The fastest way to add an app to Apple TV
Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for the app you want, and press the select button on your remote to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once it finishes, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open.
If you already own the app on your iPhone or iPad, you can also add it through the App Store on that device. Go to the app's page, tap the cloud icon with a down arrow, and it will install on your Apple TV without you having to search again. This method is faster if you know exactly which app you want.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store on your Apple TV is the main place to find and install apps — search by name, browse by category, or look at what is trending.
- Apps you own on iPhone or iPad can be installed on Apple TV from that device's App Store by tapping the cloud read icon.
- Your Apple TV must be signed in with the same Apple ID you use on your other devices to see apps you already own.
- Apps install in the background while you use your TV, and you can delete any app by holding the select button on its icon and choosing remove.
Using the App Store on your Apple TV
The App Store icon sits on your Apple TV home screen — it looks like a white square with blue lines. Open it and you will see categories like Games, Entertainment, Productivity, and Health. You can browse by category or use the search function at the top to type in the name of the app you want.
When you find an app, press select on your remote to open its page. You will see a description, screenshots, reviews, and a button that says "Get" or shows a price. Press select on that button and the app begins downloading. Most apps install within seconds to a few minutes depending on file size and your internet speed.
Once the app is installed, the button changes to "Open" — press select to launch it right away, or go back to your home screen and find it in your apps list. Apps you install appear in the order you added them unless you rearrange them manually.
Installing apps from your iPhone or iPad
If you own an app on your iPhone or iPad, you can push it to your Apple TV without searching. Open the App Store on your phone or tablet, find the app you want, and look for the cloud icon with a down arrow next to the price or "Get" button. Tap that icon and choose your Apple TV from the list of devices.
Your Apple TV must be signed in with the same Apple ID as your phone or tablet for this to work. The app will install on your TV in the background — you do not need to do anything on the TV itself. This is useful if you have multiple Apple devices and want to keep your apps in sync.
Organizing and removing apps
To rearrange apps on your home screen, hold the select button on your remote while pointing at any app icon. A menu appears with options to move it up, down, left, or right. Keep holding select and pressing the arrow buttons until the app is where you want it, then press select again to lock it in place.
To delete an app, hold select on its icon and choose "Remove from Home Screen" or "Delete App" depending on your Apple TV model. Removing it from the home screen keeps the app on your TV but hides it — deleting it removes it completely. You can always reinstall any app later from the App Store at no cost if you own it.
Troubleshooting apps that won't install
If an app will not install, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network, and confirm you see a connection. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart both devices.
If the internet is working but the app still will not install, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for it to boot back up and try installing the app again. If it still fails, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, then sign back in — this refreshes your account and often fixes installation problems.
Some apps require a certain version of tvOS to run. If you see a message that says the app is not compatible, go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates and check whether an update is available. Install any pending updates and restart, then try the app again.
Understanding app storage and updates
Apple TV has built-in storage, but the amount varies by model — older models have 32 GB while newer ones have 64 GB. Apps take up space, so if you install many large games or streaming apps, you may run out of room. If you see a message that storage is full, delete apps you no longer use to free up space.
Apps update automatically when your Apple TV is idle and connected to power and the internet. If you want to update an app right away, open the App Store, go to the search tab, and look for "Updates" at the bottom. You will see a list of apps with pending updates — tap "Update All" or select individual apps to update them one at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps that are not in the App Store?
No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources. If an app you want is not in the App Store, it is not available for Apple TV.
Do I have to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Some apps are free, and some cost money. If an app costs money, you will see the price on its page in the App Store before you install it. You will be charged through your Apple ID account. If you already bought the app on iPhone or iPad, you usually do not have to buy it again for Apple TV.
What happens if I delete an app and want it back?
Open the App Store, search for the app by name, and install it again. If you paid for it before, you will not be charged again — the App Store remembers your purchase. Reinstalling takes the same amount of time as the first install.
Can I install apps on someone else's Apple TV?
Only if you sign in with your Apple ID on their TV. Apps are tied to the Apple ID that installed them. If you sign out, the apps you installed remain on the TV but you cannot update them or access content that requires your account to log in.
Why does my Apple TV keep asking me to update apps?
Apps update automatically in the background, but if your TV is not plugged in or connected to the internet when it tries to update, the update waits. Make sure your Apple TV stays plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi so updates can complete without interruption.