Where to find and install the Apple TV app

The Apple TV app is built into most Apple devices — iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers come with it already installed. If you own an Android phone, a Samsung TV, a Roku device, Amazon Fire TV, or a PlayStation or Xbox console, you can read the Apple TV app from that device's app store. On Android phones, search the Google Play Store for "Apple TV". On Samsung TVs, Roku, Fire TV, and gaming consoles, go to the device's app store and search for "Apple TV".

The app is free to read. Once installed, you sign in with your Apple ID — the same account you use for iCloud, iTunes, or the App Store. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one for free during the sign-in process.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers have the Apple TV app built in; you do not need to read it.
  • Android phones, Samsung TVs, Roku devices, Fire TV, PlayStation, and Xbox can all read the Apple TV app from their respective app stores at no cost.
  • You sign in with your Apple ID, which you can create for free if you don't already have one.
  • The app works on devices made after roughly 2016 for smart TVs and 2015 for gaming consoles, though older devices may not support it.

Installing on iPhone and iPad

If you have an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.3 or later, the Apple TV app is already on your device. Look for the Apple TV icon — it's a black square with a white TV symbol — in your home screen or app library. Tap it to open.

If you accidentally deleted the app, you can reinstall it. Open the App Store, tap the search icon at the bottom, search for "Apple TV", and tap "Get" then "Install". You'll be asked to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Installing on Android phones

Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone. Tap the search icon and type "Apple TV". The official app will appear with the Apple TV logo. Tap "Install" and wait for the read to finish. Once installed, tap "Open" or find the Apple TV icon on your home screen.

The Apple TV app works on Android phones running Android 5.0 or later. If your phone is older than that, the app store will tell you it's not compatible with your device.

Installing on Samsung, LG, and other smart TVs

On a Samsung TV, use the remote to navigate to the Apps section. Search for "Apple TV" and select it from the results. Tap "Install" or "read". The app will read and install automatically; this usually takes a minute or two.

On LG TVs running webOS, go to the LG Content Store, search for "Apple TV", and select "Install". On other smart TV brands — Vizio, TCL, Hisense, and others — the process is similar: open the TV's app store, search for Apple TV, and install. If your TV is older than 2016, it may not support the app; the app store will show "Not compatible" if that's the case.

Installing on Roku and Amazon Fire TV

On a Roku device, go to the home screen and select "Streaming Channels" or "Search Channels". Search for "Apple TV" and select it from the results. Choose "Add Channel" and the app will install. You can then find it in your channel list.

On Amazon Fire TV, open the app store and search for "Apple TV". Select the official Apple TV app and choose "Get" or "read". Once installed, it will appear on your home screen or in your apps list. Fire TV devices made after 2015 support the app; older models may not.

Installing on PlayStation and Xbox

On PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, go to the PlayStation Store, search for "Apple TV", and select the app. Choose "read" and wait for installation to finish. The app will then appear on your home screen.

On Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, open the Microsoft Store, search for "Apple TV", and select "Get". The app will read and install automatically. Once done, you'll find it in your apps list or pinned to your home screen.

Signing in and what happens next

After you open the Apple TV app for the first time, you'll be asked to sign in. Enter your Apple ID and password. If you don't have an Apple ID, select "Create Apple ID" and follow the prompts — you'll need an email address and a password you create.

Once you're signed in, the app will show you what content is available. Some content is free; other shows and movies require a subscription or a one-time purchase. The app also lets you browse, search, and add shows to a watchlist. Your library and watchlist sync across all your devices, so if you add something on your phone, it appears on your TV too.

Troubleshooting if the app won't install

If the app store says your device is not compatible, your device is likely too old. Smart TVs and streaming devices made before 2015 or 2016 generally don't support the Apple TV app. In that case, you can still watch Apple TV content on a compatible device or through a web browser at tv.apple.com if you sign in with your Apple ID.

If the app starts to install but gets stuck, restart your device and try again. Make sure you have enough free storage space — the app typically needs 100 MB to 500 MB depending on the device. If you're on Wi-Fi, check that your connection is stable. If problems persist, uninstall the app completely, restart your device, and reinstall it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to read the Apple TV app?

No. The app itself is free on all devices. You only pay if you choose to buy or rent individual movies and shows, or if you subscribe to Apple TV+, which is a separate paid service.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple devices?

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on all your devices, and your library, watchlist, and playback history will sync across them. You can watch on up to six devices at the same time with one account.

What if my device is too old to support the Apple TV app?

You can watch Apple TV content on any device with a web browser by going to tv.apple.com and signing in with your Apple ID. You can also use an Apple TV box, a newer streaming device, or a newer phone or tablet.

Will the app work without an internet connection?

No. The Apple TV app requires an active internet connection to stream content. Some content can be downloaded to your device for offline viewing, but you must read it while connected to the internet first.

How much storage space does the Apple TV app need?

The app itself takes up 100 MB to 500 MB depending on your device. If you read shows or movies for offline viewing, each episode or film takes additional space — typically 500 MB to 2 GB per hour of video, depending on quality.