The basic steps to read an app on Apple TV
To read an app on Apple TV, open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and select it. Then press the select button on your remote and choose "Get" or the cloud icon if you've owned it before. The app will read and install automatically — you don't need to do anything else while it's installing.
The whole process takes less than a minute for most apps, though larger apps may take a few minutes to finish. Once the read is complete, the "Get" button changes to "Open," which means the app is ready to use.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen and use the search function to find the app you want.
- Select the app, press the select button on your remote, and choose "Get" to begin the read.
- The app installs automatically in the background — you can start using it as soon as the "Get" button changes to "Open."
- Apps you've purchased before show a cloud icon instead of "Get," and selecting it reinstalls the app to your current device.
- Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi and signed in with your Apple ID for downloads to work.
Finding the App Store on your Apple TV
The App Store is on your Apple TV home screen by default. Look for the icon that looks like a blue square with white apps inside it. If you don't see it, swipe to the right on your home screen — the App Store is usually one of the first icons available.
Once you open the App Store, you'll see featured apps at the top and a menu at the bottom with options like "Search," "Top Charts," and "Categories." Use the Search option to find a specific app by name, or browse by category if you're looking for a particular type of app.
Searching for and selecting an app
Select "Search" from the App Store menu and use your remote to type the app name. Your Apple TV will show matching results as you type. Highlight the app you want and press the select button (the center button on most Apple TV remotes) to open the app's page.
The app page shows a description, screenshots, reviews, and the read button. Read the description to make sure it's the app you want — sometimes multiple apps have similar names. Once you're sure, move to the "Get" button and press select.
What happens during and after the read
After you press "Get," the app begins downloading when ready. You'll see a progress circle that fills as the read completes. You don't need to stay on that screen — you can go back to your home screen or open another app while it downloads in the background.
When the read finishes, the "Get" button changes to "Open." At that point, the app is fully installed and ready to use. Select "Open" to launch it, or go to your home screen and find the app in your apps list.
Reinstalling apps you've owned before
If you've purchased or downloaded an app on another Apple device using the same Apple ID, the App Store shows a cloud icon with a down arrow instead of "Get." This means you've owned the app before and can reinstall it for free.
Select the cloud icon and the app downloads again to your Apple TV. You won't be charged, and your previous purchases and settings for that app are tied to your Apple ID, so you may see your old data when you open it.
Troubleshooting downloads that don't start or get stuck
If an app won't read, first check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and that the connection is stable. A weak or interrupted connection is the most common reason downloads fail or stall. Go to Settings, then Network, to see your connection status.
If the connection is fine, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold the select and menu buttons on your remote for about six seconds until the light on the front of the device flashes. Wait a few seconds for it to restart, then try downloading the app again.
If the app still won't read, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings, then Accounts, select your Apple ID, and choose "Sign Out." Then sign back in with your credentials and try the read again. This refreshes your account connection and often fixes read problems.
Managing storage when downloads are slow or fail
Apple TV has limited storage, and a full drive can slow downloads or prevent them from starting. If you have many apps installed, delete ones you no longer use to free up space. Go to Settings, then Apps, highlight an app you want to remove, press select, and choose "Delete."
After deleting unused apps, restart your Apple TV and try downloading again. Clearing space usually solves slow or failed downloads. You can always reinstall deleted apps later using the cloud icon in the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple ID to read apps on Apple TV?
Yes, you must be signed in with an Apple ID to read apps. Your Apple ID is the same one you use on your iPhone or iPad. If you don't have one, you can create it for free on Apple's website or during the setup process on your Apple TV.
Can I read apps on Apple TV without Wi-Fi?
No, your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi to read apps. Apps are too large to read over a cellular connection, and Apple TV doesn't have cellular capability anyway. Make sure your Wi-Fi is stable before starting a read.
Why does my app read say "waiting" instead of downloading?
A "waiting" status usually means your Apple TV is busy with another task or your Wi-Fi connection dropped briefly. Restart your Apple TV and check your Wi-Fi connection. If it still says waiting after a restart, try deleting the app and downloading it again.
Can I read the same app on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes, if you use the same Apple ID on both devices, you can read any app you own on as many Apple TVs as you want. The app will show a cloud icon on your second device, and you can reinstall it for free.
What should I do if an app keeps crashing after I read it?
First, restart the app by closing it completely and opening it again. If it still crashes, restart your Apple TV. If the problem continues, delete the app and read it again — a fresh install often fixes crashes caused by incomplete downloads or corrupted files.