Installing apps on Apple TV is done through the App Store, which you access directly from your TV using the remote
The App Store on Apple TV works like the one on an iPhone or iPad — you browse, find what you want, and install it with a few remote clicks. Most apps read and install in under a minute. You do not need a computer; everything happens on the TV itself. The only requirement is that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and you are signed in with an Apple ID.
The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 12 or later. If your TV is older than that, some newer apps may not be available, but the installation method remains identical.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and select Install to read it automatically.
- Apps appear on your home screen once installed and are ready to use when ready without restarting your TV.
- You can delete apps by pressing and holding the select button on the remote, then choosing Remove from the menu.
- If an app will not install, restart your Apple TV and check that it has an active internet connection.
- Some apps require a paid subscription or account login after installation, which you set up inside the app itself.
Finding and installing an app step by step
Start on your Apple TV home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white circle — and click the touch pad on your remote to open it. You will see categories like Featured, Top Charts, and Search at the top.
Use the Search option to find the app you want. Click Search, use the on-screen keyboard to type the app name (the remote lets you swipe to select letters), and press the select button when you see the app in the results. Click the cloud icon with a down arrow, labeled Install. The app will begin downloading when ready. You will see a progress bar; when it reaches 100%, the app is ready to use.
The newly installed app appears on your home screen automatically. You do not need to restart your TV or do anything else — just open it and start using it. If you do not see it right away, scroll to the right side of your home screen, where newly installed apps usually appear.
What to do if an app will not install
If you tap Install and nothing happens, or the read stalls, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi. If the connection is active but slow, move your TV closer to the router or restart the router itself.
If the connection is strong, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings > System > Restart. Wait for the TV to power down and come back on, then try installing the app again. This clears temporary files that sometimes block downloads.
If the app still will not install, it may not be available in your region or on your specific Apple TV model. Check the App Store listing for the app — it will say "Not Available" if that is the case. Some older apps are no longer maintained and do not work on current tvOS versions; the listing will note this as well.
Managing apps and freeing up storage space
Your Apple TV has built-in storage, and installing many large apps can fill it. To see how much space you have left, go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About. The storage number shown is the total available; apps and system files use the rest.
To delete an app you no longer use, press and hold the select button on the remote while the app icon is highlighted on your home screen. A menu will appear with options including Remove. Select Remove, and the app will be deleted when ready. You can reinstall it later from the App Store at no cost.
If you are running low on storage and deleting apps does not free enough space, restart your Apple TV. This clears the cache — temporary files apps create while running — and usually recovers several hundred megabytes.
Updating apps automatically and manually
By default, Apple TV updates apps automatically when you are not using the TV, usually overnight. You do not have to do anything; updates happen in the background. If you want to check for updates manually or update a specific app right away, open the App Store, scroll to the top, and select Updates. You will see a list of apps with available updates. Select Update next to any app to install the new version when ready.
If an app is misbehaving after an update, you can delete it and reinstall the previous version by going back to the App Store and installing it again. Apple TV will install the latest version available, but sometimes waiting a day or two for a bug fix update resolves the problem.
Signing in to apps and managing subscriptions
Many apps — streaming services, news apps, games — require you to sign in with an account or pay for a subscription. This happens inside the app itself, not during installation. Once you install the app, open it and look for a Sign In or Log In button. Enter your username and password, or follow the app's instructions to create a new account.
Some apps use single sign-on, which means you can sign in once using your cable or satellite provider login, and the app will automatically unlock content from multiple channels. Look for this option in the app's settings if you have a pay-TV subscription.
If an app asks for payment, you will be prompted to use the Apple ID associated with your Apple TV. Charges appear on your Apple ID billing statement, not on a separate bill. You can manage subscriptions by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Apple ID] > Subscriptions, where you can cancel any recurring charges.
Using Siri to install apps faster
If your Apple TV remote has a microphone (the Siri Remote does), you can install apps by voice. Press and hold the microphone button and say "Install [app name]" — for example, "Install Netflix." Siri will find the app and begin the installation. This is faster than typing on the on-screen keyboard, especially for apps with long names.
Siri also works for opening apps you have already installed. Just say "Open [app name]" and the app will launch. If Siri does not understand your accent or the app name, try again or use the manual search method instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps from outside the App Store?
No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources. This is a security feature that prevents malware from reaching your TV.
Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Most apps are free to read and install. Some apps charge a one-time purchase fee, and others are free but require a paid subscription after you open them. The App Store listing shows the price before you install.
What happens to my apps if I sign out of my Apple ID?
Apps remain on your Apple TV and continue to work. However, if you sign out and a different person signs in with a different Apple ID, they will see a different home screen and their own set of apps. Your apps are tied to your Apple ID account, not the TV itself.
Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes. If you own more than one Apple TV and use the same Apple ID on each one, you can install the same app on all of them. Go to the App Store on each TV and install it separately, or use Family Sharing to let other family members install apps on their own accounts.
Why does an app keep crashing after I install it?
Restart your Apple TV first — go to Settings > System > Restart. If the app still crashes, delete it and reinstall it from the App Store. If it crashes again, the app may not be compatible with your tvOS version. Check the App Store listing to see the minimum tvOS requirement.