The Basic Steps to Add Apps to Your Apple TV

You install 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 it. Then press the select button (the center of the touchpad on your remote) and choose "Get" or the cloud icon if you've installed it before. The app downloads and installs automatically—you don't need to do anything else after that.

The whole process takes a few minutes depending on app size and your internet speed. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open when ready. You can organize your home screen by moving apps around or deleting ones you no longer use.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and press select to read it.
  • Apps install automatically in the background—you don't need to confirm installation or restart your device.
  • Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) for the App Store to work.
  • You can remove apps by pressing and holding on them from the home screen, then selecting "Remove".
  • Apps you've installed on other Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) may already be available in your App Store purchase history.

Finding Apps in the App Store

The App Store on Apple TV works differently than on iPhone or iPad. You can search by typing the app name using your remote, or you can browse categories like Entertainment, Sports, News, or Games. The search function uses predictive text—as you type letters, suggestions appear and you can select one without finishing the full name.

If you've installed an app on your iPhone or iPad with the same Apple ID, it may show a cloud icon instead of "Get". This means you've already purchased it and can reinstall it without paying again. Tap the cloud icon and it downloads to your Apple TV.

What Happens During and After Installation

Once you select "Get" or the cloud icon, the app begins downloading when ready. You'll see a progress indicator on the app icon showing how much has downloaded. You can leave the App Store and use other apps while it installs—the read continues in the background.

When installation finishes, the app icon changes and becomes ready to open. You don't need to restart your Apple TV or do anything else. The app appears on your home screen in the order you installed it, or in the position where you last saw it if you've used it before.

Organizing Your Home Screen

Your Apple TV home screen can hold as many apps as you want, but you may want to arrange them so your most-used apps are straightforward to find. To move an app, press and hold on it with your remote until it starts to jiggle, then use the directional buttons to move it to a new spot. Press select when it's in the right place.

To delete an app you no longer use, press and hold on it and select "Remove". This frees up space on your home screen but doesn't affect any saved data or settings within the app. If you reinstall it later, your data may still be there depending on how the app developer designed it.

Troubleshooting When Apps Won't Install

If an app won't read or gets stuck, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you're using a wired connection) and confirm you have a working connection. If the connection is fine, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart.

If a specific app still won't install after restart, the app may not be available in your region or for your Apple TV model. Some apps require tvOS 16 or later, for example, so an older Apple TV may not support them. Check the App Store listing for the app to see what version of tvOS it needs. If you're still stuck, you can also try signing out of your Apple ID in Settings > Users and Accounts, then signing back in.

Managing Storage and Updates

Apple TV automatically updates apps in the background when new versions are released, usually overnight when your device is plugged in. You don't need to do anything—the updates happen without your input. If you want to check for updates manually, go to Settings > Apps > App Updates and select "Update All".

Most Apple TV models have enough storage for dozens of apps, but if you install many large apps (like games), you may run out of space. If that happens, delete apps you don't use regularly. You can see how much storage each app uses by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage, which shows a breakdown of what's taking up space.

Using Apps You've Installed on Other Devices

If you use the same Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, apps you've bought on those other devices may already be in your App Store purchase history. When you search for an app on Apple TV, look for a cloud icon next to the name—that means you own it and can reinstall it without paying again.

Not every app available on iPhone works on Apple TV. Some developers only make iOS versions, so you won't find those apps in the Apple TV App Store. The app listing will tell you if it's available for Apple TV before you try to install it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to install apps?

Yes. You must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV to access the App Store and read apps. You can set this up during initial Apple TV setup or later in Settings > Users and Accounts. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com.

Can I install apps from outside the App Store?

No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources. This is a security feature built into tvOS.

What if an app costs money?

Paid apps show a price instead of "Get". When you select the price, you're prompted to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID. The charge goes to the payment method on file for that Apple ID. Free apps show "Get" and have no charge.

Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. If you own multiple Apple TVs and use the same Apple ID on each one, you can install the same app on all of them. Apps you've purchased are tied to your Apple ID, not to a specific device.

Why does an app say it's not available in my country?

App availability varies by region due to licensing agreements and local laws. If an app isn't available where you are, you won't see it in search results or be able to install it. This is set by the app developer and Apple, not something you can change on your device.