The fastest way to search on Apple TV

Open the Apple TV app and tap the Search icon at the bottom of the screen — it looks like a magnifying glass. Type the name of a show, movie, actor, or director using the on-screen keyboard. Results appear as you type, organized by category: shows, movies, people, and channels. Tap any result to open it.

On a Mac or PC web browser, go to tv.apple.com, click the search icon in the top right corner, and type the same way. The search works identically across all devices — iPhone, iPad, Apple TV box, Mac, and Windows.

Search is the quickest route when you know what you want. If you are browsing without a specific title in mind, use the categories at the bottom of the app instead: TV, Movies, Sports, Kids, and Library.

Key Takeaways

  • The Search icon is at the bottom of the Apple TV app on phones and tablets, and in the top right on web browsers.
  • You can search by title, actor name, director name, or genre, and results show up while you type.
  • Search results are sorted into shows, movies, people, and channels so you can narrow down what you are looking for.
  • If a show or movie is available through a channel you subscribe to, the search result will tell you which one.

Searching by actor or director name

Type an actor's or director's full name into the search box the same way you would type a show title. Apple TV returns all shows and movies featuring that person, sorted by category. You can then filter by what you want to watch — shows only, movies only, or both.

This is useful when you remember an actor but not the title, or when you want to see everything a particular director has made. The search includes cast members and directors, so searching for a supporting actor will still return results.

Understanding search results and where to watch

Each search result shows the title, a thumbnail image, and where you can watch it. If the show or movie is included with your Apple TV+ subscription, it will say "Included with Apple TV+." If it is available through a channel you already subscribe to — like HBO Max or Paramount+ — that channel name appears on the result.

If the title is not included with any subscription you have, the result will show a price to rent or buy. You can rent most movies for a set period (usually 48 hours) or buy them permanently. The price varies by title and sometimes by how new the release is.

Some results show "Watch Now" or "Get" buttons. "Watch Now" means you can start watching when ready with a subscription or purchase you already have. "Get" means you need to rent or buy it first.

Refining your search when results are too broad

If you search for a common word and get hundreds of results, narrow them down by typing more specific information. Instead of searching "love," search "love story" or the actor's name. Instead of "crime," try "crime drama" or the specific show title you half-remember.

You can also use the category filters that appear below the search box. Tap "Shows" to see only TV series, "Movies" to see only films, or "People" to see only actors and directors. This cuts down the noise when you are not sure what format you want.

Searching on an Apple TV box or smart TV

If you use an Apple TV box connected to your television, press the search icon on the remote or say "Search" into the Siri Remote. The on-screen keyboard appears, and you can type using the remote's trackpad or by speaking. Siri voice search works on most Apple TV models — just hold down the microphone button and say the title or actor name aloud.

Voice search is often faster than typing on a remote. You can say "Show me movies with Tom Hanks" or "Search for The Morning Show" and results appear within seconds. If the voice recognition misunderstands, you can always switch to typing.

What to do if a search returns no results

If you search for a title and see no results, the show or movie may not be available on Apple TV at all, or it may be available only in certain countries. Apple TV's catalog varies by region, so a title available in the United States might not appear in Canada or the United Kingdom.

Check the spelling of the title — common misspellings will return nothing. Try searching for the actor or director instead to see if their other work appears. If you know the show exists but cannot find it, it may have been removed from Apple TV's catalog or may be exclusive to another streaming service.

Saving shows and movies you find in search

When you find something in search results, tap it to open the detail page. Tap the "+" icon or "Add to Up Next" button to save it to your library. This adds it to your personal list so you can find it again without searching. You can also tap the heart icon to mark it as a favorite, which helps Apple TV recommend similar content.

Saved shows and movies appear in your Library tab, organized by what you are watching now and what you have saved for later. This is useful when you find something interesting but do not have time to watch it right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search across multiple streaming services at once?

Apple TV search shows results from Apple TV+, channels you subscribe to, and content available to rent or buy. It does not search Netflix, Disney+, or other apps you have installed separately. You need to open those apps individually to search within them.

Does voice search work on all Apple TV devices?

Voice search works on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and newer) and Apple TV HD (2nd generation and newer) with a Siri Remote. Older Apple TV models do not support voice search, but you can still type using the remote's trackpad or keyboard.

Why does the same show cost different prices to rent or buy?

Rental and purchase prices vary based on the studio, release date, and video quality (standard definition versus 4K). Newer releases typically cost more. Some studios offer discounts on older titles or bundle deals. Prices can also differ between renting and buying the same title.

Can I search for a show if I do not remember the exact title?

Yes. Search for partial titles, actor names, or plot details you remember. If you remember only one word from the title, search that word — results will include anything with that word in the title. Searching by actor or director often works better than guessing at a partial title.

What does "Included with Apple TV+" mean in search results?

It means the show or movie is part of your Apple TV+ subscription at no extra cost. You can watch it when ready if you have an active subscription. If you do not subscribe to Apple TV+, you will see a price to rent or buy instead.