The Basic Steps to Install Apps on Apple TV

You add apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app you want, and select it. Then press the select button on your remote to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else while it processes.

Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open when ready. You can organize your home screen by moving apps around, grouping them into folders, or removing ones you no longer use. The entire process takes just a few taps on your remote.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and press select on your remote to install it.
  • Apps install automatically in the background — you can start using them right away without waiting for a read bar to finish.
  • Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet and signed in with an Apple ID to read apps from the App Store.
  • You can move apps around your home screen by holding select on any app, then using your remote to position it where you want.
  • Apps you purchase on one Apple device can often be installed on your Apple TV without paying again, depending on the app's licensing.

Finding Apps in the App Store

The App Store on Apple TV works like the one on iPhone or iPad, but designed for a TV screen and remote control. From your home screen, highlight the App Store icon and press select. You will see categories like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity, or you can search by typing the app name.

Use the search function if you know what you are looking for — it is faster than browsing categories. Press the microphone button on your Siri Remote and speak the app name, or use the on-screen keyboard to type. The App Store will show you results, ratings, and a description of what each app does.

Installing an App and What Happens Next

When you find an app you want, select it to open its detail page. You will see a button that says "Get" (for free apps) or the price (for paid apps). Press select on that button. If the app costs money, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID on your iPhone.

After you confirm, the app begins installing when ready. You do not see a progress bar or need to wait — you can go back to your home screen and start using other apps. The new app will appear on your home screen within a few seconds, even if the full installation is still happening in the background. Some apps take longer to fully load the first time you open them, but they are usable right away.

Organizing Your Home Screen

Your Apple TV home screen can hold many apps, and you can arrange them however you want. To move an app, highlight it and hold down the select button on your remote until the app starts to jiggle. Then use the directional buttons to move it to a new spot. Press select again to drop it in place.

You can also create folders to group related apps together. While an app is jiggling, press and hold select again to see the option to create a folder. Name the folder (like "Sports" or "Kids"), and then move other apps into it the same way. This keeps your home screen from getting too cluttered if you have many apps installed.

Removing Apps You No Longer Use

If you want to delete an app, highlight it on your home screen and hold select until it jiggles. Then press the play/pause button on your remote (or the delete option that appears, depending on your remote model). The app will be removed from your home screen, though you can always reinstall it later from the App Store without paying again.

Removing an app does not delete your account or saved data within that app — if you reinstall it later, you can usually log back in and pick up where you left off. Some apps store data in iCloud, so your progress may even sync automatically.

Troubleshooting Apps That Won't Install

If an app fails to install or gets stuck, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network, and make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi. A weak signal can cause downloads to stall or fail.

If the connection is fine, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for it to boot back up, then try installing the app again. If the app still will not install, check the App Store page for that app — some apps require a minimum tvOS version, and you may need to update your Apple TV's software first. Go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates to check for and install any available updates.

Using Apps You Already Own on Other Devices

If you bought an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can often install it on your Apple TV without paying again. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for the app, and look for a button that says "Install" instead of "Get" or a price. This means you already own it.

Not every app works this way — it depends on how the developer set up their licensing. Some apps are sold separately for each device, while others are universal purchases. The App Store will tell you which version you own and whether you can use it on Apple TV. If you are not sure, check the app's detail page or contact the app's developer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to read apps on Apple TV?

Yes. You must be signed in with an Apple ID on your Apple TV to read anything from the App Store. You can set up an Apple ID for free on Apple's website if you do not have one. Your Apple TV asks you to sign in during the initial setup process.

Can I install apps from places other than the App Store?

No. Apple TV only allows apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from third-party sources the way you might on some other devices. This is a security feature Apple built into tvOS.

What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?

Resetting your Apple TV removes all apps and settings. However, you can reinstall any apps you previously downloaded by signing back in with your Apple ID — the App Store will remember which apps you own. Your saved data within apps may be lost unless that app backs up to iCloud.

Why does an app say it is not compatible with my Apple TV?

Some apps require a newer version of tvOS than what your Apple TV is running. Check Settings, then System, then Software Updates to see if an update is available. If your Apple TV is fully updated and the app still says it is incompatible, that app may not support your Apple TV model.

Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TVs in my home?

Yes. If you own multiple Apple TVs and they are all signed in with the same Apple ID, you can install an app on one and it will be available to install on the others. You do not have to pay for it again. Each Apple TV maintains its own copy of the app and its own saved data.