The fastest way to get apps on Apple TV

You read apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to start the read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen when it finishes.

The process takes the same steps whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the App Store works the same way across all current Apple TV hardware. You do not need a computer or a separate device to read most apps, though some apps let you start the read from your iPhone or iPad instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and select it to begin the read.
  • Apps read and install automatically; you do not need to confirm installation or restart your device.
  • You can also start downloads from your iPhone or iPad using the Apple TV app if you prefer not to search on the TV itself.
  • Your Apple TV must be signed into an Apple ID to read apps, and that Apple ID determines which apps you can access.
  • Storage space on your Apple TV is limited, so deleting unused apps makes room for new ones.

Downloading apps directly from your Apple TV

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white circle — and press Select on your remote. The App Store opens to a home page showing featured apps and categories.

Use the search function to find the app you want. Press the Menu button on your remote to bring up the search bar, then use the on-screen keyboard to type the app name. As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app from the results list.

The app's detail page opens, showing a description, screenshots, reviews, and a read button. Press Select on the read button. The app begins downloading when ready — you do not need to confirm anything else. A progress indicator shows how far the read has come. When the read finishes, the button changes to "Open," and the app appears on your home screen.

Starting downloads from your iPhone or iPad

If you own an iPhone or iPad, you can start app downloads to your Apple TV without touching the remote. Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad — this is the app with a black background and a white TV symbol, not the TV+ subscription app.

Tap the Account icon at the bottom right, then tap your Apple ID. Select "Settings," then "AirPlay and HomeKit." Choose your Apple TV from the list of available devices. Go back to the App Store section of the Apple TV app, search for the app you want, and tap the read button. The app downloads to your Apple TV in the background.

This method is useful if you want to queue up several apps at once or if you find it easier to search on your phone than to type on your TV remote. The app still installs on your Apple TV automatically — you do not need to do anything else.

What happens if your Apple TV runs out of storage

Apple TV storage varies by model. The Apple TV 4K comes with either 64 GB or 128 GB of storage, while the Apple TV HD has 32 GB. Apps, games, and cached data from streaming services all use this space. If your Apple TV is full, the read will pause or fail.

Check how much space you have left by going to Settings on your Apple TV, then General, then About. The storage information appears on this screen. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold an app icon on your home screen, select Delete, and confirm. The space frees up when ready, and you can then read the new app.

Streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ cache video data over time, which can also eat into storage. You can clear this cache without deleting the app itself. Go to Settings, then Apps, select the app, and choose "Offload App" — this removes the cached data but keeps your login information. Reinstall the app afterward to restore it with a clean cache.

Signing in with your Apple ID

You must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV to read any apps. When you first set up your Apple TV, you are prompted to sign in. If you skipped this step or need to sign in with a different Apple ID, go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, then iCloud.

Select "Sign In" and enter your Apple ID email and password. Two-factor authentication may be required if your Apple ID uses it — you will receive a code on a trusted device and can enter it on your Apple TV. Once you are signed in, you can read any app available in your region's App Store.

The Apple ID you use determines which apps you can access. Some apps are region-locked, meaning they are only available in certain countries. If an app you want does not appear in your App Store, it may not be available in your region. Paid apps charge to the payment method linked to your Apple ID.

Updating apps you have already downloaded

Apps update automatically on Apple TV by default. Your device checks for updates once a day and installs them in the background when your Apple TV is idle. You do not need to do anything — updates happen without your input.

If you want to check for updates manually, open the App Store, go to the Purchased tab, and scroll to see which apps have updates available. Select an app with an update and press Select to install it right away. You can also turn off automatic updates in Settings if you prefer to update apps yourself — go to Settings, then Apps, then Automatic Updates, and toggle it off.

Removing apps you no longer use

Press and hold any app icon on your Apple TV home screen with your remote. A menu appears with options including Delete. Select Delete and confirm. The app is removed from your Apple TV when ready, and its storage space becomes available for new downloads.

Deleting an app does not affect your Apple ID or your ability to read it again later. If you change your mind, you can read the same app again from the App Store at any time. Your login information and settings for that app are not saved after deletion, so you will need to sign in again if you reinstall it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps to Apple TV if I do not have an internet connection?

No. Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet to read and install apps. Apps are stored on Apple's servers and stream to your device during installation. If your connection drops during a read, the process pauses and resumes when your connection returns.

Why does an app say "Not Available" in the App Store?

Apps are region-locked, meaning they are only sold in certain countries. If an app shows "Not Available," it is not offered in your region. Some apps are also removed from the App Store over time if the developer stops supporting them. You cannot read apps that are not available in your region.

Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to read apps?

No. Apple TV+ is a paid streaming service, but it is separate from the App Store. You can read any free or paid app without an Apple TV+ subscription. Some apps, like the Apple TV app itself, are free. Others cost money, which is charged to your Apple ID.

What if a read gets stuck or fails?

Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Once it restarts, try downloading the app again. If it still fails, check that your internet connection is stable and that you have enough storage space. You can also sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in to refresh your account.

Can multiple people on the same Apple TV read apps?

Yes, if your Apple TV has multiple user accounts set up. Each account can have its own Apple ID, and apps downloaded under one account appear only for that user. Go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, to set up additional accounts or switch between them.