How to Install an App on Apple TV

The Basic Steps to read and Install an App

To install an app on your Apple TV, open the App Store from the home screen, search for the app you want, and select "Get" to read it. The app will install automatically and appear on your home screen once complete. Most apps take less than a minute to read, depending on file size and your internet speed.

You do not need to manually move the app or confirm installation—Apple TV handles this for you. Once the read finishes, the "Get" button changes to "Open," which means the app is ready to use when ready.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, then search for and select the app you want to read.
Tap "Get" to begin the read; the app installs automatically without requiring additional steps.
Your Apple ID must be signed in on the Apple TV before you can read any apps.
Apps appear on your home screen as soon as installation completes, and you can organize or delete them at any time.
If a read stalls or fails, restart your Apple TV and check your internet connection before trying again.

Signing In With Your Apple ID

Before you can read any app, your Apple ID must be signed in on the Apple TV. If you set up the device for the first time, you likely already signed in during setup. To check or sign in manually, go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, then choose your account name.

If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com using any email address. Once created, return to your Apple TV settings and sign in with that email and password. You only need to do this once—your Apple TV will remember your account.

Finding and Downloading Apps From the App Store

From your Apple TV home screen, highlight the App Store icon and press the select button on your remote. The App Store opens to a browse screen showing featured apps, categories, and recommendations based on what you have already installed.

To find a specific app, press the search icon (usually at the top of the screen) and use your remote to type the app name. The search results show matching apps with their icons and descriptions. Highlight the app you want and press select to open its detail page, where you will see a "Get" button, the app size, and a description of what it does.

Press "Get" to start the read. You may be asked to confirm your Apple ID password or use Face ID or Touch ID if your remote supports it. After confirmation, the read begins and a progress bar appears. Once complete, the button changes to "Open," and the app is ready to use.

Organizing and Managing Apps on Your Home Screen

After an app installs, it appears on your home screen in the order you downloaded it. To move an app to a different position, highlight it, hold down the select button on your remote until the app begins to jiggle, then use the arrow buttons to move it where you want. Press select again to lock it in place.

To delete an app, highlight it, hold down the select button until it jiggles, then press the play/pause button or the delete option that appears. The app is removed from your home screen, though you can read it again at any time from the App Store without losing any saved settings or data associated with that app.

Troubleshooting read and Installation Problems

If an app read stalls, stops, or shows an error message, the most common cause is a weak internet connection or a temporary problem with the App Store. First, check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and that the connection is stable. You can do this by going to Settings, selecting AirPlay and HomeKit, then choosing Wi-Fi to see your connection status.

If the connection looks strong, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, selecting System, and choosing Restart. Wait for the device to power back on, then return to the App Store and try downloading the app again. If the same app continues to fail, try downloading a different app to see whether the problem is specific to that app or a broader issue with your Apple TV.

If you see a message saying the app is not available in your region or that you do not have permission to read it, this means the app is restricted by the developer or Apple for your location. Some apps are only sold in certain countries, and there is no way to bypass this restriction. Check whether an alternative app with similar features is available instead.

Understanding App Updates and Storage Space

Once an app is installed, Apple TV automatically checks for updates and installs them in the background when your device is not in use. You do not need to manually update apps. If you want to check for updates manually, open the App Store, go to the Purchased section, and look for any apps with an "Update" button available.

Apple TV models vary in storage capacity, typically ranging from 32 GB to 64 GB. Apps take up space on this storage, though most apps use only a few hundred megabytes. If you install many large apps or games, you may eventually run out of space. When this happens, delete apps you no longer use by highlighting them on your home screen, holding select, and pressing delete. This frees up space for new apps without affecting your Apple ID or account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Some apps are free, while others cost money. The App Store shows the price before you read—free apps display "Get," and paid apps show the price. You can also read free trials of some paid apps to test them before buying.

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

Yes. Sign in with the same Apple ID on each Apple TV, and your purchased apps will be available on all of them. You can read the same app on multiple devices without paying again.

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

If you reset your Apple TV to factory settings, all apps are deleted from the device. However, your purchases are tied to your Apple ID, so you can read them again at no cost after signing back in.

Why does an app say "Open" instead of "Get"?

This means the app is already installed on your Apple TV. Press "Open" to launch it when ready, or go to your home screen to find it there.

Can I install apps from sources other than the App Store?

No. Apple TV only allows apps downloaded from the official App Store. This is a security measure to protect your device and data.

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.