The fastest way to add an app to Apple TV
The easiest way to put an app on your Apple TV is through the App Store built into your device. Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app you want, and select it. Press the select button on your remote, then choose "Get" or the cloud icon if you already own the app. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else.
If you already own an app on your iPhone or iPad, you can also install it on your Apple TV without paying again. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, go to the Purchased tab, find the app, and select it. The cloud icon appears instead of a price. Press select and the app installs to your TV.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store on your Apple TV is the main way to find and install apps — search by name, select the app, and press "Get" on your remote.
- Apps you have already bought on iPhone or iPad show a cloud icon in the App Store instead of a price, and you can install them on your TV at no extra cost.
- Your Apple TV must be signed in with the same Apple ID you use on your other devices to see your purchased apps.
- Some apps require a subscription or login after installation, but the app itself installs from the App Store without extra steps.
Finding apps in the Apple TV App Store
Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen — it is the blue icon with a white app symbol. Use your remote to navigate and select it. The App Store opens to a home page showing featured apps, categories, and search.
To find a specific app, select the search icon at the top of the screen. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard. Results appear as you type. Select the app you want from the list. If the app exists for Apple TV, it shows on the detail page with a description, screenshots, and reviews from other Apple TV users.
You can also browse by category — select "Categories" and choose from Entertainment, Games, Productivity, Sports, and others. This is useful if you know what type of app you want but not the exact name.
Installing a new app you do not own
Once you find an app in the App Store, select it to open the detail page. If the app costs money, the price appears in a button on the right side of the screen. If it is free, the button says "Get." Press the select button on your remote to start the read.
For paid apps, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID on your remote (if your remote has that feature). Enter your password or use Face ID, and the purchase goes through. The app then downloads and installs automatically.
Installation usually takes less than a minute for smaller apps, though larger apps like games may take a few minutes. You do not need to do anything while it installs — just wait for the app to appear on your home screen or in your apps library.
Installing apps you already own on other Apple devices
If you bought an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can install it on your Apple TV without paying again. Your Apple TV must be signed in with the same Apple ID you use on those other devices.
Open the App Store on your Apple TV and select the search icon. Type the app name. When the app appears in the results, select it. Instead of showing a price or "Get" button, a cloud icon appears. This means you own the app. Press select on the cloud icon and the app downloads to your TV.
If you do not see the cloud icon, it means the app is not available for Apple TV, or you do not own it on your Apple ID. Some apps are only made for iPhone and iPad, not for TV screens.
What to do if an app will not install
If an app starts downloading but stops or shows an error, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, select Network, and confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router.
If the connection is fine, restart your Apple TV. Hold the Menu button on your remote for a few seconds until the home screen appears, then release. Wait 30 seconds and turn your Apple TV back on. Try installing the app again.
If the app still will not install, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, select your account, and choose Sign Out. Then sign back in with your Apple ID and password. Try the installation again.
Managing apps after installation
Once an app is installed, it appears on your Apple TV home screen or in your apps library. You can move it, delete it, or organize it into folders just like on an iPhone.
To move an app, press and hold the select button on your remote while the app is highlighted. A menu appears with options to move it or delete it. Select "Move" and use the arrow buttons to place it where you want on your home screen. Press select to confirm.
To delete an app, press and hold select on the app, then choose "Delete" from the menu. The app is removed from your Apple TV, but you can reinstall it later from the App Store without paying again.
Updating apps on your Apple TV
Apps on your Apple TV update automatically by default. Your TV checks for updates when it is in standby mode and installs them overnight. You do not need to do anything — updates happen in the background.
If you want to check for updates manually, open the App Store, select your profile icon in the top right corner, and scroll down to see available updates. Select "Update All" to update every app at once, or select individual apps to update them one by one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install apps that are not in the App Store?
No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps from other sources or install apps that Apple has not approved. If an app you want is not in the App Store, it is not available for Apple TV.
Do I need to pay for an app twice if I own it on my iPhone?
No. If you own an app on your iPhone and it is also available for Apple TV, you can install it on your TV at no extra cost using the same Apple ID. The cloud icon in the App Store shows that you already own it.
Why does an app say it is not available in my country?
Some apps are only sold in certain countries due to licensing or legal rules. If an app shows "Not Available," it means the developer has not made it available in your region. You cannot install it unless you change your Apple ID region, which requires a payment method from that country.
What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?
If you reset your Apple TV to factory settings, all apps are deleted. However, you can reinstall them from the App Store afterward without paying again. Your purchase history is saved to your Apple ID, so the cloud icon will appear for apps you own.
Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes. If you own an app and you have multiple Apple TVs signed in with the same Apple ID, you can install that app on all of them. Each TV can have its own copy of the app at no extra cost.