The fastest way to add apps 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 appear on your home screen within seconds. You can also add apps by asking Siri to install them, or by using your iPhone or iPad to push apps to your Apple TV remotely.
The method you choose depends on whether you're at your TV or using another device. All three routes work on any Apple TV model running tvOS 11 or later, though the steps look slightly different depending on your tvOS version.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store on your Apple TV is the main place to find and install apps, and you navigate it with your remote or by voice command.
- Apps install directly to your home screen and are ready to use when ready after read completes.
- You can push apps from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV without touching the remote, as long as both devices use the same Apple ID.
- Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not remove it from your account, so you can reinstall it later without paying again.
- Some apps require a subscription or account login after installation, which you set up inside the app itself.
Installing apps directly from the Apple TV App Store
Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen. Use your remote to navigate, or say "Open App Store" to Siri. Once inside, you'll see featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top.
To find a specific app, select the search icon and use your remote to type the app name. The on-screen keyboard appears, and you move the cursor with your remote's touch pad or arrow buttons. Spell out the app name and select search. Results appear in a list below the search box.
When you find the app you want, select it to open its detail page. You'll see the app's description, screenshots, reviews, and an install button. Select the install button (it may say "Get" instead). The app begins downloading when ready. You don't need to confirm the read or enter your password unless you've turned on purchase restrictions in Settings.
Once the read finishes, the button changes to "Open." The app also appears on your home screen, usually at the end of your app list or in a folder if you've organized your apps. You can open it from either location.
Using your iPhone or iPad to add apps remotely
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can push apps to your Apple TV without using the TV remote. Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID, and both must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and find the app you want to install on your Apple TV. Select the app to open its detail page. Look for the cloud icon with a read arrow, or a button that says "Get." Tap it.
A menu appears asking which device to install the app on. Select your Apple TV from the list. The app downloads to your Apple TV in the background, and you'll see a notification confirming the install started. The app appears on your Apple TV home screen once the read completes, even if you're not looking at the TV.
This method is useful when you're away from home or when you want to add multiple apps without navigating the on-screen keyboard. You can push apps to your Apple TV from the App Store on your phone at any time, as long as both devices share an Apple ID.
Using Siri voice commands to install apps
If your Apple TV remote has a microphone (all current models do), you can ask Siri to install apps by voice. Press and hold the microphone button on your remote and say "Install [app name]." Siri searches for the app and asks you to confirm before downloading.
This method is fastest if you know the exact app name. If Siri doesn't find the app or finds the wrong one, it shows you search results to choose from. Select the correct app and confirm the install.
Voice commands work the same way whether you're installing a free app or a paid one. If you've set up purchase restrictions, Siri may ask for your Apple ID password before proceeding.
What happens after an app installs
Once an app finishes downloading, it appears on your Apple TV home screen and is ready to open when ready. You don't need to restart your Apple TV or do anything else to set up it.
Some apps require you to sign in with an account before you can use them. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and most streaming services work this way. Open the app, and you'll see a login screen. Enter your username and password using the on-screen keyboard, or look for an option to sign in on another device (many apps let you visit a website on your phone to log in faster).
Other apps, like Apple TV+, may already be signed in if you're using your Apple ID. Check the app's settings or account menu to confirm you're logged in and to change any preferences.
Organizing and removing apps from your home screen
Once apps are installed, you can rearrange them on your home screen. Press and hold the app icon with your remote until it starts to jiggle. Use your remote to move it to a new position, then release. The app stays in its new spot until you move it again.
To delete an app from your home screen, press and hold it until it jiggles, then select the delete or remove option. Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not delete it from your Apple account. You can reinstall it later from the App Store without paying again if it was a paid app.
You can also create folders to group similar apps. Press and hold an app, select "Create Folder," and drag other apps into it. Name the folder, and it appears on your home screen as a single icon that opens to show the apps inside.
Troubleshooting apps that won't install
If an app won't install, the most common reason is that your Apple TV is not connected to Wi-Fi or the connection is too slow. Check your Wi-Fi connection in Settings and make sure you have a stable signal. Try installing a smaller app first to test your connection.
If the App Store shows an error message, try restarting your Apple TV. Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it restarts, open the App Store and try installing 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 doesn't appear, it may not be available where you are or on your specific Apple TV generation. Check the app's requirements on the App Store detail page, or search online to confirm the app supports your model.
If you're trying to install a paid app and it won't read, make sure your Apple ID has a valid payment method on file. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, choose your account, and check your payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps on Apple TV if I don't have an Apple ID?
No. You need an Apple ID to read apps from the App Store, even free ones. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one on Apple's website or during the setup process on your Apple TV. You don't need a credit card to create a free Apple ID, though you'll need one on file to purchase paid apps.
Do I need to pay for apps twice if I own them on my iPhone and Apple TV?
Not usually. Most apps are universal, meaning you buy them once and can install them on all your Apple devices. When you search for an app you already own on Apple TV, the install button shows "Get" instead of a price. Some older apps are device-specific, so check the App Store detail page to confirm.
What's the difference between tvOS and the regular App Store?
The App Store on Apple TV shows only apps designed for tvOS, which is the operating system for Apple TV. Not all iPhone and iPad apps are available for Apple TV because they're designed for touch screens. If an app you want isn't in the Apple TV App Store, it may only be available for iPhone or iPad.
Can I install apps from outside the App Store?
No. The App Store is the only official way to install apps on Apple TV. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources without using developer tools, which requires an Apple Developer account.
How much storage do apps use on Apple TV?
Storage varies by app. The App Store shows the read size on each app's detail page before you install it. Most streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube use 50 MB to 200 MB. Games and apps with more features can use 500 MB or more. Apple TV models come with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, and you can see how much space is available in Settings under About.