How to fix apps that aren't working on the Samsung Smart TV

Is the Netflix® app not working on your Samsung® Smart TV? So much for curling up with a pint of ice cream and binge-watching Lupin. But don't worry—we'll get you back up and running.

At Asurion, we fix the tech you use every day—and we do it fast. Whether you've spilled water on your laptop or your iPhone® power button's not working, we can help. Here's what to do if your Samsung TV apps aren't working.

Reset your TV

Restarting your TV may be the easiest way to fix your app problems. Here's how to do so, with or without a remote:

Reset your Samsung TV with a remote:

1. Make sure your TV is turned on.
2. Press and hold the Power button on your TV remote until you see the Samsung logo flash onscreen.
3. Watch the LED on the front of the TV—it'll turn red and start blinking faster.
4. Your TV should turn on again after a few seconds. When it does, check to see if your app works.

Reset your Samsung TV without a remote

1. Turn off your TV, and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Wait approximately 1 minute, then plug it back into the power source.
3. Press the Power button on your TV.
4. Your TV should turn on again after a few seconds. When it does, check to see whether your app works.

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Restart your modem and router

If you're still having trouble, try restarting both your router and modem (sometimes they're two separate devices, but often they're combined into one). Here's how:

1. Make sure the router is connected to the modem and that you've securely plugged in your cables.
2. Turn off the modem and router by pressing the Power button or disconnecting the power supply for each device (some devices may not have a dedicated Power button).
3. Wait 30 seconds, then press the Power button or reconnect the power supply to restart the modem and the router.
4. Confirm that your internet is back on by connecting another device to your Wi-Fi network.

While you're at it, check out our guide for how to update your Wi-Fi router regularly.

Check for a Wi-Fi connection problem

If your apps aren't working, your Samsung television may not detect your Wi-Fi network, or your network settings may be off. Here's our guide for troubleshooting a possible internet connection problem.

Check for software updates

If your HBO Max® app—or any other one like Hulu® or Paramount®—still isn't working on your Samsung TV, check for software updates. Updating your Samsung TV will provide bug and security fixes for your device and may get your apps working again. To do so, press the Settings button on your remote, then select Support > Software Update > Update Now. (If the option is grayed out, try holding the Return or Back button to clear any apps that maybe causing an issue and return to the previous page before trying the option again.)

To turn on automatic updates, press the Settings button on your remote and select Support > SoftwareUpdate > Auto-Update.

Check if app servers are down

Still having trouble? Go directly to the website for your Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon, or other app to see whether your server is down. If it is, you'll have to wait until it comes back online.

Clear the cache on your apps

An app stores its information in its app cache. If that cache is too full or contains faulty data, it could cause an app to load slowly, to crash, or even to not load at all. Try clearing your app's cache to see if you can get it working again.

To clear the cache on apps for your 2020 or newer Samsung Smart TV:

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Scroll down to Support, and choose Device Care. (If the option is grayed out, try holding the Return or Back button to clear any apps that maybe causing a compatibility issue and return to the previous page before trying the option again.)
3. Wait a few seconds, then, when prompted, select Manage Storage at the bottom of the screen.
4. Highlight the app or apps you want to clear the cache for.
5. Press the Down button, and select View Details.
6. Select Clear Data and Clear Cache.

If you have an older Samsung TV, you may not be able to clear the cache for your apps, so you'll have to uninstall and reinstall them.

Reinstall apps on your Samsung TV

If the apps on your Samsung television aren't working, another option is to delete and reinstall them. This will remove old data that could be causing your problem. Make sure you have your sign-in information before deleting any apps. You'll need to sign back in when you're ready to reinstall.

1. Press the Home button on your remote and scroll down to Apps.
2. Go to Settings, navigate to the app, then select Delete. (If Delete is grayed out, it's not available to delete. Select Reinstall.)
3. Press the Return button on your remote, then select the Search icon.
4. Type in the name of the app, and install it.

Reset your Smart Hub

The last thing to try when you're having trouble with apps on your TV is to reset the Smart Hub, the menu system for Samsung Smart TVs (available in 2011 models and later) that appears on your TV screen and lets you navigate apps.

Make sure you have all the sign-in information for your accounts before you start. You'll need it to sign in again. This essentially acts as a factory reset.

For 2020 models and later: Go to Settings > Support > Service Care > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub.

For models earlier than 2020: Go to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub.

All fixed? Here's how to download new apps on your TV.