How to Add Apps to Your Apple TV

The basic 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 from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press the select button on your remote to install it. The app downloads and appears on your home screen automatically once installation finishes — usually within a minute or two, depending on app size and your internet speed.

This process works the same way whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model. You do not need a computer or iTunes. Everything happens directly on the device itself.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for an app by name, and select it to install — no computer needed.
Apps appear on your home screen once they finish downloading, and you can organize them by dragging and dropping.
Your Apple ID must be set up on the device before you can read paid apps or apps that require a subscription.
If an app fails to install, restart your Apple TV and check that your internet connection is stable.
Deleting an app is as straightforward as holding down the select button on the app icon and choosing remove.

Finding apps in the App Store

The App Store on Apple TV works like the one on iPhone or iPad. Press the App Store icon on your home screen, then use the search tab at the bottom to look for what you want. Type the app name using your remote — you can use the on-screen keyboard or, on newer remotes, speak the name aloud by holding the microphone button.

You can also browse by category: Games, Entertainment, Productivity, and others. Each category shows what is popular, what is new, and what is trending. If you have already bought an app on your iPhone or iPad, it often appears in the Purchased section of the App Store, and you can read it again to your Apple TV at no extra cost.

Installing apps and managing storage

Once you find an app, select it to open the detail page. Press the cloud icon with a read arrow (or the price button if it costs money) to start the read. The app begins installing when ready. You will see a progress indicator on the app icon as it downloads.

Apple TV storage varies by model — the 32GB version fills up faster than the 64GB or 128GB models, especially if you install many games or apps that cache video. If you run out of space, delete apps you no longer use by holding the select button on the app icon, then choosing remove. Deleting an app frees up space but does not delete your saved data or login information if you reinstall it later.

Setting up your Apple ID for paid apps

To read paid apps or apps that require a subscription (like streaming services), your Apple ID must be set up on the Apple TV. Go to Settings, then Accounts, then iCloud. Sign in with your Apple ID and password. This is the same ID you use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Once your Apple ID is active, you can read paid apps and they will charge to the payment method linked to that ID. You will see the price on the app detail page before you press read. Free apps do not require an Apple ID, though having one set up makes managing your apps easier.

Organizing apps on your home screen

After you install an app, it lands on your home screen. You can rearrange apps by holding the select button on any app icon until it starts to jiggle, then using the arrow buttons on your remote to move it to a new spot. Press select again to lock it in place.

You can also create folders to group related apps together — for example, a folder for streaming services or one for games. Hold select on an app, then drag it onto another app to create a folder. Name the folder, and add more apps to it the same way. This keeps your home screen from becoming cluttered if you install many apps.

Troubleshooting apps that won't install

If an app fails to read or gets stuck partway through, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for the device to power back on, then try downloading the app again.

Check your internet connection — apps need a stable, reasonably fast connection to read. If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router or restart it. If the app still will not install after a restart and a connection check, the app may be temporarily unavailable or incompatible with your Apple TV model. Check the App Store page for the app to see if there are known issues or system requirements listed.

Updating apps automatically

Apps on Apple TV can update automatically, or you can update them manually. To turn on automatic updates, go to Settings, then Apps, then Automatic Updates, and toggle it on. This way, apps stay current without you having to check for updates yourself.

If you prefer to update manually, go to the App Store, select the Updates tab, and you will see a list of apps with available updates. Select each one and press the update button. Manual updates give you control over when apps change, which can be useful if you want to avoid bugs in a new version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read the same app on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. If you use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TV devices, you can read the same app on each one. The app will not sync between devices — each Apple TV has its own copy — but you will not be charged twice for a paid app.

What happens to my login information if I delete an app?

Deleting an app removes the app itself but usually keeps your saved login information and settings. When you reinstall the app, you often stay logged in. However, some apps clear this data when you delete them, so you may need to log in again.

Can I sideload apps onto Apple TV without using the App Store?

Not in the traditional sense. Apple TV does not allow sideloading like some Android devices do. You must read apps through the official App Store. Developers can create apps specifically for tvOS, but they must go through Apple's review process first.

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

Older Apple TV models may not support newer apps because they run older versions of tvOS. Check your device model and the app's system requirements in the App Store. If your Apple TV is very old, you may need to update tvOS first, or the app may straightforward not be available for your model.

Do I need an internet connection to use apps after I read them?

Most apps need an internet connection to work — streaming services, news apps, and games that connect online all require it. Some straightforward games or utility apps may work offline, but this is rare. Check the app description in the App Store to see if it requires internet.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.