How to Install 3rd Party Apps on Samsung TV [Ultimate Guide]

How to install 3rd party apps on Samsung Smart TV? There have been many discussions on this question, but the confusion seems to remain. Don’t worry, this post attempts to clear it up. In addition, the tutorial on how to access more content on Samsung TV without 3-rd party apps is also included here, which may help you if those ideas are not in practice. Well, without further ado, let’s dive into today’s topic.

Samsung TV boasts an app store with bountiful apps and downloading these apps is just a walk in the park. However, many users are unsatisfied with what the app store offers and expect to add more apps. Adding outside apps to Samsung TVs has become a common demand, and here comes the question: how to install 3rd party apps on Samsung Smart TVs?

Can You Install 3rd Party Apps on Samsung TV?

There are many 3-step tutorials and YouTube videos available, including using the Command Prompt or external storage device; however, these tutorials are fake, many users reported, and may only work on Samsung TVs of old models as they focus on “Samsung TV install APK”.

Since 2015, Samsung TVs have used the Tizen OS. Tizen is a Linux-based operating system developed by Samsung and Intel. Although Android is also a Linux-based OS, Tizen OS prevents the free and straightforward installation of third-party apps for the sake of security and stability. Is there no way to bypass this restriction? You may attempt to install TPK apps for Samsung Smart TVs that run Tizen OS instead of APK files.

Third-party apps come in different formats, and the most common ones are .apk and .tpk. APK is typically used for Android-based devices, such as Fire TV Stick (check the tutorial on jailbreaking Firestick), and some Samsung Smart TVs might support it; TPK is specific to Tizen. So, figure out what OS your Samsung Smart TV uses, and then choose a compatible format.

Are 3rd Party Apps Safe on Samsung TV?

You need to choose safe and reliable sources for downloading third-party apps. This could help you evade the risks of malware or hacker attacks. Some safe places to find apps include Samsung Apps, Tizen Store, APKMirror, and XDA Developers. All in all, whether the 3rd party apps are safe or not depends on from which you download them.

How to Install 3rd Party Apps on Samsung Smart TV?

If you have an old Samsung TV, attempt to install APK apps; if you have a Tizen-based Samsung TV, attempt to install TPK apps. But before diving into APK or TPK app installation on your Samsung TV, ensure that the TV is up to date to avoid compatibility issues and ensure a smooth installation process. To update Samsung TV, go to Settings > Support > Software Update and check for updates.

Many tutorials share different ways to get third-party apps on Samsung TV, but here I would like to introduce only one way: sideload apps on Samsung TV using a USB drive. This method is user-friendly for all users of every age group.

The USB drive should be formatted in a specific file system using a Windows computer. For example, format the USB drive in FAT, exFAT, or NTFS for a Samsung TV that is a QHD or an SUHD model; choose NTFS for Full HD Samsung Smart TVs.

Then, you can perform the steps to elevate your entertainment system. The options mentioned below may have different names depending on the TV model.

Step 1. On your computer, go to a trustworthy source to download the third-party apps and transfer app files (in .apk or .tpk format) to the formatted USB drive.

Step 2. Safely eject the USB drive from your computer and plug it into a USB port on your Samsung Smart TV.

Step 3. Once the TV detects the USB drive, open the Apps section, and navigate to the More Apps or User Apps section.

Step 4. Choose Install from USB or Install User App and choose the downloaded app file.

Step 5. Click on the app file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

How to Enjoy Massive Content Without Installing 3rd Party Apps on Samsung TV?

If you can’t install third-party apps on your Samsung Smart TV, don’t worry, there’s still an easy way to access tons of videos across a wide range of genres: take advantage of the screen mirroring or casting function. Samsung TV supports various ways to mirror or cast content, including Miracst, AirPlay 2, built-in app casting, and the screen mirroring/casting app.

If you prefer a professional app for screen mirroring or casting content, you can give the Screen Mirroring app a try. It is a third-party app developed by BoostVision, featuring screen mirroring and casting to enable you to watch content from your mobile devices on a large TV screen in original quality with low latency.

Here’s how to use this app:

Step 1. Launch the app on your mobile device (ensure the device is connected to the same WiFi network as your Samsung TV). Step 2. Tap the connect area to set up a connection to your Samsung TV.

Step 3. Once connected, you can tap one of the listed function areas to mirror the screen or cast a specific video or photo.

Final Words

If you are looking for a tutorial on how to install third-party apps on Samsung TVs, you can follow the steps above to unlock your TV’s entertainment system. Honestly, projecting content from your device to your Samsung TV is recommended if the installation is not permitted.

How to Install 3rd Party Apps on Samsung Smart TV FAQ

Q: Can I install an APK on a Smart TV?

If your Smart TV uses an Android-based operating system, such as Fire TV OS, luckily, it provides access to the Google Play Store and allows for the installation of a wide range of apps. Here are some of the main brands that use Android TV: Sony, TCL, Sharp, Philips, Hisense, Xiaomi, etc.

Q: Does Samsung Smart TV support APK files?

Some Samsung TVs of old models support APK files. However, in 2015, Samsung replaced the original operating system with Tizen OS, and new Samsung TVs use Tizen OS. The new operating system is incompatible with APK files but compatible with TPK files.