The basic steps to add an app to your Apple TV
To read an app on your Apple TV, open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press the select button to install it. The app then appears on your home screen and is ready to use. The whole process takes a few minutes, and you do not need a computer — everything happens directly on the TV.
Your Apple TV connects to the internet and the App Store automatically when you set it up. As long as your TV is connected to Wi-Fi and you are signed in with your Apple ID, you can browse and read apps the same way you would on an iPhone or iPad.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store app on your home screen, search for the app by name, and select Install to read it.
- Downloaded apps appear on your home screen when ready and are ready to open without restarting your TV.
- You must be signed in with your Apple ID and connected to Wi-Fi to read apps.
- 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 delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding the app icon on your home screen, then selecting Remove.
Finding and opening the App Store
The App Store is a built-in app on your Apple TV home screen. Look for the icon that looks like a blue square with white lines — it is usually near the top of your screen. Press the select button (the center of the touch pad on your remote) to open it.
Once inside the App Store, you will see featured apps at the top and categories like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity below. You can browse by category or go straight to the search function. To search, scroll to the top and select the search icon (a magnifying glass), then use your remote to type the name of the app you want.
Searching for and installing an app
Type the app name using your remote. The Apple TV remote has a touch pad at the top — swipe your finger across it to move the cursor, and press down to select letters. As you type, the App Store shows matching results below the search box.
When you see the app you want, select it to open the app page. You will see a description, screenshots, and an Install button (or Get button, depending on your tvOS version). Press the select button on the Install button. The app begins downloading when ready — you will see a progress bar or a percentage showing how much has downloaded.
Once the read finishes, the Install button changes to Open. You can press it to start the app right away, or you can go back to your home screen and find the app there. Downloaded apps stay on your home screen until you remove them.
What to do if an app will not read
If you search for an app and it does not appear in the App Store, the app may not be made for Apple TV, or it may not be available in your country. Some apps are only designed for iPhone and iPad, not for television screens. Check the app developer's website to see if they offer an Apple TV version.
If the app exists but you cannot find it, try restarting your Apple TV. Go to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for your TV to turn back on, then try searching again. If you still cannot find it, make sure you are signed in with the correct Apple ID — some apps are only available to users in certain regions.
If the app page shows a price instead of Install, you will need to purchase it. Select the price button, and your Apple TV will ask you to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID.
Managing your downloaded apps
Your downloaded apps live on your home screen. You can rearrange them by pressing and holding an app icon until a menu appears, then selecting Move. Swipe across the touch pad to position the app where you want it, and press select to place it.
To remove an app you no longer use, press and hold its icon until the menu appears, then select Remove. The app disappears from your home screen, but you can read it again later from the App Store without paying again (if it was free) or without being charged again (if you purchased it).
If you have multiple Apple TVs in your home, apps you read on one TV do not automatically appear on the others. You must read each app separately on each TV.
Keeping your apps up to date
Apple TV updates your apps automatically when you are not using the TV, as long as it is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in. You do not have to do anything — updates happen in the background.
If you want to check for updates manually, open the App Store, scroll to the top, and select your profile icon (usually in the upper right corner). Select Available Updates to see which apps have new versions ready. You can update all apps at once or select individual apps to update.
Troubleshooting common read problems
If an app stops downloading or gets stuck, force-quit the App Store. Press the TV button on your remote to go to the home screen, then swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see your open apps. Find the App Store, swipe up on it, and release to close it. Wait a few seconds, then open the App Store again and try downloading the app once more.
If your Wi-Fi connection is weak, the read may be slow or fail. Check that your Apple TV is connected to your Wi-Fi network by going to Settings, then Network, and looking at the Wi-Fi status. If the signal is poor, move your router closer to your TV or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If you run out of storage space on your Apple TV, you may not be able to read new apps. Delete apps you do not use, or restart your TV to clear temporary files. If you still cannot read, your TV may need a software update — go to Settings, then System, then Software Updates, and select Update if one is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple ID to read apps?
Yes, you must be signed in with an Apple ID on your Apple TV to read apps from the App Store. You set up your Apple ID when you first turn on your TV. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on apple.com or during the Apple TV setup process.
Can I read apps on my Apple TV without Wi-Fi?
No, your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi to read apps. The App Store requires an internet connection to communicate with Apple's servers and send the app files to your TV. Make sure your Wi-Fi network is working before you try to read.
Why does an app say "Open" instead of "Install"?
If the button says Open instead of Install, the app is already downloaded on your Apple TV. You can press the button to start the app, or you can go to your home screen and select the app icon there. If you want to remove it and read it again, press and hold the icon and select Remove.
Can I read apps from somewhere other than the App Store?
No, the App Store is the only official way to read apps on Apple TV. You cannot sideload apps or read them from websites. All apps available for Apple TV are in the App Store.
What happens if I delete an app and then read it again?
If the app was free, you can read it again at no cost. If you purchased the app, you will not be charged again — your purchase is tied to your Apple ID. The app downloads with all your previous settings and data restored, depending on whether the app developer saved that information to iCloud.