Yes, you can watch Apple TV on Roku through the official app
Apple TV is available as a channel on Roku devices. You can read the Apple TV app directly from the Roku Channel Store, then sign in with your Apple ID to watch content you own or subscribe to through Apple TV+. The app works on most Roku models made in the last several years, though very old devices may not support it.
The process takes about five minutes: search for "Apple TV" in your Roku's channel store, add the channel, and launch it. Once you sign in, your library and subscriptions appear when ready. You watch the same content as you would on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac—your watchlist and playback progress sync across all your devices.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple TV app is a free read from the Roku Channel Store and works on most Roku devices sold since 2016.
- You sign in with your Apple ID, and your Apple TV+ subscription and purchased content appear automatically.
- Your watch history and bookmarks sync with your other Apple devices, so you can pause on your phone and resume on your TV.
- If your Roku model is very old or does not support the app, you can use AirPlay to mirror content from an iPhone or Mac instead.
Which Roku devices support the Apple TV app
Most Roku devices made in 2016 or later support the Apple TV app. This includes Roku streaming sticks, Roku boxes, and Roku TVs. The app requires Roku OS 9.0 or higher, which is standard on newer models but may not be available on older devices.
To check whether your Roku supports the app, go to Settings > System > About on your device. Look for the OS version number. If it shows 9.0 or higher, you can read Apple TV. If your device is older and cannot update to OS 9.0, the app will not appear in the Channel Store when you search for it.
How to read and install the Apple TV app on Roku
Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote. Navigate to the Roku Channel Store using the menu on the left side of your screen. Select Search Channels, then type "Apple TV" into the search box. The official Apple TV app should appear at the top of the results—it has the black Apple TV logo.
Select the app and choose Add Channel. Roku will read and install it in about 30 seconds. Once installation finishes, select Go to Channel to launch Apple TV when ready, or return to it later from your home screen. The app will remain on your Roku until you manually remove it.
Signing in and accessing your content
When you open Apple TV for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter your Apple ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple account, you will receive a verification code on one of your trusted devices—enter that code to complete sign-in.
After you sign in, your library appears automatically. Any shows or movies you purchased through iTunes or the Apple TV app on other devices will be there. If you subscribe to Apple TV+, your subscription content is also ready to watch. Your watchlist syncs too, so anything you added on your iPhone or Mac shows up on Roku.
What to do if the Apple TV app does not appear in the Channel Store
If you search for Apple TV and the app does not show up, your Roku device likely does not support it. This happens on older models running OS 8.2 or earlier. Check your OS version in Settings > System > About to confirm.
If your Roku cannot run the Apple TV app, you have two alternatives. First, you can use AirPlay to mirror content from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Roku TV (this works on some newer Roku TVs but not all Roku streaming devices). Second, you can connect a different device to your TV—an Apple TV box, Fire Stick, or Chromecast all support the Apple TV app and may be a better fit for your setup.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the Apple TV app crashes or freezes, restart your Roku device. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it boots up, open Apple TV again. Most crashes clear after a restart.
If you cannot sign in, double-check that you are using the correct Apple ID—the one associated with your Apple TV account. If you have changed your Apple ID password recently, use your new password. If sign-in still fails, restart the app and try again. If the problem persists, restart your entire Roku device.
If video playback is slow or keeps buffering, check your internet connection. Move your Roku closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router. Slow internet is the most common cause of playback problems. You can also try lowering the video quality in the Apple TV app settings if buffering continues.
How your watchlist and playback sync across devices
When you sign in with your Apple ID on Roku, Apple TV connects to your account in the cloud. Any show you add to your watchlist on your iPhone automatically appears in your Roku watchlist. If you pause a movie halfway through on your Mac, you can resume from that exact spot on your Roku TV.
This sync happens within a few seconds on most connections. If you do not see a recent change, wait a moment and refresh the app by pressing Home and returning to Apple TV. Syncing works across all devices where you sign in with the same Apple ID, so your Roku, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV box all share the same library and progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to use the app on Roku?
No. The Apple TV app is free to read and use. You can watch anything you purchased through iTunes or the Apple TV store without a subscription. An Apple TV+ subscription is only needed if you want to watch shows and movies made by Apple.
Can I use AirPlay to watch Apple TV on my Roku if the app is not available?
AirPlay works on some newer Roku TV models, but not on Roku streaming sticks or older Roku boxes. Check your Roku model's specifications to see if it supports AirPlay. If it does, you can mirror your iPhone or Mac screen to your Roku and watch Apple TV that way, though it is less convenient than using the native app.
Will my Apple TV+ subscription work on Roku?
Yes. Once you sign in with your Apple ID, any active Apple TV+ subscription appears in the app automatically. You can watch all Apple TV+ shows and movies on your Roku the same way you would on other devices.
What happens if I delete the Apple TV app from my Roku?
Deleting the app removes it from your Roku, but your Apple TV account and content remain safe. You can read the app again anytime and sign back in with your Apple ID. Your watchlist and purchase history will still be there.
Can I read shows to watch offline on Roku?
No. The Apple TV app on Roku does not support offline downloads. You can only watch content while connected to the internet. If you want to read shows to watch offline, use the Apple TV app on an iPhone or iPad instead.