The fastest way to add apps to your Apple TV
You install apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press install — it downloads and appears on your home screen within seconds. Most apps are free, though some charge a one-time fee or require a subscription to use them.
The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 11 or later. You do not need a computer. Everything happens on the TV itself, using your Apple Remote or a compatible third-party remote.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search by name or category, and press the select button to install an app.
- Apps read automatically and appear on your home screen once installation finishes, usually within a few seconds.
- You can organize your home screen by moving apps around, creating folders, or deleting apps you no longer use.
- If an app fails to install, restart your Apple TV and check that you have a stable internet connection.
- Some apps require you to sign in with an account (like Netflix or Hulu) before you can use them, even though the app itself is free to install.
Opening the App Store and finding apps
From your Apple TV home screen, scroll down to the App Store icon and press the select button on your remote. The App Store opens and shows featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top.
To find a specific app, press the search icon (the magnifying glass), type the app name using the on-screen keyboard, and press select when you see it in the results. If you are browsing by category, scroll through Featured, Categories, or Top Charts to see what is available. Most popular streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube — are in the Featured section.
Installing an app and watching it read
Once you find the app you want, highlight it and press the select button. The app card shows a button labeled "Get" or a price (if the app costs money). Press select on that button to begin the installation.
The button changes to "Installing" with a progress bar. Most apps finish within 10 to 30 seconds, depending on file size and your internet speed. When installation completes, the button changes to "Open." You do not have to press it — the app automatically appears on your home screen, usually in the top row or in a Recently Added section.
Signing in to apps after installation
Many apps — streaming services especially — require you to sign in before you can watch anything. After the app installs and opens, you will see a sign-in screen with a prompt to enter your username and password.
Some apps use a code-based sign-in instead: the app shows a code on your TV screen, and you visit a website on your phone or computer, enter that code, and sign in there. This method is faster than typing a long password on the TV remote. Once you sign in, the app remembers your account and you stay logged in unless you manually sign out.
Organizing and removing apps from your home screen
Your Apple TV home screen can hold many apps, but you can arrange them however you like. To move an app, highlight it, press and hold the select button until the app jiggles, then use the arrow buttons on your remote to move it to a new position. Press select again to lock it in place.
To delete an app, highlight it, press and hold select until it jiggles, then press the play/pause button (or the delete button on some remotes). The app is removed from your home screen, though you can reinstall it anytime from the App Store. Deleting an app frees up storage space on your Apple TV.
You can also create folders to group related apps together. Highlight one app, press and hold select, then drag it onto another app. Both apps move into a folder, which you can name and organize further.
Troubleshooting when an app will not install
If an app fails to install or gets stuck on "Installing," the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then try installing the app again.
Check your internet connection next. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay Receiver (or Settings > Network on older models) and confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak or unstable, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router.
If the app still will not install, check that you have enough free storage. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About (or Settings > General > About) and look at the available storage. If you are running low, delete apps or content you no longer need. Some apps require several gigabytes of free space to install.
Installing apps on multiple Apple TVs in your home
If you own more than one Apple TV and use the same Apple ID on both, you can install an app on one device and it will appear on the other automatically — but only if both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same iCloud account.
To set this up, go to Settings > Users and Accounts on each Apple TV and sign in with the same Apple ID. Once both devices share an account, apps you install on one will sync to the other within a few minutes. You can turn off this automatic sync in Settings > Apps if you prefer to manage each device separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple ID to install apps?
Yes. You must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV before you can install anything from the App Store. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com. Sign in on your Apple TV through Settings > Users and Accounts.
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 third-party sources the way you might on a computer or phone.
Why does an app say "Not Available in Your Country"?
Some apps are restricted by region due to licensing or legal requirements. If an app is not available where you are, you cannot install it on your Apple TV. This restriction is set by the app developer, not by Apple.
What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?
Resetting your Apple TV erases all apps and settings. If you sign back in with the same Apple ID afterward, apps you previously installed will be available to reinstall from the App Store, but you will need to reinstall them manually.
Can I install apps while watching TV?
Yes. Apps install in the background while you watch. You can switch back to your home screen anytime to check the installation progress or install another app without interrupting what you are watching.