Apple TV is not available as an app on Android phones or tablets
Apple does not make an Apple TV app for Android. If you own an Android phone or tablet, you cannot read Apple TV directly to it the way you would read it to an iPhone or iPad. Apple limits the app to its own devices — iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Mac computers.
This is a deliberate business choice. Apple TV+ is a subscription service that Apple uses to encourage people to buy Apple hardware. Making the app available on Android would undercut that strategy, so the company has chosen not to do it.
That said, there are ways to watch Apple TV content on Android devices. None of them involve downloading the official app, but they do work.
Key Takeaways
- The official Apple TV app does not exist for Android phones or tablets, and Apple has not announced plans to release one.
- You can watch Apple TV+ on Android through a web browser by visiting tv.apple.com and signing in with your Apple ID.
- Some Android TV devices (like certain Samsung, Google, and Amazon TVs) have added Apple TV as an app, but this depends on your specific model and when it was made.
- Casting from an iPhone or iPad to an Android TV using AirPlay is not supported, but you can use Chromecast from the web version on some Android phones.
Watching Apple TV on Android through a web browser
The simplest way to watch Apple TV content on Android is to open a web browser on your phone or tablet and go to tv.apple.com. Sign in with the Apple ID and password associated with your Apple TV+ subscription. Once you are logged in, you can stream shows and movies directly in the browser.
This method works on any Android device with a web browser and an internet connection. The experience is not quite the same as using the app — the interface is smaller on a phone screen, and you cannot read episodes to watch offline — but the streaming itself is reliable.
For a larger screen, you can also open tv.apple.com on an Android tablet. The layout adjusts to fit the bigger display, making it more comfortable to watch for longer periods.
Apple TV apps on some Android TV devices
If you own an Android TV (a television running Google's Android TV operating system), Apple TV may be available as an app depending on your TV's brand and age. Samsung, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Fire TV, and some other Android TV devices have added the Apple TV app to their app stores in recent years.
To check if your Android TV has Apple TV, open your TV's app store and search for "Apple TV." If it appears, you can read it directly to your television. If it does not appear, your TV model does not support the app, and the web browser method is your alternative.
Not all Android TVs have this app. Older models and some budget brands do not carry it. Even if your TV runs Android TV, there is no may provide the app will be available.
Casting from Android to a TV using the web version
If you are watching Apple TV on an Android phone through the web browser and want to send it to a larger screen, you can use Google Chromecast. Open tv.apple.com in Chrome on your Android phone, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Cast." Choose your Chromecast device from the list. The video will stream to your TV through the Chromecast.
This method requires a Chromecast device (a separate piece of hardware you plug into your TV's HDMI port) or a TV with Chromecast built in. It does not work with AirPlay, which is Apple's casting standard and not supported on Android devices.
Casting quality depends on your internet connection. A strong Wi-Fi signal will give you the best picture and fewest interruptions.
Why Apple TV is not on Android
Apple's decision to keep Apple TV off Android is tied to how the company makes money. Apple TV+ is one of several services — along with Apple Music, iCloud+, and Apple News+ — bundled into Apple One subscriptions. These subscriptions are designed to make owning Apple devices more valuable. If the app were available on Android, people could subscribe without buying an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV box.
This is different from how some other tech companies handle their services. Microsoft makes Xbox Game Pass available on Android. Google makes YouTube available everywhere, including on iPhones. But Apple has historically kept its services tied to its hardware.
There is no official word from Apple that this will change. The company has not announced any plans to release an Apple TV app for Android.
Comparing your options for Android
| Method | Device Type | Cost | Offline Viewing | Picture Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web browser (tv.apple.com) | Any Android phone or tablet | None (subscription required) | No | Good on Wi-Fi |
| Android TV app | Select Android TV models only | None (subscription required) | Yes, on some TVs | Excellent |
| Chromecast from web browser | Android phone + Chromecast device | Chromecast device ($30–$100) | No | Good on strong Wi-Fi |
What to do if your Android TV does not have the Apple TV app
If you have an Android TV and the Apple TV app is not available in your app store, you have two options. The first is to use the web browser built into your TV (if it has one) and navigate to tv.apple.com. Some Android TVs include a browser; others do not.
The second option is to use a Chromecast device or a Chromecast-enabled speaker. Plug the Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port, then cast from the web version on your Android phone. This gives you a full-screen experience without needing the app.
A third option, if you are willing to spend money, is to buy an Apple TV box (a small device that connects to your TV). This is the official way to watch Apple TV on any television, but it requires a separate purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sideload the Apple TV app onto my Android phone?
No. Sideloading means installing an app from outside the official app store, but the Apple TV app is not designed to run on Android at all. Even if you found a file, it would not work. The app is built for Apple's operating system and will not function on Android.
Will Apple ever release Apple TV for Android?
Apple has not announced any plans to do so. The company has kept Apple TV exclusive to its own devices for years, and there is no indication this will change. If it does happen, it would likely be announced on Apple's official website.
Is the web version of Apple TV as good as the app?
The web version works well for streaming, but it lacks some features of the app. You cannot read episodes to watch offline, and the interface is smaller on a phone. On a tablet or TV, the difference is less noticeable. Both versions require an active internet connection to stream.
Do I need a separate subscription to watch on Android?
No. Your Apple TV+ subscription works on any device where you can sign in with your Apple ID, including Android. You do not need to pay twice or create a new account.
Can I use AirPlay to send Apple TV from my iPhone to an Android TV?
No. AirPlay is Apple's casting technology and only works between Apple devices. Android TVs do not support AirPlay. You would need to use Chromecast instead, which requires casting from the web version on an Android phone.