Different ways to search for apps on your Galaxy phone

Finding and installing apps on your Galaxy phone is quick and easy, thanks to the intuitive search features available. Whether you’re looking for a specific app or browsing new options, here's a comprehensive guide to help you search for apps efficiently.  

Different ways to search for apps on your Galaxy phone

Use the Galaxy Store

  1. Open the Galaxy Store app on your phone.
    Galaxy Store app highlighted on the Home screen.
  2. Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the screen.
    Search icon highlighted in Galaxy Store.
  3. Enter the name of the app you’re looking for in the search bar.
    Samsung Music app page displayed in Galaxy Store.
  4. Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the keyboard to view the results.
    Search icon highlighted in Galaxy Store app page.
  5. Tap the app you want to install and follow the prompts to download and install it.
    Keyboard with search button highlighted.
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Use the Google Play Store

  1. Open the Google Play Store app on your phone.
    Play Store app highlighted on the Home screen.
  2. Tap the Search at the bottom of the screen.
    Search option highlighted in the Play Store.
  3. Enter the name of the app you’re looking for in the search bar.
    Search field in Google Play with Samsung Health typed in.
  4. Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the keyboard to view results.
    Samsung Health install page open in Google Play on a Galaxy phone.
  5. Tap the app you want to install and follow the prompts to download and install it.
    Search icon highlighted on the keyboard when searching for apps in Google Play.
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Use Bixby Voice search

  1. Press and hold the Power/Side button on your phone or say Hi, Bixby to activate voice commands.
    Bixby text input on the home screen.
    Note: If the button has been customized to perform a different function or Bixby isn't set up, swipe up on the Home screen to open the App screen, and then tap Bixby from the Samsung folder.
  2. Say, “Search for [app name] on the Play Store” or “Find [app name] in the Galaxy Store.”
    Bixby showing Samsung Music search result.
  3. Bixby will display search results and guide you to download and install the app.
    Samsung Music displayed in the Galaxy Store search results.
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Use QR Codes

  1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen using two fingers to expand the Quick panel.
    Swipe down gesture on the home screen.
  2. Tap the Scan QR code icon to open the Camera.
    Quick panel showing Scan QR code option.
  3. Align the provided QR code within the camera's viewfinder. The camera will automatically detect and scan the code.
    Camera scanning a QR code.
  4. Once scanned, the app will display the linked content, such as a website, app download page, or contact information.
    QR code link options with open, copy, and share.
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Use the Internet browser

  1. Open the Samsung Internet Browser or any other browser on your phone.
    Home screen on a Samsung Galaxy phone showing the Internet app icon highlighted.
  2. In the address bar, type the name of the app you’re looking for and press the Search (magnifying glass) icon on the keyboard.
    Search field displayed in the Samsung Internet app on a Galaxy phone.
  3. The browser will display search results, including links to the app’s page in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
    Search results in the Samsung Internet app showing Samsung Music in Google Play.
  4. Tap the link to open the app’s page in the respective store.
    Samsung Music search result highlighted in the Samsung Internet app.
  5. On the app’s page, tap Install and follow the prompts to download and install the app.
    Samsung Music app install page open in Google Play on a Galaxy phone.

 

Alternatively, you can visit the official website of the app developer and look for a download link to the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Always ensure you’re downloading apps from trusted sources for security and compatibility.

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Use a shared app link

  1. If a friend recommends an app, ask them to share its link via messaging or email.
    Email showing a download link for the Samsung Music app.
  2. Tap the link to access the app’s download page and install it as needed.
    Options menu for a shared app link with browser and share choices.
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Search for installed apps from the Apps screen

  1. Swipe up from the Home screen or tap the Apps icon to open the Apps screen.
    Swipe up gesture on the home screen.
  2. Depending on your device's software version, the Search box (magnifying glass icon) will appear at the bottom or top of the screen.
    Search bar on the Apps screen of a Galaxy phone.
  3. Tap the Search box, and then type the name of the app you’re looking for. As you type, a list of matching apps will appear below the search box.
    Samsung Music typed in the search bar with results showing.
  4. Tap the app you want to open or access from the list.
    Samsung Music app icon displayed under searched apps.

 

This feature allows you to quickly find and launch installed apps without scrolling through your entire app list.

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