The Basic Steps to Add Apps to Your Apple TV
You read apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen once it finishes. Most apps are free, though some require payment or a subscription to the service itself (like Netflix or Disney+).
The process takes the same steps whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the App Store works the same way on all of them. You control everything from your Apple TV remote, so you do not need a computer or iPhone to read apps, though you can also use those devices to install apps remotely if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and select it to read in one step.
- Apps read and install automatically; you do not need to confirm installation or restart your device.
- You can also read apps from an iPhone or iPad using the Apple TV app, and they will appear on your Apple TV within seconds.
- Some apps require you to sign in with an account (like your Netflix login) before you can watch, but signing in happens on the Apple TV itself.
- Deleting an app from Apple TV does not affect the app on your iPhone or other devices, and you can read it again anytime.
Downloading Apps Using Your Apple TV Remote
Start at your Apple TV home screen. Press the Menu button on your remote to see the full menu, or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if you are already watching something. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white circle inside — and select it.
Once you are in the App Store, you can search by name or browse by category. To search, select the search icon at the top, type the app name using the on-screen keyboard, and press Select when you see the app you want. If you are browsing, scroll through categories like Entertainment, Sports, or Games to find what interests you.
When you find an app, select it to open the app page. You will see a description, screenshots, and a button that says "Get" (for free apps) or shows a price (for paid apps). Select that button once, and the read starts when ready. You do not need to confirm anything else — the app downloads in the background and appears on your home screen when it finishes, usually within seconds for small apps and a minute or two for larger ones.
Downloading Apps from Your iPhone or iPad
You can also read apps to your Apple TV using an iPhone or iPad without touching the Apple TV remote. Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad, go to the Accounts tab at the bottom, and select your name. Choose "Manage Family Sharing" and make sure your Apple TV is listed under your devices.
Now open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad as you normally would. Find an app you want, and look for the cloud icon with a down arrow next to the price or "Get" button. Tap that icon, and a menu appears asking which device you want to read it to. Select your Apple TV, and the app downloads to your TV within seconds. You do not need to be home or have your Apple TV on — the app will be ready when you turn it on next.
This method is useful if you are sitting on the couch with your phone and do not want to use the remote, or if you want to read an app while you are away from home. The app appears on your Apple TV home screen just as if you had downloaded it directly from the remote.
What Happens After You read an App
Once an app finishes downloading, it appears as a new icon on your Apple TV home screen. You can open it when ready by selecting it. Some apps, like Netflix or Hulu, will ask you to sign in with your account the first time you open them. You enter your username and password using the on-screen keyboard on your Apple TV — the same way you searched for the app in the App Store.
If an app requires a subscription (like Apple TV+, Disney+, or HBO Max), you can sign in with an existing account or create a new one during setup. You are not charged through Apple TV itself — you pay the service directly, either through their website or through the app on another device. Once you are signed in on Apple TV, you stay signed in until you manually sign out.
Apps update automatically by default. Your Apple TV checks for updates overnight and installs them without interrupting what you are watching. If you want to turn off automatic updates, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Apps, and toggle off "Automatic Updates."
Removing Apps You No Longer Want
To delete an app from your Apple TV, highlight it on the home screen and press and hold the Select button on your remote until a menu appears. Choose "Remove" or "Delete," and the app disappears from your home screen. The app is no longer on your Apple TV, but you can read it again anytime by going back to the App Store.
Deleting an app from Apple TV does not affect the same app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — each device has its own separate copy. If you delete Netflix from your Apple TV, Netflix still works on your phone. You can also delete apps from your iPhone or iPad and they stay on your Apple TV.
Troubleshooting Apps That Will Not read
If an app will not read, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, select Network, and make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to your Apple TV or restart both devices.
If the internet is working but the app still will not read, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold down the Menu and Home buttons on your remote for about six seconds until the light on your Apple TV blinks. Wait a few seconds for it to restart, then try downloading the app again.
Some apps may not be available in your country or region — Apple TV shows only apps that work where you are. If you cannot find an app you know exists, check the App Store on your iPhone to confirm it is available in your region. If it is not available on Apple TV but is available on your phone, the app developer has not made an Apple TV version yet.
Storage and App Limits on Apple TV
Apple TV has limited storage space — a 32 GB model holds fewer apps than a 64 GB model. If you read many large apps (like games), you may eventually run out of space. When storage is full, you will see a message asking you to delete apps before downloading new ones.
You do not lose your sign-in information when you delete an app. If you delete Netflix and read it again later, you stay signed in to your account — you do not have to enter your password again. Apple TV remembers your login for most apps even after you remove them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read apps to Apple TV if I do not have an Apple ID?
No, you need an Apple ID to read apps from the App Store. If you do not have one, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during the initial setup of your Apple TV. You use the same Apple ID on all your Apple devices.
Do I have to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Most apps are free to read. Some apps cost money upfront, and others are free to read but require a paid subscription to use (like Netflix or Disney+). The App Store shows the price before you read, so you always know what you are getting.
Why does an app say it is not available on Apple TV?
Not all apps have Apple TV versions. Some developers only make apps for iPhone and iPad, or for Android phones. If an app is not in the Apple TV App Store, the developer has not created a version for Apple TV yet. You can check the app's website to see if they plan to release an Apple TV version in the future.
Can I read apps to Apple TV without Wi-Fi?
No, your Apple TV must be connected to the internet to read apps. You can use either Wi-Fi or Ethernet (if your Apple TV has an Ethernet port). Apps cannot read over Bluetooth or cellular connections.
What if I forget my password for an app?
You reset your password on the app's website or through the app on another device, not on Apple TV. Once you reset it, use your new password the next time you sign in on your Apple TV. Most apps also have a "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in screen.