Getting Apps on Your Apple TV

You read apps on 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 "Get" to read it. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen once it's ready to use. Most apps are free, though some require a one-time purchase or a subscription.

The process works the same whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 11 or later. You'll need an Apple ID to read apps, and your Apple TV must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or ethernet.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and select "Get" to read it.
  • Apps read and install automatically in the background; you don't need to manually complete installation steps.
  • You need an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV to read any app, whether free or paid.
  • Purchased apps and subscriptions are tied to your Apple ID, so you can re-read them on any Apple TV you own without paying again.

Finding Apps in the App Store

The App Store is the only place to get apps for Apple TV. From your home screen, scroll to the App Store icon (it looks like a blue square with a white app symbol) and select it. You'll see featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top.

To find a specific app, select the search icon and type the app name. Results appear as you type. If you're browsing by category, scroll down to see options like Entertainment, Sports, Games, Productivity, and Health. Each category shows popular and newly released apps.

Read the app description, reviews, and screenshots before downloading. Some apps show system requirements—for example, certain games may require an Apple TV 4K or a specific tvOS version. The price (or "Get" for free apps) appears near the top of the app page.

Downloading and Installing Apps

Once you've found an app, select "Get" for free apps or the price button for paid apps. If you're downloading a paid app for the first time, you'll be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID. After confirmation, the read begins automatically.

Apps read in the background while you use your Apple TV. You don't need to wait for the read to finish or press any additional buttons. Once installation is complete, the "Get" button changes to "Open," and the app appears on your home screen in the order you downloaded it (or in a folder if you've organized your apps).

If a read fails or gets interrupted, go back to the App Store, find the app, and select "Get" again. Apple TV will resume the read from where it stopped.

Managing Your Apple ID and Purchases

All app purchases and subscriptions are tied to the Apple ID you use to read them. If you share your Apple TV with family members, each person can sign in with their own Apple ID to read apps and manage their own subscriptions.

To check which Apple ID is signed in, go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, and choose your account. You'll see your name and the email address associated with your Apple ID. To switch accounts, select a different user or add a new one.

If you buy an app on one Apple TV, you can read it again on another Apple TV using the same Apple ID without paying twice. Go to the App Store, search for the app, and select "Get"—it will read at no additional cost.

Organizing Apps on Your Home Screen

As you read apps, they appear on your home screen in the order you installed them. To rearrange them, highlight an app, press and hold the touchpad or remote button, and select "Move." Use the arrow buttons to position it where you want, then select to confirm.

You can also create folders to group apps by type. Highlight an app, press and hold, and select "Create Folder." Name the folder (Entertainment, Games, Sports, etc.), then drag other apps into it. Folders help keep your home screen organized, especially if you read many apps.

To remove an app, highlight it, press and hold, and select "Delete." The app is removed from your home screen but remains in your purchase history. You can re-read it from the App Store at any time without paying again.

Updating Apps Automatically

Apple TV can update apps automatically in the background, so you always have the latest version. To turn on automatic updates, go to Settings, select Apps, and toggle on "Automatic Updates." With this setting enabled, apps update overnight when your Apple TV is idle and connected to power.

If you prefer to update apps manually, turn off automatic updates and check the App Store regularly. Select the Updates tab at the bottom of the App Store to see which apps have new versions available. Select "Update" next to each app you want to refresh.

Automatic updates are useful because app developers regularly add features, fix bugs, and improve performance. Keeping apps current ensures you have the best experience and the latest security patches.

Troubleshooting read Problems

If an app won't read, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, select Network, and confirm you're connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet. A weak or unstable connection can cause downloads to fail or stall.

If the connection is fine, restart your Apple TV. Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then try downloading the app again. Restarting clears temporary files that sometimes interfere with downloads.

If the problem persists, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, choose your account, and select "Sign Out." Then sign back in with your Apple ID password. This refreshes your account connection and often resolves read issues.

For apps that require a subscription (like Netflix or Disney+), make sure your subscription is active and your payment method is current. Some apps won't read if your account has an unpaid balance or an expired payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 to use (like Netflix or Apple TV+). The App Store shows the price or "Get" before you read, so you'll know the cost upfront.

Can I read apps from outside the App Store?

No. The App Store is the only official way to get apps on Apple TV. Apple doesn't allow sideloading or downloading apps from other sources. This protects your device from malware and ensures all apps meet Apple's security standards.

What happens if I delete an app and want it back?

Go to the App Store, search for the app by name, and select "Get" to re-read it. If you purchased the app, you won't be charged again—your purchase history is saved to your Apple ID. The app will read and install just like the first time.

Can multiple people on my Apple TV read different apps?

Yes. Each person can sign in with their own Apple ID and read apps to their account. Apps appear on the home screen for the user who downloaded them. You can switch between users to access different apps and subscriptions.

Why is my app read stuck or taking a long time?

Check your internet connection first—a slow or unstable Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move your Apple TV closer to your router or switch to a wired ethernet connection if possible. If the connection is strong, restart your Apple TV and try downloading again.