The fastest way to add apps to Apple TV

You add apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into every Apple TV device. Open the App Store app on your Apple TV, search for the app you want, and select it to read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within seconds. You do not need a computer or iTunes — everything happens directly on the device.

The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model. The only requirement is that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and you are signed in with an Apple ID. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on the device itself during setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store app on your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and select it to begin the read.
  • Apps read and install automatically; you do not need to confirm installation or restart your device.
  • You can manage which apps appear on your home screen by holding the select button on any app and choosing to move or remove it.
  • If an app does not appear in the App Store, it may not be available for your Apple TV model or region.
  • Purchased apps stay tied to your Apple ID, so you can reinstall them later without paying again.

Finding and downloading apps step by step

Start by pressing the Apple TV remote's home button to reach your home screen. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with white dots arranged in a grid. Select it and press the touchpad or select button to open it.

Once inside the App Store, you will see featured apps and categories. To find a specific app, select the search icon at the top of the screen. Type the app name using the on-screen keyboard. As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app you want from the list.

On the app's detail page, you will see a cloud icon with a read arrow, a price (or the word "Get"), and a description. Select the cloud icon or "Get" button. If the app costs money, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID. Free apps read when ready without any confirmation step.

The app begins downloading right away. You do not need to wait for it to finish — you can return to your home screen and use other apps while it installs in the background. Once complete, the app appears on your home screen or in your library, depending on your settings.

Organizing apps on your home screen

By default, newly downloaded apps appear at the end of your home screen. You can rearrange them to put the ones you use most at the front. Hold down the select button on any app until it starts to jiggle slightly. While it is jiggling, use the remote's directional buttons to move it left, right, up, or down to a new position. Press select again to lock it in place.

If your home screen becomes crowded, you can remove apps you no longer use. Hold select on an app until the menu appears, then choose "Remove from Home Screen." The app is not deleted from your device — it stays in your library and you can add it back later. To permanently delete an app and free up storage space, choose "Delete App" instead, then confirm the deletion.

You can also create folders to group related apps together. Hold select on an app, choose "Create Folder," and drag other apps into it. This keeps your home screen cleaner and makes it easier to find what you need.

What to do if an app will not read

If an app appears in the App Store but the read fails or gets stuck, restart your Apple TV. Press and hold the menu button and the home button together for about six seconds until the screen goes black. Wait a few seconds, then press home again to turn it back on. Once it restarts, try downloading the app again.

If the app still will not read, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then Network. Make sure your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and the signal is strong. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router.

Some apps may not be available in your region or may not work with your Apple TV model. Older Apple TV models (2nd and 3rd generation) have a much smaller app selection than Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. If an app does not appear in the App Store search results, it is likely not compatible with your device. Check the app's requirements on Apple's website or contact the app maker to confirm.

Using Siri to search for and read apps

If you have an Apple TV with Siri support (4th generation or newer), you can use voice commands to find apps faster. Press and hold the microphone button on your remote and say the app name — for example, "Netflix" or "Disney Plus." Siri displays matching results, and you can select the one you want.

Once you select an app this way, you can read it using the same steps as the manual search. Siri is especially useful if you are not sure how to spell an app name or if you want to search while your hands are full.

Managing storage and updating apps

Apple TV devices have limited storage space, especially older models. If you read many apps, you may eventually run out of room. Check your available storage by going to Settings, selecting AirPlay and HomeKit, then About. The storage information appears near the bottom of the screen.

If you are running low on storage, delete apps you no longer use. Hold select on an app, choose "Delete App," and confirm. This frees up space for new apps. You can always reinstall deleted apps later from the App Store without paying again.

Apps update automatically by default, but you can check for updates manually. Go to Settings, select Apps, then App Updates. If updates are available, you will see them listed. Select an app to update it, or choose "Update All" to update everything at once. Updates install in the background and do not interrupt your viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on each device, and apps you purchase stay tied to that account. You can read them on any Apple TV signed in with that ID. However, only one person can be signed in at a time on a single Apple TV.

What if I forget my Apple ID password?

Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Users and Accounts, then your account name. Choose "Password and Security" and select "Change Password." You will be guided through resetting it. If you cannot remember the email address associated with your account, visit iforgot.apple.com from a computer or phone to recover it.

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV if I already bought them on my iPhone?

No. If you purchased an app on any Apple device using the same Apple ID, you can read it on your Apple TV for free. The purchase is tied to your account, not to a specific device.

Can I sideload apps that are not in the App Store?

No. Apple TV only allows apps from the official App Store. You cannot install apps from outside sources or from a computer. This is a security feature built into the system.

Why does an app keep crashing after I read it?

Try restarting the app first — press the home button to close it, wait a few seconds, then open it again. If it still crashes, restart your Apple TV by holding menu and home for six seconds. If the problem continues, delete the app and read it again. Contact the app maker if the crashes continue after reinstalling.