Delete an App Using the Home Screen

To remove an app from your Apple TV, press and hold the app icon on the Home Screen until a menu appears. This menu will show options including "Remove" — select that option, then confirm when prompted. The app will disappear from your Home Screen when ready.

This method works on all Apple TV models running tvOS 11 or later. The app itself is deleted from your device, not just hidden, so you will need to read it again from the App Store if you change your mind later.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold any app icon on the Home Screen until a menu appears, then select "Remove" to delete it.
  • Deleting an app removes it completely from your Apple TV — it does not just hide it from view.
  • You can read the app again at any time from the App Store without paying twice for paid apps.
  • Some built-in Apple apps like TV, Music, and Podcasts cannot be deleted, though you can hide them.
  • If the app does not respond to the press-and-hold action, restart your Apple TV and try again.

What Happens When You Delete an App

When you delete an app, your Apple TV removes all of its files and data from your device. Any saved settings, login information, or progress within that app will be erased. If you read the app again later, you will start fresh unless the app developer stores your data in the cloud.

Deleting apps frees up storage space on your Apple TV, which can improve performance if your device is running low on available memory. You can check how much storage an app uses before you delete it by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage, where you will see a breakdown of what is taking up space.

Apps You Cannot Delete

Apple TV comes with built-in apps that cannot be removed, including TV, Music, Podcasts, Fitness, and the App Store itself. These apps are part of the core tvOS system and are locked to prevent accidental deletion.

If you do not want to see these apps on your Home Screen, you can hide them instead. Press and hold the app icon, select "Hide" from the menu, and the app will move to the App Library. You can still access it later by searching or browsing the App Library, but it will not clutter your main Home Screen.

Hiding an App Instead of Deleting It

If you want to keep an app but do not use it often, hiding it is faster than deleting and reinstalling. Press and hold the app icon and select "Hide" — the app stays on your device and keeps all its data, but disappears from your Home Screen view.

To find a hidden app later, open the App Library (the last icon on your Home Screen) and search for it by name, or browse by category. You can unhide any app by finding it in the App Library, pressing and holding it, and selecting "Unhide".

Troubleshooting When an App Will Not Delete

If pressing and holding an app does not bring up the menu, your Apple TV may be unresponsive. Restart the device by going to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for it to boot back up, then try deleting the app again.

If the app still will not delete after a restart, try moving to a different app first — sometimes the Home Screen needs a moment to register your input. You can also try using the Siri Remote to navigate: highlight the app, press and hold the select button (the center circle), and wait for the menu to appear.

Reinstalling a Deleted App

Once you delete an app, you can read it again from the App Store at any time. Open the App Store app on your Apple TV, search for the app by name, and select "Get" or the read icon. If you paid for the app originally, you will not be charged again — Apple remembers your purchase.

Downloaded apps will appear on your Home Screen automatically once installation is complete. The read speed depends on your internet connection; most apps take between one and five minutes to install.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting an app remove it from my other Apple devices?

No. Deleting an app from your Apple TV only affects that device. The same app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will remain untouched. Each device has its own separate app library.

Can I delete an app if I am not the account owner?

That depends on your Apple TV's parental controls. If you are a restricted user, you may not be able to delete apps without the account owner's permission. Ask the account owner to adjust restrictions in Settings > Users and Accounts > Parental Controls if you need to manage apps.

What if I accidentally delete an app I need?

You can read it again from the App Store for free if you purchased it before, or pay again if it is a paid app. There is no "undo" button, but reinstalling takes only a few minutes.

Does deleting an app free up a lot of storage space?

It depends on the app. Streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube use very little space, while games can take hundreds of megabytes. Check Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage to see which apps are using the most space before you delete them.

Can I delete multiple apps at once?

No. Apple TV requires you to delete apps one at a time by pressing and holding each icon individually. There is no batch delete feature available.