The fastest way to get apps on Apple TV

You read 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 to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once it finishes, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use.

Apple TV supports apps from major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu), entertainment platforms (YouTube, Plex), and utilities (Weather, Stocks). The process is the same regardless of which app you are installing.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and select it to begin the read.
  • Downloaded apps appear automatically on your home screen once installation finishes, usually within seconds to a few minutes.
  • You can organize your home screen by moving apps around or removing ones you no longer use.
  • If an app fails to read, restart your Apple TV and check that it is connected to Wi-Fi with a strong signal.

Finding apps in the App Store

The App Store is the only place to read apps to Apple TV. Press the home button on your remote to return to the main screen, then look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white app symbol. Select it to open the store.

Once inside, you can browse by category (Entertainment, Sports, Kids, Productivity) or search by name. Use the search function if you know what you want — it is faster than browsing. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard, and results appear as you type.

Installing an app and checking read progress

When you find an app you want, select it to open the app's detail page. You will see a button that says "Get" or shows a cloud icon with a read arrow. Select this button to start the read. The button changes to show a progress indicator while the app installs.

Most apps read and install within seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app size and your Wi-Fi speed. You do not need to stay on the detail page — you can return to your home screen and the read continues in the background. Once installation finishes, the app appears on your home screen automatically, and the button on the detail page changes to "Open."

Organizing your home screen after downloading apps

As you read more apps, your home screen fills up. You can rearrange apps by selecting one, holding the select button until it starts to jiggle, then using your remote to move it to a new position. Press select again to lock it in place.

You can also remove apps you no longer use. Select an app, hold the select button until it jiggles, then press the play/pause button to delete it. The app is removed from your home screen, but you can read it again later from the App Store at any time — you do not lose your account or settings for that app.

What to do if an app will not read

If an app fails to read or gets stuck, first check your Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi and confirm you are connected to a strong signal. If the signal is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router.

If the connection is fine, restart your Apple TV. Hold the select button on your remote for about six seconds until the screen dims, then release. Wait about 30 seconds for it to restart. Once it is back on, try downloading the app again. If the problem continues, the app may be temporarily unavailable — try again in a few hours.

Updating apps you have already downloaded

Apps update automatically on Apple TV by default. When a developer releases a new version, your Apple TV downloads and installs it without asking. You do not need to do anything.

If you want to check whether updates are available or turn off automatic updates, go to Settings > Apps and look for the update options. Most people leave automatic updates on so they always have the latest version with bug fixes and new features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps from my iPhone or iPad to my Apple TV?

Yes. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, find the app you want, and select the cloud icon with a read arrow. Choose your Apple TV from the list of devices, and the app installs on that device. You must be signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices.

Why does an app say "Get" instead of "Open" after I select it?

The app is still downloading or installing. Wait a minute or two and check again. If it still says "Get" after several minutes, your Wi-Fi connection may have dropped. Check your connection and try selecting "Get" again.

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most apps are free, but some charge a one-time purchase price or a subscription. The price appears on the app's detail page before you select "Get." You are charged through your Apple ID payment method if you choose to read a paid app.

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

Resetting your Apple TV removes all apps and settings. When you set it up again with the same Apple ID, you can read your apps again from the App Store. Your login information for individual apps (Netflix password, for example) is not automatically restored — you will need to sign in again.