The quickest way to delete an app from Apple TV
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" or the trash icon. The app disappears when ready. If you want to reinstall it later, you can read it again from the App Store at no cost — deleting an app does not erase your purchase history.
This method works on all current Apple TV models. The app stays in your purchase history even after deletion, so you will not need to pay for it again or re-enter your password when you reinstall it.
Key Takeaways
- Press and hold any app icon on the home screen until a menu appears, then tap "Remove" to delete it.
- Deleting an app does not erase your purchase history or account data — you can reinstall it free at any time.
- If you cannot find an app to delete, it may be a built-in app that Apple TV does not allow you to remove.
- Removing apps frees up storage space on your Apple TV, which can improve performance if the device is running slowly.
Step-by-step removal on the home screen
Start from the Apple TV home screen. Locate the app you want to remove and look at it directly — do not open it yet.
Press and hold the touchpad or remote button on the app icon. After about one second, a menu will pop up with options. You will see "Remove" or a trash can icon as one of the choices. Select it by pressing the center of your remote or touchpad.
A confirmation message may appear asking if you want to remove the app. Select "Remove" again to confirm. The app vanishes from your home screen when ready. No restart is needed.
What happens to your data and purchases when you delete an app
Deleting an app does not cancel your purchase or charge you again. Apple TV remembers that you bought or downloaded the app, so when you reinstall it later, it will not ask you to pay or sign in again.
Some apps store data on your Apple TV — login information, watch history, saved games, or preferences. When you delete the app, that data is usually erased too. If you reinstall the app later, you may need to sign in again or reset your preferences, depending on how the app works.
If an app stores data in iCloud instead of on your device, that information stays in your iCloud account even after you delete the app. You can check your iCloud storage in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your Apple TV.
Built-in apps you cannot remove
Apple TV comes with certain apps that you cannot delete, such as TV, Podcasts, Settings, and Control Center. If you press and hold one of these apps, the menu will not show a "Remove" option — only "Rearrange" or similar choices.
You can rearrange these apps by selecting "Rearrange" and moving them around the home screen, but you cannot remove them entirely. This is a limitation built into Apple TV and cannot be changed.
Freeing up storage space by removing apps
Apple TV has limited storage — typically 32 GB or 64 GB depending on your model. Apps, games, and cached data take up space. If your Apple TV is running slowly or you see a storage warning, deleting unused apps can help.
To see how much space an app uses, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage. This screen shows which apps are taking up the most room. Start by removing the largest apps you no longer use.
After you delete apps, the freed-up space becomes available when ready. You do not need to restart your Apple TV. If performance does not improve after removing apps, the slowness may be caused by something else — try restarting your device by going to Settings > System > Restart.
Reinstalling an app you removed
To get an app back, open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for it by name. When you find it, the button will say "Get" or show a cloud icon with a read arrow — not "Buy" or a price.
Select the button and the app will read and install. You will not be charged because you already own it. Your Apple TV will remember your purchase when ready.
If you do not remember the app's exact name, browse the App Store by category or search for what the app does — for example, search "streaming" or "fitness" to find apps in that category.
Troubleshooting when an app will not delete
If you press and hold an app and nothing happens, make sure you are holding long enough — at least one full second. Some remotes require a firm press. Try again with a slower, deliberate hold.
If the menu appears but "Remove" is grayed out or missing, the app is a built-in app that Apple TV does not allow you to delete. You can only rearrange it or hide it by moving it to the end of your home screen.
If an app is stuck or frozen and you cannot access the menu, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings > System > Restart. After it reboots, try removing the app again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting an app remove my login information?
Usually yes. Most apps store your username, password, and preferences on your Apple TV, not in the cloud. When you delete the app, that data is erased. If you reinstall the app, you will need to sign in again. Some apps may remember you if they use iCloud, but this depends on how the app is built.
Can I hide an app instead of deleting it?
Not officially. Apple TV does not have a "hide" feature like iOS does. Your only options are to delete the app or move it to the far end of your home screen where you do not see it often. If you want to keep it but do not use it, moving it is a good middle ground.
Will removing an app speed up my Apple TV?
It may help if your device is running low on storage. Deleting large apps frees up space, which can improve performance. However, if your Apple TV is slow and you have plenty of storage left, the problem is likely something else — try restarting the device instead.
What if I accidentally delete an app I need?
You can reinstall it free from the App Store. Search for the app by name, select it, and tap "Get." Your purchase history is saved, so you will not be charged. The read usually takes less than a minute depending on app size and your internet speed.
Can I delete multiple apps at once?
No. Apple TV requires you to delete apps one at a time. Press and hold each app individually and select "Remove." There is no bulk delete option or way to select multiple apps together.