Getting to the App Store from your Apple TV home screen

The App Store on Apple TV is built into your device and sits on the home screen as a dedicated app icon. To reach it, press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen if you are not already there, then scroll right or left until you see the App Store icon — it looks like a white square with a blue background. Highlight it and press the touch pad or select button in the center of your remote.

The App Store will open in a few seconds. You are now in the main storefront, where you can browse featured apps, search for specific ones, or look through categories like Games, Entertainment, or Productivity. The layout is the same whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 11 or later.

Key Takeaways

  • The App Store icon sits on your Apple TV home screen and opens with a single press of the select button on your remote.
  • Once inside, you can search for apps by name, browse by category, or look at what Apple is featuring that week.
  • You must be signed into your Apple ID on the Apple TV before you can read or install any app.
  • Downloaded apps appear on your home screen automatically and can be organized or removed at any time.

Signing in with your Apple ID before downloading

Before you can read an app from the App Store, you need to be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV. If you set up your Apple TV with an Apple ID, you are already signed in. To check, go to Settings on the home screen, scroll down to Users and Accounts, and select your account name. You should see your Apple ID email listed.

If you have not signed in yet, go to Settings, choose Users and Accounts, then select Add New User or iCloud. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your Apple ID email and password. Once you are signed in, you can return to the App Store and read apps without entering your credentials again for each one.

Searching for a specific app by name

When you open the App Store, you will see a search icon at the top of the screen — it looks like a magnifying glass. Press the select button on it, and a keyboard will appear. Use your remote to type the name of the app you want. As you type, the App Store will show matching results below the keyboard.

Highlight the app you want from the results list and press select. This opens the app's detail page, where you can read a description, see screenshots, check the file size, and look at user reviews. If you want to read it, press the Get button, then confirm with your Apple ID password if prompted.

Browsing categories and featured apps

The App Store home screen shows featured apps and collections that Apple updates regularly. Scroll down to see categories like Games, Entertainment, Productivity, Lifestyle, and Sports. Each category shows a row of apps you can scroll through horizontally. Highlight any app to see its name and a brief description.

You can also look at the Top Charts section to see which apps are most popular or most downloaded. This is a good way to discover new apps if you are not sure what you are looking for. Press select on any app to open its detail page and read more before downloading.

Installing an app and finding it on your home screen

Once you press Get and confirm your Apple ID password, the app will begin downloading. You will see a progress bar on the app's detail page. Most apps read and install in under a minute, depending on file size and your internet speed. When the read is complete, the Get button will change to Open.

The app will also appear automatically on your Apple TV home screen, usually at the end of your app list or in a Recently Added section. You do not have to do anything else — it is ready to use right away. If you want to move it to a different spot on your home screen, press and hold the select button on the app icon, then choose Edit Home Screen and drag it to a new position.

Removing apps you no longer want

If you read an app and later decide you do not want it, you can remove it from your Apple TV in seconds. Go to your home screen, highlight the app you want to delete, then press and hold the select button. A menu will appear with the option Delete. Press select to confirm, and the app will be removed from your home screen and your device storage.

Deleting an app does not affect your Apple ID or your ability to read it again later. If you change your mind, you can go back to the App Store, find the app, and read it once more without paying anything — your purchase history is tied to your Apple ID, not to the device.

Troubleshooting when the App Store will not open

If you press select on the App Store icon and nothing happens, or if the app takes a very long time to load, restart your Apple TV. Unplug the power cable for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the device to boot up completely — you will see the Apple logo and then the home screen. Try opening the App Store again.

If the App Store still will not open, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, select Network, and make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi. A weak or unstable connection can prevent the App Store from loading. If you are connected but the App Store still does not work, try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in. Go to Settings, Users and Accounts, select your account, and choose Sign Out, then sign back in with your credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for apps in the Apple TV App Store?

No. Many apps are free to read and use. Some apps cost money upfront, and others are free but offer in-app purchases for extra features or content. The price is always shown on the app's detail page before you read it.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. You can sign into the same Apple ID on as many Apple TVs as you own. Apps you read on one device will not automatically appear on another, but you can read them again on a different Apple TV using the same account without paying twice.

What if I forget my Apple ID password?

Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Users and Accounts, then choose your account. Select Password and Account Security, then choose Change Password. You will be guided to Apple's account recovery page, where you can reset your password using your recovery email or phone number.

Can I read apps directly from the App Store on my iPhone and have them appear on my Apple TV?

No. Apps downloaded on your iPhone do not automatically transfer to your Apple TV. You must read them separately on the Apple TV itself. However, if you buy an app on your iPhone, you own it under your Apple ID and can read it free on your Apple TV using the same account.

Why does an app say "Waiting" instead of downloading?

This usually means your Apple TV is busy with another task or your internet connection is slow. Wait a few minutes and the read will usually resume. If it stays stuck, restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then try downloading the app again.