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Understanding LG Smart TV Apps and Where to Find Them

LG Smart TVs come with built-in app stores that let you add programs to your television. These apps work similar to applications on smartphones—they perform specific functions like streaming movies, checking weather, or playing games. The main place to find these applications is the LG Content Store, which is built directly into most LG Smart TV models manufactured from 2016 onward.

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When you turn on an LG Smart TV for the first time, you'll see a home screen with several pre-installed apps already available. Common pre-loaded applications include Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and LG's own service apps. Beyond these, the LG Content Store contains thousands of additional programs you can add at no cost.

The LG Content Store organizes applications into categories like Entertainment, Sports, News, Games, Lifestyle, and Education. Each category contains multiple options. For example, the Entertainment section may include Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, and other streaming services. Some of these services require paid subscriptions to watch content, but the apps themselves are offered at no charge.

Different LG TV models use slightly different interface designs. Models using LG's webOS platform (the current standard) have a consistent layout, while older models may look different. webOS is the operating system that runs on LG Smart TVs and manages how the home screen appears and functions.

According to LG's product documentation, their Smart TV platform supports over 1,000 applications through the Content Store. This number changes regularly as new apps are added and older ones are removed from the store.

Practical Takeaway: Before searching for specific applications, check which apps are already on your TV's home screen. This saves time since you may already have access to what you're looking for.

Step-by-Step Guide to Locating Apps on Your LG Smart TV

Accessing the LG Content Store involves navigating your TV's menu system. Start by pressing the home button on your LG remote control—this is typically located near the top and shows a house icon. The home button takes you to the main screen where all your TV's features are organized.

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Once on the home screen, look for an icon labeled "LG Content Store," "App Store," or sometimes "My Apps." The exact name depends on your TV model and software version. This icon usually appears as a colored square or rectangle with a store-like symbol. Use your remote's arrow buttons to highlight this icon, then press the center select button to open it.

Inside the LG Content Store, you'll see several navigation options. At the top or side of the screen, you'll find category buttons. These might include "Featured," "Games," "Entertainment," "Lifestyle," and others. Use your remote to move between categories and explore what's offered.

If you're looking for a specific app, most TV models include a search function. Look for a magnifying glass icon within the store. Selecting this opens a search box where you can type the app name using your remote. Some remotes have a microphone button that lets you speak the app name instead of typing it.

When you find an app you want to add, highlight it and select it to open the app's information page. This page shows a description, any reviews from other users, screenshots, and buttons to proceed. The button you're looking for says something like "Install," "Get," or "Add to Home."

The installation process begins when you select this button. The TV connects to LG's servers and transfers the app file to your television. This typically takes between 30 seconds and several minutes, depending on the app's size and your internet connection speed. A progress bar usually appears showing the installation status.

Practical Takeaway: Write down the names of apps you want before searching, or use your TV's voice search feature to reduce the amount of button pressing needed.

Common LG Smart TV App Categories and What They Offer

The LG Content Store organizes applications into sections to help you find programs matching your interests. Understanding these categories makes browsing more efficient.

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Entertainment Apps: This category contains streaming services for movies and television shows. Services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video are typically found here. These apps let you watch movies and TV series on demand. Some services offer free content supported by advertisements, while others require paid subscriptions to access their full libraries.

Sports Apps: The sports section includes applications for watching live games and sports news. Common examples include ESPN, Fox Sports, and league-specific apps like NFL+, NBA+, and MLB.TV. These apps may offer free basic content or require subscriptions for full access to live games and exclusive coverage.

News Apps: News category applications provide current events and information. Major news organizations like CNN, BBC, Fox News, and others offer apps that deliver headlines, full articles, and sometimes video segments. Most news apps at no cost, though some premium content may require subscriptions.

Gaming Apps: The gaming section contains various games ranging from casual puzzle games to more complex titles. Many gaming apps at no cost, though some offer optional purchases within the games for additional features or content.

Lifestyle and Utility Apps: This category includes weather applications, fitness programs, recipe guides, smart home controls, and other practical tools. For instance, a weather app shows forecasts and current conditions, while a fitness app might display workout routines or instructional videos.

Music Apps: Music-focused applications include services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora. These apps stream music to your television and may play music videos or display album artwork while songs play.

Kids' Apps: Many LG Smart TVs include a kids' category with age-appropriate programs designed for children. These might include educational content, animated shows, or interactive learning tools.

Practical Takeaway: Browse your preferred category first to see what's currently offered rather than searching for specific apps. You may discover programs you didn't know existed.

System Requirements and Compatibility Information

Not all LG Smart TVs have identical capabilities regarding app availability. Your TV model, year of manufacture, and software version affect which applications you can add.

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LG Smart TVs manufactured from 2016 onward typically run webOS, the company's proprietary operating system. Most apps in the LG Content Store are compatible with webOS version 3.0 and newer. If your TV is older than 2016, it may run an earlier system that has fewer available applications.

To check your TV's software version, navigate to the settings menu—usually accessible through the home screen. Look for an option labeled "About," "System Information," or "TV Information." This section displays your webOS version number. Recording this number helps when researching whether specific apps work with your model.

Internet connectivity is essential for using the LG Content Store and most applications. Your TV must connect to your home Wi-Fi network. LG Smart TVs support both wired connections through an ethernet port and wireless connections through built-in Wi-Fi. Most newer models include Wi-Fi capability, but check your TV's specifications if unsure.

Download speeds affect how quickly apps install. According to consumer broadband data, average U.S. home internet speeds are approximately 250 megabits per second as of 2024. However, even with slower connections between 10-50 megabits per second, app installation typically completes within a few minutes.

Your TV's storage capacity limits how many apps you can add. Most LG Smart TVs include between 8 and 16 gigabytes of internal storage. Some storage is reserved for the system software itself, leaving roughly 4-10 gigabytes for applications and other content. Individual apps range from 10 megabytes to over 500 megabytes in size. This means you can typically add dozens of applications before storage becomes full.

If you run out of storage space, you can uninstall apps you no longer use to make room for new ones. The TV prompts you to confirm before permanently removing any application.

Practical Takeaway: Check your TV's webOS version before searching for specific apps if you have an older model. This prevents frustration when looking for applications that may not be compatible.