The App Store is on your Apple TV home screen, accessible through the main menu
The App Store on Apple TV is built into your device and appears as an icon on your home screen — the main menu you see when you turn on your Apple TV. You do not need to read anything or sign up separately. Open it the same way you open any other app: navigate to the icon using your remote and press select.
The App Store icon looks like a white square with a blue background. On most Apple TV models, it sits near the top of your home screen, often in the first or second row. If you cannot spot it when ready, scroll left or right through your home screen to find it — the layout depends on which apps you have already installed and how you have arranged them.
Once you select the App Store icon, the app opens and shows you featured apps, categories, and a search function. From here you can browse new apps, look for specific ones by name, or explore categories like Games, Entertainment, or Utilities.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store icon appears on your Apple TV home screen as a white square with a blue background.
- You navigate to the icon using your remote's directional buttons and press the center button to open it.
- The App Store is built in — you do not need to read or install it separately.
- Once inside, you can search for apps by name, browse by category, or view featured recommendations.
- Apps you read from the App Store install directly to your Apple TV and appear on your home screen.
Navigating the home screen to locate the App Store
When you turn on your Apple TV, you land on the home screen. This is a grid of app icons arranged in rows. The App Store icon is usually positioned in the upper rows, but its exact location varies depending on your Apple TV model and how many apps you have installed.
Use the remote's directional pad (the circular area at the top of most Apple TV remotes) to move up, down, left, and right across the home screen. As you move, each icon highlights in turn. The App Store icon will highlight when you reach it. If you do not see it in the visible area, scroll horizontally by pressing left or right repeatedly until you find it.
On newer Apple TV models with the Siri Remote, you can also swipe on the touch surface to move faster across the home screen. Swipe left or right to jump between rows of apps more quickly than using the directional pad alone.
Opening the App Store once you find the icon
Once the App Store icon is highlighted (it will have a border or glow around it), press the center button on your remote. This is the circular button in the middle of the directional pad. The App Store will open within a few seconds.
The first time you open the App Store, it may take a moment to load. This is normal. You will see a screen with featured apps at the top, followed by categories and recommendations below. The app is now ready to use.
If the App Store does not open after you press the center button, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. The App Store requires an active internet connection to load. If you are offline, you will see an error message.
What you see inside the App Store
The App Store interface is organized into several sections. At the top, you will see Featured apps — these are apps Apple is highlighting that week. Below that are category tabs like Games, Entertainment, Utilities, and Kids. Scrolling down shows more recommendations and curated collections.
In the upper right corner of the App Store, you will find a Search icon (usually a magnifying glass). Selecting this opens a search field where you can type the name of an app you want to find. Use your remote to navigate a keyboard and spell out the app name letter by letter.
Each app listing shows a thumbnail image, the app name, and a button to read it. Some apps are free; others cost money. The price or "Get" button appears on the right side of each listing.
Searching for a specific app by name
If you know the name of the app you want, searching is faster than browsing categories. Navigate to the Search icon in the upper right corner of the App Store and press select. A keyboard will appear on your screen.
Use your remote's directional pad to highlight letters on the keyboard, pressing the center button to select each one. Type the app name slowly — there is no rush. As you type, the App Store will show matching results below the keyboard. Once you see the app you want, you can select it directly from the results without finishing the full name.
If you make a mistake while typing, look for a Delete or Backspace button on the keyboard (usually on the right side) and select it to erase the last letter. Then continue typing the correct spelling.
Downloading and installing apps from the App Store
Once you find an app you want, select it to open its detail page. This page shows a description, screenshots, reviews, and a button to read the app. The button will say either "Get" (for free apps) or show a price (for paid apps).
Select the Get or price button. If the app is free, it will begin downloading when ready. If the app costs money, you may be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID, depending on your Apple TV settings.
The read usually takes less than a minute on a fast internet connection. Once the app finishes installing, the button will change to "Open" or the app will automatically appear on your home screen. You can then close the App Store and find the new app among your other apps on the home screen.
Troubleshooting if you cannot find the App Store
If the App Store icon is not visible on your home screen, it may have been moved or hidden. Scroll through all rows of your home screen by pressing left and right repeatedly. The App Store icon should be somewhere on the home screen — it cannot be deleted.
If you have scrolled through your entire home screen and still do not see it, restart your Apple TV. Unplug the device from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to boot up completely and check the home screen again. The App Store should reappear.
If your Apple TV is not connected to the internet, the App Store will not load even if you open it. Check your Wi-Fi connection in Settings. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit (or Network on older models) and confirm that your Apple TV is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Once connected, try opening the App Store again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rearrange the App Store icon on my home screen?
Yes. Press and hold the App Store icon using your remote until a menu appears, then select "Move" or "Edit". You can then navigate it to a new position on your home screen. Press select again to confirm the new location.
Do I need an Apple ID to use the App Store?
You need an Apple ID to read paid apps or to read free apps that require an account. If you only want to browse, you can look around without signing in. Most Apple TV devices prompt you to sign in the first time you try to read something.
What happens if I read an app and then delete it?
You can read it again from the App Store at any time without paying twice if it was a paid app. Select the app in the App Store and the button will show a read icon instead of a price, letting you reinstall it.
Why does the App Store take a long time to load?
A slow internet connection is the most common cause. If your Apple TV is far from your Wi-Fi router or the connection is weak, the App Store may load slowly. Try moving closer to the router or restarting your Wi-Fi. You can also restart the Apple TV itself by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
Can I use the App Store on Apple TV if I do not have a smart TV?
The App Store is built into the Apple TV device itself, not your television. As long as you have an Apple TV box connected to any TV (smart or not) and an internet connection, you can use the App Store.