How to Add and Install Apps on Your Apple TV

The Basic Steps to read Apps on Apple TV

You add apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into every Apple TV 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 automatically and appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.

The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the App Store has been the standard way to get apps since tvOS 9. You do not need a computer or any special setup beyond an active internet connection and an Apple ID signed into your device.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and press select to install it when ready.
Apps install directly to your Apple TV and appear on the home screen within minutes; you do not need to transfer them from another device.
Your Apple ID must be signed into your Apple TV for the App Store to work, and the same ID lets you re-read apps you have purchased before.
Deleting an app from your home screen does not erase your purchase history, so you can reinstall it later without paying again.
If an app fails to install, restart your Apple TV and check that your internet connection is stable before trying again.

Finding and Installing Apps Through the App Store

Start by pressing the home button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. Scroll to the top of the screen and look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white play button. Select it and wait for the App Store to load.

Once inside, you will see featured apps at the top and a search option. Use the search function to find the app you want by typing its name with the remote. When you see the app in the results, select it to open its detail page. Press the cloud icon with a read arrow (or the price button if it costs money) to start the installation. The app will begin downloading when ready.

Most apps finish installing within one to three minutes. Larger apps like streaming services or games may take longer. Once the installation is complete, the button changes to "Open" — you can select it to launch the app right away, or go back to your home screen and find the app there.

Setting Up Your Apple ID Before You read

You need an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV before you can read anything from the App Store. If you have never set one up, go to Settings on your home screen, select Accounts, then select iCloud. Choose "Sign In" and enter your Apple ID email and password.

If you do not have an Apple ID yet, you can create one on Apple's website before you start, or create one directly on your Apple TV by selecting "Create New Apple ID" during the sign-in process. Either way takes just a few minutes. Once your Apple ID is active on your device, you can read free apps and any paid apps you have purchased before on any other Apple device.

Organizing Apps on Your Home Screen

After you install an app, it appears on your Apple TV home screen. You can move apps around to organize them the way you want. Press and 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. While an app is in jiggle mode, press and hold the menu button to see the option to create a folder. Move apps into the folder the same way you move them around the screen. This keeps your home screen clean if you have installed many apps.

Removing Apps You No Longer Want

To delete an app from your Apple TV, press and hold the select button on it until the menu appears. Choose "Remove from Home Screen" or "Delete" depending on your tvOS version. The app disappears from your home screen when ready.

Deleting an app does not erase your purchase history or account information. If you ever want to reinstall it, go back to the App Store, search for the app, and you will see an option to read it again at no cost. Your saved data within the app may or may not be preserved depending on whether the app stores information in iCloud — check the app's settings if you are unsure.

Troubleshooting When Apps Fail to Install

If an app stops downloading or gets stuck, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings, select System, then select Restart. Wait for the device to power back on, then try installing the app again.

Check your internet connection next. Go to Settings, select Network, and make sure your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi with a strong signal. If your connection is weak or dropping, move your router closer to your Apple TV or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If the app still will not install after a restart and a stable connection, try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. Go to Settings, select Accounts, select iCloud, and select Sign Out. Wait a minute, then sign back in with your Apple ID. This refreshes your account connection and often fixes read problems.

Understanding App Updates and Storage

Apps on Apple TV update automatically by default. Your device checks for updates overnight when it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. You can also check for updates manually by going to Settings, selecting Apps, then selecting "App Updates." If updates are available, select "Update All" to install them right away.

Apple TV devices have limited storage space — typically 32 GB or 64 GB depending on your model. If you install many large apps or games, you may eventually run out of space. If an app fails to install because of storage, delete apps you no longer use to free up room. You can always reinstall them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, find the app you want, and look for the Apple TV icon next to the read button. Select it and choose your Apple TV from the list of devices. The app will install on your Apple TV remotely without you having to use the remote.

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

App availability varies by region and is set by the app developer. If an app does not appear in your App Store, it may not be released in your country yet or may have been removed. You cannot change your region on Apple TV without erasing the device and setting it up again with a different Apple ID from that region.

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most apps are free to read. Some apps charge a one-time purchase price, and others are free to read but require a paid subscription inside the app (like streaming services). The App Store shows the price before you read, so you always know what you are getting.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TV devices?

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on each Apple TV, and you can read any paid apps you have purchased before on all of them. You can also use Family Sharing to let other people in your household read apps without sharing your Apple ID password.

What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?

Resetting your Apple TV erases all apps and data from the device. When you set it up again and sign in with your Apple ID, you can reinstall any apps you purchased before. Apps you downloaded for free can also be reinstalled at no cost.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.