
LG TVs come with a good selection of apps to enjoy.
But wif your favorite apps aren’t available to download on your TV?
Don’t lose hope just yet.
I’m here to teach you some tricks on how you can install 3rd party apps on your LG TV.
Continue reading to learn:
- 3 easy ways to install 3rd party apps on your LG Smart TV.
- How to use LG Smart Share to steam apps on your LG Smart TV.
- How to use FireStick and Chrome cast to get more content on your LG Smart TV.
- And a lot more…
How to install 3rd party apps on LG Smart TV?
You can’t directly install 3rd party apps on your LG Smart TV. What you can do is use streaming media adapters like Amazon FireStick and Google Chromecast to get all the apps you want. You can also use LG Smart Share to mirror 3rd party apps from your smartphone.
3 ways to install 3rd party apps on LG Smart TV
#1: Install 3rd party apps using Amazon FireStick
This is the easiest way to get 3rd party apps on your LG Smart TV.
An Amazon FireStick is a media streaming device. It lets you do a couple of things including:
- Play music.
- Install apps.
- Play games.
- Stream videos.
How to install FireStick on your LG TV
Step 1: Grab the USB cable that comes with your FireStick.
Step 2: Insert one end into an adapter and the other into the FireStick.
Step 3: Plug your FireStick into the HDMI port on your TV.
Step 4: Turn your LG TV on and press the Source button on your remote.
Step 5: Locate the HDMI source your FireStick is installed on.
Step 6: Connect your FireStick to your Wi-Fi.
Here’s a quick video on the process:
How to install apps on your FireStick
Step 1: Toggle and select Find from FireStick’s main menu.
Step 2: Select search and type in the app you want to download.
Step 3: Locate the app and press Download.
Alternatively, you can locate apps by category:
- Heading to the home screen.
- Selecting App Store.
Reminder: Don’t worry about compatibility problems with your LG TV and FireStick. As long as your TV has at least one HDMI port, it can run the device.
However, keep in mind that you need to create an Amazon account to use this streaming device.
Additionally, make sure that your connection speed is at least 3mbps. For 4k streaming, you need at least 5mbps.
#2: Install 3rd party apps using Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast lets you mirror content from an Android device or your computer to your LG smart TV.
And it’s simpler than the FireStick.
Moreover, Chromecast provides more apps since it lets you access Google PlayStore. If you want a larger app selection, this is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you want something easier to use, go for the FireStick.
Did you know? Chromecast also lets you access Google TV. This is a Netflix-like interface that lets you access all of your streaming apps on a single screen.
Now, on to installing Google Chromecast.
How to install Chromecast
Step 1: Prepare the USB cable that comes with your Chromecast.
Step 2: Insert the cable into the adapter and the Chromecast.
Step 3: Plug your Chromecast Into the HDMI port located on the side or the back of your TV.
Step 4: Power up your LG TV and press the Source button on your remote.
Step 5: Locate the HDMI source your FireStick is installed on.
Step 6: Connect your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi.
Step 7: Open Google Home on your mobile device.
Step 8: Select your Chromecast and wait for a code to appear on your TV and mobile device.
Step 9: If both codes match, select That’s My Code in Chromecast.
How to install apps on Chromecast
Step 1: From the Google TV main menu, head to Apps.
Step 2: Browse or search for an app you’re interested in. Alternatively, you can check out categories as well.
Step 3: Tap on the app you want and select Download.
Reminder: You can also download apps using your desktop or mobile device connected to Chromecast.
However, you need to check if the app is Chromecast-ready. Tap on the dropdown menu after selecting the app to see its compatibility.
#3: Install 3rd party apps using LG Smart Share

LG SmartShare is a built-in feature found in all new LG TVs.
This lets you mirror the screen from almost every device to your TV.
Sadly, the feature doesn’t support any iOS devices.
However, it does support all Android devices and Windows PCs.
Now, I’ll teach you how to do it:
How To Use Smart Share
Step 1:Check if your TV and your external device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Press the Home button on your remote.
Step 3: Select the LG Smart Share app on the next menu.
Step 4: Select Listening Mode located at the top right corner.
Step 5: Open screen sharing on your external device.
Step 6: Look for your LG Smart TV on the list of available devices.
Doing so doesn’t let you install apps on your LG Smart TV.
However, it does let you mirror your device’s screen as it runs other apps.
People also ask:
How do I add external apps to my LG Smart TV?
You can do this by using external devices like FireStick and Chromecast.
Why can’t you add external apps, you ask?
LG Smart TVs use the webOS platform instead of Android.
The operating system is simpler to navigate and use.
However, it isn’t as versatile as Android TVs.
You cannot add external apps to your LG Smart TV by downloading APK files.
Moreover, you also can’t open Google PlayStore on the platform which is home to even more apps.
What it does have is the LG Content Store. It has a limited selection of apps.
However, you can expect to see popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more on it.
How do I install apps on my LG Smart TV which are not available in the LG Content Store?
The LG Content Store contains a sizable selection of apps already.
But what if you want more?
Aside from using a FireStick or Chromecast, you can also use a VPN.
What’s that?
It’s a virtual private network is a service that lets you securely connect to a public network.
Additionally, VPNs also let you spoof your location, allowing you to access content that’s not regularly available in your region.
Installing a VPN on any smart TV is complicated.
Traditionally, VPNs are accessed with an app when used on your smartphone or browser.
However, you need to have the VPN installed directly on your router when using a TV.
How to connect your router to a VPN
Step 1: Open your browser from your desktop or mobile device.
Step 2: Type in your IP address on the address bar.
Step 3: Log in to your network.
The username is ADMIN, and the password is 1234 if this is your first time logging in.
Step 4: Manage your router’s settings to allow your traffic to go through one of the regions above.
Step 5: Connect your TV to the network.
After doing this, region-exclusive apps will be available on the LG Content Store.
Say, for instance, you want HBO Max, but it isn’t allowed in your region yet.
Using a VPN to spoof your location to where the app is available can give you access to HBO Max.
Reminder: As convenient as it may be, your connection speed will suffer if you’re connected to the network via VPN.
How do I add unknown apps to my LG Smart TV?
LG Smart TVs run on webOS and NetCast.
Unlike Android TVs, these don’t allow APKS or installation of unknown apps from other sources.
Read also: LG TV Not Turning On: 9 Ways To Fix It