How to add an app to Apple TV
You add apps to 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 to install. Most apps read and install in seconds. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use when ready — you do not need to restart your Apple TV.
The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model. The main difference is speed: newer models read apps faster. You can also install apps remotely using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac if you prefer not to navigate on the TV itself.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and tap Install to add it.
- Apps appear on your home screen when ready after installation and do not require a restart.
- You can install apps remotely from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the same Apple ID linked to your Apple TV.
- Some apps require a subscription or account login after installation, but the app itself is free to read.
- Your Apple TV stores apps in iCloud, so reinstalling a previously purchased app is when ready on any device using the same Apple ID.
Finding and installing apps from the App Store
Start on your Apple TV home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white play button — and select it. The App Store opens to a featured apps page showing new releases and popular downloads.
To find a specific app, scroll to the search icon at the top of the screen and select it. Type the app name using your remote or Siri voice search. Once you see the app in the results, select it to open its detail page. You will see the app's description, screenshots, reviews, and an Install button. Select Install, and the read begins when ready.
The app installs in the background while you continue using your Apple TV. A progress indicator shows the read status. Once complete, the Install button changes to Open. You can select Open to launch the app right away, or leave it and find it later on your home screen.
Organizing apps on your home screen
After you install an app, it appears at the end of your home screen row or in a new row if the current one is full. You can rearrange apps by holding down the select button on your remote while an app is highlighted, then moving it to a new position. Release the button to drop it in place.
To remove an app from your home screen without deleting it, highlight the app and hold select until a menu appears. Choose Remove from Home Screen. The app stays installed on your Apple TV but no longer shows on the main screen. You can add it back anytime by opening the App Store, finding the app, and selecting Open (since it is already installed, Install will not appear).
To permanently delete an app from your Apple TV, highlight it, hold select, and choose Delete. This removes the app entirely. If you reinstall it later using the same Apple ID, any saved data or settings may return, depending on the app.
Installing apps remotely from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
You do not have to use your Apple TV remote to install apps. Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, find the app you want, and look for the cloud icon with a read arrow next to the price or Install button. Select that icon, and the app installs on your Apple TV automatically.
This works only if your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is signed in with the same Apple ID as your Apple TV. Your devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. The app appears on your Apple TV home screen within seconds, even if you are not in the room.
This method is useful if you are browsing apps on your phone and want to send them to your TV without picking up the remote, or if you want to install multiple apps at once.
What happens after installation: accounts and subscriptions
Once an app is installed, you may need to sign in with an account before you can use it. Apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Spotify require you to log in with your subscription account. The app will prompt you to do this the first time you open it.
Some apps offer a free tier with optional paid features. Others are completely free and do not require any account. Check the app's description in the App Store to see what is required before you install.
If an app asks for permission to access your location, photos, or other data, a prompt appears the first time you launch it. You can allow or deny access. You can change these permissions later in Settings > Apps on your Apple TV.
Troubleshooting apps that will not install
If an app fails to install, the most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi connection. Check that your Apple TV is connected to your network and has a strong signal. Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart, then try installing the app again.
If the app still will not install, check that your Apple ID is active and in good standing. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > iCloud to confirm you are signed in. If you see a message that the app is not available in your country or region, the app may not be licensed for your location.
Some apps require a minimum tvOS version. If you see a message saying the app is incompatible, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and check for updates. Install any available updates, restart your Apple TV, and try again.
Managing storage and updating apps
Apple TV automatically updates apps in the background when new versions are released. You do not have to do anything — updates happen overnight if your Apple TV is in standby mode and connected to power and Wi-Fi.
If you want to update an app when ready, open the App Store, scroll to the Updates tab at the bottom, and select Update next to any app with a pending update. You can also turn off automatic updates in Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates if you prefer to update manually.
Apple TV storage varies by model. Older 32 GB models fill up faster than newer 64 GB or 128 GB models. If you run out of space, delete apps you no longer use. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Storage to see how much space each app uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps on Apple TV if I do not have an Apple ID?
No. You must have an Apple ID and be signed in to your Apple TV to access the App Store and install apps. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com. Once created, sign in on your Apple TV in Settings > Users and Accounts.
What if an app I want is not in the App Store?
Not all apps are available on tvOS. Some developers do not make Apple TV versions of their apps. Check the App Store search to confirm. If the app does not appear, it is not available for Apple TV. You may be able to use AirPlay to stream the app from your iPhone or iPad to your TV instead.
Can I share apps with other people in my household?
Yes, if they use the same Apple ID. Apps purchased or installed under your Apple ID are available to anyone signed in with that ID on the same Apple TV. If household members have separate Apple IDs, each person can install their own apps under their account.
Do I lose my apps if I reset my Apple TV?
If you perform a factory reset, all apps are deleted from your Apple TV. However, once you sign back in with your Apple ID, you can reinstall them when ready from the App Store — your purchase history is saved in iCloud, so reinstalling is free and fast.
Why is an app asking for my password every time I open it?
The app may not be saving your login information, or you may have turned off password saving in the app's settings. Try signing out and signing back in, then look for an option to save or remember your password. If the problem continues, check the app's support page or contact the app developer.