How to update apps on Apple TV
Apps on Apple TV update automatically by default, but you can also update them manually at any time. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, go to the Updates tab, and select the apps you want to update now, or turn on automatic updates so you never have to think about it. If an app won't update, the most common causes are a weak internet connection, insufficient storage space, or an outdated tvOS version running on your device.
Most of the time, you will not need to do anything—your Apple TV handles updates in the background while you sleep. But if you want to update an app right away, or if something goes wrong, the steps below will walk you through each option and how to fix common problems.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV updates most apps automatically overnight when your device is connected to power and the internet, so manual updates are optional.
- To manually update apps, open the App Store, select the Updates tab, and choose which apps to update when ready.
- Automatic updates are turned on by default, but you can disable them in Settings if you prefer to control when apps update.
- If an app fails to update, check your internet connection, restart your Apple TV, and make sure you have at least 2 GB of free storage space.
- Apps that won't update may require your Apple TV's tvOS system software to be updated first.
Enable automatic updates in Settings
Automatic updates are already on for most Apple TV devices, but you can confirm this and adjust the setting if needed. Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Apps. Look for the option labeled Automatically Update Apps and make sure it is toggled on.
When automatic updates are enabled, your Apple TV will read and install app updates in the background, usually between midnight and 5 a.m., as long as your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. You will not see notifications or prompts—the updates happen silently. If you prefer to update apps yourself on your own schedule, you can turn this toggle off, but you will then need to manually check for updates regularly.
Manually update apps from the App Store
Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen. Use the remote to navigate to the Updates tab at the bottom of the screen. This tab shows all apps that have newer versions available.
You will see a list of apps with pending updates. Select any app you want to update now and press the select button on your remote. The app will begin downloading and installing when ready. You can update multiple apps one at a time, or wait for one to finish before starting another. A progress indicator will show you how far along the update is. Once an app finishes updating, it will disappear from the Updates list.
Check your internet connection and storage space
App updates require both a stable internet connection and free storage space on your Apple TV. If updates are failing or stalling, the first thing to check is your Wi-Fi signal. Go to Settings, then Network, and confirm that your Apple TV is connected to your Wi-Fi network and showing a strong signal.
Next, check how much storage space is available. Go to Settings, then About, and look at the Available Storage number. If it shows less than 2 GB free, you may not have enough room for updates to read and install. Delete apps you no longer use, or clear the cache by restarting your Apple TV. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying the update again.
Restart your Apple TV if updates fail
A straightforward restart often fixes update problems that seem stuck or that produce error messages. Unplug your Apple TV from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Let it boot up completely—this usually takes one to two minutes—then try the update again.
If the same app continues to fail after a restart, try removing the app entirely and reinstalling it from the App Store. Go to Settings, then Apps, find the app in your list, select it, and choose Delete. Then go back to the App Store, search for the app by name, and select it to read and install the latest version fresh.
Update tvOS if apps won't update
Sometimes an app will not update because your Apple TV's system software—called tvOS—is out of date. App developers release updates that require a newer version of tvOS to run, so your device needs to be current first.
Check your tvOS version by going to Settings, then System, then About. If an update is available, you will see a Software Update option in the System menu. Select it and choose Update. Your Apple TV will read and install the update, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your device may restart during this process. Once tvOS is updated, go back to the App Store and try updating the app again.
Understand what happens during an app update
When an app updates, your Apple TV downloads the new version from Apple's servers and installs it over the existing version. Your settings, saved data, and login information for that app are preserved—the update does not erase anything. The app will be temporarily unavailable while the update is in progress, but once it finishes, it will work exactly as before, just with new features or bug fixes.
Some updates are small and take just a few seconds. Others are larger and may take a minute or two, especially on a slower internet connection. If you need to use an app urgently, you can wait for the update to finish before opening it, or you can use a different app in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off automatic updates for specific apps?
No. The automatic update setting in Settings applies to all apps at once—you cannot choose to auto-update some apps but not others. If you want control over individual apps, turn off automatic updates entirely and manually update only the apps you choose from the Updates tab in the App Store.
Why is an app not showing up in the Updates tab?
If an app is not in the Updates tab, it is already running the latest version available for your Apple TV. Some apps may not have released a new version in a long time, or the app may have been removed from the App Store. If you think an app should have an update, try restarting your Apple TV and checking the Updates tab again.
What if my Apple TV is not plugged in—will automatic updates still happen?
No. Automatic updates only run when your Apple TV is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. This is by design, to avoid draining the battery if your device is unplugged. If you want updates to happen, make sure your Apple TV stays plugged in overnight.
Can I update apps while I am using my Apple TV?
Yes. You can start an app update and continue using other apps on your Apple TV at the same time. The app being updated will not be available until the update finishes, but everything else will work normally.
How long does a typical app update take?
Most app updates take between 30 seconds and two minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed. Larger apps or slower connections may take longer. You can check the progress by going back to the Updates tab in the App Store.