How to Download and Install Apps on Your Apple TV

The basic steps to add apps to your Apple TV

You read apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press the select button to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use.

The process is the same whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 11 or later. You need an active internet connection and an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV. If you have never signed in, you will be prompted to do so the first time you try to read an app.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store from your home screen, search for an app by name, and press select to read it when ready.
Your Apple ID must be signed into your Apple TV before you can read anything from the App Store.
Downloaded apps appear on your home screen automatically and take up storage space on your device.
You can delete apps you no longer use by holding the select button on the app icon and choosing remove.
Some apps are free, while others cost money and require a payment method on file with your Apple ID.

Finding and searching for apps in the App Store

From your Apple TV home screen, navigate to the App Store icon and press select. You will see categories like Featured, Top Charts, and Search. Use the Search option to find a specific app by typing its name with your remote. The Siri Remote lets you speak the app name aloud if your Apple TV supports voice search — press and hold the microphone button and say the app name.

Browse the Featured or Top Charts sections if you want to see what is popular or newly released. Each app listing shows a description, screenshots, user ratings, and the read size. Read the description to make sure the app does what you need before you read it. Some apps require a subscription or in-app purchases, which the listing will note.

Installing apps and managing storage

Once you find an app, highlight it and press the select button. If the app is free, it begins downloading when ready. If the app costs money, you will see the price instead of a read button — press select to purchase it using the payment method on file with your Apple ID. The app then downloads and installs on its own.

Downloaded apps take up storage space on your Apple TV. If your device runs low on storage, you may see a message that there is not enough room. Check how much space you have left by going to Settings, then System, then Storage. If you need room, delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding the select button on the app icon, then choosing Remove from the menu that appears.

Signing in with your Apple ID

You must have an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV to read apps. If you have never signed in, go to Settings, then Accounts, then iCloud. Select Sign In and enter your Apple ID email and password. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on Apple's website before you set up your Apple TV.

Your Apple ID is the same one you use for iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you use the same Apple ID on multiple devices, apps you read on one device may appear on others depending on your settings. You can change which Apple ID is signed in by going back to Settings and signing out, then signing in with a different account.

Updating apps and turning on automatic updates

Apps receive updates periodically to fix bugs, add features, or improve performance. By default, Apple TV checks for updates automatically and installs them when your device is not in use. You can also check for updates manually by opening the App Store, pressing the menu button, and selecting Updates. Any apps with available updates will appear in a list.

If you want to control when updates happen, go to Settings, then Apps, then Automatic Updates. You can turn off automatic updates entirely, though this means you will need to update apps by hand. Keeping automatic updates on ensures your apps stay current and find without extra work on your part.

Troubleshooting read problems

If an app will not read, first check that your internet connection is working by opening another app or streaming a video. If the connection is fine, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for the device to turn back on and try downloading the app again.

If the problem continues, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings, then Accounts, then iCloud, and select Sign Out. Then sign back in with your Apple ID and password. If you still cannot read an app, the app may not be available in your country or region, or your Apple ID may have a payment issue if the app costs money. Check your payment method in Settings, then Accounts, then iCloud, then Payment Method.

Apps that come pre-installed versus downloaded apps

Your Apple TV comes with some apps already installed, such as Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Podcasts. These built-in apps cannot be deleted, though you can hide them from your home screen if you do not use them. To hide an app, press and hold the select button on it and choose Remove from Home Screen — the app stays on your device but disappears from view.

Apps you read from the App Store can be deleted completely if you change your mind. Deleting an app removes it from your device and frees up storage space. If you read it again later, you will not be charged again for paid apps — your purchase is tied to your Apple ID, not to the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for every app in the App Store?

No. Many apps are free to read and use. Some free apps show ads or offer in-app purchases for extra features. Other apps cost money upfront. The App Store listing shows the price or says "Get" for free apps, so you can see the cost before you read.

Can I read apps on my iPhone and have them appear on my Apple TV?

Not automatically. Apps are separate between devices. However, if you use the same Apple ID on both your iPhone and Apple TV, some apps may be available in the App Store on both devices. You still need to read each app on each device where you want to use it.

What happens if I delete an app and then read it again?

If the app was free, you read it again at no cost. If you paid for the app, you do not pay again — your purchase is saved to your Apple ID. The app downloads and installs just as it did the first time.

How much storage do apps use on Apple TV?

Storage varies by app. Small apps like remote controls may use only a few megabytes, while games or streaming apps can use hundreds of megabytes or more. The App Store listing shows the read size before you install, so you can check how much space an app needs.

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

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on each Apple TV. Apps you read on one device will not automatically appear on the other, but you can read them again on the second device without paying again. This is useful if you have Apple TVs in different rooms.

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.