The basic way to add an app on Apple TV

You add apps to 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 do not need to do anything else. Once it finishes, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open.

The process is the same whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model. The only difference is how fast the read happens, which depends on your internet connection speed and the app's file size.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and select it to install automatically.
  • Apps you install appear on your home screen in the order you add them, and you can rearrange them by holding the select button.
  • You need an active internet connection for the read, but the app works offline once installed (unless it requires streaming).
  • If an app fails to install, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart, then try again.

Finding apps in the App Store

The App Store organizes apps by category: Entertainment, Sports, Kids, Productivity, and others. You can browse by category or use the search function at the top of the App Store. Type the app name using your remote — the on-screen keyboard appears automatically.

If you are not sure of the exact name, type the first few letters and a list of matching apps appears. Select the one you want and read the description, rating, and reviews before installing. This helps you confirm it is the right app and see what other users think of it.

What happens after you install an app

Once the app finishes downloading, it appears on your home screen. You can open it when ready by selecting it and pressing the play button on your remote. Some apps ask you to sign in with a username and password the first time you open them — this is normal and expected.

Apps stay on your home screen until you remove them. To delete an app, hold down the select button on it until a menu appears, then choose "Remove" or "Delete". The app uninstalls when ready, though you can reinstall it anytime from the App Store without paying again (for free apps) or without repurchasing (for paid apps).

Organizing apps on your home screen

Your Apple TV home screen shows apps in the order you installed them, but you can rearrange them. Hold the select button on any app until it starts to jiggle, then use the arrow buttons on your remote to move it to a new position. Press select again to lock it in place.

You can also create folders to group related apps together. Hold select on an app, choose "Create Folder", and drag other apps into it. This keeps your home screen organized if you have many apps installed.

Troubleshooting when an app will not install

If an app fails to read or gets stuck partway through, the first step is to check your internet connection. Open Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay Receiver (or a similar network option depending on your model) to confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart the router.

If your connection is strong but the app still will not install, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings > System > Restart and wait for it to power back on. Then return to the App Store and try installing the app again. If it still fails, the app may be temporarily unavailable or incompatible with your Apple TV model — check the App Store listing to see if it lists your device as supported.

Storage and app limits

Apple TV has limited storage space, and older models have less than newer ones. If you install many large apps, you may run out of space. When this happens, the App Store tells you there is not enough storage and stops new installations.

To free up space, delete apps you no longer use. You can see how much storage each app takes by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage (or a similar option in your model). Remove the largest apps first if you need to make room quickly. Downloaded movies and TV shows also take up storage, so deleting those can help if you are running low.

Updating apps

Apps update automatically on Apple TV if you have automatic updates turned on. Go to Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates and make sure it is set to "On". With this setting enabled, apps read and install new versions in the background without interrupting what you are watching.

If you prefer to update manually, turn off automatic updates and check the App Store periodically. A notification badge appears on the App Store icon when updates are available. Open the App Store, go to the Updates section, and select "Update All" to install all pending updates at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from my iPhone or iPad onto my Apple TV?

Yes, if you use the same Apple ID on both devices. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, find the app, and look for a cloud icon with a read arrow. Tap it, select your Apple TV from the list of devices, and the app installs remotely. This is faster than searching on the Apple TV itself if you already know which app you want.

What if an app is not available in my country's App Store?

App availability varies by region. Some apps are only sold in certain countries due to licensing or legal restrictions. If an app does not appear in your App Store, it is not available in your region. You cannot change your region on Apple TV without changing your Apple ID's country setting, which affects billing and other services.

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most apps are free, but some charge a one-time purchase fee or a subscription. The App Store listing shows the price before you install. If an app costs money, you are charged to the payment method linked to your Apple ID. Free apps never charge you to install or use them.

Can I use the same app on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes, if they are all linked to the same Apple ID. Install the app on one device, and you can install it on the others from the App Store without paying again. Each Apple TV stores its own copy of the app, and they do not share data unless the app itself syncs across devices (like streaming apps do).

What should I do if an app keeps crashing?

First, force-close the app by holding the play button on your remote for a few seconds until it quits. Then restart the Apple TV completely by going to Settings > System > Restart. Once it powers back on, open the app again. If it still crashes, delete the app and reinstall it fresh from the App Store.