stick or box
If an app is not available on your older Smart TV, the most reliable solution is to use an external streaming device. Plug a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Android TV streaming box into an HDMI port on your TV. This bypasses the TV's old operating system entirely, giving you access to a fully updated app store with all the latest apps. This is also an excellent method for watching live TV on a smart TV, as streaming devices often include dedicated live TV channels and cable-replacement services. Once your new device is set up, you can easily get back to cable TV on Samsung smart TV by switching to the HDMI input your cable box is connected to.
Troubleshooting: reset Smart Hub if apps freeze
If installed apps are slow or unresponsive, try resetting the Smart Hub. Here is the verified fix:
- Go to Home > Menu > Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis.
- Select "Reset Smart Hub".
- When prompted for a PIN, enter the default PIN, which is 0000.
This process will refresh the Smart Hub and can resolve performance issues with your apps.
