The fastest way to add channels to Apple TV

You add channels to Apple TV through the App Store on your device. Open the Apple TV app, go to the App Store tab at the bottom of the screen, search for the channel you want, and tap "Get" to install it. Once installed, the channel appears on your Apple TV home screen and in your Apps folder.

The process is the same whether you use an Apple TV box, an iPhone, or an iPad to manage your subscriptions. You can also add channels directly from your iPhone or iPad using the Apple TV app, and they will sync to your Apple TV box automatically within a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store within the Apple TV app, search for the channel by name, and tap "Get" to install it on your device.
  • Channels you install appear when ready on your home screen and stay there until you remove them.
  • You can manage channels from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV box — changes sync across all your devices.
  • Some channels are free to install but require a separate subscription or login to watch content.
  • Removing a channel from your home screen does not delete your account or subscription with that service.

Adding channels directly on your Apple TV box

On your Apple TV device itself, press the Menu button on your remote to go to the home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon at the bottom and select it. Use the search function to find the channel you want — type the name using the on-screen keyboard or voice search if your remote supports it.

When you find the channel, select it and tap "Get". The app will install within seconds. Once installed, it moves to your Apps folder and also appears on your home screen if you have space. You can rearrange apps by holding down the select button on your remote and dragging them to a new position.

Adding channels from your iPhone or iPad

Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the Search tab at the bottom. Type the name of the channel you want to add. When the app appears in the results, tap "Get" next to it. The channel installs to your Apple TV box automatically — you do not need to be sitting in front of the TV.

This method is useful if you are away from home or if you want to browse and install multiple channels at once. The changes appear on your Apple TV within a few minutes. You can also manage your installed channels from the Apple TV app on your phone by going to the Account tab, selecting "Manage Subscriptions", and viewing what is already installed.

Channels that require a separate subscription

Many channels in the App Store are free to install but require you to pay for a subscription or sign in with an existing account. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max are examples — you can install them for free, but you cannot watch anything until you subscribe or log in with your credentials.

When you open a channel for the first time, it will prompt you to create an account or sign in. Some channels let you subscribe directly through Apple TV using your Apple ID and payment method. Others require you to visit their website or use their app on another device to set up a subscription first, then sign in on Apple TV.

Organizing and removing channels

Channels stay on your home screen in the order you installed them until you move or remove them. To rearrange, hold down the select button on your remote (or long-press if using a touchpad remote) and drag the channel to a new spot. To remove a channel from your home screen, select it, press and hold, and choose "Remove from Home Screen".

Removing a channel from your home screen does not delete your account with that service or cancel any subscription. The app remains installed on your device and appears in your Apps folder. If you want to completely remove the app, select it, press and hold, and choose "Delete App". You can always reinstall it later from the App Store.

Troubleshooting channels that won't install

If a channel fails to install, check that your Apple TV has an internet connection and enough storage space. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi to confirm you are connected. If you are running low on storage, delete apps you no longer use to free up space.

If the channel still will not install, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold down the Menu and Home buttons on your remote for about six seconds until the light on the device flashes. Wait for it to restart, then try installing the channel again. If the problem persists, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings > Users and Accounts, sign back in, and try once more.

Using Family Sharing to manage channels across devices

If you set up Family Sharing on your Apple ID, other family members can see and use channels you install on your Apple TV. Each person has their own account and can sign into apps with their own credentials. Channels installed by one family member appear on the shared home screen for everyone to access.

To set up Family Sharing, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > iCloud on your Apple TV and follow the prompts. Family members can then add their own accounts to the device. Each person can install their own channels, and they will all appear on the home screen unless you organize them into folders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to install a channel?

No. Installing an app from the App Store is always free. Some channels are free to use once installed, while others require a subscription or login. You decide whether to pay for a subscription after you install the app.

Can I install channels on my Apple TV from my phone?

Yes. Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad, search for the channel, and tap "Get". It installs to your Apple TV automatically. You do not need to be at home or near the device.

What happens if I remove a channel from my home screen?

The app stays on your device in the Apps folder and your subscription does not cancel. You can put it back on your home screen anytime by going to Apps, finding the channel, and selecting "Add to Home Screen".

Why is a channel not showing up in the App Store?

The channel may not be available in your region, or it may have been removed from the App Store. Check your internet connection and restart your Apple TV. If the channel still does not appear, search for it on the Apple TV app on your phone to confirm it exists.

Can multiple people use the same channel on one Apple TV?

Yes. Each person can sign into the channel with their own account. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts to add family members to your Apple TV, and each person can install and sign into apps separately.