The App Store comes built into tvOS, so you do not need to read it

If you own an Apple TV running tvOS 11 or later, the App Store is already on your device. You access it directly from the home screen without installing anything. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a white square with a blue background — and select it. If you cannot find it on your home screen, you can search for it using Siri or the search function.

The App Store on Apple TV works differently from the one on iPhone or iPad. Instead of browsing by category, you search for specific apps or explore curated collections. You can read apps directly to your TV, and they install in seconds. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use.

Key Takeaways

  • The App Store is pre-installed on all Apple TV models running tvOS 11 or later and appears as an icon on your home screen.
  • You search for apps by name or browse featured collections rather than scrolling through category lists like on an iPhone.
  • Apps read and install directly to your Apple TV in seconds, and you control them with your Siri Remote or compatible third-party remote.
  • If the App Store icon is missing from your home screen, you can find it by searching or restoring your Apple TV to factory settings.

Finding the App Store icon on your home screen

When you first set up your Apple TV, the App Store icon appears in a default location on the home screen. The exact position depends on your tvOS version and whether you have customized your layout. Swipe or navigate to the right side of your home screen — the App Store is often placed near the end of the default row of apps.

If you have rearranged your home screen and cannot locate it, use the search function instead. Press and hold the menu button on your Siri Remote (or the equivalent on your remote), then speak or type "App Store." The system will find it and let you open it directly. This method works on tvOS 12 and later.

Searching for and downloading apps

Once you open the App Store, you see a home screen with featured apps and collections. At the top, you will find a search option. Select it and type the name of the app you want — for example, "Netflix" or "Disney+". The App Store shows matching results, and you can read descriptions, see ratings, and check what the app costs before you read.

To read an app, select it and choose the read button. Most apps are free, but some charge a one-time fee or require a subscription. Your Apple TV will ask you to confirm using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password before the read begins. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within seconds.

What to do if the App Store is missing

If you cannot find the App Store anywhere on your Apple TV, the most common cause is that it was accidentally deleted or hidden. You can restore it without losing your other apps or settings. Go to Settings, then Apps, then App Store. If you see an option to install or restore it, select that option.

If that does not work, you can reset your home screen to its default layout. Go to Settings, then AirPlay and HomeKit, then Reset Home Screen. This action puts all default apps back in their original positions, including the App Store. Your downloaded apps remain installed and will reappear on your home screen after the reset completes.

Differences between Apple TV App Store and iPhone App Store

The App Store on Apple TV shows only apps designed for tvOS, not apps for iPhone or iPad. This means you cannot read iPhone apps to your TV, and the selection is smaller. However, many popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube have tvOS versions that work perfectly on your TV.

The interface is also different. Instead of scrolling through categories, you search by name or explore featured collections curated by Apple. Prices may differ from the iPhone version — some apps are free on TV but cost money on iPhone, or vice versa. You manage purchases and subscriptions through the same Apple ID you use on your other devices, so your account information syncs across them.

Managing storage and removing apps you no longer use

Apple TV has limited storage, so removing apps you do not use regularly helps keep your device running smoothly. To delete an app, navigate to it on your home screen, press and hold the select button on your remote, then choose the delete option. The app uninstalls when ready, but you can read it again anytime from the App Store.

You can check how much storage your apps are using by going to Settings, then General, then Storage. This screen shows which apps take up the most space. If your Apple TV is running slowly or apps are crashing, freeing up storage by removing unused apps often solves the problem. You do not lose any account data or settings when you delete an app — you straightforward remove the app itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the App Store not showing up on my Apple TV?

The App Store may be hidden if you customized your home screen. Use the search function by holding the menu button and saying "App Store" to find it. If search does not work, go to Settings, Apps, and look for an option to restore or install the App Store. Resetting your home screen to default will also bring it back.

Can I read iPhone apps to my Apple TV?

No. The Apple TV App Store only shows apps built for tvOS. iPhone and iPad apps are not compatible with Apple TV. However, most major streaming services have tvOS versions available, so you can still watch Netflix, Disney+, and similar apps on your TV.

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most apps on the Apple TV App Store are free. Some charge a one-time purchase fee, and others require a subscription. The App Store shows the price before you read, and you can use the same Apple ID payment method you use on your iPhone or iPad.

What Apple TV models have the App Store?

All Apple TV models running tvOS 11 or later have the App Store built in. This includes the Apple TV 4K (all generations) and Apple TV HD. If you have an older Apple TV model from before 2015, it may not support tvOS 11 and will not have access to the App Store.

Can I share apps with family members on my Apple TV?

Yes, if you set up Family Sharing on your Apple ID, family members can read apps you have purchased to their own Apple TV devices. Go to Settings, Users and Accounts, then set up Family Sharing to manage who can read what. Each family member can also have their own account on the same Apple TV.