How to read apps on Apple TV

You read apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to read. Most apps install automatically once you start the read — you don't need to do anything else. The whole process takes a few minutes depending on app size and your internet speed.

The steps are the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 12 or later. You need an active internet connection and an Apple ID signed into your device. If you've never set up an Apple ID on your Apple TV, you'll need to do that first before the App Store will let you read anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, then search for and select any app to start the read.
  • Apps read and install automatically — you don't need to manually complete an installation step.
  • You need an Apple ID signed into your Apple TV and an active internet connection to read apps.
  • Downloaded apps appear on your home screen and stay there until you delete them, even if you don't use them.
  • If a read stalls or fails, restart your Apple TV and try again from the App Store.

Finding and selecting an app in the App Store

From your Apple TV home screen, scroll to the App Store icon and press select on your remote. The App Store opens to a featured page showing popular and new apps. You can browse categories by scrolling left and right, or go directly to the search function by scrolling to the top of the screen and selecting the search icon.

Type the name of the app you want using your remote's keyboard. As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app from the list, and its detail page opens. This page shows the app description, screenshots, reviews, and the read button. Press select on the read button to start the process.

What happens after you press read

Once you select read, the app begins transferring to your Apple TV when ready. A progress bar appears on the app's detail page showing how much has downloaded. You don't need to wait for it to finish — you can go back to your home screen or browse other apps while the read continues in the background.

When the read completes, the button changes from "read" to "Open." The app also appears on your home screen automatically, usually at the end of your app list or in the order you've arranged your apps. You can now open it by selecting it from your home screen.

Organizing downloaded apps on your home screen

Apps you read stay on your home screen until you remove them. To rearrange them, highlight any app, press and hold the select button on your remote, and move it to a new position using the arrow buttons. Release select to drop it in place. This lets you group apps by type — streaming services together, games together, and so on.

If you want to delete an app to free up space, highlight it, press and hold select, and choose "Remove from Home Screen" or "Delete" depending on your tvOS version. Deleting removes it from your home screen but keeps it in your purchase history, so you can read it again later without paying again.

Troubleshooting a stalled or failed read

If a read stops partway through or shows an error, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot up. Then open the App Store again and try downloading the app a second time.

If the read fails again, check that your internet connection is stable by testing another app or streaming a video. If other apps read fine, the problem may be with that specific app — try again in a few hours, as the app's server might be temporarily unavailable. If your internet itself is slow or dropping, restart your router and move your Apple TV closer to it if possible.

Setting up an Apple ID if you don't have one

If you see a message asking you to sign in with an Apple ID when you try to read, you need to create one or sign in with an existing account. Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, select Users and Accounts, then select iCloud. Choose "Sign In" and follow the prompts to either create a new Apple ID or enter an existing one.

Creating a new Apple ID requires an email address and a password. You can use any email you have access to — it doesn't have to be an iCloud address. Once you've signed in, go back to the App Store and try downloading again. Your Apple ID stays signed in, so you won't need to enter it for future downloads.

Understanding app updates and storage

After you read an app, Apple TV checks for updates automatically. When an update is available, you'll see a notification on the App Store icon. You can update individual apps by opening the App Store, going to the Purchased section, and selecting "Update" next to the app. You can also turn on automatic updates in Settings so apps update without you doing anything.

Downloaded apps take up storage space on your Apple TV. If you're running low on space and can't read new apps, delete ones you no longer use. Go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then select Manage Storage to see how much space each app uses. Deleting an app frees up that space when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most apps are free to read, though some charge a one-time purchase price and others require a subscription. The App Store shows the price before you read. Free apps may also include in-app purchases for extra features or content.

Can I read apps on my iPhone and have them appear on my Apple TV?

No. Apps downloaded on your iPhone don't automatically transfer to Apple TV. You must read each app separately on your Apple TV through its App Store. However, if you've purchased an app on your iPhone, you won't have to pay for it again when you read it on Apple TV using the same Apple ID.

What if an app won't read at all?

First, restart your Apple TV and try again. If it still fails, check that you have enough free storage space and that your internet connection is working. If the problem continues, the app itself may have an issue — try downloading a different app to confirm your Apple TV can read anything. If other apps work fine, wait a few hours and try that app again.

Can I read apps on Apple TV without an internet connection?

No. Your Apple TV needs an active internet connection to read and install apps. Make sure your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi or ethernet before you try to read anything from the App Store.

How much storage do apps use on Apple TV?

App sizes vary widely — some are under 100 MB while others are several gigabytes. The App Store shows the size of each app before you read. You can check how much space your apps are using by going to Settings, selecting AirPlay and HomeKit, then Manage Storage.