The Basic Steps to Add Apps to Your Apple TV

You install apps on 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 select "Get" to read it. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen once it finishes. Most apps are free, though some require payment before you can read them.

The process takes the same number of steps whether you're adding your first app or your tenth. You don't need a computer—everything happens directly on the Apple TV itself using your remote.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, then search for and select the app you want to read.
  • Apps read and install automatically; you'll see them appear on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes depending on file size.
  • You need an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV to read any app, whether free or paid.
  • Deleting an app from your home screen doesn't remove it from your Apple TV entirely—you can reinstall it later without paying again.

Finding and Downloading Apps Through the App Store

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Use your remote to navigate to the App Store icon—it looks like a blue square with white dots arranged in a grid. Select it to open the store.

Once inside, you'll see featured apps at the top and a search option. If you know the name of the app you want, select the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Type the app name using your remote—the on-screen keyboard appears automatically. As you type, matching results show up below. Select the app from the list.

The app's detail page opens. You'll see a description, screenshots, reviews, and a button that says either "Get" (for free apps) or the price (for paid apps). Select that button. If the app is free, it begins downloading when ready. If it costs money, you'll be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password.

What Happens During and After Installation

Once you select "Get" or confirm payment, the app downloads and installs automatically. You'll see a progress indicator on the app's detail page showing how much of the read is complete. Most apps finish within a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on their size and your internet speed.

When installation finishes, the button changes to "Open." You can select it to launch the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen. The newly installed app appears as a new icon on your home screen, usually at the end of your existing apps. You can rearrange icons by holding the select button on your remote and moving the app to a new position.

If the read fails or gets interrupted, you can return to the App Store, find the app again, and select "Get" once more. Your Apple TV will resume the read rather than starting from the beginning.

Signing In With Your Apple ID

You must have an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV before you can read any app. When you first set up your Apple TV, you're prompted to sign in. If you skipped that step or need to sign in again, go to Settings on your home screen, then select Users and Accounts, then iCloud, and choose "Sign In."

Enter your Apple ID email address and password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID (which Apple recommends), you'll receive a verification code on another device. Enter that code to complete the sign-in.

Once you're signed in, any app you read is tied to that Apple ID. If you ever need to reinstall an app you've already paid for, you won't be charged again—your purchase history is saved to your account.

Removing Apps From Your Home Screen

To remove an app from your home screen, highlight it and hold down the select button on your remote until a menu appears. Choose "Remove from Home Screen." The app disappears from your screen when ready.

Removing an app from your home screen does not delete it from your Apple TV. The app remains installed in the background. If you want to use it again later, open the App Store, search for it, and you'll see an "Open" button instead of "Get"—select that to launch it without downloading again.

If you want to completely remove an app from your Apple TV so it no longer takes up storage space, highlight it, hold select, and choose "Delete" instead of "Remove from Home Screen." You'll be asked to confirm. Once deleted, you can reinstall it later from the App Store without paying again if it was a paid app you already owned.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems

If an app won't read, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, then Network, and confirm you see a connected Wi-Fi network or ethernet connection. If you're not connected, select your network and enter the password if needed.

If the read starts but gets stuck, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold the select and menu buttons on your remote together for about six seconds until the screen goes dark. Wait a few seconds, then press any button to turn it back on. Once it restarts, return to the App Store and try downloading the app again.

If you see an error message saying you need to update your payment method, go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, select your Apple ID, and choose "Payment and Shipping." Update your credit card or payment information, then try downloading the app again.

Some apps require a minimum tvOS version to run. If you see a message that an app isn't compatible with your Apple TV, your device may need a software update. Go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates, and select "Update Software" if an update is available.

Managing Storage and Organizing Your Apps

Apple TV devices come with different amounts of storage—typically 32 GB or 64 GB. Apps take up varying amounts of space depending on their size. If you're running low on storage and can't read a new app, delete apps you no longer use. Go to Settings, then Apps, then select an app and choose "Delete" to free up space.

You can organize your home screen by moving apps into folders. Highlight an app, hold select, and choose "Create Folder" or "Move to Folder." Name the folder (for example, "Games" or "Streaming"), then add more apps to it. This keeps your home screen tidy and makes it easier to find apps when you have many installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube are free to read, though many require a subscription to use. Some apps do cost money upfront. The price appears on the app's detail page before you read, so you always know the cost before confirming the purchase.

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

No. Apps must be downloaded directly on the Apple TV through its App Store. However, if you buy a paid app on your iPhone, you can read it on your Apple TV without paying again, since both purchases are tied to the same Apple ID.

What if an app I want isn't available in the Apple TV App Store?

Not all apps are made for Apple TV. Some developers only create versions for iPhone or iPad. Check the App Store on your Apple TV to confirm whether an app exists for that platform. If it doesn't, you may be able to use that service through a web browser on another device instead.

How long does it take to read an app?

Most apps read in seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app's size and your internet speed. Larger apps like games may take longer. You can check the read progress on the app's detail page in the App Store while it's installing.

Can I update apps automatically on Apple TV?

Yes. Go to Settings, then Apps, then App Updates, and toggle "Automatic Updates" on. Your Apple TV will then read and install app updates in the background when you're not using it, as long as it's connected to power and the internet.