IMPORTANT: This article only applies to specific models (other than Google TV™ and Android TV™). If your TV is a Google TV or Android TV, refer to this article: What the app?! How to download, install and troubleshoot BRAVIA TV apps.
This article explains what to do if your smart TV can't install new apps. You can also find some information on troubleshooting app issues.
Note: Don't know your TV type? Refer to this article: How to check if your BRAVIA TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV.
Depending on your TV type, you may not be able to download extra apps. Unfortunately, only Google and Android TVs can download new apps. Other TVs have certain pre-installed apps and won't let you install any additional ones. All pre-installed apps can be viewed from the Home screen under All apps, Application, or All Applications.
Why can't your smart TV download newer apps?
It's because smart TVs run on a different operating system (Linux) and don't connect to the whole Android space. Moreover, older TVs can't support new apps because of system requirements and a lack of processing power. It's like trying to install a new app on a first-generation smartphone. It requires too much from the device.
Your smart TV doesn't support new apps? Here are some tips on alternative ways to get new apps
Luckily, there are low-budget and easy solutions to enjoy newly developed apps on older TVs that can't install apps:
- Use a Chromecast or Fire TV stick. If your TV has an HDMI port, you're sorted.
You plug these devices into your TV's HDMI port. This allows you to cast content from your phone app to your TV.
- Connect a laptop with an HDMI cable: You play content on a laptop and use an HDMI cable to connect it to the TV to enjoy a larger screen.
- Use a PlayStation4 or PlayStation®5: Gaming consoles also have access to popular streaming apps. If your PlayStation doesn't already display the app in the "All apps" section, please download it from the PlayStation Store. The availability of the app does still depend on your country or region.
- Refer to this article for more information: Mirror, cast, or display the content or screen of a mobile device on the TV screen.
- Unplug the TV power cord from the electrical socket, leave it unplugged for two minutes, and then plug it back in.
This is called a power cycle, and it's an easy way to reset your TV when something's not working. Unplugging the TV does not cause any damage and doesn't remove any data. - Try Refresh Internet Content.
- On your remote control, press the HOME button, then select Settings.
- Select Network or Network Setup.
- Select Refresh Internet Content.
- For W9A, W8A, W7A, W6A, X90A, X85A, X95B, X90B, X85B, W9B, W8B, W7B, W6B, and W750C series only
Initialize the browser settings and delete all cookies
- Launch the browser from the App menu.
- Select Options.
- SelectBrowser Settings.
- SelectDelete all Cookies.
- For WD75, WD6, WE75, WE6, XE70, WF6 series only
Initialize the TV personal information
- Select HOME → Settings.
- Select Customer Support.
- Select Initialize Personal Information.
- Select OK.
- Perform a factory reset.
Amazon is a trademark of Amazon Services LLC and/or its affiliates.