Are you tired of the cluttered home screen on your Samsung TV and want to customize it to your liking? Or perhaps you’re looking to replace the default home app with a more user-friendly alternative? Whatever the reason, changing the home app on your Samsung TV is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with just a few clicks. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of changing the home app on your Samsung TV, and also explore some additional features and customization options to enhance your viewing experience.
Why Change the Home App on Your Samsung TV?
Before we dive into the process of changing the home app, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to do so. The default home app on your Samsung TV, also known as the SmartThings hub, provides access to various apps, games, and features. However, you might find it cluttered or not user-friendly, or you might prefer a different layout or design. By changing the home app, you can:
- Simplify your home screen and remove unwanted apps or widgets
- Install a more intuitive and user-friendly home app that suits your needs
- Customize the layout and design of your home screen to match your preferences
- Access additional features or functionality not available on the default home app
Changing the Home App on Your Samsung TV: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve established the reasons why you might want to change the home app, let’s move on to the actual process. Please note that the steps may vary slightly depending on the model and year of your Samsung TV, but the general procedure should remain the same.
Step 1: Access the Settings Menu
To change the home app on your Samsung TV, you need to access the Settings menu. To do so:
- Press the “Home” button on your TV remote control to access the SmartThings hub.
- Navigate to the bottom of the screen and select the “Settings” icon, which looks like a gear or cogwheel.
- Alternatively, you can press the “Menu” button on your remote control and then select “Settings” from the menu.
Step 2: Select the “Apps” Category
Once you’re in the Settings menu, select the “Apps” category. This may be labeled as “Applications” or “App Manager” on some Samsung TV models.
Step 3: Choose the Home App You Want to Use
In the “Apps” category, you’ll see a list of all installed apps on your TV, including the default home app. Browse through the list and select the app you want to use as your new home app. You can choose from a variety of apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu, or third-party home apps like Yahoo TV or Pluto TV.
Step 4: Set the New Home App as Default
Once you’ve selected the app you want to use as your new home app, click on the “Set as Default” or “Set as Home” button. This will set the app as the default home app on your Samsung TV.
Step 5: Customize Your Home Screen (Optional)
If you want to customize your home screen further, you can do so by accessing the “Home Screen” or “Customize Home” option in the Settings menu. Here, you can:
- Reorder or remove apps and widgets from the home screen
- Add new widgets or shortcuts to the home screen
- Change the layout and design of the home screen to match your preferences
Additional Features and Customization Options
In addition to changing the home app, your Samsung TV offers a range of other features and customization options to enhance your viewing experience. Here are a few worth exploring:
Customizing the SmartThings Hub
The SmartThings hub is the default home app on your Samsung TV, and it provides access to various apps, games, and features. You can customize the SmartThings hub by:
- Adding or removing apps and widgets from the hub
- Creating custom folders and categorizing apps
- Changing the layout and design of the hub to match your preferences
Using the “Quick Settings” Panel
The “Quick Settings” panel on your Samsung TV provides quick access to frequently used settings and features, such as picture mode, sound mode, and network settings. You can customize the “Quick Settings” panel by:
- Adding or removing items from the panel
- Reordering items to prioritize your most frequently used settings
Exploring the ” Samsung Apps” Store
The “Samsung Apps” store on your TV offers a range of apps and games that you can download and install to enhance your viewing experience. You can browse the store by category, search for specific apps, or explore curated recommendations from Samsung.
Using Voice Control with Bixby or Amazon Alexa
If you have a Samsung TV released in 2018 or later, you can use voice control with Bixby or Amazon Alexa to control your TV and access various features. You can:
- Use voice commands to change channels, adjust volume, or access apps
- Use Bixby or Alexa to search for content, set reminders, or control smart home devices
Conclusion
Changing the home app on your Samsung TV is a simple process that can greatly enhance your viewing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your home screen, simplify your app layout, and access additional features and functionality. Remember to explore the additional features and customization options available on your Samsung TV to get the most out of your viewing experience.
What is the Home App on a Samsung TV?
The Home App is the main hub of your Samsung TV’s user interface. It’s the first screen you see when you turn on your TV, and it’s where you’ll find all your installed apps, settings, and other features. Think of it like the desktop on your computer, where you can access all your apps, files, and settings.
The Home App is customizable, so you can personalize it to fit your viewing habits and preferences. You can add or remove apps, change the layout, and even set up shortcuts to your favorite features. This makes it easy to find what you’re looking for and get straight to watching your favorite shows or movies.
Why Would I Want to Change the Home App on My Samsung TV?
You might want to change the Home App on your Samsung TV if you’re not satisfied with the default layout or features. Maybe you have too many apps cluttering up the screen, or maybe you want to prioritize certain apps or features over others. By changing the Home App, you can tailor the interface to your specific needs and preferences.
Additionally, you might want to change the Home App if you’ve recently installed a new app that you want to feature prominently on your home screen. Or, if you’ve recently discovered a new feature or setting that you want to access quickly, you can add a shortcut to it on your Home App.
Can I Change the Home App on Any Samsung TV?
Not all Samsung TVs allow you to change the Home App. This feature is typically only available on newer models, specifically those running on the Tizen operating system. If your TV is running on an older operating system, such as Orsay or Smart Hub, you may not be able to change the Home App.
To check if your Samsung TV supports changing the Home App, go to the Settings menu and look for the “Home Screen” or “Home App” option. If you don’t see this option, it’s likely that your TV doesn’t support changing the Home App.
How Do I Change the Home App on My Samsung TV?
To change the Home App on your Samsung TV, go to the Settings menu and select the “Home Screen” or “Home App” option. From there, you can choose from a variety of pre-made templates or create your own custom layout. You can add or remove apps, move them around, and even set up shortcuts to your favorite features.
You can also access the Home App settings through the Home Screen itself. Just press and hold the “Home” button on your remote control, and then select the “Settings” icon that appears. From there, you can make changes to your Home App as desired.
Can I Restore the Default Home App on My Samsung TV?
Yes, if you’re not satisfied with the changes you’ve made to the Home App, you can easily restore the default settings. To do this, go to the Settings menu and select the “Home Screen” or “Home App” option. Then, select the “Reset” or “Restore Default” option, and your Home App will be returned to its original state.
Note that restoring the default Home App will erase any customizations you’ve made, so be sure to save any changes you want to keep before resetting. Also, keep in mind that you may need to reinstall any apps you’ve added to the Home App, as they will be removed during the reset process.
Will Changing the Home App Affect My TV’s Performance?
Changing the Home App on your Samsung TV should not affect its performance in any significant way. The Home App is simply a user interface layer that runs on top of the TV’s operating system, so making changes to it won’t impact the underlying hardware or software.
In rare cases, you might notice a slight delay or stuttering when navigating the Home App, especially if you have a large number of apps installed. However, this is usually a minor issue that can be resolved by restarting your TV or closing and reopening the Home App.
Can I Customize the Home App on Other Devices Besides My Samsung TV?
The Home App is a unique feature of Samsung TVs, so you won’t be able to customize it on other devices like smartphones or computers. However, many streaming devices and services, such as Roku or Amazon Fire TV, offer similar customization options for their home screens.
If you have a streaming device or service, you can usually customize the home screen by adding or removing apps, changing the layout, and setting up shortcuts to your favorite features. Check the device’s settings menu or user manual for specific instructions on how to customize the home screen.