How to Install and Manage Apps on an LG Smart TV

LG smart TVs run an operating system called webOS, which LG developed specifically for its televisions. If you've had your LG TV for a few years and it didn't come loaded with every streaming service you want, the good news is that you can add most of them from the built-in LG Content Store.

The remote that comes with LG smart TVs is called the Magic Remote. It works like a mouse — you point it at the screen and a cursor appears, which you move by tilting the remote. You can also use the directional arrows on the remote if the cursor feel isn't for you. The Home button (the house icon) brings up the LG home screen bar at the bottom of the screen.

To install an app, press the Home button and scroll along the bottom bar until you see the LG Content Store icon (it looks like a shopping bag). Open it and use the search bar to find an app by name — Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Max, Disney+, Paramount+, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Tubi, Pluto TV, and many others are available.

When you find the app you want, highlight it and select Install. The app downloads in seconds. After installing, it appears in a card on your home screen bar. You can rearrange the order of apps by highlighting one, pressing and holding the OK button, and dragging it to a new position.

To delete an app you no longer use, hover over it on the home screen bar, press and hold the OK button, and select Delete from the menu that appears. This frees up storage space on the TV.

Apps don't always update automatically. To check for updates, go back to the LG Content Store, find the app, and look for an Update button if one is available. You can also go to Settings > General > About This TV to check for webOS system updates.

Creating an LG account is optional but unlocks a few extras: some apps require an account for certain features, and LG's ThinQ platform connects your TV to other LG smart home appliances.

To mirror your phone's screen to the LG TV, LG has an app called LG ThinQ (on Android and iPhone). Some newer LG TVs also support AirPlay 2, which means iPhone users can mirror or cast directly from their phone's control center without any extra app.

For picture quality, press the Settings button (the gear icon) and go to Picture > Picture Mode. "Filmmaker Mode" is calibrated to show movies as the director intended. "Vivid" is brighter but less accurate — it's popular for sports or rooms with a lot of sunlight.