The fastest way to the App Store on Apple TV
Open the App Store directly from your Apple TV home screen by pressing the TV and Home button on your remote, then scrolling to the App Store icon and selecting it. The App Store appears as a blue icon with a white stylized "A" made of sticks. Once you open it, you can browse apps by category, search for specific titles, or view what's trending.
If you cannot find the App Store icon on your home screen, it may have been moved or hidden. You can also reach it through Settings: go to Settings > Apps > App Store, then select "Open" to launch it directly.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store icon is a blue square with a white "A" symbol and sits on your Apple TV home screen by default.
- Press the TV and Home button on your remote to return to the home screen, then scroll and select the App Store icon.
- If the icon is missing from your home screen, you can open it through Settings > Apps > App Store.
- Once inside the App Store, you can search by name, browse categories like Games or Entertainment, or view trending apps.
Finding the App Store icon on your home screen
When you first set up Apple TV, the App Store icon appears on the home screen alongside other default apps like TV, Music, and Computers. The icon is unmistakable: a solid blue square with a white stylized "A" made of intersecting lines. If you see it, straightforward highlight it and press Select on your remote to open it.
The position of the App Store icon can vary depending on your Apple TV model and tvOS version, but it is almost always in the top rows of your home screen. Scroll left and right across your home screen to check if it has been moved to a different position. If you still cannot locate it, move on to the Settings method below.
Using Settings to open the App Store
If the App Store icon is not visible on your home screen, you can reach it through the Settings menu. Press the Menu button on your remote to open the control center, then scroll down and select Settings. Navigate to Apps, then scroll down until you see App Store listed.
Once you highlight App Store in the Apps menu, press Select and choose "Open" from the options that appear. This will launch the App Store when ready, and you can begin browsing or searching for apps. This method works on all Apple TV models running tvOS 11 or later.
Searching for and downloading apps in the App Store
Once the App Store is open, you have three main ways to find apps. You can scroll through categories like Games, Entertainment, Productivity, or Lifestyle by using the menu at the top of the screen. You can also select the Search option (usually a magnifying glass icon) and type the name of an app you want to find using the on-screen keyboard.
When you find an app you want, select it to see the description, screenshots, and reviews. Press Select to read it. Most apps read and install automatically; you do not need to do anything else. The app will then appear on your home screen or in your Apps folder, depending on your settings.
Restoring the App Store icon if it has been deleted
If you accidentally deleted the App Store icon from your home screen, you can restore it without resetting your entire Apple TV. Go to Settings > Apps > App Store, select it, and choose "Add to Home Screen" from the menu. The icon will reappear in your home screen, usually at the end of your app list.
Alternatively, you can edit your home screen directly: press and hold the App Store icon (if visible elsewhere) or go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Home Screen to manage which apps appear on your main screen. This gives you control over which apps you see when you turn on your Apple TV.
Troubleshooting if the App Store will not open
If the App Store opens but then closes when ready, or if you see an error message, restart your Apple TV first. Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the device to fully boot up. This clears temporary files that may be causing the problem.
If the App Store still will not open after a restart, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong. You can verify your connection in Settings > Network. If you are still having trouble, try signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in: go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > Sign Out, then sign back in with your credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the App Store icon not on my home screen?
The App Store icon may have been moved to a different position on your home screen, or you may have accidentally deleted it. Scroll through all your home screen pages to check. If it is truly missing, use Settings > Apps > App Store > Add to Home Screen to restore it.
Can I search for apps by category instead of typing?
Yes. Once the App Store is open, the top menu shows category tabs like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity. Select any category to browse apps within that section, or use the Search option to type a specific app name.
Do I need an Apple ID to read apps from the App Store?
Yes, you need to be signed in with an Apple ID to read apps. If you are not signed in, the App Store will prompt you to sign in or create an account when you try to read. You can manage your Apple ID in Settings > Users and Accounts.
What should I do if an app read gets stuck?
Go to Settings > Apps and find the app that is stuck. Select it and choose "Delete" to remove the incomplete read. Then return to the App Store and read it again. If the problem persists, restart your Apple TV and check your internet connection.
Can I organize my apps after downloading them?
Yes. Press and hold an app icon on your home screen to enter edit mode, then drag it to a new position. You can also create folders by dragging one app onto another. Press Menu when you are done editing to save your changes.