How to Install Apps on Apple TV Without Using the App Store

You can sideload apps onto Apple TV through AirPlay, USB connection, or Xcode, but each method has limits

Apple TV does not give you a straightforward way to install apps outside the App Store. The device is designed to pull everything from Apple's official store, and the company restricts direct installation to protect security. However, three workarounds exist: AirPlay mirroring from an iPhone or Mac, connecting via USB and Xcode (Apple's developer tool), or using TestFlight to install beta versions of apps. None of these methods are straightforward, and each one works only for specific situations — mirroring works for content already on your phone, Xcode requires a Mac and developer knowledge, and TestFlight requires the app developer to have invited you.

The reason Apple TV limits installation is intentional. Unlike a phone or computer, the TV is a shared device in your home, and Apple restricts what can run on it to prevent malware and unwanted software from reaching your screen. If you are looking for an app that exists in the App Store, that is always the easiest path. The methods below are for situations where an app is not available in the store, or you are testing your own app.

Key Takeaways

AirPlay lets you mirror your iPhone or Mac screen to Apple TV, which works for apps already on your phone but does not install anything permanently on the TV itself.
Xcode is Apple's developer tool and allows you to install apps directly to Apple TV, but it requires a Mac, a developer account, and the app's source code or an .ipa file.
TestFlight is Apple's beta testing platform; if a developer has invited you to test their app, you can read it through TestFlight on your Apple TV.
The App Store remains the official and safest way to install apps on Apple TV, and most apps you want are already there.

Using AirPlay to Mirror Apps from Your iPhone or Mac

AirPlay mirroring is the simplest method, but it does not actually install an app on your Apple TV — it only displays your phone or Mac screen on the TV. If you want to use an app that is on your iPhone, you can open it on your phone and mirror the screen to your TV. This works for any app on your phone, whether or not it is in the Apple TV App Store.

To mirror from an iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, and select your Apple TV from the list. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV, and you can open and use any app. The app runs on your phone, not on the TV, so the TV is just displaying what your phone is doing. This is useful for showing photos, playing music, or using an app that does not have an Apple TV version, but it drains your phone's battery and ties up your phone while you are watching.

To mirror from a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner, select Screen Mirroring, and choose your Apple TV. The same principle applies — your Mac's screen appears on the TV, and you can open any app on your Mac to display it. This method works well for presentations or for using Mac apps on a larger screen, but again, the app is running on your Mac, not on the TV.

Installing Apps with Xcode on a Mac

Xcode is Apple's development tool, and it allows you to install apps directly onto an Apple TV. This method requires a Mac, an Apple ID, and either the app's source code or an .ipa file (the file format for iOS and tvOS apps). If you are a developer testing your own app, or if you have the .ipa file for an app you want to install, Xcode is the way to do it.

First, read Xcode from the Mac App Store — it is free. Connect your Apple TV to your Mac using a USB-C cable (on newer Apple TV models) or through your network if your Mac and TV are on the same Wi-Fi. Open Xcode, go to Window > Devices and Simulators, and select your Apple TV from the list on the left. Drag the .ipa file into the window, or if you have the source code, open the project in Xcode and select your Apple TV as the build target, then click the Play button to build and install.

This method is technical and assumes you either have the app's source code or an .ipa file. If you are trying to install an app that is not yours, you would need to obtain the .ipa file from the developer or find it online, which may violate the app's terms of service. For most users, this method is not practical unless you are developing an app yourself.

Using TestFlight for Beta App Testing

TestFlight is Apple's platform for testing apps before they are released to the public. If a developer has invited you to test their app on Apple TV, you can read it through TestFlight. This is the official way to install pre-release apps, and it works directly on your Apple TV without needing a Mac or developer tools.

To use TestFlight, open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for TestFlight, and read it. Sign in with your Apple ID. If a developer has sent you an invitation link (usually by email), open that link on your iPhone or Mac, and you will be prompted to accept the invitation. Once accepted, the beta app will appear in TestFlight on your Apple TV, and you can read it from there.

TestFlight apps are temporary — they expire after a set period, usually 90 days, and the developer can remove you from the test at any time. This method only works if you have been invited by the app's developer, so it is not a general workaround for installing any app you want.

Why the App Store Is Still Your Best Option

Apple TV's App Store has thousands of apps, and the selection grows regularly. Apps in the store are reviewed by Apple, which means they meet security standards and are less likely to contain malware or unwanted behavior. Installation is one tap, updates happen automatically, and you can remove apps just as easily.

If an app you want is not in the App Store, the reason is usually that the developer has not built an Apple TV version. Some apps, like games or streaming services, have Apple TV versions. Others, like productivity tools or niche utilities, may not. Before trying the workarounds above, search the App Store to confirm the app is not there. If it is not, contact the developer and ask them to bring it to Apple TV — that is more likely to succeed than trying to sideload.

What Happens If You Try to Install Unsigned Apps

An unsigned app is one that has not been signed with Apple's certificate, which is required for any app to run on Apple TV. If you try to install an unsigned app directly, Apple TV will reject it. This is a security measure — it prevents malware and unauthorized software from running on your device.

If you are a developer, you can sign your own app using Xcode and your Apple ID, which allows you to test it on your TV. If you are trying to install someone else's unsigned app, it will not work. The only way to run an app on Apple TV is to either read it from the App Store, install it through Xcode with a valid signature, or receive it through TestFlight from the developer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Android apps on Apple TV?

No. Apple TV runs tvOS, which is Apple's operating system, and it only runs apps built for tvOS. Android apps are built for Android devices and will not work on Apple TV. If you want to use an Android app, you would need an Android TV device instead.

Is it legal to sideload apps onto Apple TV?

Sideloading your own app or an app you have been invited to test is legal. Sideloading someone else's app without permission, or installing pirated or cracked versions of apps, violates copyright law and the app's terms of service. Stick to apps you own or have been invited to test.

Will sideloading an app void my Apple TV warranty?

Using TestFlight or Xcode to install apps you own or have been invited to test will not void your warranty. These are official Apple tools. Installing apps through unofficial methods or from untrusted sources could cause problems, but Apple's official sideloading methods are safe.

Why is an app I want not in the Apple TV App Store?

Developers choose which platforms to build for. Some apps are designed only for iPhone or Mac, and the developer has not created an Apple TV version. Others may be in development or may not be available in your region. Contact the developer directly and ask them to bring the app to Apple TV — that is the best way to get it added to the store.

Can I use AirPlay to permanently install an app on Apple TV?

No. AirPlay only mirrors your phone or Mac screen to the TV. When you stop mirroring, the app is no longer on your TV. To permanently install an app, you need to use the App Store, Xcode, or TestFlight.

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.