The quickest way to delete an app

To remove an app from your Apple TV, press and hold the app icon on the home screen until a menu appears, then select Remove and confirm. The app deletes when ready. You can also go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, find the app you want to remove, select it, and choose Remove from that menu.

Both methods work the same way and take about 10 seconds. The app disappears from your home screen right away, and the storage space it used becomes available again on your device. You can reinstall the app later from the App Store if you change your mind — your purchase history remains intact.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold an app icon on the home screen, then select Remove to delete it in seconds.
  • You can also remove apps through Settings > Apps > Installed Apps if you prefer not to use the home screen menu.
  • Removing an app frees up storage space on your Apple TV device.
  • You can reinstall any app you remove later without paying again, since your purchase is saved to your Apple ID.

Using the home screen method

The home screen method is the fastest way for most people. Navigate to the app you want to remove and highlight it so it's selected. Press and hold the touchpad or remote button until the app icon grows larger and a menu pops up below it.

The menu will show several options, including Remove. Select Remove with your remote. A confirmation message appears asking if you're sure — select Remove again to confirm. The app vanishes from your home screen when ready, and you'll see the space where it was collapse as other apps shift to fill the gap.

Using the Settings menu

If you prefer to remove apps from a menu rather than the home screen, you can do it through Settings. Open Settings on your Apple TV, scroll down to Apps, and select it. Then choose Installed Apps to see a full list of every app on your device.

Scroll through the list to find the app you want to remove, select it, and choose Remove. You'll get a confirmation prompt — select Remove again to confirm the deletion. This method works the same way as the home screen method, but some people find it easier because they can see all their apps listed in one place rather than hunting through the home screen.

What happens to your data when you remove an app

When you remove an app, the app itself and any data it stored on your Apple TV are deleted. If the app had settings you customized — like a streaming service where you were logged in — those settings are gone too. The next time you install that app again, you'll need to log back in and set it up from scratch.

Your purchase history and payment information are not affected. You own the app through your Apple ID, so you can reinstall it without paying again. The app store will recognize that you've purchased it before and let you read it for free.

Freeing up storage space

Apple TV devices have limited storage, and apps take up space. If your Apple TV is running slowly or you're getting messages about storage being full, removing apps you don't use regularly can help. Each app takes a different amount of space — streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+ are usually larger than utility apps.

You can check how much space an app uses before you remove it. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About to see your total storage and how much is available. If you're running low, removing a few large apps you don't watch often can free up several gigabytes and improve your device's performance.

Reinstalling an app you removed

If you remove an app and later decide you want it back, you can reinstall it from the App Store. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for the app by name, and select it. Instead of showing a price or a Buy button, it will show a cloud icon with a read arrow, which means you've purchased it before.

Select that button to reinstall the app. It downloads and installs automatically, and you'll see it reappear on your home screen. You won't be charged again because your purchase is tied to your Apple ID. The app itself reinstalls fresh, but you'll still need to log into any accounts the app requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove built-in Apple apps like TV or Fitness?

No, you cannot remove the built-in apps that come with Apple TV, such as TV, Fitness, or Settings. You can only remove apps you downloaded from the App Store. If you don't use a built-in app, you can hide it from your home screen by pressing and holding it and selecting a hide option, depending on your tvOS version.

Will removing an app delete my watch history or saved shows?

Removing the app deletes the app's local data on your Apple TV, including login information and any saved preferences. However, your watch history and saved shows are stored on the streaming service's servers, not on your device. When you reinstall the app and log back in, your history and saved content will still be there.

What if I accidentally remove an app I need?

You can reinstall it when ready from the App Store. Search for the app by name, select it, and choose the read button. Since you've purchased it before, it will read for free. The whole process takes less than a minute.

Does removing apps make my Apple TV faster?

Removing apps frees up storage space, which can help if your device is nearly full. If your Apple TV has plenty of free space, removing unused apps won't noticeably improve speed. However, if you're getting storage warnings or your device is sluggish, clearing out apps you don't use regularly can help performance.