The basic steps to install an app on Apple TV

To add an app to your Apple TV, open the App Store from the 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 complete. Most apps are free, though some require a paid subscription or one-time purchase before you can use them.

The entire process takes less than a minute for most apps, depending on file size and your internet connection speed. Larger apps like streaming services may take a few minutes to fully read and install. You do not need to restart your Apple TV after installing an app—it is ready to use when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen and use the search function to find the app by name.
  • Select the app, press "Get", and wait for the read to complete—the app then appears on your home screen automatically.
  • Check your internet connection speed if an app is downloading slowly; a wired ethernet connection is faster than Wi-Fi.
  • Some apps require you to sign in with an account or subscription before you can watch content, even after installation is complete.
  • You can delete apps by pressing and holding the app icon on the home screen, then selecting "Remove from Home Screen" or "Delete App".

Finding apps in the App Store

The App Store is the only place to read apps for Apple TV. Press the home button on your remote to return to the main screen, then look for the App Store icon—it looks like a blue square with a white "A" made of sticks. Select it and you will see categories like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity, or you can search by name at the top of the screen.

Type the app name using your remote. On most Apple TV models, you can use the touch pad on the remote to move a cursor, or use the arrow buttons to highlight letters. Some remotes let you speak the app name aloud if you press the microphone button. Once you find the app, select it to see the full description, reviews, and the "Get" button.

Installing an app and what happens next

After you select "Get", the app begins downloading when ready. You will see a progress bar or a spinning circle while the read is in progress. Do not unplug your Apple TV or turn it off during this time. Most apps finish downloading within seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.

Once the read completes, the "Get" button changes to "Open". You can select "Open" to launch the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen and the app will already be there, ready to use whenever you want. The app stays on your Apple TV until you manually delete it.

Signing in to apps and setting up accounts

Many apps—especially streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu—require you to sign in with an account before you can watch anything. After the app finishes installing, open it and look for a "Sign In" or "Log In" button. You will need the email address and password you use with that service.

Some apps let you sign in on a different device and then automatically recognize your account on the Apple TV. Others show you a code on the TV screen that you enter on your phone or computer to link your account. Check the app's instructions if you are unsure which method it uses. Once you are signed in, you usually stay signed in unless you manually log out.

Troubleshooting slow downloads or installation problems

If an app is downloading very slowly or gets stuck, check your internet connection first. Open Settings on your Apple TV, go to Network, and verify you are connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet. If you are on Wi-Fi, try moving your Apple TV closer to the router or switching to a wired ethernet connection, which is faster and more stable.

If an app fails to read or shows an error message, try deleting it and downloading it again. Go to the home screen, press and hold the app icon, select "Delete App", and then go back to the App Store to read it fresh. If the problem continues, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for it to turn back on, then try downloading the app again.

Managing storage and deleting apps you no longer use

Apple TV models have different amounts of storage, but most have enough room for dozens of apps. If you run out of space, you can delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold any app icon on your home screen until a menu appears, then select "Delete App" to remove it completely from your Apple TV.

Deleting an app does not delete your account or saved data with that service—when you read the app again later, you can sign back in and pick up where you left off. You can also rearrange your home screen by pressing and holding an app and selecting "Move" to drag it to a different spot, so your most-used apps are straightforward to find.

Using family sharing and parental controls with apps

If you use Family Sharing on your Apple account, family members can read apps you have already purchased without paying again. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, then choose the family member's account. Apps purchased by the account holder appear in the App Store as "Installed" for other family members.

You can also set up parental controls to restrict which apps certain family members can use. In Settings, go to Users and Accounts, select a child's account, then choose Restrictions. You can limit access by app rating or turn off the ability to read apps entirely. These controls explore only to that account, so other family members are not affected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read an app on my iPhone and have it automatically appear on my Apple TV?

No. Apps must be downloaded directly on the Apple TV using the App Store on the device itself. However, if you purchase an app on your iPhone, you can read it on your Apple TV without paying again, as long as you are using the same Apple ID account.

What should I do if an app keeps crashing after I open it?

Try force-closing the app by pressing the home button, then reopen it. If it still crashes, delete the app and read it again from the App Store. Make sure your Apple TV software is up to date by going to Settings, System, Software Updates. Outdated software sometimes causes apps to malfunction.

Do I need to pay for apps, or are most of them free?

Most apps are free to read, though many require a paid subscription to use (like Netflix or Hulu). Some apps are paid one-time purchases. The App Store shows the price before you select "Get", so you always know the cost before downloading.

Can I use the same login for an app on my Apple TV and on my phone?

Yes. Most apps use the same account across all devices. Sign in with the same email and password on your Apple TV that you use on your phone, and your account, saved shows, and preferences will sync between devices.

Why does my Apple TV keep asking me to sign in to an app I already signed in to?

This usually happens if your Apple TV lost internet connection or if the app's session expired. Try signing out completely and signing back in. Go into the app's settings or account menu, look for a "Sign Out" option, and then sign back in with your credentials.