How to Download Apps to Your Apple TV

The basic steps to add apps to Apple TV

You read apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. On your Apple TV home screen, open the App Store icon (it looks like a blue square with a white app symbol), search for the app you want, and select it. Then press the select button on your remote to read and install it. The app appears on your home screen once installation finishes, usually within a minute or two.

The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the App Store works identically across all current Apple TV hardware. You do not need a computer or any extra equipment. Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet and signed into your Apple ID for downloads to work.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and press select on your remote to read it.
Your Apple TV must be signed into your Apple ID and connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet for downloads to complete.
Apps install automatically once you start the read and appear on your home screen when ready to use.
You can also read apps from your iPhone or iPad and have them appear on your Apple TV without touching the remote.
Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not delete it from your Apple ID account, so you can reinstall it later at no cost.

Signing in with your Apple ID before downloading

Your Apple TV must be signed into an Apple ID before you can read any apps. If you set up your Apple TV recently, you likely signed in during the initial setup. To check, go to Settings on your home screen, select Users and Accounts, then select your account name. If you see your name and email, you are signed in.

If you need to sign in for the first time, go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, then select Add User or Sign In. You can use your existing Apple ID email and password, or create a new one. The sign-in process takes a few minutes and requires your Apple TV to be connected to the internet.

If you have multiple people in your household, each person can have their own Apple ID on the same Apple TV. Each account has its own home screen, purchased apps, and settings. To switch between accounts, press the Menu button on your remote and select the account name at the top of the screen.

Using your iPhone or iPad to read apps remotely

You can read apps to your Apple TV directly from your iPhone or iPad without using the Apple TV remote. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, find the app you want, and tap the cloud icon with a read arrow. A menu appears asking which device you want to read to — select your Apple TV by name, and the app begins installing when ready.

This method works only if your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV are signed into the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The app appears on your Apple TV home screen within a minute, and you can start using it right away. This approach is useful if your remote is lost or the batteries are dead.

Finding and searching for specific apps

Once you open the App Store on your Apple TV, you have several ways to find apps. The easiest is to use the search function: press the Menu button on your remote, then use the on-screen keyboard to type the app name. Results appear as you type, and you can select the app you want from the list.

You can also browse by category. The App Store home screen shows featured apps, top charts, and categories like Entertainment, Sports, and Productivity. Scroll through these sections to discover apps you might not have searched for directly. Some apps are free, and others cost money — the price appears below the app name, and free apps show no price at all.

If an app you want is not available in the App Store, it does not run on Apple TV. Not all iOS apps work on Apple TV because the hardware and interface are different. Check the app's description in the App Store to confirm it is designed for Apple TV before you read.

Managing storage and deleting apps you no longer use

Apple TV storage varies by model — the 64GB and 128GB versions are the most common. Apps take up space, and if your storage fills up, you may not be able to read new apps or update existing ones. To check how much space you have left, go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then select AirPlay Receiver. The storage information appears at the bottom of the screen.

If you run low on storage, delete apps you no longer use. Highlight an app on your home screen, press and hold the select button on your remote, then choose Delete from the menu. Deleting an app removes it from your Apple TV but does not remove it from your Apple ID account. You can read it again later at no cost by returning to the App Store.

Updates to apps read automatically if you have automatic updates turned on. Go to Settings, select Apps, then select Automatic Updates and turn it on. This keeps your apps current without you having to manually update each one, though it does use storage space as updates install.

Troubleshooting downloads that stall or fail

If an app read stalls or fails, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings, selecting Network, and confirming the connection status. If the connection is weak, move your router closer to your Apple TV or restart both devices by unplugging them for 30 seconds.

If the read still does not work, restart your Apple TV. Press and hold the Menu and Home buttons on your remote for about six seconds until the light on the device flashes. Wait a minute for the device to restart, then try downloading the app again.

If you see an error message during read, note the exact message and search for it in the App Store support documentation. Some errors are temporary and resolve on their own within an hour. If the error persists, sign out of your Apple ID (go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, select your account, then select Sign Out), wait five minutes, and sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Some apps are free, and others cost money. The price appears in the App Store listing. Free apps include Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV+. Paid apps range from a few dollars to more expensive options. You can also find apps that are free to read but charge a subscription fee once you open them.

Can I read apps that I bought on my iPhone to my Apple TV?

Not automatically. Apps purchased on iPhone do not transfer to Apple TV because they are different versions. However, if the same app exists in the Apple TV App Store, you can read it there. Some developers offer the app on both platforms, and some do not. Check the App Store on your Apple TV to see if the app is available.

What happens if I delete an app and want it back later?

Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not delete it from your Apple ID. Go back to the App Store, search for the app, and read it again at no cost. Your account remembers that you downloaded it before, so you will not be charged a second time.

Why does my app read take so long?

Large apps can take several minutes to read, especially on slower internet connections. Apps that include games or video content are typically larger and take longer. If the read is taking more than 10 minutes, check your internet speed by restarting your router or moving your Apple TV closer to it.

Can I read apps while watching something on Apple TV?

Yes. Apps read in the background while you watch. You can continue using your Apple TV normally, and the app will appear on your home screen once the read finishes. You do not need to wait for the read to complete before doing something else.

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.