How to Download Apps on Your Apple TV

Finding and Installing Apps from the App Store

To read an app on Apple TV, open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press the select button on your remote to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to confirm a second time or restart your device. Once installation finishes, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open.

The entire process takes between 30 seconds and two minutes depending on app size and your internet speed. Smaller apps like remote controls or straightforward games install almost when ready. Larger apps like streaming services or games with high-quality graphics may take longer, but you can start using other apps while the read happens in the background.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app name, and press select on your remote to start the read.
Apps install automatically in the background — you do not need to confirm installation or restart your Apple TV.
Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet and signed into an Apple ID to read apps.
You can delete apps by pressing and holding the select button on any app icon, then choosing remove from the menu that appears.
Apps you have purchased on other Apple devices sometimes appear in the App Store marked as "Open" instead of showing a price or read button.

Signing In With Your Apple ID Before You Start

Before you can read any app, your Apple TV must be signed into an Apple ID. If you set up your Apple TV with an Apple ID, this is already done. To check, go to Settings on your home screen, select Users and Accounts, and look for your name at the top of the list.

If no Apple ID is signed in, select Add User or Family Member, then choose Create New Apple ID or Sign In with Existing Apple ID. You will need an email address and password. If you create a new ID, Apple TV will walk you through the steps on screen. Once your ID is active, you can read apps when ready.

Your Apple ID is the same one you use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — if you already have one, use that email and password. This also means any apps you have purchased on those devices may already be available to read on your Apple TV at no extra cost.

Searching the App Store by Name or Category

Open the App Store and you will see featured apps on the home screen. To find a specific app, select the Search tab at the top, then use your remote to type the app name. The search results appear as you type, and you can select any result to see its details page.

If you do not know the exact name, browse by category instead. Select Categories from the App Store menu to see groups like Games, Entertainment, Utilities, and Sports. Each category shows popular and newly released apps. Scroll through the list and select any app to read its description, see screenshots, and check the read button.

The search and category browsing work the same way on all Apple TV models. If you have trouble typing with your remote, you can use the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone or iPad to type faster — just open the app, tap the keyboard icon, and type the app name there.

What Happens During and After Installation

When you press select on an app, a read progress bar appears on the app's icon. The bar fills as the app downloads and installs. You do not need to wait for it to finish — you can go back to your home screen and use other apps while the read continues. The app will be ready when the progress bar disappears.

Once installation is complete, the app icon stays on your home screen in the same spot where you started the read. You can open it when ready by selecting it. If you want to move the app to a different location on your home screen, press and hold the select button on the app icon, then choose Move and use your remote to drag it to a new spot.

Apps you read are stored on your Apple TV's internal storage. If your Apple TV runs out of storage space, you will see a message when you try to read a new app. You can delete apps you no longer use to free up space — press and hold select on any app icon and choose Remove.

Troubleshooting Downloads That Stall or Fail

If a read stops 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, then Network, and confirming your Wi-Fi network name appears with a checkmark. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If the read still does not work, try restarting your Apple TV. Go to Settings, select System, then Restart. Wait for your Apple TV to turn back on, then return to the App Store and try downloading the app again. This fixes most read problems.

If you see an error message that says "Cannot Connect to App Store," your Apple ID may have an issue or your internet connection may be down. Sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in: go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, choose your account, then select Sign Out. After signing back in, try the read again.

Managing Storage When Your Apple TV Gets Full

Apple TV models come with different amounts of storage — typically 32 GB or 64 GB. Apps, games, and cached data from streaming services take up space over time. If you see a message that storage is full, you need to delete apps you do not use regularly.

To see how much storage you have left, go to Settings, select System, then About. The screen shows your total storage and how much is available. If you have less than 5 GB free, start deleting apps. Press and hold select on any app icon from your home screen and choose Remove. Deleting an app takes only a few seconds, and you can always read it again later.

Streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube also store temporary files called cache. These files build up over months of use. If you want to clear cache without deleting the app itself, go to Settings, select Apps, choose the app, and select Clear Cache. This frees up space without losing your login information or saved preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps on Apple TV if I do not have an Apple ID?

No, you must be signed into an Apple ID to read any app from the App Store. You can create a new Apple ID for free during Apple TV setup, or sign in with an existing one. The process takes about five minutes and requires only an email address and password.

Do I have to pay for every app I read?

No. Many apps are free to read and use. Some apps are paid, and the price appears on the app's details page before you read. If you have purchased an app on your iPhone or iPad, you can read it on Apple TV at no extra cost using the same Apple ID.

What if an app I want is not in the App Store?

Not all apps are available for Apple TV. Developers choose which platforms to release their apps on. If an app does not appear in the App Store search, it is not made for Apple TV. Check the app's website or contact the developer to see if they plan to release an Apple TV version.

Can I read apps on Apple TV using my phone or computer?

You cannot read apps directly to Apple TV from another device, but you can purchase apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the same Apple ID. Those apps then appear in the App Store on your Apple TV marked as "Open" instead of showing a price, and you can read them there.

How do I update apps after I read them?

Apple TV updates apps automatically by default. Go to Settings, select Apps, then Automatic Updates to turn this on or off. If automatic updates are off, you can update apps manually by opening the App Store, selecting Updates, and choosing which apps to update.

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.