The basic way to read apps on Apple TV
You read apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which works like the App Store on an iPhone or iPad. Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app you want, and select it. Then press the select button on your remote to read and install it. The app appears on your home screen once installation finishes, usually within a minute or two.
The process is 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 Apple TV. If you have never set up an Apple ID on your device, you will need to do that first — you can use the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and press select to read it.
- Your Apple TV must be signed into an Apple ID and connected to the internet for downloads to work.
- You can also start a read from your iPhone or iPad and have it install remotely on your Apple TV using the same Apple ID.
- Apps you have already purchased on other Apple devices may show as "Open" instead of requiring a new read.
- If a read stalls or fails, restart your Apple TV and try again — most problems clear up after a restart.
Finding apps in the App Store
The App Store icon sits on your Apple TV home screen. Open it and you will see featured apps at the top, organized by category. To find a specific app, highlight the search icon (the magnifying glass) at the top of the screen and press select on your remote. Type the app name using the on-screen keyboard, then select the result you want.
If you are not sure of the exact name, type part of it — the search will show close matches. For example, typing "news" will show you news apps like Apple News, BBC News, and others. Once you find the app, select it to open its detail page, which shows a description, screenshots, reviews, and the read button.
Installing an app and managing storage
When you select an app on its detail page, a button appears that says "Get" or "Open". If it says "Get", the app is not yet on your device, and selecting it will start the read. If it says "Open", you already own the app (because you bought it or downloaded it on another device using the same Apple ID), and it will launch instead of downloading again.
Most apps are free and read in seconds. Paid apps show a price button instead of "Get" — select it to purchase using the payment method on your Apple ID. Once the read starts, you can leave the App Store and use your Apple TV normally. The app installs in the background and appears on your home screen when ready.
Apple TV storage varies by model — the 32 GB version fills up faster than the 64 GB or 128 GB models. If you run low on space, delete apps you no longer use by holding select on an app icon from the home screen and choosing "Delete". This frees up room for new downloads.
Downloading apps from your iPhone or iPad
You can start an app read on your Apple TV without touching the device itself. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, find the app you want, and select it. If you see a cloud icon with a down arrow, the app is not on your Apple TV yet. Select that icon and choose which Apple TV to send it to (if you have more than one).
The app will begin downloading to your Apple TV when ready, even if the TV is asleep. This is useful when you are away from home or want to set up apps before sitting down to watch. The app still requires your Apple TV to be connected to the internet and signed into the same Apple ID you are using on your iPhone or iPad.
Troubleshooting downloads that get stuck or fail
If a read starts but does not finish, or if you see an error message, restart your Apple TV first. Unplug it from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Once it boots up, try downloading the app again. Most read problems clear up after a restart because they are caused by temporary connection glitches or memory issues.
If the read still fails, check that your internet connection is stable. Open Settings on your Apple TV, go to Network, and confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart the router itself. Then return to the App Store and try the read once more.
If a specific app consistently fails to read, it may not be compatible with your Apple TV model or tvOS version. Check the app's page in the App Store — it will show a message if your device does not support it. In that case, you will need to update tvOS (if an update is available) or use a different app that serves the same purpose.
Updating apps you have already downloaded
Apps on Apple TV update automatically by default. Your device checks for updates overnight when plugged in and connected to the internet, and installs them without your input. You can also update apps manually by opening the App Store, selecting your profile icon in the top right, and scrolling to "Available Updates". Select "Update All" to update everything at once, or select individual apps to update them one by one.
Automatic updates mean you always have the latest version of an app with the newest features and security fixes. If you prefer to control when updates happen, you can turn off automatic updates in Settings > Apps > Automatic Updates, though this is not recommended for security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Most apps are free to read. Some apps charge a one-time purchase price, and others are free to read but require a subscription (like Apple TV+, Netflix, or Disney+). The App Store shows the price or subscription cost before you read, so you will know what to expect.
Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes. Sign into the same Apple ID on each Apple TV, and you can read apps to all of them. Apps you purchase on one device are yours to read on any device signed into that Apple ID. You do not have to buy the same app twice.
What happens if I delete an app and want it back?
Open the App Store, search for the app, and select it. The button will say "Get" instead of "Open" because it is no longer on your device. Select "Get" to read it again at no cost (assuming it was free or you already paid for it once).
Why does an app say "Open" instead of "Get"?
The app is already on your Apple TV or you own it through your Apple ID. "Open" means you can launch it when ready. If you deleted it but still own it, downloading it again is free — just search for it and select "Get".
Can I read apps if my Apple TV is not connected to Wi-Fi?
No. Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet to read and install apps. Connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet before opening the App Store. If you are having trouble connecting, check your network settings or restart your router.