How to add apps to your Apple TV

You add apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into every Apple TV device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen once it finishes. Most apps are free, though some require a paid subscription or one-time purchase before you can use them.

The process takes the same steps whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the App Store works the same way across all current devices. You do not need a computer or iTunes to add apps; everything happens directly on the Apple TV itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, then search for and select any app to read it automatically.
  • Apps appear on your home screen as soon as they finish installing, and you can rearrange them by holding the select button on your remote.
  • You can delete apps by holding the select button on any app icon, then choosing the delete option from the menu that appears.
  • Some apps require you to sign in with an account (like Netflix or Disney+) before you can watch content, even though the app itself is free to read.
  • If an app stops working or won't read, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart.

Finding and downloading apps from the App Store

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white plus sign — and select it with your remote. The App Store opens to a home page showing featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top.

To find a specific app, highlight the search icon at the top of the screen and select it. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard. As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app you want from the list. The app's detail page opens, showing a description, screenshots, reviews, and a read button (or a price if the app costs money).

Select the read button or price button to start the read. If the app costs money, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID. Once you confirm, the app downloads and installs automatically. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for the installation to finish.

Where apps appear after they read

Downloaded apps appear on your home screen automatically once the installation completes. They show up in the order you downloaded them, usually at the end of your existing apps. You can move apps around by highlighting any app icon, holding down the select button on your remote for a few seconds, and dragging it to a new position.

If you want to organize your home screen, you can create folders by dragging one app onto another. This groups related apps together — for example, you might put all streaming services in one folder. To remove an app from a folder, open the folder, highlight the app, hold select, and drag it back to the home screen.

Removing apps you no longer use

Highlight any app on your home screen, then hold down the select button on your remote for a few seconds. A menu appears with options including "Remove from Home Screen" and "Delete". Select "Delete" to remove the app entirely from your Apple TV. The app uninstalls and frees up storage space on your device.

If you change your mind later, you can read the same app again from the App Store at no additional cost (for free apps) or without paying again (for apps you already purchased). Your purchase history is tied to your Apple ID, so you never pay twice for the same app.

Signing in to apps and managing accounts

Many apps — like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max — require you to sign in with an account before you can watch anything. The app itself downloads for free, but you need an active subscription or login to use it. When you open an app for the first time, it usually prompts you to sign in or create an account.

You can sign in using your Apple TV remote, though typing a long password is slow. Many apps offer a faster option: they display a code on your TV screen, and you can visit a website on your phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in there instead. Once you sign in, the app remembers your account and you stay logged in unless you manually sign out.

Troubleshooting apps that won't read or won't work

If an app won't read or gets stuck, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings on your home screen, select System, then select Restart. Wait for your Apple TV to turn off and back on. Once it restarts, try downloading the app again from the App Store.

If an app downloads but crashes when you open it, try deleting it and downloading it again. Sometimes a fresh install fixes problems that a restart does not. Make sure your Apple TV is connected to the internet — apps need a stable connection to read and update. If your internet is slow or unstable, the read may fail or take a very long time.

Check that your Apple TV has enough storage space. If your device is nearly full, it may not have room to read new apps. You can see how much space you have left by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay Receiver, then scrolling down to Storage. If storage is low, delete apps you no longer use to make room.

Updating apps automatically or manually

Apple TV can update apps automatically in the background, or you can update them manually. By default, automatic updates are turned on. If you want to control when apps update, go to Settings, select Apps, then select Automatic Updates and turn it off.

To update apps manually, open the App Store, go to the Purchased section (or the Updates section if available), and select any app that has an update waiting. Select the update button to read and install the latest version. Apps update the same way they read — automatically in the background once you start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps on my iPhone and have them appear on my Apple TV?

No. Apps must be downloaded directly on your Apple TV through its App Store. However, if you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can use AirPlay to send video, music, or photos from those devices to your Apple TV without needing a separate app on the TV itself.

What happens if I delete an app and then want it back?

You can read it again from the App Store at no cost. Your purchase history is saved to your Apple ID, so you will not be charged again for apps you already bought. Free apps can be downloaded as many times as you want.

Why does an app say it needs to be updated but I cannot find an update?

The update may already be downloading in the background. Go to Settings > Apps and look for any apps with a pending update. If automatic updates are on, the app will finish updating on its own. If the app still will not update, try restarting your Apple TV.

Can I use the same app account on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. read the app on each Apple TV, then sign in with the same account on each device. Most streaming services allow you to watch on multiple devices at once, though some limit how many screens can play at the same time depending on your subscription level.

Do I need to pay for apps twice if I have both an Apple TV and an iPad?

No. Apps are tied to your Apple ID, not to a specific device. If you buy an app on your iPad, you can read it on your Apple TV without paying again. The same goes the other way — purchase once, use on all your Apple devices.