How to Install Third-Party Apps in Samsung TVs (Tizen & Android)

Installing third-party apps on Samsung TVs, whether running Tizen or Android, can be a bit challenging but is possible with the right steps. Tizen, Samsung’s proprietary OS, restricts direct installation of third-party apps, requiring alternative methods like using a USB drive to sideload apps.

For Android-based Samsung TVs, the process is somewhat easier, allowing for APK installation through developer mode. Both methods generally involve enabling developer options and ensuring your TV and computer are on the same network.

Before you Begin:

Here’s what you need:

• Internet Connection
• USB Drive (for Tizen)
• A Computer/Laptop
• Tizen Studio (for Tizen)
• Developer Mode Enabled (Follow Step 2 to enable Developer Mode)
• ADB Tools Installed and Setup Properly (Follow detailed guide to install ADB tools)
• SDB Tools (for Tizen) – Check the note and URL mentioned down below.
• APK Files – Installation packages of Android Apps (for Android)

Note for TIZEN Users: Tizen employs SDB for device communication. If you are using Tizen, utilize this tool rather than the one mentioned in the article.

Step 1. Enable Installation from Unknown Sources

1. Turn on your Samsung Smart TV.
2. On the home screen, go to Settings.
3. Select the Personal section and locate the Security option.
4. Here, you’ll find the Unknown Sources setting. Enable it by toggling the switch.
5. With this enabled, you can download apps from sources other than the Play Store.

Step 2. Enable Developer Mode

Next, enable Developer Mode on your Samsung Smart TV. This will give you access to a variety of useful tools and tweaks. With Developer Mode enabled, you can download third-party apps.

1. Turn your Samsung Smart TV on.
2. Go to settings and choose the Smart Hub option.
3. Select the Apps section.
4. After clicking the apps panel, enter the PIN 12345 when prompted. This is the default code for Samsung Smart TVs.
5. A window for Developer Mode configuration will appear. Set the Developer Mode to ON.
6. Enter the IP address of the computer you wish to connect to the TV, then click OK. (Find your computer’s IP address from Microsoft support)
7. Restart your TV to apply the changes.

Now that you’ve met the requirements, you can go ahead and download third-party apps on your Smart TV using either internal or external methods, which may involve using a command prompt on your computer or a storage device.

Step 3. Download Third-Party Apps Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is an easy way to download third-party apps to your Samsung Smart TV. You will need your TV’s IP address to proceed.

The process is relatively straightforward and once you’re used to it, adding new functionalities to your Smart TV becomes easier.

1. Turn on your TV and go to Settings.
2. Select the Network menu.
3. Go to the Information section to see your TV’s IP Address.
4. Note your TV’s IP Address, which should look similar to 192.168.1.39

   

Continue with the following steps to download an app using its IP address:

1. Open the Command Prompt on your computer.
2. Type adb connect <TV’s-IP> to connect to your TV. You should see a successful connection message, such as “connected to 192.168.2.201:5555“.
3. Run the command adb install <path-to-apk-file> to install your app.

   (Replace <path-to-apk-file> with the full path to the APK file you downloaded. The path is the location on your computer where the APK file is stored.)

4. Wait for the download to be completed. A Success message should appear in the prompt.
5. Disconnect your TV from the computer with the command adb disconnect <TV’s-IP>.
6. The downloaded third-party app should now be available in the apps section of your Smart Hub.

Alternative: Download Third-Party Apps Using External Storage Devices

This method bypassing direct internet downloads to your TV minimizes compatibility issues that might occur from direct downloading. With the app’s APK file downloaded to a computer, transferring it onto a USB drive, and then moving it to the TV, ensures a smooth transfer process.

It’s a discrete method that is particularly handy when facing network issues or installation issues with traditional downloading pathways. This simplicity in sideloading gives users the freedom to improve their TV’s app ecosystem conveniently.

1. Using a web browser on your computer, locate the .apk file of the desired app from a trusted source, and download it.
2. Connect the Flash Drive to your computer and copy the file onto it.
3. Disconnect the Flash Drive from the computer and plug it into your TV.
4. Navigate to the Flash Drive, select the .apk file, and press Install.
5. After installation, you can open and use the app on your Samsung Smart TV.