How to Download and Install Apps on Your Apple TV

The fastest way to get apps on Apple TV

You can read apps directly on your Apple TV using the App Store, which is built into the device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to read. Most apps install in seconds and appear on your home screen when ready. You can also use your iPhone or iPad to read apps remotely to your Apple TV if you prefer, and they will show up automatically.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to browse on the TV itself or use your phone. Both routes take about the same time, but browsing on your phone can feel faster if you already know what you're looking for.

Key Takeaways

The App Store on your Apple TV lets you search, read, and install apps directly on the device without a computer.
You can also read apps from your iPhone or iPad using the same Apple ID, and they appear automatically on your Apple TV.
Apps must be compatible with your Apple TV model — older devices support fewer apps than newer ones.
You need an Apple ID to read any app, and your Apple TV must be signed in to that account.
Deleting an app from your Apple TV is straightforward: hold down the select button on the remote and choose delete.

Downloading apps directly on your Apple TV

Start by pressing the home button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon and select it. You will see a search bar at the top of the screen — use it to find the app you want by typing the name. Once you find it, select the app and choose the read button (it usually shows a cloud icon with a down arrow).

The app will begin downloading when ready. You do not need to do anything else — it will install automatically and appear on your home screen once it finishes. Most apps take less than a minute to read and install, depending on the app size and your internet speed. If the read stalls, check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and that the connection is stable.

You can read multiple apps at once. Start the read for one app, go back to the App Store, and start another. Your Apple TV will handle them in the background while you browse or watch.

Using your iPhone or iPad to read apps to Apple TV

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and find the app you want. Tap the read button (the cloud icon with a down arrow). A menu will appear asking which device you want to read it to — select your Apple TV from the list. The app will read to your Apple TV in the background, and you will see it appear on your TV's home screen within a few seconds.

This method works only if your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV are all signed in to the same Apple ID. If you are not sure whether they are, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Users and Accounts, and check which Apple ID is active. On your phone, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, and confirm the Apple ID shown there matches.

The advantage of this route is that you can browse the App Store on a larger screen (your phone) while sitting on the couch, and the app installs on your TV without you having to navigate with the remote. It is especially useful if you want to read several apps at once.

What to do if an app will not read

First, check that your Apple TV has enough storage space. Go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then look at the available storage. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete an app you no longer use to make room. Hold down the select button on the remote while hovering over an app, then choose delete.

If storage is not the problem, restart your Apple TV. Hold down the home and menu buttons on the remote at the same time for about 6 seconds until the light on the device blinks. Wait 30 seconds for it to restart, then try downloading the app again.

If the app still will not read, check that your Apple TV is signed in to an Apple ID. Some apps require you to be signed in to read them. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, and make sure an Apple ID is listed. If no account is shown, select Add User or Family Member and sign in with your Apple ID.

Compatibility and which apps work on your Apple TV

Not every app in the App Store works on every Apple TV model. Older Apple TV devices (4th generation and earlier) support fewer apps than newer ones. When you search for an app, the App Store will show you whether it is compatible with your device. If you see a message saying the app is not available on your Apple TV, it means that particular app does not support your model.

The most common apps — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Plex, and others — work on most Apple TV models. Smaller or newer apps may only support Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) or later. If you own an older Apple TV and want access to a specific app, check the App Store listing to see which models it supports.

You can see which Apple TV model you own by going to Settings, selecting About, and looking at the model name. This information is useful when you are deciding whether to read an app or when troubleshooting why an app will not install.

Managing your apps and freeing up space

Your Apple TV has limited storage, so you may need to delete apps you no longer use. To remove an app, go to your home screen, hover over the app with your remote, and hold down the select button (the center circle). A menu will appear — choose delete and confirm. The app is removed when ready, and the space it used becomes available again.

You can reinstall a deleted app anytime by going back to the App Store and downloading it again. Your saved data and settings for that app may or may not be preserved depending on the app — some apps store your login information in the cloud, while others keep it only on the device.

If you want to see how much space each app is using, go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then choose Manage Storage. You will see a list of all your apps ranked by size. This can help you decide which apps to delete if you are running low on space.

Signing in with your Apple ID

You need an Apple ID to read any app from the App Store. Your Apple TV should already be signed in if you set it up with your Apple ID, but you can check by going to Settings, selecting Users and Accounts, and looking at the account listed. If no account is shown or you want to use a different Apple ID, select Add User or Family Member and follow the prompts to sign in.

If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or at appleid.apple.com. You will need an email address and a password. Once you have created your Apple ID, sign in on your Apple TV and you will be able to read apps.

If you share your Apple TV with family members, each person can have their own user account. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, and choose Add User or Family Member to create additional accounts. Each account can have its own home screen and app library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps on Apple TV without an Apple ID?

No. You must be signed in to an Apple ID to read any app from the App Store. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com or on your iPhone or iPad. Once you have created it, sign in on your Apple TV and you will be able to read apps.

Why does an app say it is not available on my Apple TV?

The app does not support your Apple TV model. Older Apple TV devices support fewer apps than newer ones. Check which model you own by going to Settings, selecting About, and looking at the model name. If you need a specific app, you may need to upgrade to a newer Apple TV model.

How do I update an app on Apple TV?

Apps update automatically by default. Go to Settings, select Apps, then choose Automatic Updates and make sure it is turned on. If you want to update an app manually, go to the App Store, select the Purchased tab, find the app, and select Update if one is available.

Can I read apps from outside the App Store?

No. The App Store is the only official way to read apps on Apple TV. You cannot sideload apps or read them from other sources. All apps must come through the App Store.

What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?

Resetting your Apple TV erases all apps and data. You will need to sign back in to your Apple ID and read your apps again. Some apps will remember your login information if they store it in the cloud, but others will require you to sign in again.

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.