Sharp makes some fantastically vivid 4K smart TVs equipped with webOS – an intuitive operating system powering the easy-to-navigate launchpad for streaming and web content galore. Out the box, you get built-in apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and more on webOS. But the capabilities don’t stop there. Let’s explore how to add even more apps to your Sharp smart TV for unlocking more viewing potential.
We’ll cover sideloading extra apps from external devices, downloading additional apps directly through Sharp’s centralized app store, using screen mirroring workarounds from smartphones, and even manually enabling hidden secret apps already on your TV. Read on to upgrade your Sharp set into an ultimate home entertainment hub with all your content needs covered in an expanding array of apps. It’s easier expanding capabilities than you think!
Sideload Apps from USB or Mobile Devices
One straightforward way of installing additional apps onto your Sharp smart TV is directly sideloading the application file packages from an external device via USB port. App developers like Plex make their programs available as installable bundles you can manually transfer onto new devices that run the appropriate software environment.
To sideload apps on your Sharp TV, first download the desired apps in package installer format onto a USB flash drive, external hard drive, Android mobile device or other compatible gadget. Make sure the files use either EXE or APK extensions to function properly with webOS. Then plug the device directly into an available USB port on the side or back of your Sharp TV.
Head to the webOS launchpad and select the “My Apps” icon, then choose the option to “Install Apps.” You’ll be prompted to select the USB device which should auto-populate a list of sideloadable apps it detects. Choose the app you want and proceed through the installation wizard. Follow any additional prompts and wait for full transfer/installation to complete. Afterwards your newly added app should appear in the apps launchpad ready to enjoy!
Tap Into webOS App Store Expansive Catalog
Easier yet, the webOS platform also features a centralized webOS App Store where you can browse and install additional apps just like on a smartphone. The app store includes popular streaming services like ESPN, Showtime, Starz and Tubi to supercharge your entertainment library even further. Specialty apps like Calm, FitOn and SoMi also add unique capabilities like meditation, fitness classes and sleep tracking.
To access Sharp’s onboard webOS app store, select the “APPS” icon prominently featured middle left on the webOS launchpad. This launches the store directly where you sign in or create an LG account if you don’t already have one. Browsing the webOS App Store feels familiar akin to smartphone app marketplaces. When you find an app you want, simply hit install and follow the directions.
Once installed, your new apps seamlessly populate onto the main webOS screen ready for selecting and loading. No cumbersome USB drives for simple downloads in just a few clicks! The webOS store expands your Sharp TV abilities exponentially to keep pace with diverse smart functionality demands.
Mirror Apps from Your Mobile Devices
Here’s a somewhat hidden capability of new webOS-powered Sharp smart TVs – mirroring apps from Apple or Android mobile devices directly onto your big screen. While your Sharp TV lacks native casting protocols like Chromecast or Apple AirPlay, third party apps like AirScreen allow ad-hoc projection of phone/tablet apps regardless.
Simply install AirScreen onto your smartphone or tablet, enable the mirroring server on your Sharp TV under “Input” settings, then broadcast your device’s screen to enjoy mobile apps, videos, photos, websites and documents in full-screen glory. Touch controls and interactions mirror directly. Think of it like a wireless HDMI adapter without the wires!
While slight lag may persist, AirScreen The app runs just $4 bringing robust wireless display functionality the competition often demands much higher premiums to obtain. Control smartphone gaming with big screen immersion, beam business presentations from your Ultrabook, or pull up recipes hands-free while cooking. Think beyond traditional casting as mirroring opens up incredible functional expansion too.
Enable Secret Built-In Apps
Finally, your Sharp webOS smart TV actually contains hidden pre-installed apps you can choose to manually enable even if they don’t normally appear on the main launchpad interface screen. These quasi-secret apps expand capabilities even further with handy utilities and streaming options alike.
Access this deeper app layer by opening the webOS dashboard menu, navigating to the apps settings page, then choosing “Hidden Apps” category on the left sidebar. Now you’ll see special toggles to unhide and add bonus programs like Web Browser, Sports Score Apps, Facebook, an office suite and much more.
Enable whatever combo of apps suit your needs and desires. The key is realizing your Sharp TV’s true depth of apps you control access to on top of stock offerings. Now your robust entertainment hub comes fully loaded with support utilities too!
Keep Your Sharp Smart TV App-Ready
Sharp TVs powered by intuitive webOS truly provide incredible brightness, color, contrast and integrated smart functionality making them a formidable big-screen package. You get multiple built-in streaming apps plus web browsing capabilities right from initial startup. But don’t let the offerings stop there!
Follow our tips above to inject even more versatility into your Sharp set with expanded apps. Sideloading and USB installs bring niche programs. The webOS store enables easier adding of popular hits. Screen mirroring projects phone/tablet apps for lightweight wireless convenience. And tapping into Hidden Apps adds secret new free built-in options. Mix and match solutions for the ultimate customized Sharp smart TV experience.
With your stellar image quality now matched by an ever-growing app library, settling in for the ideal movie night, game stream or web surfing session feels that much simpler. Exploit the full app potential of your sharp webOS television today!
Have you added any great apps onto your sharp smart TV? Share your favorites or ask questions about app installation tips in the comments below! Let’s build the ultimate app-equipped webOS big screen experience together!
