How to Install Google Play Store on LG Smart TV

Last week, I was trying to stream a live UFC match via ESPN+ on my new LG C2 OLED TV.

As the app wasn’t available on the LG Content Store, I tried to search for the Google Play Store on the TV. However, I couldn’t find the Play Store and wasn’t sure about how to install it.

Naturally, I hit Google to find a way to install third-party apps on an LG Smart TV.

Folks on the relevant discussion threads suggested installing any app through USB or using the default browser to access the Play Store.

I spent some more time on research to confirm if it is possible to install third-party apps on an LG Smart TV.

I found the best way to use Google Play Store on LG Smart TV and also learned how to install apps through the LG Content Store.

You can’t install Google Play Store on LG Smart TV directly. To use the Play Store on your LG TV, couple it with a Google Chromecast device. After the setup is complete, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Show System apps and open the Google Play Store.

Use Google Play Store By Connecting Chromecast Device To LG TV

LG Smart TVs use their proprietary webOS (web Operating System) platform.

As LG TVs don’t work on the Android OS, they don’t have access to the Google Play Store. LG Smart TVs are equipped with a default app store known as the LG Content Store.

There’s no way to install the Google Play Store on the LG Smart TV directly.

However, if you still want to install some apps that are exclusively available on the Google Play Store, you may need to connect your LG TV to a Google Chromecast device.

Here’s how:

Plug one end of the USB power cable into the Chromecast device and the other end of the cable into the power adapter
Now, plug the Chromecast into the HDMI port of your LG TV
Insert the adapter into a power socket and turn it on
Turn on your LG TV and switch to the correct HDMI port in which the Chromecast device is plugged in
Follow the on-screen instructions to setup your Chromecast device

Once the setup is complete, you can easily access the Google Play Store via Chromecast. Follow these steps:

Using the Chromecast remote, go to Settings (gear icon) on the Google TV Home screen
Now select Apps
Scroll down and select See All Apps option
Select Show System Apps
Finally, scroll down till you find the Google Play Store app and open it

Alternatively, you can also press the Assistant button on your remote and say “Open the Google Play Store” to voice command your Chromecast device.

Note: All Apps that you install via Google Play Store will be installed on the Chromecast device. To use these apps, you’ll need to access the Chromecast device that is connected to your LG TV.

Share Content From Your Smartphone to the LG TV Via Screen Share

If you’re trying to install a streaming app that isn’t available on the LG Content Store, you don’t need to install the Google Play Store.

There’s a built-in feature called “Screen Share” that allows you to play content from your smartphone to the LG TV.

Follow these steps to access the Screen Share feature on your LG TV:

Press the Home button on your LG TV and go to the Home screen
From the available list of options, go to Device Connector
Now select Smartphone from the list of devices
Select the Screen Share or Content Share option and click on Start

To start playing content from your phone on the TV:

Ensure that both your TV and smartphone are connected to the same wireless network
Simply turn on the screen sharing feature on your smartphone from the settings or Quick Access menu (the feature name may vary based on your smartphone brand)

Select your LG TV from the list of available devices
Once the connection is successful, start playing the TV show or movie on your phone
Your desired content should start coming up on the LG TV screen

Bonus Tip: Install Apps Through The LG Content Store Directly

The LG TV doesn’t allow the installation of third-party apps including the Google Play Store. However, the official LG App Store is a home for several popular apps including Netflix, YouTube, Disney Hotstar, etc.

If you want to install a new application on your LG TV, try searching for it on the LG Content Store.

You can do this by following the given steps:

Press the Home button on your LG TV remote
Scroll right to find the LG Content Store and click on it
Select All Apps or click on the Search icon in the top right corner
Search and select your desired app and click on Install

Use Your Favorite Apps on the LG Smart TV

Once you’ve set up the Chromecast device on your LG Smart TV, you can easily install apps available on the Google Play Store.

Additionally, you can also use the screencast (via Chromecast) feature to cast content directly on your LG TV through the smartphone.

There are two ways to do this- using the Google Home app or tapping on the cast icon on any specific app. Ensure that both the LG TV and your smartphone are connected to the same WiFi network.

On the Google Home app, you can link any streaming service such as Netflix, Disney Hotstar, Hulu, etc., and cast it directly on the TV.

Alternatively, while playing any content, search for the cast icon (usually on the top right corner) and tap on it to select your Chromecast device and start streaming.

If you’re having trouble connecting to the LG Content Store, disable the standby mode on the TV settings, and unplug the TV for 5 minutes before plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a web browser on my LG Smart TV to access Google Play Store?

Most LG Smart TVs come with a web browser that allows you to access websites, including the Google Play Store website.

While you can use the Google Play website to install apps to your devices remotely, since LG TVs run on WebOS, they won’t appear in the list of devices.

What are some popular streaming apps available on LG Smart TVs?

LG Smart TVs offer a wide range of popular streaming apps through the LG Content Store, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, and many more.

These apps provide access to a variety of movies, TV shows, live sports, and other content. You can go to the LG Content Store from the Home screen of your TV and search for your desired app to install it.

Can I connect any streaming device to my LG TV?

You can connect Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, or any other streaming device on your LG TV through the HDMI port at the back of your TV.

Streaming devices offer the best possible streaming experience on Smart TVs with a user-friendly interface and several apps/channels to choose from.

Is it possible to update my LG Smart TV to install Google Play Store?

No, you cannot update your LG Smart TV to install the Google Play Store, as the LG Smart TVs are based on their proprietary webOS platform.

Instead of Google Play Store, all LG Smart TVs have the LG Content Store that allows users to download and install their favorite applications on the TV.