The fastest way to add apps to 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 select it. Then press the select button on your remote to install it. The app downloads and appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.

You do not need a computer or iTunes. Everything happens directly on the TV. Your Apple ID is already linked to your device from setup, so purchases and free downloads happen automatically once you confirm them on your remote.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and press select to install it.
  • Apps appear on your home screen after they finish downloading, usually within a few minutes.
  • You can rearrange apps by holding select on any app icon, then moving it with your remote's directional buttons.
  • If an app does not appear after installation, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart.
  • Apps update automatically by default, but you can turn off automatic updates in Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates.

Finding and installing apps step by step

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with white dots arranged in a grid. Press the select button on your remote to open it.

Once inside the App Store, you will see featured apps at the top and categories below. To find a specific app, press the menu button on your remote to bring up the search box at the top of the screen. Use your remote to type the app name. As you type, matching results appear below. Highlight the app you want and press select.

The app's detail page opens. You will see a description, screenshots, and a button that says either "Get" (for free apps) or the price (for paid apps). Press select on that button. If it is a paid app, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID. For free apps, the read starts when ready. The button then changes to "Open" once the app is installed.

Where your new apps appear

After installation finishes, the app automatically appears on your home screen, usually at the end of your existing apps. You do not have to do anything else — it is ready to use right away.

If you want the app in a different spot, hold down the select button on the app icon until a menu appears. You will see options to move it. Use the directional buttons on your remote to slide the app left or right, then press select to place it. You can organize your apps however you want — there is no limit to how many you can install.

Removing apps you no longer use

To delete an app, hold select on its icon until the menu appears. Choose "Remove" or "Delete" (the wording depends on your tvOS version). The app is removed from your home screen when ready. Your purchase history is saved, so you can reinstall it from the App Store at any time without paying again.

Removing an app does not affect your account or other devices. If you use the same Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad, those devices keep their own copies of the app unless you remove them separately.

Updating apps automatically or manually

By default, apps update themselves overnight when your Apple TV is idle and connected to power. You do not have to do anything. If you want to turn off automatic updates, go to Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates and toggle it off.

To update apps manually, open the App Store, press the menu button, and look for "Updates" at the bottom of the screen. You will see a list of apps with available updates. Select each one and press the update button, or choose "Update All" to update everything at once.

What to do if an app will not install or appears to be stuck

If an app fails to read or gets stuck partway through, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for the device to power back on, then try installing the app again.

If the problem continues, check your internet connection. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi to see your current network and signal strength. If the signal is weak, move your router closer or restart it. Some apps are also region-locked or not available in your country — if the App Store shows "Not Available" instead of a price or "Get" button, the app cannot be installed in your location.

Installing apps from your iPhone or iPad instead

You can also add apps to your Apple TV using an iPhone or iPad. Open the App Store on your phone, find the app you want, and look for the cloud icon with a read arrow. Tap it, then select your Apple TV from the list of devices. The app installs on your TV in the background. This method is useful if you are away from home or prefer browsing on a smaller screen.

The app must be compatible with tvOS to install this way. Not every app available on iPhone works on Apple TV — the App Store on your phone will only show the cloud icon for apps that are available for your TV model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps on Apple TV without an Apple ID?

No. You need an Apple ID linked to your Apple TV to read anything from the App Store, even free apps. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com before setting up your TV, or during the initial setup process.

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

No. Many popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Hulu are free to read. You pay for the streaming service itself, not for the app. Paid apps exist but are less common on Apple TV than on iPhone.

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

Before you sell or give away your Apple TV, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > Sign Out, then go to Settings > System > Reset and choose "Reset All Settings". This removes your Apple ID and all your apps from the device. The new owner can then set up their own account.

Can I use the same apps on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. If you use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs, you can install the same apps on each one. Paid apps you have purchased will show as already owned in the App Store on your other devices, so you do not pay again.

Why does an app say "Waiting" instead of downloading?

This usually means your Apple TV is busy with another task or your internet connection is slow. Wait a few minutes. If it stays stuck, restart your Apple TV and try again. You can also check Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi to make sure you are still connected to your network.