How to Install Apps on Your Apple TV

The Basic Steps to Add an App

Installing an app on Apple TV means going to the App Store built into your device, finding the app you want, and selecting it to read. The process takes less than a minute for most apps, though larger ones may take a few minutes to finish downloading depending on your internet speed.

You control everything from your Apple TV remote. You do not need a computer, and you do not need to connect anything by cable. If you own the app on another Apple device — an iPhone, iPad, or Mac — you can also install it on Apple TV through your iCloud account, which syncs purchases across your devices.

The method you use depends on whether you want to search for a new app or reinstall something you have already bought. Both routes start from the same place: the App Store on your Apple TV home screen.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and select it to read — no account setup or payment required if the app is free.
Paid apps charge your Apple ID account automatically, so make sure your payment method is current before you search.
Apps you have already bought on iPhone, iPad, or Mac appear in the Purchased section of the App Store and can be installed with one selection.
Most apps read and install in under five minutes; larger apps like streaming services may take longer on slower internet connections.
You can delete an app by holding down the select button on it from the home screen, then choosing remove — this frees up storage space but does not delete your purchase history.

Finding and Installing a New App from the App Store

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white play button — and select it with your remote. The App Store opens to a featured section showing popular and new apps.

To find a specific app, look for the search icon at the top of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass) and select it. Use the on-screen keyboard to type the app name. As you type, matching results appear below. Select the app you want from the list.

Once you open the app's page, you will see a button showing either a price or the word "Get". Select that button. If the app is free, it begins downloading when ready. If the app costs money, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID. Enter your password or use Face ID, and the read starts.

The app downloads and installs in the background. You can watch the progress on the app's page, or you can leave the App Store and go back to your home screen — the app will continue installing. Once it finishes, a button labeled "Open" appears on the app's page, and the app also shows up on your home screen.

Installing Apps You Already Own

If you have bought an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can install it on Apple TV without paying again. Open the App Store, select the search icon, and search for the app by name as you would for a new app. When you find it, the button will say "Get" or show a price, but selecting it will not charge you — your purchase history is linked through your Apple ID.

Alternatively, you can browse your purchase history directly. In the App Store, scroll down to find "Purchased" or look for an account icon (usually at the bottom right of the screen). Select it, then choose "Purchased". A list of every app you have bought appears. Find the one you want and select it to install.

This method is useful if you remember buying an app but cannot recall its exact name, or if you want to see everything you own at once. The Purchased section shows both free and paid apps you have installed on other devices.

What Happens During read and Installation

After you select an app, Apple TV downloads it from the internet and installs it on your device's storage. Small apps — news readers, weather apps, straightforward games — usually finish in under a minute. Larger apps like Netflix, Disney+, or gaming apps can take several minutes, especially if your internet connection is slow.

You can check the progress by going back to the app's page in the App Store. A progress bar shows how much of the read is complete. You do not have to watch it; the app will finish in the background whether you are looking at it or not.

Once the read finishes, the app appears on your home screen automatically. You can open it when ready by selecting "Open" on its App Store page, or by finding it on your home screen and selecting it there. The app is now ready to use.

Managing Storage and Deleting Apps

Apple TV has limited storage space — how much depends on which model you own. Newer models have more storage than older ones, but all of them can fill up if you install many large apps. If you run out of space, you will see a message when you try to read a new app.

To free up space, delete apps you no longer use. From your home screen, hold down the select button on any app for a few seconds. A menu appears with options including "Remove". Select "Remove" to delete the app from your Apple TV.

Deleting an app does not erase your purchase history or your account. If you bought the app, you can reinstall it later from the Purchased section of the App Store without paying again. If the app stored any settings or data, that information is lost when you delete it, so reinstalling it will start fresh.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems

If an app will not read, check your internet connection first. Apple TV needs a stable connection to the internet to read anything. If your connection is slow or dropping, the read may stall or fail. Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully boot up.

If you see a message saying you do not have enough storage, you will need to delete other apps to make room. Check your Apple TV's storage in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About to see how much space is available.

If you own an app on another device but cannot find it in your Purchased section, make sure you are signed into the same Apple ID on your Apple TV as you are on that other device. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > iCloud and confirm your Apple ID is correct. If it is different, sign out and sign in with the correct ID.

If an app crashes or behaves strangely after installation, try deleting it and reinstalling it fresh. Sometimes a corrupted read causes problems, and a clean reinstall fixes them.

Keeping Your Apps Updated

Apple TV can update apps automatically, or you can update them manually. To check for updates, open the App Store and look for an "Updates" section, usually at the bottom of the screen. If any of your installed apps have updates available, they appear here with an "Update" button next to each one.

Select "Update" next to any app to read the latest version. Updates usually include bug fixes, new features, or security improvements. Most updates are small and read quickly, though some can be larger.

To turn on automatic updates, go to Settings > Apps and toggle on "Automatic Updates". With this setting on, your apps update themselves in the background whenever new versions are released, so you always have the latest version without having to check manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to install apps on Apple TV?

Yes. You must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV to access the App Store and read apps. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during the setup process on your Apple TV. Free apps do not require a payment method, but you still need the account.

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

No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps from the internet or from a computer the way you can on some other devices. Every app must come through the App Store.

What happens to my apps if I sign out of my Apple ID?

Apps remain on your Apple TV and continue to work. However, you will not be able to read new apps or update existing ones without signing back in. If you sign out and then sign in with a different Apple ID, the apps installed by the previous account will no longer work.

How much storage space do apps use?

It varies widely. Small utility apps use 10 to 50 megabytes. Streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+ use 100 to 300 megabytes. Games can range from 100 megabytes to over 1 gigabyte. Check the app's page in the App Store to see its size before you read it.

Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TVs in my home?

Yes. If you own multiple Apple TVs and they are all signed into the same Apple ID, you can install the same app on each one. You can also set up Family Sharing so that family members can install apps you have bought without needing your password each time.

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.