How to Add Apps to Your Apple TV

The fastest way to add apps to 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 press the select button to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Once it finishes, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use.

The process is the same whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model. You control everything with your Apple TV remote. If you use Siri Remote (the newer remote with a clickpad), you swipe and tap. If you use the older aluminum remote, you use the touch surface and menu buttons. Either way, the steps are identical.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and press select to install it when ready.
Apps install automatically in the background and appear on your home screen once they finish downloading.
You can organize your home screen by moving apps around, deleting apps you no longer use, or creating folders to group similar apps together.
If an app does not appear in the App Store, it may not be compatible with your Apple TV model or your region.
You can update all your apps at once through Settings, or let Apple TV update them automatically overnight.

Finding and installing apps step by step

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Press the Menu button (or swipe down on Siri Remote) to see all your apps and options. Look for the App Store icon — it is a white square with a blue background. Select it and press the select button to open it.

Once the App Store opens, you will see featured apps and categories. To find a specific app, look for the search icon at the top of the screen. Select it, then use the on-screen keyboard to type the app name. As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app you want from the list.

When you find the app, select it to open its detail page. You will see a button that says "Get" or shows a cloud icon with a read arrow. Press select on that button. The app begins downloading when ready. You do not need to confirm anything else — just wait. Most apps finish installing within a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.

Once the installation completes, the button changes to "Open" or the app appears on your home screen automatically. You can open it right away or come back to it later. The app stays on your Apple TV until you delete it.

Organizing your home screen after adding apps

Your Apple TV home screen can get crowded quickly. You can move apps around, delete ones you do not use, or group them into folders to keep things tidy.

To move an app, select it on your home screen and hold down the select button (or press and hold on Siri Remote) until the app starts to jiggle. Then swipe or use the arrow buttons to move it to a new position. Press select again to drop it in place. To delete an app, select it while it is jiggling and press the play/pause button, then confirm the deletion.

To create a folder, select an app while it is jiggling and swipe up (or press up on the arrow buttons). This opens a menu where you can create a new folder or add the app to an existing one. Name the folder something straightforward like "Games" or "Streaming" so you can find apps quickly.

Updating apps on your Apple TV

Apps update automatically by default, but you can also update them manually whenever you want. Go to Settings on your home screen, then select Apps. You will see an option for "App Updates." If you turn on automatic updates, your Apple TV downloads and installs new versions overnight when you are not using it.

To update apps right now, go to the App Store, select the search icon, and look for "Updates" at the top of the screen. Select it to see which apps have new versions available. You can update all apps at once or select individual apps to update. Press the update button next to each app, and the new version downloads and installs when ready.

Why an app might not show up in the App Store

Not every app available on iPhone or iPad works on Apple TV. Some apps are designed only for phones and tablets. If you search for an app and cannot find it, it may not have an Apple TV version.

Your region also matters. Some apps are not available in all countries. If you travel or use a VPN, the App Store may show different apps than usual. The easiest way to check is to search for the app by name. If nothing comes up, that app does not have an Apple TV version in your region.

Your Apple TV model can also affect what is available. Very old Apple TV models (Apple TV 3rd generation and earlier) have a much smaller App Store with fewer choices. If you have an older model and cannot find an app, upgrading to Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD opens up many more options.

Removing apps you no longer use

Deleting apps from Apple TV is quick and does not affect your other devices. Select the app on your home screen and hold down the select button until it starts to jiggle. Press the play/pause button (or the X button on some remotes), then confirm that you want to delete it. The app is removed from your Apple TV when ready.

If you change your mind later, you can reinstall the app the same way you added it the first time — just go to the App Store, search for it, and select "Get." Your login information and any saved settings may still be there, depending on how the app stores that data.

Using Family Sharing to manage apps across devices

If you have multiple Apple TVs in your home, Family Sharing lets you share apps across all of them. Set up Family Sharing in Settings on your primary Apple TV, then add family members. Once set up, anyone in your family can use apps that other family members have purchased.

You can also use parental controls to restrict which apps family members can access. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, choose a family member, and set restrictions for that person. You can block apps by age rating or turn off the ability to read new apps entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Some apps are free, and some cost money. The App Store shows the price before you install. Free apps say "Get," and paid apps show the price. You can also find subscription apps that charge a monthly or yearly fee after a free trial period.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on each Apple TV, and you can share purchased apps across all of them. Family Sharing also lets family members use your apps without needing your password.

What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?

Resetting your Apple TV deletes all apps and settings. When you set it up again and sign in with your Apple ID, you can reinstall your apps from the App Store. Apps you purchased will be there waiting for you to read again at no cost.

Can I sideload apps onto Apple TV without using the App Store?

Not in the traditional sense. Apple TV does not allow sideloading like some other devices do. You can only install apps through the official App Store. Developers can use Xcode to test apps on their own Apple TV during development, but regular users cannot install apps from outside sources.

Why is my app stuck on "Installing"?

Check your internet connection first — a slow or unstable connection can pause an installation. Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. If the app is still stuck, delete it and try installing it again from the App Store.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.