We are reader supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Also, as an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you want the NFL app on your Samsung Smart TV so you can follow games, highlights, and news right from your sofa, you are in the right place. This guide explains every step in plain English, from checking your TV model and region to installing, signing in, troubleshooting, and even alternatives if the app is not available in your area. By the end, you will know exactly how to download the NFL app on a Samsung Smart TV and what to do if something does not work as expected.
What You Need Before You Start
Supported Samsung TV models
The NFL app is available on most Samsung Smart TVs that run Tizen OS. In general, that means models from about 2017 or newer. If your TV has the Apps store and shows popular apps like YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney Plus, there is a good chance it also supports the NFL app. If you are unsure, you can try searching for the app first or check the official Samsung Apps store on your TV. Even when an app supports a wide range of models, availability can vary by region and software version.
Region availability
App availability depends on the country set for your Samsung account and TV. The NFL app may not appear in the Apps store if your TV is registered to a region where the app is not offered. If you recently moved or bought your TV abroad, the app catalog might not match your current location. In that case, you may need to change your Samsung account region or use an alternative app, which we will explain later.
Accounts and subscriptions
To use the NFL app, you will need an NFL account to sign in. It is free to create one. Depending on what you want to watch, you may also need a paid subscription. In the United States, NFL Plus offers live local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets, replays on multiple devices, and access to NFL Network and RedZone with the Premium plan. On connected TVs, options are more limited due to rights. In many cases you can use the NFL app on your TV to watch NFL Network and RedZone with a TV provider or a qualifying subscription. Outside the US, live games are usually available through NFL Game Pass International, which is distributed by DAZN in many countries. If your region uses DAZN, you might use the DAZN app instead of the NFL app for live full games.
Internet speed and connection
For a smooth experience, use a stable internet connection. For HD, aim for at least 10 Mbps. For 4K streams on other apps or services, you might want 25 Mbps or more. A wired Ethernet connection is best for stability. If you cannot use Ethernet, connect your TV to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network when possible, as it usually performs better than 2.4 GHz.
Quick Steps: Download the NFL App on Samsung Smart TV
Open the Apps store
1. Turn on your Samsung TV and press the Home button on your remote. 2. Navigate to Apps on the bottom menu and select it. This opens the Samsung Apps store where you can browse and search for apps.
Search for NFL
3. In the Apps store, select the Search icon, usually a magnifying glass at the top. 4. Type NFL in the search bar. As you type, results should appear. Look for the official NFL app published by NFL Enterprises LLC or similar official publisher.
Install and open
5. Select the NFL app from the results. 6. Choose Install. Wait for the download and installation to complete. 7. When it is done, select Open to launch the app. If you want to find it quickly later, also choose Add to Home so the app appears on your Home screen.
Update if already installed
If your TV already has the NFL app but it does not open or looks outdated, highlight the app in the Apps store and check for an Update option. Keeping the app updated helps with stability and login issues.
Sign In and Set Up
Sign in with your NFL account
When you open the NFL app for the first time, it will ask you to sign in. You can create an account on a phone or computer if you do not have one. Many TV apps show a code that you confirm by visiting a web page on your phone. If the app shows a code, follow the on-screen instructions carefully. Once your account is linked, your TV will sign in automatically.
Link your TV provider if needed
If you get NFL Network or NFL RedZone through a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider, you might need to sign in with that provider inside the NFL app. Look for a TV Provider or Link Provider section in Settings or under the content you are trying to watch. You will be prompted to select your provider and enter your credentials. After linking, the app should recognize your access to NFL Network or RedZone.
Know what your subscription unlocks
The NFL app is a hub for news, highlights, shows, and certain live content. In the US, NFL Plus on a connected TV is limited due to rights, but you can often watch NFL Network and NFL RedZone if you have NFL Plus Premium or a TV provider package that includes them. For full live game options in the US on a TV, consider services that carry CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN or Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Outside the US, check NFL Game Pass International via DAZN. The app experience will change depending on your region and subscriptions.
Turn on captions and adjust playback
Inside the NFL app, open Settings to turn on closed captions if you need them. You can usually choose language and style through TV settings as well. Adjust other app preferences such as autoplay for highlights, data saving options, and notifications if available.
If You Cannot Find the NFL App
Check your TV software version
Sometimes the NFL app will not appear until your TV’s system software is up to date. To check, press Home, open Settings, go to Support, then Software Update, and select Update Now. If your TV finds an update, install it and restart the TV. After updating, try searching for the NFL app again in the Apps store.
Confirm your Samsung account region
If your TV is set to a region where the NFL app is not provided, it will not show up in search. Your Samsung account or TV setup determines the catalog. If you moved countries or bought the TV elsewhere, consider signing in with a Samsung account registered in your current country or adjusting the region during a Smart Hub reset. Changing regions may remove some apps and reinstall others, so be prepared to set things up again.
Your TV may be an older model
If your TV is older and does not support the NFL app, do not worry. You still have several options. You can use a streaming device that supports the NFL app, such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or certain game consoles. These devices plug into an HDMI port on your Samsung TV and have their own app stores. Often, they run newer versions of apps and get updates faster than older TV models.
Try AirPlay or screen mirroring with caution
Some viewers try to mirror their phone to the TV using AirPlay or Smart View. Be aware that due to content rights, many live sports apps limit casting or mirroring. You may see a black screen or an error when trying to cast live games. Highlights or studio shows might cast without issue. If casting is blocked, a streaming device or a direct HDMI cable from a laptop may be a better solution.
Using the web browser is not ideal
Samsung TV’s web browser is useful for quick checks, but it is not designed for high performance streaming. Even if you manage to sign in on a website, playback may be limited or unstable. Whenever possible, use a native app or a streaming device instead of the TV browser for sports content.
Alternative Ways to Watch NFL on a Samsung TV
Live TV streaming services in the US
If your goal is to watch live NFL games on your TV in the United States, consider a live TV streaming service that carries the right channels. CBS and FOX carry Sunday afternoon games in most markets, NBC has Sunday Night Football, and ESPN shows Monday Night Football. YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream carry many or all of these channels depending on your area. Sunday Ticket for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games is available through YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels. Check channel lineups and local availability before subscribing.
Using NFL Plus on your TV
In the US, NFL Plus is designed primarily for mobile and tablet streaming of local and primetime live games. On a connected TV, the experience is more limited due to rights. NFL Plus Premium offers NFL Network and RedZone, which you can view on your TV inside the NFL app when supported. It may also include game replays you can watch on a TV. Always verify the current device policy on the NFL website, as rights and device rules evolve from season to season.
NFL Game Pass International via DAZN
Outside the United States, full live NFL games are usually available through NFL Game Pass International, which is now distributed by DAZN in many regions. If you are outside the US, the NFL app may guide you to DAZN, or you can install the DAZN app directly on your Samsung TV. After subscribing to NFL Game Pass on DAZN in your country, you can watch live games and replays on your TV through the DAZN app. Features, blackouts, and pricing vary by country, so check your local DAZN site for details.
Streaming sticks and consoles
If your Samsung TV cannot install the NFL app or if it is slow, a streaming device is a simple upgrade. Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox all have NFL apps or partner apps that carry NFL content. These devices often provide faster app navigation and more frequent updates. Plug your device into an HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and install the NFL app from the device’s store.
Troubleshooting the NFL App on Samsung
The app will not open or crashes
If the NFL app freezes or closes, try these steps. First, close the app and reopen it. Second, highlight the NFL app tile in the Apps section, select the More Options button if available, and choose Reinstall. Third, power cycle the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Finally, update the TV’s software. These simple actions fix most glitchy behavior.
Clear cache and free up storage
Samsung TVs have limited internal storage. If the NFL app or others act up, free space may help. On many models, go to Settings, Support, Device Care, then Manage Storage. Select the NFL app, view details, and clear cache or data. If Manage Storage is not available on your model, uninstall a few unused apps to make room. After clearing space, reinstall the NFL app and try again.
Reset Smart Hub as a last resort
If the Apps store is broken, apps keep failing to open, or your app region looks wrong, a Smart Hub reset can help. Go to Settings, Support, Device Care, Self Diagnosis, then Reset Smart Hub. This signs you out of apps and clears installed apps, so make sure you have your login details ready. After the reset, set up the Apps store again, confirm your account and region, then reinstall the NFL app.
Fix Wi-Fi and network issues
Streaming problems often come from the network. Run a speed test on a phone or laptop near the TV to see your current speed. If you can, connect your TV with an Ethernet cable to your router. If not, use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network and move the router closer to the TV. Reboot your router and modem if speeds are lower than normal. Large downloads or other streaming devices in the home can also affect quality during big games.
Buffering and video quality
When video is blurry or buffering, toggle the video quality in the app if it offers manual settings. Sometimes lowering quality a step or two makes playback stable during peak viewing times. Also check for background downloads on your home network. If the app struggles only during live events, the server load could be high. Trying again after a brief pause or switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet can help.
Audio sync and surround sound
If the audio does not match the video, check if your TV is sending sound to a receiver or soundbar. Turn on lip sync options in the TV’s Sound settings and in your soundbar or receiver. If you use HDMI ARC or eARC, make sure you are using a high quality HDMI cable. Switching audio output from Bitstream to PCM and back can sometimes reset the sync. Also try turning off any virtual surround processing if the delay is severe.
Closed captions and accessibility
For captions, turn on subtitles within the NFL app if available. You can also manage captions at the TV level under Settings, General, and Accessibility. There, you can adjust caption size, color, and background. If captions do not appear on live content, confirm that your subscription allows that stream type on your device.
Common error codes and device limits
Apps may show errors when too many devices are using the same account. If you share an account, sign out of unused devices and try again. Errors can also come from expired cookies or tokens. Reinstalling the NFL app, logging out and back in, or unlinking and relinking your TV provider usually resolves those issues.
Geoblocking and VPN notes
Live sports are often restricted by region and device type. If you are traveling, the NFL app may show a blackout or unavailable message. VPNs may also cause errors or block playback. For the most reliable experience, watch from your home region without a VPN. If you must travel, check your subscription’s travel rules before game day.
Use Voice and Mobile to Control the NFL App
Bixby and voice commands
Many Samsung TVs include Bixby, and some remotes have a mic button. You can say Open NFL or Search NFL Highlights to jump into the app or find content faster. If your TV supports other assistants through connected devices, you can use similar voice commands with those ecosystems too.
SmartThings app and mobile control
Install the SmartThings app on your phone and add your TV. Once connected, you can use your phone as a remote. This is handy when you need to type a password or search quickly. You may see options to mirror your screen or cast media, but remember that live sports mirroring is often limited due to rights. Still, SmartThings is great for navigation and text entry.
Make the NFL App Easy to Access
Add to Home and move the app
After installation, highlight the NFL app on your Apps row and choose Add to Home if it is not already there. You can usually move it to a preferred spot by selecting Move or Reorder and placing it near your most-used apps. This saves time when the game is about to start.
Turn on auto updates
To keep apps current, turn on auto update in the Samsung Apps store settings. Open Apps, then go to the top right corner for Settings and toggle Auto Update on. Updated apps fix bugs and add features that can improve performance on game day.
Manage notifications
If the NFL app offers alerts for scores or news, configure them in the app’s settings. You can choose your favorite teams and customize notifications so you get timely updates without too many interruptions. If you prefer a quiet TV experience, you can disable notifications entirely.
Game Day Picture and Sound Tips
Use Sports Mode or adjust picture settings
Many Samsung TVs include a Sports or Dynamic mode that boosts brightness and clarity. Try it to see if you like the effect. For a more natural look, start with Movie or Standard mode and raise the brightness slightly. Check motion settings like Auto Motion Plus; lowering smoothing can make fast action look more natural and reduce artifacts around players.
Enable Game Mode only for consoles
Game Mode lowers input lag for consoles but is not necessary for watching TV apps. For streaming football, keep Game Mode off so the TV uses its full processing for upscaling and motion handling. If you switch inputs to a console later, then turn Game Mode on for that HDMI input.
60 frames per second feeds
Most live US sports broadcasts target 60 frames per second. If motion looks stuttery, confirm your TV is not forcing odd frame interpolation. Set motion smoothing to low or off and let the native 60 fps cadence show. This usually produces more realistic motion during plays and camera pans.
Soundbar setup and lip sync
If you use a soundbar, connect it with HDMI ARC or eARC when available. This ensures better synchronization than optical in many cases. If you still see delays, use the audio delay controls in the TV and soundbar menus to fine tune the timing. For crowded rooms, try dialogue enhancement modes to make commentary clearer over crowd noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NFL app free to download on Samsung TVs?
Yes, the app itself is free to download. Some content like news and highlights is free. Live channels or premium content may require a TV provider login, NFL Plus Premium, or another subscription depending on your region.
Why can I not find the NFL app in the Samsung Apps store?
The most common reasons are region restrictions, older TV models that do not support the app, or outdated TV software. Update your TV firmware, confirm your Samsung account region, and search again. If it still does not appear, use a streaming device such as Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV.
Can I watch all live NFL games with the NFL app in the US?
Not all games are available in the US on a connected TV through the NFL app. NFL Plus emphasizes mobile and tablet access for live local and primetime games. On TVs, you can usually watch NFL Network and RedZone with the right subscription. For full live game coverage on a TV, combine the NFL app with a live TV provider that carries your local CBS and FOX stations, NBC, ESPN, and Sunday Ticket if you want out-of-market games.
What about outside the US?
Outside the US, NFL Game Pass International through DAZN typically provides live games and replays on TV devices. Install the DAZN app on your Samsung TV and subscribe in your country to watch live NFL action. The NFL app may still be useful for news and highlights, but DAZN often handles the live rights internationally.
Does the NFL app support 4K on Samsung TVs?
The NFL app generally focuses on HD streams for many devices. Some live events in 4K are offered through specific network apps or services. If you want 4K NFL broadcasts, check your provider’s 4K channel lineup and supported apps, as availability varies by game and network.
Why does casting from my phone not work for live games?
Many sports rights limit casting or mirroring from mobile devices to a TV. Even if highlights cast fine, live games may be blocked. Use the native NFL app on your TV or a supported streaming device. If necessary, connect a laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable for stable playback.
Do I need a Samsung account?
Yes, you need to be signed into a Samsung account on the TV to download apps from the Apps store. Create one for free if you do not have it. The account also controls app region and syncing across devices.
How do I keep the app from crashing during big games?
Update the app and TV firmware before game day, free up storage by removing unused apps, and use a wired Ethernet connection if possible. Avoid heavy downloads on your network while streaming. If the app fails, reinstall it and restart the TV, then try again.
Step-by-Step: A More Detailed Install Walkthrough
Open Smart Hub and Apps
Press the Home button on the Samsung remote to open Smart Hub. Navigate left or right to find Apps on the bottom row and select it. This opens the official Samsung app marketplace for your TV model and region.
Search and find the official listing
In Apps, go to the Search icon and type NFL. If you see multiple results, choose the official NFL app. Read the description to confirm it is the correct publisher. If you only see third-party apps or nothing at all, check your region settings or update your TV software.
Install and add to Home
Select Install. When it finishes, choose Add to Home. This puts the app on your main screen so you can open it quickly. You can also move it to the first row for easy access before kickoff.
Launch and sign in
Open the NFL app. If a code appears, follow the on-screen instructions to activate on your phone or computer. If it asks for email and password directly, enter them carefully. Once signed in, explore the app’s tabs like Home, Shows, Live, and Settings to see what is included with your plan.
Link provider and verify channels
If your goal is to watch NFL Network or RedZone, go to Settings inside the app and look for TV Provider. Sign in with your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming provider credentials. After linking, check that the Live section shows channels you can play without errors.
When the App Is Not Enough: Practical Workarounds
Use a streaming device
If your Samsung TV is older or the app is missing, plug in a Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV. Set up the device, install the NFL app and any network apps you need, then sign in. Streaming devices often run the latest app versions and are a simple way to modernize any TV.
Connect a laptop via HDMI
A direct HDMI connection from a laptop to your TV is a reliable fallback for blackout or casting issues. Open your browser on the laptop, log in to the service that carries your game, and put the tab in full screen. Set your TV to the correct HDMI input and you are ready to watch.
Use network apps for specific games
Games are split across CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN in the US. If your provider includes these, their official apps on Samsung TVs may let you watch live in your market. Install the CBS app or Paramount Plus for CBS games, NBC’s Peacock app for Sunday Night Football when offered, ESPN for Monday Night Football, and FOX Sports for FOX games if available. Check each app’s live permissions and your login status before game time.
Security and Account Tips
Protect your login
Use a strong, unique password for your NFL account and TV provider account. Avoid reusing the same password on multiple services. If the NFL app offers multi-factor authentication via your account on the web, enable it. Secure accounts reduce the risk of unexpected sign-outs or unauthorized device limits.
Keep your Samsung account consistent
Stay signed into the same Samsung account on your TV so your app region stays stable. If you plan to change the region, understand that it may remove some apps and require you to reinstall others. Plan this change well before game day so you have time to test everything.
A Simple Checklist Before Kickoff
Test your setup the day before
Open the NFL app, confirm you are signed in, and play a piece of content to ensure video loads. If you need to link a provider, do it now. Update the app and TV software so you do not wait through downloads during pregame.
Confirm network strength
Run a quick speed test on your phone near the TV. If speeds are low, reboot your router and consider using Ethernet. If others in your home are streaming in 4K or downloading large files, ask them to pause during the game for a smoother experience.
Organize your Home screen
Move the NFL app and any network apps to the front of your Home row. If you use a streaming device, set that HDMI input as a favorite so you can switch quickly. These small tweaks save precious minutes when the game is about to start.
Conclusion
Bringing NFL to your Samsung TV is straightforward
To download the NFL app on a Samsung Smart TV, open the Apps store, search for NFL, install it, and sign in with your NFL account. If you also have a TV provider, link it to unlock channels like NFL Network and RedZone where eligible. Keep your TV software and app updated for the best performance. If the app is not available in your region or your TV is too old, use a streaming device, DAZN in international markets, or the official network apps that carry NFL games in your area.
Prepare, test, and enjoy the season
The easiest way to avoid frustration is to test your setup before kickoff. Confirm logins, update software, and check your network. If you know your viewing rights and which app carries your game in your region, you will spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying football. With this guide, you have everything you need to get the NFL app running on your Samsung Smart TV and to find reliable alternatives if you need them. Now sit back, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy the game.