Quick answer
The Apollo TV app isn't available for Samsung (Tizen) or LG (webOS) smart TVs. You can still watch on those TVs by plugging a supported streaming stick, such as a Fire OS Fire TV Stick or a Google TV device, into an HDMI port. A laptop with an HDMI cable, casting or a MAG box are other options.
Samsung and LG make a huge share of the smart TVs in people's homes, so it's no surprise that "Can I watch Apollo TV on my Samsung?" and "Is there an Apollo TV app for LG?" are common questions. The Apollo TV app isn't available for these TVs' own systems right now. You can still watch on them with a streaming stick or one of a few other inexpensive options.
Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS only run apps from their own stores, which is why the usual install methods don't work. The four options below are listed from most reliable to quickest to try.
The short answer
- Samsung smart TVs run Samsung's own system, called Tizen.
- LG smart TVs run LG's own system, called webOS.
- The Apollo TV app isn't on our list of supported devices for Tizen or webOS. You can see the current list on our Apollo TV app page.
- You can still watch on these TVs by connecting a supported device, such as a streaming stick, to the TV's HDMI port. That's the option we recommend.
Why smart TVs are different
Fire TV and Android TV devices run systems based on Android, which can install the Apollo TV app with Downloader. Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS are separate systems with their own app stores. Apps have to be built specifically for each one and distributed through their stores.
That's why the Apollo TV app runs on a Fire TV Stick plugged into your Samsung TV, but not directly on the Samsung TV itself.
What about third-party player apps?
Some IPTV player apps are available in Samsung's and LG's app stores and accept M3U playlists or Xtream login details. We haven't verified these players, so we can't vouch for them or help set them up, and their availability and features change. If you try one, use only details from your own My Account, never enter payment details in a player app, and keep in mind that support for unverified players is limited. The options below are the ones we can help with.
Option 1: Add a streaming stick (recommended)
A streaming stick plugs into one of your TV's HDMI ports and turns any TV into a supported device. It's the most reliable way to watch Apollo Group TV on a Samsung or LG TV, and you get the full Apollo TV app experience.
What to choose
- A Fire TV Stick running Fire OS. Check the operating system before buying: some newer Fire TV models run Vega OS and can't install the Apollo TV app. Our guide to the best Fire TV Stick for IPTV explains which models work and how to check.
- An Android TV or Google TV device. These install the app the same way. Our guide to setting up Apollo Group TV on Google TV covers devices such as the Chromecast with Google TV.
Setting it up
- Plug the stick into an HDMI port on the TV and its power supply into a wall socket.
- Switch the TV's input to that HDMI port using the TV remote's Source or Input button.
- Follow the device's setup screens to connect to Wi-Fi.
- Install the Apollo TV app using our setup guides.
- Sign in with the details from My Account.
Using one remote
Many TVs support HDMI-CEC, which lets one remote control both the TV and the stick (power and volume). Samsung calls it Anynet+ and LG calls it SIMPLINK. Turn it on in your TV's settings, and most streaming stick remotes can then switch the TV on and off and change its volume.
Option 2: Connect a laptop with an HDMI cable
If you have a Windows or Mac laptop, you can install the Apollo Group TV app on it and connect it to the TV with an HDMI cable.
- Install the app using our Windows guide or Mac guide.
- Connect the laptop to the TV with an HDMI cable. Some laptops need an adapter (for example, USB-C to HDMI).
- Switch the TV to that HDMI input.
- Play full screen.
This works well for an occasional evening or a big event, but it's less convenient for everyday viewing than a stick with its own remote.
Option 3: Cast or mirror from another device
Some smart TVs can receive video from phones, tablets and computers over Wi-Fi.
- AirPlay: many recent Samsung and LG models support Apple's AirPlay, which lets iPhones, iPads and Macs send video or mirror their screen to the TV. Check your TV's settings or manual for AirPlay support.
- Screen mirroring from Android: some Android phones can mirror their screen to Samsung and LG TVs using built-in mirroring features.
- Casting from VLC: if you use your M3U playlist in VLC, VLC can send video to compatible devices on your network. Our guide to using an M3U URL in VLC explains how.
Things to know about casting
- It depends on strong Wi-Fi, because the video travels from your phone or computer to the TV over your home network as well as from the internet.
- Some player apps don't allow casting or mirroring.
- Your phone usually has to stay on and nearby while it casts.
Casting is handy for trying things out, but for regular live TV, a stick plugged into the TV is steadier.
Option 4: A MAG box or other set-top box
If you prefer a dedicated box with a simple remote, a MAG set-top box connects to the TV by HDMI and can be wired to your router with an Ethernet cable. MAG boxes log in with a portal address and need their hardware address registered first. Our MAG box setup guide explains how, and how to check whether MAG access is set up for your subscription.
Getting the best picture and sound from a stick
Once a streaming stick is plugged in, a few TV settings make a noticeable difference.
Picture
- Motion smoothing. Many TVs add artificial in-between frames to motion, which can make films and some broadcasts look unnaturally smooth. Samsung calls this Auto Motion Plus (or Picture Clarity) and LG calls it TruMotion. If the picture looks odd, try turning it down or off for the HDMI input the stick uses.
- Picture mode. Modes like "Movie", "Filmmaker" or "Standard" tend to look more natural than "Vivid" or "Dynamic".
- HDMI input settings. For 4K HDR from a 4K stick, some TVs need an enhanced signal option turned on for that HDMI port (Samsung often calls it Input Signal Plus, LG HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour). Without it, the stick may be limited to a lower picture format.
Sound
- Soundbars. If you use a soundbar connected to the TV's HDMI ARC or eARC port, sound from the stick plays through it automatically in most setups.
- Lip sync. If speech seems slightly out of time with the picture, both the stick and the TV usually have an audio delay or lip-sync setting.
Turning on single-remote control
On many Samsung models, HDMI-CEC is under Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC). On many LG models, it's under Settings > General > Devices > HDMI Settings > SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC). Menu paths vary by year and model, so if you can't find them, search your TV's settings for "CEC", "Anynet+" or "SIMPLINK".
With it on, pressing Home on most streaming stick remotes switches the TV to the right input, and the stick remote's power and volume buttons control the TV.
Troubleshooting a streaming stick on a smart TV
"No signal" on the TV
- Check the TV is set to the HDMI input the stick is plugged into. Press Source (Samsung) or Input (LG) and choose the right HDMI number.
- Make sure the stick's power supply is plugged into a wall socket. Many TVs' USB ports don't supply enough power, which can cause the stick to restart or not start at all.
- Try another HDMI port, and the HDMI extender that came with the stick if the port is hard to reach.
The TV keeps switching inputs on its own
That's HDMI-CEC trying to be helpful, for example switching to the stick when it wakes up. If it's annoying, you can turn off the option that lets devices switch the TV's input while keeping volume control, or turn CEC off entirely.
The stick's remote doesn't control the TV's volume
Turn on Anynet+ or SIMPLINK as described above. On Fire TV, you can also set up TV controls under Settings > Equipment Control, which uses infrared to control the TV's volume and power.
The picture is fine but the stick feels slow
Clear app caches and free up storage. Our Firestick cache guide explains how, and the same idea applies to other sticks.
Comparing the options
| Option | Reliability | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming stick | High | One-off device purchase | Everyday viewing on the main TV |
| Laptop + HDMI | High | Usually free if you own a laptop | Occasional viewing |
| Casting / AirPlay | Varies with Wi-Fi | Free | Trying it out, quick viewing |
| MAG box | High, especially wired | One-off device purchase | A dedicated, simple setup |
What to check before buying anything
Before you spend money on a device for your Samsung or LG TV:
- Check the device is supported on our app page.
- For Fire TV, check the operating system. Avoid Vega OS models for IPTV.
- Check you have a free HDMI port on the TV, and note which one supports HDMI-CEC if you want single-remote control.
- Check your internet at the TV's location. Our guide to the internet speed you need for IPTV explains what live TV needs.
- Plan for your connection limit if you'll watch on several TVs at once. See IPTV connection limits.
Example scenario: a Samsung TV in the living room
*An illustrative scenario based on common support questions, not a specific customer's account.*
In this scenario, a customer with a Samsung TV asked whether they needed a new TV to watch Apollo Group TV. They didn't. They bought a Fire OS streaming stick, plugged it into a spare HDMI port, turned on Anynet+ so the stick's remote could control the TV's power and volume, installed the Apollo TV app with Downloader and signed in with the details from My Account. Setup took about 20 minutes, and they kept using the TV's own apps for everything else.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an Apollo TV app for Samsung TVs?
Not at the moment. Samsung smart TVs run Tizen, which isn't on our supported device list. A supported streaming stick plugged into the TV is the recommended way to watch.
Can I watch Apollo TV on an LG webOS TV?
Not directly with the Apollo TV app. Connect a supported streaming device to the TV's HDMI port, or use a laptop or casting.
What's the cheapest way to get Apollo TV on my TV?
If you already own a supported phone, tablet or laptop, casting or an HDMI cable costs nothing extra. For everyday viewing, an entry-level supported streaming stick is the most practical low-cost option.
Will a streaming stick work with an older Samsung or LG TV?
Any TV with an HDMI port works with a streaming stick. Older TVs may not support single-remote control, but the stick works the same.
Can I use a third-party IPTV app on my smart TV?
Some players in Samsung's and LG's app stores accept M3U or Xtream logins, but we haven't verified them and can't provide support for them. A supported device gives you the full Apollo TV app.
Will Apollo TV come to Samsung or LG TVs in the future?
We list a device only once the app has been tested and works on it. Check the supported devices on our app page for the current list; if your TV appears there later, the setup guide will be added at the same time.
Do I need a VPN for my smart TV?
No. See our article on whether you need a VPN for Apollo TV.
Conclusion
The Apollo TV app doesn't run directly on Samsung's Tizen or LG's webOS, but that doesn't stop you watching on those TVs. A supported streaming stick plugged into an HDMI port is the most reliable option and gives you the full app. A laptop with an HDMI cable, casting or a MAG box are good alternatives depending on your setup.
Check the supported devices before buying, and if you're unsure what suits your TV, ask our support team.