How to Download the Apple TV App on Your Device

Where to find and read the Apple TV app

The Apple TV app is built into most Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers come with it already installed. If you own an Android phone, Amazon Fire tablet, Roku, Samsung smart TV, or LG smart TV, you can read the app from your device's app store. On non-Apple devices, search for "Apple TV" in your device's app marketplace, tap or click the official Apple TV app (look for the black icon with a white TV symbol), and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

Windows computers do not have a native Apple TV app. Instead, you can watch Apple TV content through a web browser by visiting tv.apple.com and signing in with your Apple ID. This works on any Windows PC with an internet connection and a supported browser like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.

Key Takeaways

iPhones, iPads, and Macs have the Apple TV app pre-installed and do not require a separate read.
Android phones, Fire tablets, Roku devices, and Samsung and LG smart TVs can read the Apple TV app from their respective app stores.
Windows computers cannot run the Apple TV app but can access Apple TV through a web browser at tv.apple.com.
After downloading, you sign in with your Apple ID to access your content and account settings.

Downloading on iPhone and iPad

If you have an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.3 or later, the Apple TV app is already on your home screen. Look for the black icon with a white TV symbol. Tap it to open the app and sign in with your Apple ID. If you accidentally deleted the app, you can reinstall it by opening the App Store, tapping the search icon at the bottom, typing "Apple TV," and tapping the cloud icon next to the app name.

The same process works on iPad. Once the app is installed or restored, you can start browsing shows, movies, and channels right away. Your library and watchlist sync across all your Apple devices, so anything you save on your iPhone appears on your iPad and Mac as well.

Downloading on Mac

Mac computers running macOS 10.15 or later have the Apple TV app built in. Open Launchpad (the grid icon in your dock) and look for the Apple TV app, or use Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space, typing "Apple TV," and pressing Enter. The app opens when ready without needing installation.

If you are on an older Mac running an earlier version of macOS, you cannot run the Apple TV app. Instead, visit tv.apple.com in your web browser and sign in with your Apple ID to watch content there.

Downloading on Android phones and tablets

Open Google Play Store on your Android device. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type "Apple TV." The official Apple TV app appears at the top of the results — it has the black icon with the white TV symbol and is published by Apple Inc. Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish. Once installed, tap "Open" to launch the app for the first time.

After the app opens, sign in with your Apple ID. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one during the sign-in process. Your library and purchases sync with your other devices once you are signed in.

Downloading on Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung, and LG devices

On Roku, press the Home button on your remote, navigate to the Roku Channel Store, search for "Apple TV," and select the official app. Choose "Add Channel" and wait for installation to finish. On Amazon Fire tablets and Fire TV devices, open the Appstore, search for "Apple TV," and tap "Get" or "read."

Samsung and LG smart TVs have their own app stores built into the TV menu. On Samsung, go to Apps, search for "Apple TV," and select Install. On LG, open the LG Content Store, search for "Apple TV," and choose Install. After installation completes on any of these devices, open the app and sign in with your Apple ID.

What to do if the app will not read

If the read stalls or fails, restart your device and try again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — a weak Wi-Fi signal or spotty cellular data can interrupt downloads. Check that your device has enough free storage space; most app stores show a storage warning if your device is too full.

If you are downloading on an older device, confirm that your device meets the minimum system requirements. The Apple TV app requires iOS 12.3 or later on iPhones and iPads, macOS 10.15 or later on Macs, and Android 5.0 or later on Android phones. If your device is older than these versions, you cannot install the app, but you can still watch on tv.apple.com through a web browser if your device has internet access.

Signing in after you read

Once the app is installed and open, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter your Apple ID (your email address) and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID, you will receive a code on one of your trusted devices — enter that code to complete sign-in.

After you sign in, the app loads your library, watchlist, and any shows or movies you have purchased or added to your account. Your content syncs across all your devices, so your place in a show on your iPhone picks up where you left off on your Mac or TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to read the Apple TV app?

No. The app itself is free to read on all devices. You only pay if you want to watch movies, rent content, or subscribe to Apple TV+ or other channels through the app.

Can I read the Apple TV app on my Windows computer?

The Apple TV app does not run on Windows. Instead, open a web browser and go to tv.apple.com to sign in and watch. You can bookmark the page for faster access next time.

What if I do not have an Apple ID?

You can create a free Apple ID during the app's sign-in process. You will need an email address and a password. Once created, you can use that Apple ID to sign in on any device.

Will the app work if I do not have an internet connection?

You need an internet connection to read the app and to stream content. Some devices allow you to read shows or movies for offline viewing, but this feature depends on your subscription and the content you are watching.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple devices?

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on all your devices, and your library, watchlist, and viewing history sync across them. You can watch on up to six devices at the same time with one account.

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.