The quickest way to know if you have Apple TV
The simplest way to check is to look for the Apple TV app on your device. On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, swipe to your home screen or app library and search for an app with a black background and a white TV icon — that's the Apple TV app. On an Apple TV box (the small black device that connects to your television), the app is built in and appears on the main menu. If you see it, you have Apple TV.
You can also check by opening the App Store on your device, searching for "Apple TV," and seeing whether it says "Open" (meaning it's installed) or "Get" (meaning you need to read it). On a Mac, the TV app is part of macOS and cannot be removed, so if you own a Mac, you have it.
If you own an Apple device but don't see the app, it may have been deleted. You can reinstall it free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, or from the Mac App Store on a Mac.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple TV app appears as a black icon with a white TV symbol on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- On an Apple TV box, the app is built into the system and shows on the main menu automatically.
- If the app is missing from your device, you can read it free from the App Store.
- Having the app installed does not mean you have a paid subscription — the app itself is free on all Apple devices.
- On a Mac, the TV app cannot be deleted and is included with the operating system.
Where to find the Apple TV app on different devices
On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Library (swipe to the rightmost home screen) or use Spotlight search (swipe down from the top of the screen and type "Apple TV"). The app icon is black with a white TV symbol. Tap it to open.
On a Mac, click the Finder icon in the dock, then click Applications in the sidebar. Scroll down to find the TV app, or use Spotlight (press Command + Space, type "TV," and press Enter). The TV app is built into macOS and cannot be removed.
On an Apple TV box (the device you connect to your television), the app is on the home screen by default. Use the remote to navigate to it. If you don't see it, it may have been moved to a folder — check the Purchased or Recently Used sections.
On other devices like Android phones, Windows computers, or smart TVs, Apple TV is not available as a dedicated app. You can watch Apple TV content through a web browser at tv.apple.com, but the full app experience exists only on Apple devices.
The difference between the app and a subscription
Having the Apple TV app on your device does not mean you have a paid subscription. The app itself is free and comes with every iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV box. It functions as a hub where you can browse shows, movies, and channels.
To actually watch content, you need either a subscription to Apple TV+ (a paid monthly service) or you can purchase or rent individual titles. Some content is free to watch with ads. You can check whether you have an active subscription by opening the app, tapping your profile icon, and selecting Account or Settings — if you see an active subscription listed, you have one.
What to do if you can't find the app
If you've looked through your home screen and app library and don't see the Apple TV app, it may have been deleted. This is straightforward to fix: open the App Store on your device, search for "Apple TV," and tap "Get" to read it. The read is free and takes less than a minute on most connections.
On a Mac, if you cannot find the TV app in Applications, restart your Mac. The TV app is part of the operating system and cannot be permanently deleted. If it still doesn't appear after a restart, check that your macOS is up to date by going to System Preferences > Software Update.
If you're using an older device, check whether your device supports the Apple TV app. iPhones and iPads need iOS 12.3 or later; Macs need macOS 10.14.6 or later. If your device is older than that, the app may not be available for it.
Checking your device type
Not all devices have the Apple TV app. Here's what does and doesn't support it:
| Device Type | Has Apple TV App | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS 12.3 or later) | Yes | Search home screen or app library |
| iPad (iPadOS 12.3 or later) | Yes | Search home screen or app library |
| Mac (macOS 10.14.6 or later) | Yes | Check Applications folder or Spotlight |
| Apple TV box (any generation) | Yes | Check main menu on TV screen |
| Android phone or tablet | No | Use web browser at tv.apple.com instead |
| Windows computer | No | Use web browser at tv.apple.com instead |
| Samsung, LG, or other smart TV | Varies | Check your TV's app store; some models support it |
Reinstalling the app if it was deleted
If you deleted the Apple TV app by accident, you can put it back on your device in seconds. Open the App Store (on iPhone, iPad, or Mac), search for "Apple TV," and tap the cloud icon with a read arrow next to it. The app will read and install automatically.
You don't need an Apple ID to read the app, but you will need one to sign in and watch content. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one free at appleid.apple.com.
On an Apple TV box, the app cannot be deleted, so if it's not visible on your home screen, it may straightforward be in a folder or off-screen. Use the remote to scroll through your apps and look for it, or restart the Apple TV box by going to Settings > System > Restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having the Apple TV app mean I have a free subscription?
No. The app is free on all Apple devices, but a subscription to Apple TV+ costs money. You can use the app to browse content, but you'll need to pay to watch most shows and movies, or purchase individual titles.
Can I use Apple TV on a non-Apple device?
You can watch Apple TV content on Android phones, Windows computers, and some smart TVs by visiting tv.apple.com in a web browser, but the dedicated app is only available on Apple devices. Some Samsung, LG, and other smart TV models have the Apple TV app built in — check your TV's app store to see if it's available.
What if my device is too old to have the Apple TV app?
If your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is older than the supported versions (iOS 12.3, iPadOS 12.3, or macOS 10.14.6), the app won't install. You can still watch Apple TV content through a web browser at tv.apple.com on any device with internet access.
How do I know if I have an Apple TV subscription?
Open the Apple TV app, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, and select Account or Settings. If you see an active Apple TV+ subscription listed, you have one. You can also check your Apple ID settings at appleid.apple.com under Subscriptions.
Can I delete the Apple TV app from my Mac?
No. The TV app is part of macOS and cannot be removed. It will remain on your system even if you try to delete it. You can hide it from view by moving it to a folder, but it cannot be permanently uninstalled.