Unable to search or download additional apps on Samsung TV

[dcrozier81]

I just purchased a new TV and when it arrived, I found I couldn't install any apps other than those suggested on the TV screen.  There's no option to search for additional apps.  I researched this online and found that there's an "Apps" tile missing on my screen that's shown on all the examples online.  See attached example - "missing apps tile.png"

This tile is missing on my screen.  I contacted Samsung Support and was advised this:

"Your TV is part of the new Operating System which is Tizen 8. Every supported and available application can be found under Home Page that was highlighted to APPS. Alternatively, we can search it using the search bar on the left side of the Home Page. If the application doesn't appear that means the app is not supported on the TV."

So there's no way to search for any additional apps.  Only those that are already on the TV.  Is anyone else having the same issue and is the information I received correct?

When I use the search button on the left, it isn't great.  It doesn't always find apps that are already installed on the TV.  It couldn't find "Plex", but when I navigated around the numerous tiles suggesting apps, I found that Plex was one of them and when I clicked on the tile, it let me download it.

My TV model is:  QE55Q60DAUXXU

Any help or suggestions would be great.

Thanks

[steamship]

I'll have to rely on other posters here to do this as it isn't my TV, and I won't be heading their way until the weekend. However, having made your suggestion of doing a factory reset, I'm assuming you're hoping that it reverts to the original O/S, which should hopefully have the Apps tile. The issue with that is twofold. One is that we would need to ensure that we disable the option to update the O/S in the menus. Secondly, Felucca posted on Tuesday that when they updated the O/S, the Apps tile disappeared.

If it does reappear after a factory reset, then we either have to install every app that we'll ever need, or choose never to update the O/S. This seems to be a significant oversight of this latest O/S. It wil be interesting to see what the others discover.

[Toonman1892]

While you are on this chat I also was told I had (and all new samsung tvs) 8GB of memory - so I checked mine - I have a brand new 65” S85D - almost no available memory at all - why is this 

 

[AntS]

Hi all,

I'd hold off doing a factory reset.

Just to cut through any confusion that there may be so everyone's on the same page on this one, are you all using the Universal Search function, i.e. the spyglass on the left?

Should work by clicking on that, entering the name of the app you wish to find and it will be shown in the results if available to install, as well as any content available with a similar keyword -- so you may need to scroll down to see the app results.

There's also the Voice Function, which once enabled allows you to ask the TV to find A or B app.

(Just to note that the RTE player app is only available in the Republic of Ireland. And also just selecting “Apps” will only show promoted & currently installed apps; you still need to use the Universal Search function to search.)

[steamship]

Since the Apps tile is missing, the Universal Search was the only other way I could search. However, as stated in my original post, it only showed associated content.

As for the RTE Player, I know it's region locked to the Republic of Ireland, but it can still be used with a VPN, as those living in Northern Ireland regularly watch RTE. As do those from Ireland who like to keep up with their favourites programmes whilst on holiday abroad.

Finally, since the Apps section only shows currently installed apps (which is obvious) and promoted apps (presumably ones that Samsung want to promote), how is anyone going to be able to search for an app if they don't know it exists? Not everyone who buys a new Smart TV knows what it can do, so by only showing 'promoted' apps, you're limiting peoples choices.

[dcrozier81]

I did try the universal search function, but it doesn't seem to work well.  I was trying to install "Plex", but the universal search function didn't find it.  However, after scrolling through the "promoted apps" tiles, I managed to find it and install it.  So if the universal search function can't even find a promoted app, then clearly it doesn't work well.

Plus, it would only be useful if you knew exactly which app you were looking for, not if you were looking for suggestions of apps to install.

[SullivanIsland]

Steamship, I have a new Samsung Q72DD ( Costco) and also wanted to download the RTE Player app.  Same issue as reported multiple times here.  I'm not completely savvy with this technology and thought it was me, then I found this thread.   I was able to access RTE radio 1, other RTE stations, Radio Kerry, Clare FM, et al.  But to get to those I downloaded "MyTuner" from the list of available apps in the Samsung home page's Apps section.  It is in a subcategory "Radio and Music" under " Group Content".  You launch that app and then search for RTE within the app, play that and save as a favorite so you don't have to search each time.  It's not ideal, and doesn't address the larger question discussed here, but it does solve the RTE radio channel request.

[steamship]

Very helpful, but they want the RTE Player for the TV channels.

[Lewisfk]

I have the same problem. This will be the last Samsung product I purchase. 

[Toonman1892]

What about the memory issue I posted - still no reply on this 😡

[KholaI]

Hi @Toonman1892 

Could you perhaps provide me with more information on the issue you're experiencing?