The quickest way to add an app to your Apple TV
Open the App Store on your Apple TV using the remote, search for the app you want, and press Select to read it. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within seconds. That's the standard path for most people.
If you already own the app on your iPhone or iPad, you can also push it to your Apple TV from that device without searching again. Both methods work on tvOS 11 and later, which covers nearly all Apple TVs in use today.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store on your Apple TV is the main place to find and read apps, and you navigate it with your Siri Remote or standard remote.
- Apps read and install automatically once you press Select; you do not need to do anything else after that step.
- If you own an app on iPhone or iPad, you can send it to your Apple TV directly from that device without opening the App Store on the TV.
- Some apps require you to sign in with an account (Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+) before you can use them, even after installation is complete.
Downloading an app directly from the Apple TV App Store
Press the TV and Home button on your Siri Remote (or the Home button on a standard remote) to reach the home screen. Scroll to the top and select the App Store icon—it looks like a blue square with a white play symbol.
Use the remote to navigate to the Search tab at the top of the App Store. Type the name of the app you want using the on-screen keyboard. Once you see the app in the results, highlight it and press Select. The read begins when ready, and a progress bar shows how much is left.
When the read finishes, the Select button changes to say "Open." You can press it to launch the app right away, or just go back to your home screen—the app is now installed and ready to use whenever you want it.
Sending an app from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and find the app you want to add to your Apple TV. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the Get button if you do not own it yet). A menu appears asking which device to install it on.
Select your Apple TV from the list. The app downloads to your TV in the background, and you will see a notification on your Apple TV when it is done. The app then appears on your home screen automatically.
This method is faster if you already know exactly which app you want and you have it on your phone. It also works if you own the app through a family sharing plan—anyone in the family can push it to the shared Apple TV.
What to do after an app is installed
Most apps are ready to use the moment they finish downloading. However, apps that require an account—Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+, Spotify, and others—will ask you to sign in the first time you open them.
You can sign in using your Siri Remote by typing your email and password on the on-screen keyboard. Some apps offer a faster option: they display a code on your TV screen, and you enter that code on your phone or computer instead. This is usually quicker and less error-prone than typing on the remote.
After you sign in, the app remembers your account and you stay logged in. You do not need to sign in again unless you manually sign out or delete the app.
Organizing and removing apps from your home screen
To move an app on your home screen, highlight it, press and hold the Select button on your remote until a menu appears, then choose "Move." Use the remote to drag the app to a new position and press Select to drop it there.
To delete an app, highlight it, press and hold Select, and choose "Delete." The app is removed from your home screen and from your Apple TV entirely. You can always read it again later from the App Store—your account information stays saved if you reinstall it.
You can also rearrange the order of apps by moving your most-used ones to the front of the home screen, making them easier to find.
Troubleshooting apps that won't read
If an app fails to read, 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. You can see your connection status in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi.
If the connection is fine, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold the Menu button on your remote for about six seconds until the home screen dims, then release. Wait a few seconds and your TV will restart. Once it boots back up, try downloading the app again.
Some apps are not available in all regions or on all Apple TV models. If you search for an app and it does not appear in the App Store, it may not be offered where you are or on your specific device. Check the app's official website or support page to confirm it works with your Apple TV model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read apps on my Apple TV without a Wi-Fi connection?
No. Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi to read and install apps. Make sure your TV is on the same network as your other devices and has a stable connection before you start a read.
Do I need an Apple ID to read apps?
Yes. You must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV to access the App Store and read apps. If you have not set up an Apple ID yet, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com or during the initial setup of your Apple TV.
What happens if I delete an app and then reinstall it?
The app reinstalls fresh, but if you sign back into your account within that app, your saved data and preferences usually return. Some apps store data on their own servers rather than on your TV, so your history and settings come back automatically.
Can multiple people on my Apple TV use the same app?
Yes. Once an app is installed on your Apple TV, anyone with access to that TV can open it. However, each person may need to sign into their own account within the app to see their personal content and settings.
Why does an app say "Waiting" instead of downloading?
This usually means your Apple TV ran out of storage space or the read queue is full. Restart your Apple TV and try again. If the problem continues, delete an app you no longer use to free up space, then attempt the read once more.