You read apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which you access directly from your TV using the remote
The App Store on Apple TV works like the one on an iPhone or iPad — you browse, select an app, and it installs to your device. The main difference is that you navigate using your Apple TV remote instead of touching a screen. Most apps are free, though some require a one-time purchase or a subscription to use them.
You do not need a computer or a second device to read apps. Everything happens on your TV. If you are signed into your Apple ID on the Apple TV, purchases and subscriptions are tied to that account.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, then search for or browse apps using your remote.
- Select an app and press the center button on your remote to start the read — most apps install in seconds.
- Downloaded apps appear on your home screen and stay there until you remove them.
- You can delete an app by holding the select button on it and choosing remove, which frees up storage space.
- Some apps require you to sign in with a separate account (like Netflix or Hulu) even though you own the app itself.
Finding and Opening the App Store
The App Store icon lives on your Apple TV home screen. It looks like a white square with a blue background. If you do not see it, swipe left or right on the home screen to find it — the App Store is usually near the top row of apps.
Select the App Store icon and press the center button on your remote. The App Store opens and shows you featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top. From here you can browse by category (Games, Entertainment, Productivity, and so on) or search for a specific app by name.
Searching for an App by Name
If you know the name of the app you want, use the search function. Press the select button on the search bar at the top of the App Store. A keyboard appears on your screen. Use your remote to highlight each letter and press the center button to type the app name.
As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app you want from the list and press the center button. The app's page opens, showing a description, screenshots, reviews, and the read button (or price, if it costs money).
Downloading and Installing an App
Once you have found an app, look for the button that says "Get" or shows a price. Press the center button on your remote to start the read. If the app is free, it begins installing right away. If it costs money, you are asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password.
Most apps read and install in under a minute. You will see a progress bar or a spinning circle while the app is installing. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open" — you can press it to launch the app when ready, or wait and open it later from your home screen.
The newly installed app appears on your Apple TV home screen, usually at the end of your app list or in a recently added section. You can rearrange apps by holding the select button on any app and dragging it to a new position.
What Happens After You read an App
Downloaded apps stay on your Apple TV until you remove them. They take up storage space, though most apps use only a small amount. If you run low on storage, you can delete apps you no longer use by holding the select button on the app and choosing "Remove" from the menu that appears.
Many apps require you to sign in with a separate account after you read them. For example, you read the Netflix app for free, but then you need to enter your Netflix username and password to watch anything. This is normal — the app itself is free, but the service inside it requires a subscription.
Updates to apps happen automatically if you have automatic updates turned on. You can check this in Settings > Apps > Automatically Update Apps. If you turn this off, you will see an update button on apps that have new versions available.
Browsing Apps by Category
If you do not know what app you want, browse by category. In the App Store, select "Categories" or swipe to see options like Games, Entertainment, News, Sports, Productivity, and Lifestyle. Each category shows featured apps and a full list you can scroll through.
You can also look at the "Top Charts" section, which shows the most popular free apps and paid apps. This is useful if you want to see what other people are downloading. Select any app to read its description and reviews before you read it.
Troubleshooting Common read Issues
If an app will not read, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that you are signed into your Apple ID. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Name] to confirm you are logged in. If you are not signed in, select "Sign In" and enter your Apple ID email and password.
If the read starts but stalls, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold the select button and the menu button on your remote for about six seconds until the screen goes black. Wait a few seconds, then press any button to turn it back on. Once it restarts, try downloading the app again.
Some apps may not be available in your country or region. If you search for an app and it does not appear, or if you see a message saying the app is not available, this is usually why. You cannot change your region on Apple TV without creating a new Apple ID in that region, which is a more involved process — contact Apple Support if you need to do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Most apps are free to read. Some apps cost money upfront, and others are free but require a paid subscription to use them (like Apple TV+, Disney+, or Hulu). The price or "Get" button is shown on the app's page before you read it, so you always know the cost before you commit.
Can I read the same app on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes, if you are signed into the same Apple ID on each Apple TV. Apps you own are tied to your Apple ID, not to a specific device. You can read them on as many Apple TVs as you want, as long as you are using the same account.
What if an app crashes or does not work after I read it?
Try restarting the app first — press the menu button on your remote to close it, then open it again. If it still does not work, restart your Apple TV by holding select and menu for six seconds. If the problem continues, delete the app and read it again from the App Store.
Can I move apps around on my home screen?
Yes. Hold the select button on any app until a menu appears, then select "Move". Use your remote to drag the app to a new position and press select to place it. You can organize apps however you want.
How much storage do apps use on Apple TV?
Most apps use between 50 MB and 500 MB of storage, though some larger apps like games can use more. You can check how much storage your Apple TV has left by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About. If you are running low on space, delete apps you do not use regularly.