How to Install and Manage Apps on Your Apple TV

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 select it to read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen once it's done. Most apps are free, though some charge a one-time fee or a subscription.

You can also install apps using your iPhone or iPad if you own the same Apple ID as your Apple TV — this is often faster than searching on the TV itself, since typing on a remote is slower than typing on a phone. Both methods put the app on your Apple TV within seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app's size and your internet speed.

Key Takeaways

The App Store on your Apple TV is the only official way to install apps, and you access it directly from your home screen.
You can install apps using your Apple TV remote or by opening the App Store app on your iPhone and selecting "Install on Apple TV" from any app's page.
Apps read and install in the background while you use your TV, and they appear on your home screen once installation is complete.
Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not delete it from your Apple ID account, so you can reinstall it later without paying again.
Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi and signed in with an Apple ID to read apps.

Installing apps directly from your Apple TV remote

Start on your Apple TV home screen and look for the App Store icon — it's a blue square with a white circle in the center. Select it with your remote and press the touchpad or select button to open it.

Once inside the App Store, you'll see featured apps at the top and a search option at the bottom. Use the search function to find the app you want by typing its name with your remote. The remote's touchpad lets you swipe to move through letters, or you can use the on-screen keyboard. Once you find the app, select it and choose the read button (or the price, if it costs money). The app begins downloading when ready and installs in the background.

You don't need to wait for the installation to finish — you can go back to watching TV or browsing other apps. When the read is complete, the app appears on your home screen, usually in the order you installed it or in a section labeled "Recently Added."

Installing apps from your iPhone or iPad

If you have an iPhone or iPad signed in with the same Apple ID as your Apple TV, you can install apps much faster by using your phone instead of the remote. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad and search for the app you want.

When you find the app, tap the cloud icon with a read arrow (or the price if it costs money). A menu appears asking which device you want to install it on — select your Apple TV by name. The app begins downloading to your TV when ready, and you'll see a confirmation message on your phone. This method is especially useful for apps with long names or complicated titles, since typing on your phone is quicker than using the remote.

What to do if an app won't read

If an app fails to read or gets stuck, the first step is to check your Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Network, and confirm you're connected. If the connection is weak or dropping, move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If your Wi-Fi is working, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for it to boot back up and try downloading the app again. If the app still won't read, sign out of your Apple ID (Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Account] > Sign Out), then sign back in. This refreshes your account connection and often fixes read problems.

Some apps are not available in all regions or on all Apple TV models. If you search for an app and it doesn't appear in the App Store, it may not be available where you are or on your specific Apple TV generation. Check the app's page on Apple's website to confirm it supports your model.

Managing storage and deleting apps you no longer use

Apple TV models come with either 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, and apps take up space. If you're running low on storage and can't read new apps, you need to delete ones you're not using. Press and hold an app icon on your home screen with your remote until a menu appears, then select Delete. The app is removed from your Apple TV when ready, and the storage space becomes available again.

Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not delete it from your Apple ID account. If you paid for the app, you can reinstall it later without paying again — just go to the App Store, search for it, and read it. Your purchase history is tied to your Apple ID, not to the device.

Organizing apps on your home screen

Once you have several apps installed, you can rearrange them to put your favorites at the top or group them by type. Press and hold any app icon on your home screen until it starts to jiggle, then use your remote to drag it to a new position. Release the remote's select button to drop it in place.

You can also create folders to organize apps by category. Press and hold an app, then select "Create Folder." Name the folder (for example, "Streaming" or "Games"), and drag other apps into it. Folders help keep your home screen clean, especially if you have many apps installed.

Updating apps automatically or manually

By default, Apple TV updates apps automatically when you're not using the device, usually overnight. You don't need to do anything — updates happen in the background. If you want to check for updates manually or turn off automatic updates, go to Settings, select Apps, then App Updates. You can toggle automatic updates on or off, or select "Update All" to install any pending updates right away.

Keeping apps updated ensures they work smoothly, fixes bugs, and adds new features. If an app is behaving strangely or crashing, check whether an update is available and install it — this solves most app problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from outside the App Store?

No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. There is no way to sideload apps or install them from other sources on Apple TV, unlike on some other devices. The App Store is the only official method.

Do I need to pay for most apps?

Most apps are free to read, though some charge a one-time fee or require a subscription to use all features. Streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ are free to read but require a paid subscription to watch. Check the app's page in the App Store to see the cost before you read.

What happens if I sign out of my Apple ID?

Apps you downloaded with that Apple ID remain on your Apple TV and continue to work. However, you won't be able to read new apps or update existing ones until you sign back in. Your purchase history is tied to your Apple ID, so signing back in lets you reinstall paid apps without paying again.

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

Yes. You can sign in with the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs, and apps you purchase are available on all of them. However, only one person can be signed in at a time on a single Apple TV. If multiple people in your household use the same TV, you'll need to switch accounts or set up multiple user profiles.

Why is an app I want not showing up in the App Store?

Some apps are not available in all countries or on all Apple TV models. Older Apple TV models (2nd and 3rd generation) have a smaller app selection than newer ones. Check your Apple TV model in Settings > About, then look up the app on Apple's website to confirm it's compatible with your device and region.

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.