Where to find apps for your Apple TV
Apps on Apple TV come from the App Store, which is built into every Apple TV device. You access it directly from your home screen — it looks like a grid of colorful squares. The App Store shows featured apps, categories like Games and Entertainment, and a search function so you can find specific apps by name.
Not every app available on iPhone or iPad works on Apple TV. Developers have to build a separate version for the larger screen and remote control. This means some apps you use daily on your phone may not exist for Apple TV, while others are exclusive to the TV version.
The App Store on Apple TV works the same way as the one on iPhone: you browse, read descriptions and reviews, and install what you want. Everything is free to read, though some apps charge a subscription or one-time purchase after you install them.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store on your Apple TV home screen is where you find and install all apps — no separate account or website needed.
- You navigate using your Apple TV remote, selecting apps and pressing the center button to install them.
- Apps read and install automatically once you start the process; you do not have to do anything else.
- Your Apple ID is required to read apps, and it must be the same one you use to sign in to your Apple TV device.
- Removing an app is as straightforward as holding down the remote button on the app icon and selecting delete.
How to install an app step by step
Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen. Use your remote to navigate to the App Store icon and press the center button to open it.
Search for the app you want or browse by category. If you know the name, use the search function — press the remote's search button or navigate to the search icon at the top. Type the app name using the on-screen keyboard. If you are browsing, move through categories like Games, Entertainment, or Productivity.
Select the app from the results. Read the description, see what it costs (if anything), and check the reviews if you want more information about how it works.
Press the cloud icon or the "Get" button to start the read. Your Apple TV will ask you to confirm with your Apple ID password. Enter it, and the app begins downloading. You will see a progress indicator on the app icon. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open" — you can start using the app right away, or come back to it later from your home screen.
What happens after you install an app
Newly installed apps appear on your Apple TV home screen, usually at the end of your existing apps. You can rearrange them by holding the center button on any app icon and dragging it to a new position. This is useful if you want your most-used apps at the front.
Apps update automatically if you have automatic updates turned on in Settings. You can also check for updates manually by going to the App Store, pressing the menu button, and selecting "Updates." This ensures you always have the latest version with bug fixes and new features.
If an app stops working or you no longer want it, hold the center button on the app icon from your home screen and select "Delete." The app is removed when ready, though you can reinstall it anytime without paying again.
Apps that require a subscription or account
Many apps are free to read but require a subscription to use — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ all work this way. You read the app for free, then sign in with your account credentials or create a new account inside the app.
Some apps let you sign in with your Apple ID or use single sign-on through your cable provider. If your cable company is supported, you can authenticate once and the app remembers you across multiple apps — this saves you from entering your password repeatedly.
Subscription charges appear on your Apple ID billing statement, not as a separate bill from the app developer. If you cancel a subscription, you lose access to that app's content, but the app itself stays on your device.
Troubleshooting apps that won't install
If an app fails to read, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that you have enough storage space. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About to see how much space is available. If storage is full, delete apps you no longer use.
Make sure you are signed in with the correct Apple ID. Apps are tied to the account that downloaded them. If you share your Apple TV with family members, each person should have their own Apple ID set up on the device so they can read and manage their own apps.
If the app still will not install, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for it to boot back up, then try downloading the app again. If the problem continues, the app may not be compatible with your Apple TV model or tvOS version.
Finding apps that work on your specific Apple TV
Apple TV devices come in different generations, and older models may not support every app. The App Store on your device automatically shows only apps compatible with your hardware, so you will not see an app you cannot use.
If you want to check your Apple TV model and software version before shopping, go to Settings > About. This shows your tvOS version and device name. Newer apps often require the latest tvOS, so if an app you want is not showing up in the App Store, updating your software may help.
You can update tvOS manually by going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. Most Apple TV devices update automatically overnight if you leave them plugged in, so you may not need to do this manually.
Managing storage and app organization
Apple TV storage varies by model — some have 32 GB and others have 64 GB. Apps, games, and cached data take up space. If you run low on storage, the App Store will warn you before you read something new.
Delete apps you no longer use to free up space. Hold the center button on any app icon and select "Delete." The app is removed, but you can reinstall it later without losing any purchased content or subscriptions tied to it.
Organize your home screen by moving frequently used apps to the front. This makes them easier to find when you pick up your remote. You can also create folders by holding the center button on an app and selecting "Create Folder," then dragging related apps into it — though this feature is only available on newer tvOS versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a different Apple ID to read apps on Apple TV?
No. Use the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone or Mac. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one on your Apple TV during setup. One Apple ID per person is all you need.
Can I read apps on my iPhone and have them appear on my Apple TV?
No. Apps must be downloaded directly on the Apple TV using the App Store there. However, if you own an app on iPhone, you do not have to pay for it again on Apple TV — you can read the Apple TV version for free using the same Apple ID.
What if an app I want is not showing up in the App Store?
The app may not be compatible with your Apple TV model or tvOS version. Check Settings > About to see your software version, then look up the app's requirements on the developer's website. Updating to the latest tvOS may make the app available.
Can I share apps with family members on the same Apple TV?
Yes. If family members have their own Apple IDs set up on the Apple TV, they can read and use apps independently. Subscriptions are tied to the Apple ID that purchased them, so each person may need their own subscription to services like Netflix or Disney+.
Will I lose my apps if I reset my Apple TV?
Yes. A factory reset removes all apps and settings. If you reset your Apple TV, you will need to sign back in with your Apple ID and read your apps again. Your subscriptions and purchases remain tied to your account, so you will not have to pay twice.