The fastest way to get Apple TV on Roku
You can watch Apple TV on Roku by downloading the Apple TV app directly from the Roku Channel Store. The app is free to read, though you'll need an Apple ID and an active Apple TV+ subscription to watch most shows and movies. The entire installation takes about five minutes.
Start by going to your Roku home screen, selecting "Streaming Channels" (or "Search Channels" on newer models), and searching for "Apple TV". Select the official Apple TV app made by Apple Inc., then choose "Add Channel". Roku will read and install it automatically. Once installed, open the app, sign in with your Apple ID, and you're ready to watch.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple TV app is available free on all current Roku models and installs directly from the Roku Channel Store in under five minutes.
- You need an Apple ID to sign in, but you do not need to own an Apple device — the Roku app works independently.
- An Apple TV+ subscription costs extra and covers only Apple's original shows and movies; other content on the app may be available through other services you already pay for.
- If the app won't install, restart your Roku device and check that your internet connection is stable before trying again.
Step-by-step installation on your Roku
Press the Home button on your Roku remote to reach the home screen. Look for "Streaming Channels" in the menu (the exact name varies by Roku model — some call it "Search Channels" or "Add Channels"). Select it and you'll see a search box.
Type "Apple TV" into the search box. The official Apple TV app will appear at the top of the results — it has the Apple logo and says "Apple TV" as the title. Do not select a third-party app or a channel called "Apple TV Channels" (that's a different service). Select the correct app and choose "Add Channel". Roku will read and install it, which usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installation finishes, select "Go to Channel" or return to your home screen and find Apple TV in your list of apps. Open it. You'll see a sign-in screen asking for your Apple ID email address and password. Enter your credentials and select "Sign In". If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID, you'll receive a code on your trusted device — enter that code when prompted.
What you can watch without paying extra
The Apple TV app itself is free, but the content you can watch depends on what you pay for. If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, you can watch all Apple original series and films — shows like "Ted Lasso", "Severance", and "Foundation" are included. An Apple TV+ subscription costs $9.99 per month (or $99 per year), though the price varies by region and Apple occasionally offers free trial periods.
Beyond Apple TV+, the app also lets you purchase or rent individual movies and TV episodes through the iTunes Store, and it displays content from other services you subscribe to — like Prime Video, Disney+, or Hulu — if you've linked those accounts. You can also watch free, ad-supported content from some networks and studios directly in the app. Check the "Free" section to see what's available at no cost.
Signing in with your Apple ID
You need an Apple ID to use the Apple TV app on Roku, but you do not need to own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com. You'll need a valid email address and a password you create yourself.
Once you have an Apple ID, enter it when the app prompts you to sign in. If you've enabled two-factor authentication (a security feature that requires a code from another device), Apple will send a six-digit code to a trusted device — usually your phone. Enter that code in the app to complete sign-in. If you don't receive the code, check that your trusted device is connected to the internet and that you're using the correct phone number or email address.
Troubleshooting if the app won't install or open
If the Apple TV app doesn't appear in search results, your Roku model may be older than 2016. The app requires a Roku device running software version 7.0 or later. Check your Roku's software version by going to Settings > System > About. If your version is older, you can update it by going to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now. Restart your Roku after updating and search for the app again.
If the app installs but won't open, or if it crashes when you try to sign in, restart your Roku completely. Unplug the device from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully boot up. This clears temporary files that sometimes cause problems. Once it's restarted, open the app again.
If you're getting an error message during sign-in, check that your Apple ID email and password are correct — passwords are case-sensitive. If you've forgotten your password, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset it before trying again. Also confirm that your Roku has a stable internet connection by going to Settings > Network and checking the signal strength. If your Wi-Fi is weak, move your Roku closer to your router or restart your router.
Using the app on your TV
Once you're signed in, the Apple TV app works like any other streaming app on Roku. Use your Roku remote to navigate — the arrow buttons move through menus, and the OK button selects. You can browse by category (TV Shows, Movies, Sports, etc.), search for specific titles, or see personalized recommendations based on what you've watched.
If you have multiple Apple IDs in your household, each person can sign in with their own account to get personalized recommendations and watch history. To switch accounts, open the app, go to Settings (usually in the menu), and select "Sign Out". Then sign in with a different Apple ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple device to use Apple TV on Roku?
No. The Apple TV app on Roku is completely independent — you only need an Apple ID and an internet connection. You don't need to own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV box. The Roku device itself is all you need.
Can I use a family sharing plan to watch on my Roku?
Yes. If you're part of an Apple family sharing group, you can sign in with your Apple ID on the Roku app and access any Apple TV+ content that's shared with you. Each family member can sign in with their own account to get their own recommendations and watch history.
What if my Roku is too old to support the Apple TV app?
The app requires Roku software version 7.0 or later, which means devices from 2016 onward. If your Roku is older, you can still watch Apple TV by connecting an Apple TV box, an iPhone, or another compatible device to your TV using HDMI or AirPlay.
Will the app work if my internet goes out?
No. The Apple TV app requires an active internet connection to stream. You cannot read shows or movies to watch offline on Roku. If your internet is unreliable, consider using a device like an iPad or iPhone, which does support offline downloads.
Can I control the app with my phone instead of the Roku remote?
Yes. You can use the official Roku app on your phone to control your Roku, including navigating and selecting within the Apple TV app. read the Roku app from your phone's app store, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku, and it will appear as a remote option.