The fastest way to add apps to your Apple TV
You install 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 don't need a computer or any setup beyond that. Most apps are free, though some require a paid subscription to use them after installation.
Your Apple TV connects to the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apps you've already purchased on those devices often install free on Apple TV, and apps you buy on Apple TV are available on your other devices too. If you share an Apple TV with family members, each person can sign in with their own Apple ID to see their own purchased apps.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and select it to install—no computer needed.
- Apps you've bought on iPhone, iPad, or Mac often install free on Apple TV under the same Apple ID.
- You can delete apps by holding the select button on any app icon and choosing remove, which frees up storage space.
- If an app won't install, restart your Apple TV and check that you have enough free storage and a working internet connection.
- Some apps require a subscription (like Netflix or Disney+) to work, but the app itself installs free.
Finding and installing apps from the App Store
The App Store is the only place to get apps for Apple TV. Press the home button on your remote to reach the home screen, then look for the App Store icon—it looks like a blue square with white dots. Select it and you'll see categories like Games, Entertainment, and Lifestyle, or you can search by typing the app name.
When you find the app you want, select it to open the detail page. You'll see a button that says "Get" or shows a price. Select that button and the app begins downloading. Most apps finish in under a minute on a normal internet connection. Once it's done, the button changes to "Open"—select it to launch the app right away, or just go back to your home screen and the app will be there.
If you've already bought an app on your iPhone or iPad, you won't see a price on Apple TV—you'll see "Get" instead, and it installs free. This works because both devices are signed into the same Apple ID. The same is true for free apps you've installed elsewhere.
Organizing and removing apps from your home screen
Your Apple TV home screen shows the apps you use most often at the top, and the rest below. You can rearrange them by holding the select button on any app icon until it starts to jiggle, then moving it with the directional buttons on your remote. Press select again to drop it in the new spot.
To delete an app, hold the select button on its icon until a menu appears, then choose "Remove". This takes the app off your home screen and deletes it from your Apple TV entirely, which frees up storage space. You can always reinstall it later from the App Store for free. Removing an app doesn't affect your subscription to that service—if you delete Netflix and reinstall it, you'll still be logged in with the same account.
What to do if an app won't install or read
If an app gets stuck downloading or won't install, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Hold the home button on your remote for about three seconds until a menu appears, then select "Restart". Wait for the device to shut down and turn back on, which takes about a minute. Then try installing the app again.
Check that you have enough free storage. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About to see how much space is available. If you're running low, delete apps you don't use. Also make sure your internet connection is working—if other apps or devices aren't loading, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If the app still won't install after a restart, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts, select your account, and choose "Sign Out". Then go back to the same menu and sign in again. This refreshes your connection to the App Store and often fixes read problems.
Managing apps across multiple Apple IDs and family members
If you share your Apple TV with family members, each person can have their own Apple ID on the device. When someone signs in with their account, they see their own home screen with their own apps and subscriptions. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts to add a new user, then select that person's account and choose "Sign In" to enter their Apple ID and password.
Apps purchased under one Apple ID don't automatically appear on another person's home screen, even on the same Apple TV. If you want to share apps across family members, you can set up Family Sharing in Settings > Users and Accounts > iCloud. This lets you share purchases, but it requires the organizer's Apple ID and password, so set it up only with people you trust.
Understanding app subscriptions and in-app purchases
Many apps on Apple TV are free to install but require a paid subscription to use—Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu are common examples. You install the app free, then sign in with your account for that service. Your Apple TV doesn't charge you; the subscription is between you and that company.
Some apps also offer in-app purchases, like extra features or content within a game. These purchases go through Apple and are charged to your Apple ID. If you want to prevent accidental purchases, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > Restrictions and turn on "In-App Purchases" to require a password.
Updating apps and keeping your Apple TV current
Apple TV updates your apps automatically when you're not using the device, as long as it's plugged in and connected to the internet. You don't have to do anything—updates happen in the background overnight.
If you want to check for updates manually, open the App Store, go to the top menu, and select "Updates". You'll see a list of apps with new versions available. Select "Update All" to install them all at once, or select individual apps to update them one by one. Updates are always free, even for paid apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from outside the App Store?
No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You can't sideload apps or install them from a computer. This is a security feature that keeps your device safe.
Do I need to buy an app again if I already own it on my iPhone?
Usually not. If you bought an app on iPhone or iPad under the same Apple ID, it installs free on Apple TV. Some older apps may not be available on Apple TV even if you own them elsewhere, but most modern apps work across all your devices.
What happens to my apps if I sign out of my Apple ID?
Apps you installed stay on your Apple TV, but you won't be able to update them or reinstall them if you delete them. If you sign back in with the same Apple ID later, you can update and reinstall normally.
How much storage do apps take up on Apple TV?
It varies widely. Small apps like remote controls take a few megabytes, while games can be several hundred megabytes. Check the App Store page for each app to see its size before installing. If storage gets tight, delete apps you don't use regularly.
Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on each device and your apps and purchases appear on all of them. This is useful if you have Apple TVs in different rooms, though each device stores its own copy of each app.