What the Apple TV app does and how to open it

The Apple TV app is a single place to watch TV shows and movies across your devices—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, and some smart TVs. It pulls together content from multiple sources: shows and movies you own or rent through the iTunes Store, channels you subscribe to (like HBO or Paramount+), and content from Apple TV+, which is Apple's own subscription service. You don't need an Apple TV box to use the app; it works on most devices made in the last several years.

To open the app, look for the black icon with a white TV symbol on your home screen. On an Apple TV box, it's in the main menu. On iPhone or iPad, swipe to your app library or search for "Apple TV" if you don't see it on your home screen. On a Mac, open the Apple TV app from your Applications folder or Launchpad. On compatible Samsung, LG, or other smart TVs, look for the Apple TV app in your TV's app store.

The first time you open it, you'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID—the same account you use for iCloud, the App Store, or iMessage. This sign-in links all your purchases and subscriptions across devices, so a show you start watching on your phone can pick up where you left off on your TV.

Key Takeaways

  • The Apple TV app combines movies and shows you own, channels you subscribe to, and Apple TV+ content in one place across all your devices.
  • You sign in once with your Apple ID, and your library and watch history sync automatically to every device.
  • You can rent or buy individual movies and shows through the iTunes Store, or subscribe to channels like HBO, Paramount+, or Apple TV+ directly in the app.
  • The app remembers where you stopped watching and lets you resume on any device.
  • Parental controls let you restrict content by rating and set spending limits on purchases.

Finding and playing content in the app

When you open the Apple TV app, the home screen shows recommendations based on what you've watched before, trending shows, and featured content. At the bottom of the screen (or in the sidebar on Mac), you'll see tabs: Watch Now, Originals, Movies, TV Shows, and Library. Tap or click any tab to narrow your search.

Use the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) to find a specific title. Type the name of a show or movie, and the app will show you where you can watch it—whether you own it, whether it's on a channel you subscribe to, or what it costs to rent or buy. If a show is on multiple platforms, the app lists all the options so you can choose which one to use.

Once you find something, tap the title to open its details page. You'll see a description, runtime, rating, cast, and a "Watch Now" or "Rent/Buy" button. Tap the button to start playing. The app remembers where you stopped and will ask if you want to resume the next time you open that show on any device.

Buying and renting movies and shows

To buy or rent a movie or show, find it in the app and tap the price button. On iPhone or iPad, you'll be asked to confirm the purchase using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. On a Mac or Apple TV, follow the on-screen prompts. The charge goes to the payment method linked to your Apple ID—usually a credit card or Apple account balance.

Rentals expire after a set time: usually 48 hours from when you first start watching a movie, though some titles have different windows. Once the rental period ends, you can't watch it unless you rent it again. Purchases stay in your library forever and sync across all your devices.

You can see your purchase history and manage your account by opening Settings in the Apple TV app, then tapping your Apple ID. From there, you can view past purchases, change your payment method, or turn off the ability to buy content without a password.

Subscribing to channels and Apple TV+

The Apple TV app lets you subscribe to premium channels like HBO, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, and others without leaving the app. Find the channel's page, tap "Subscribe," and confirm with your Apple ID. The subscription renews monthly and appears on your Apple ID bill, not as a separate charge from each channel.

Apple TV+ is different—it's Apple's own service included in some Apple One bundles or available as a standalone monthly subscription. If you subscribe to Apple TV+, all its original shows and movies appear in your Watch Now tab. You can cancel any channel subscription at any time in Settings, and you'll lose access at the end of your current billing period.

Some channels offer free trials. If a trial is available, the app will show "Start Free Trial" instead of a price. You won't be charged until the trial ends, but set a reminder to cancel before the trial period is up if you don't want to be billed.

Syncing your library and watch history across devices

Everything you watch, buy, or add to your library is stored in iCloud and syncs automatically to every device signed in with your Apple ID. If you start watching a show on your iPhone, you can pick it up on your Apple TV box from the exact same spot. Your watch history, ratings, and "Up Next" list all move with you.

Syncing usually happens within a few minutes, but it depends on your internet connection. If you're offline, the app will sync the next time you connect. You can turn off syncing in Settings if you want to keep watch history separate on different devices—for example, if you share an Apple TV box with family members and want to keep your recommendations private.

Parental controls and managing family viewing

If you share your device with children, you can set up parental controls to restrict content by rating. Open Settings in the Apple TV app, tap Screen Time or Parental Controls (the name varies by device), and choose a rating level. The app will then hide anything rated above that level and require a password to unlock restricted content.

You can also set spending limits on purchases. In Settings, tap your Apple ID, then Spending Limit, and choose a monthly cap. Anyone trying to buy content above that limit will need to enter a password. This prevents accidental purchases but doesn't block free content or subscriptions you've already set up.

If you use Family Sharing through your Apple ID, you can manage what each family member can purchase and watch. The organizer of the family group can review purchases, set spending limits per person, and approve or decline requests to buy content.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the app won't open or keeps crashing, try closing it completely and reopening it. On iPhone or iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) to close the app fully, then tap it again. On a Mac, quit the app from the menu and reopen it. On an Apple TV box, press the Menu button to go back to the home screen, wait a few seconds, and reopen the app.

If content won't play, check your internet connection. The Apple TV app needs a steady connection to stream video. If you're on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router or restarting it. If you're on a mobile network, switch to Wi-Fi if possible. If the problem persists, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, wait a minute, and sign back in.

If you can't find a show you own or a subscription you paid for, make sure you're signed in with the correct Apple ID. Some content is region-locked, so it may not be available in your country. Check your Settings to confirm your location and account details are correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Apple TV app content offline?

On iPhone and iPad, you can read shows and movies to watch without an internet connection. Open a title, tap the read icon (usually a cloud with a down arrow), and the app will save it to your device. Downloads expire after a set time or when you delete them. On Mac, Apple TV box, and smart TVs, offline viewing is not available.

Why does the app show different prices for the same movie on different days?

Movie and show prices change based on promotions, new releases, and licensing agreements. The app always shows the current price when you search. Prices also vary by region and by whether you're renting or buying.

What happens if I cancel my Apple TV+ subscription?

You lose access to Apple TV+ shows and movies at the end of your current billing period. Your watch history and ratings stay in your account, so if you resubscribe later, your library is still there. Other channels and purchases you own are not affected.

Can I share my Apple TV app account with someone outside my family?

Technically yes, but Apple's terms of service say the account is for personal use only. If you share your Apple ID password with someone, they can access your purchases, subscriptions, and payment method. Family Sharing is the official way to let household members watch content without sharing passwords.

Why is a show I want to watch not available in the Apple TV app?

Licensing agreements determine where shows and movies can be streamed. A show might be on a different streaming service in your region, available only through cable, or not yet released in your country. The app will sometimes show you alternative ways to watch, like renting it through iTunes.