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

When someone hears of third-party apps, they might not fully understand what they consist of. Opposed to some misconceptions, using third-party apps is not illegal. Third-party apps are software applications developed by entities other than the device manufacturer or the creator of the operating system.

To successfully download third-party apps on your Smart Samsung TV, you will need a computer and a storage device, such as a Flash Drive, SD card, or Pen Drive. Additionally, make sure that both your computer and TV are connected to the same wireless network.

Before you begin downloading third-party apps, you must enable installation from unknown sources by turning on the Unknown Sources feature on your Samsung Smart TV.

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.

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.
Allowing installation from unknown sources

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.
Turning the developer mode on

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.

1. 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.

By entering specific commands, you establish a direct line of communication between your computer and TV; this bypasses traditional app stores, allowing you to install niche or specialized apps not available on mainstream platforms. 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.
Checking the IP Address of your Smart TV

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.
  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.

2. 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.

Installing the APK File
  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.

3. Bonus: Configure ADB on Windows

ADB is a versatile command-line tool that lets you communicate with your Samsung Smart TV or any other Android device. By configuring it correctly, you ensure a smooth transfer and installation of third-party apps on your TV. It’s an important step as ADB acts as a bridge for executing commands and deploying applications remotely from your PC to your Smart TV.

If you encounter issues configuring ADB on Windows, follow the instructions below, making sure you are logged in with administrative rights:

  1. Download the ADB installation package for Windows from here.
  2. Extract the contents to an easily accessible location (preferably on the Desktop or in a designated Drive).
  3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator).
  4. Change directory to where you extracted the ADB files using the cd command. You can check your current directory contents with the dir command.
    Navigating to the directory of extracted file
  5. Type adb and run it as a command. ADB tools should now be accessible.
    Accessing ADB tools

By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to successfully configure ADB tools on your Windows machine and use them to install third-party apps on your Samsung Smart TV. Remember to always source your apps from reputable and trusted sources to protect your device and personal data from potential risks associated with malicious software.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.