How to Install Third-Party Apps on a Samsung Smart TV (The Right Way)
Trying to install apps not available in the official store on your Samsung Smart TV can be a confusing and frustrating process. Unlike devices with an open OS like Android TV, Samsung’s Tizen operating system is a more closed environment, designed primarily for official apps. However, for those determined to get a specific app, there is a method—but it comes with a few important caveats.
This high-quality guide will walk you through the technical process of sideloading apps, while also explaining the risks involved and offering a simpler alternative for your smart home entertainment system.
Important Warning: Why You Should Proceed with Caution
Before you begin, understand that sideloading apps is a developer-focused process and is not officially supported for general users. The primary risks include:
Malware and Security Threats: Installing a TPK file from an untrusted source can expose your TV and home network to malware, spyware, and other serious data security risks.
App Instability: Third-party apps are not optimized for Tizen OS, so they may be buggy, run slowly, or crash frequently.
Warranty Issues: Modifying your TV's settings in this way may void your warranty.
For most users, a more reliable and secure solution is to use an external streaming device like a Fire Stick or Chromecast with Google TV, which is designed for easy third-party app installation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling Developer Mode and Sideloading Apps
The only reliable way to install third-party apps is to activate your TV’s hidden Developer Mode and use a computer to load the app file.
1. Enable Developer Mode on Your Samsung Smart TV
This is the most critical step. Developer Mode is a hidden setting that allows your TV to accept app packages from a remote computer.
On your Samsung TV, navigate to the Apps section.
On the Apps page, hover over the Apps Settings menu at the top right.
Quickly and repeatedly enter the number sequence 1-2-3-4-5 on your TV remote.
A pop-up menu for Developer Mode will appear.
Switch the mode to On and enter the IP address of your computer (the "host PC") that you will be using to sideload the app.
Select OK and then Reboot the TV.
2. Install Tizen Studio and Connect Your Computer
With Developer Mode active, you now need to set up a connection between your computer and the TV using Samsung’s developer tools.
On your computer, download and install Tizen Studio from the official Samsung Developer website. Make sure to include the "Tizen CLI" and "SDB (Smart Development Bridge)" components during installation.
Connect both your computer and your Samsung TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open a command prompt (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac/Linux).
Use the
sdbcommand to connect to your TV by typing:sdb connect <TV_IP_address>(replace<TV_IP_address>with the IP you entered in step 1).You can verify the connection by typing:
sdb devices. Your TV should be listed as a connected device.
3. Find and Install the App (TPK File)
Unlike Android APKs, Samsung Smart TV apps use a .tpk file extension. You will need to find the correct TPK file for the app you want to install from a trusted source.
Once you have the
.tpkfile on your computer, use thesdbcommand to install it.In the command prompt, navigate to the folder where you saved the
.tpkfile.Type:
sdb install <your_app_file_name.tpk>.The installation will begin, and a confirmation message will appear once it's complete. Your app should now be visible on your TV's app list.
4. The Alternative Method: Using a USB Drive
While this method is not as reliable and may be patched on newer TVs, some older models may still support it.
Download the
.tpkfile to your computer.Create a folder on a USB drive and rename it to
userwidget.Place the
.tpkfile inside this folder.Plug the USB drive into your Samsung TV.
On some older models, the app may automatically appear in your app list, while on others, you may need to navigate to the USB storage via the TV’s file manager to install it.
By following these technical steps, you can successfully install apps that are not available in the official Tizen store. However, for a user-friendly and secure digital technology experience, a dedicated streaming box remains the best choice for a wide variety of third-party apps.
