The basic way to get apps on your Apple TV
You read apps to your Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into the device. You navigate to it using your Apple TV remote, search for the app you want, and install it directly to your TV. The app then appears on your home screen and is ready to use. This is the same process whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the steps are nearly identical.
You do not need a computer or a second device to read most apps. Everything happens on the TV itself. The only exception is if you want to install an app remotely using your iPhone or iPad, which is useful if you are away from home and want the app ready when you return.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV using the remote, search for an app by name, and select it to install — it downloads and appears on your home screen automatically.
- You must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV before you can read apps; if you are not, the TV will prompt you to sign in during the first app read.
- Apps read in the background, so you can start using your TV while installation happens; you do not have to wait for the progress bar to finish.
- You can also install apps remotely from your iPhone or iPad by opening the App Store app, finding the app, and tapping the cloud icon with a read arrow.
- Storage space on your Apple TV is limited, so if you run out of room, you can delete apps you no longer use to make space for new ones.
Opening the App Store and finding an app
Press the TV button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. You will see a grid of app icons. Look for the App Store icon — it is a blue square with a white stylized "A" made of sticks. Highlight it and press the Select button (the center of the clickpad on your remote).
Once the App Store opens, you will see categories like "Top Charts," "Categories," and "Search" at the top. Press the Select button on "Search" to open the search field. Use the remote to type the name of the app you want. As you type, suggestions will appear below. When you see the app you are looking for, highlight it and press Select.
The app's detail page will open, showing a description, screenshots, reviews, and an Install button (or a Get button on older tvOS versions). Highlight the button and press Select. The app will begin downloading when ready.
What happens after you press install
After you press Install, the app starts downloading to your Apple TV. You will see a progress indicator — usually a circle that fills as the read progresses. You do not have to stay on this screen; you can press the TV button to return to your home screen and use other apps while the read happens in the background.
Once the read is complete, the app will automatically appear on your home screen, usually at the end of your app list or in the order you set up your home screen. You can open it when ready and sign in with your account for that service (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and so on). Some apps are ready to use right away; others require you to create an account or log in first.
Installing apps from your iPhone or iPad
If you want to install an app on your Apple TV while you are away from home, you can do it from your iPhone or iPad. Open the App Store app on your phone or tablet and search for the app you want. When you find it, look for the cloud icon with a read arrow next to the app name.
Tap that cloud icon. Your phone will ask you to confirm which Apple TV you want to install it on (if you have more than one). Select your TV, and the app will begin downloading to it remotely. The app will be waiting on your home screen when you get home and turn on your TV.
This feature only works if your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV are all signed into the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or if your Apple TV is signed into your account).
Signing in with your Apple ID
The first time you try to read an app, your Apple TV will ask you to sign in with an Apple ID. This is the same account you use for iCloud, the iTunes Store, or the App Store on your iPhone. If you do not have one, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during the sign-in process on your TV.
Enter your email address and password when prompted. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple ID (which is recommended for security), you will need to approve the sign-in from another device — usually your iPhone. Once you are signed in, you will not have to sign in again for future app downloads unless you sign out.
Managing storage and deleting apps you do not use
Apple TV storage is limited depending on your model. The Apple TV 4K has either 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, while the Apple TV HD has 32 GB. Apps, games, and cached data (temporary files apps store) take up space. If you run out of room, you will not be able to read new apps until you delete some.
To delete an app, go to your home screen, highlight the app you want to remove, and press and hold the Select button until a menu appears. Choose Remove or Delete (the wording varies by tvOS version). The app will be deleted when ready, and that storage space will be freed up. You can always read the app again later if you change your mind.
You can also check how much storage you are using by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Storage (or Settings > General > Storage on older models). This shows you how much space is used and how much is free.
Troubleshooting common read problems
If an app will not read, first check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and that the connection is stable. A weak or intermittent connection can cause downloads to stall or fail. Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart (or Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Restart on some models), then try downloading again.
If you see an error message during read, make sure you are signed into the correct Apple ID — the one that purchased the app (if it is a paid app) or the one you want to use for that service. If the app is paid and you have not purchased it, you will need to buy it first. If the read still fails after restarting, wait a few minutes and try again; sometimes Apple's servers are temporarily busy.
If you run out of storage space, you will see a message saying the Apple TV does not have enough room. Delete apps or clear cached data (go to Settings > Apps > Offload Unused Apps to automatically remove apps you have not used in a while), then try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Some apps are free to read, while others cost money. The App Store shows the price before you install. Free apps like YouTube, Plex, and Peacock do not cost anything to read, though some may require a subscription to use all their features. Paid apps show a price button instead of an Install button; you will be charged to your Apple ID payment method when you purchase.
Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes. If you sign into the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs in your home, you can read an app once and it will be available on all of them (as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network). You can also install apps remotely from your phone to any Apple TV signed into your account.
What if an app I want is not in the App Store?
Not all apps are available for Apple TV. Some developers only make apps for iPhone and iPad. If you cannot find an app in the Apple TV App Store, it is not currently available for that platform. You can check the developer's website to see if they plan to release an Apple TV version in the future.
Can I move apps around on my home screen?
Yes. Highlight an app on your home screen, press and hold Select, and choose Move. Use the remote to navigate to where you want the app, then press Select again. You can organize your apps however you like.
What happens if I delete an app and then want it back?
You can read it again from the App Store at any time. If it was a free app, you will not be charged. If it was a paid app you purchased before, you will not be charged again — your purchase history is saved to your Apple ID.