The fastest way to update Apple TV depends on your device

The Apple TV app updates automatically on most devices if you have automatic updates turned on. If you want to update right now instead of waiting, the steps change depending on whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart TV, or streaming device. The app store or settings menu on your device controls the update—not the Apple TV app itself.

Automatic updates are the default on most Apple devices, so you may already be running the latest version. But if you've turned off automatic updates or you're on a device that doesn't auto-update, you can manually check for and install a new version in under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll to Apple TV, and tap Update if one is available.
  • On Mac, open the App Store, search for Apple TV, and click Update next to the app name.
  • On Samsung, LG, Roku, and Fire TV devices, go to your device's app store and search for Apple TV to find the update option.
  • Automatic updates are on by default for most devices, so the app may already be current without any action from you.
  • Restarting your device after updating ensures the new version loads completely and fixes any lingering problems.

Update Apple TV on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see Apple TV in the list of your apps. If an update is waiting, you'll see an "Update" button next to the app name—tap it to start the read and installation.

The update usually finishes in a few seconds to a minute, depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. You don't need to do anything else while it installs. Once it's done, the "Update" button disappears and you can open the app normally.

If you don't see an "Update" button, your app is already on the latest version. To turn on automatic updates so you never have to do this manually, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, select App Store, and toggle on "App Updates" under Automatic Downloads.

Update Apple TV on Mac

Open the App Store from your Applications folder or Launchpad. Click the search icon at the top and type "Apple TV." When the app appears in the results, look for an "Update" button next to it. Click Update to read and install the newest version.

On Mac, updates usually install in the background while you work. You may see a notification when the update is complete, or you can check by opening the App Store again and confirming the "Update" button is gone.

To set up automatic updates on Mac, open System Settings, click General in the sidebar, select Software Update, and turn on "Automatic Updates." This keeps Apple TV and all your other apps current without you having to check manually.

Update Apple TV on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

The steps vary slightly depending on your device, but the process is similar across Samsung, LG, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. Open your device's app store or app marketplace—the name and location differ by brand. Search for "Apple TV" and select the official Apple TV app from the results.

If an update is waiting, you'll see an "Update" button on the app's page. Tap or click it to start the installation. The app will read and install in the background. Your TV or device may restart automatically during the update, which is normal.

Most smart TVs and streaming devices auto-update apps by default, so you may not need to do this at all. If you want to check your device's update settings, look in the app store settings or your device's main settings menu for an "Auto-Update Apps" or similar toggle.

What to do if the update won't install

If the update button doesn't appear or the installation stalls, restart your device first. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open the app store again and try the update a second time.

If the update still won't go through, check that you have enough free storage space on your device. Updates need room to read and unpack. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then Storage to see how much space is left. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and check the Storage tab. If you're running low, delete files or apps you don't use and try again.

Make sure your internet connection is stable and strong. A weak or interrupted connection can cause downloads to fail. If you're on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router or switch to a wired connection if your device supports it. Then restart the update.

Verify the update installed correctly

After the update finishes, close the Apple TV app completely and reopen it. This forces the app to load the new version fully. If you see a splash screen or loading animation when you open it, that's normal—the app is initializing the update.

You can also check which version you're running by opening the app and looking in its settings or about section. On iPhone and iPad, open Apple TV, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, scroll down, and look for "About." On Mac, open Apple TV and check the menu bar. On smart TVs and streaming devices, the version information is usually in the app's settings menu.

Turn on automatic updates to skip manual checking

Automatic updates are the easiest way to stay current. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, select App Store, and toggle "App Updates" on under Automatic Downloads. The app will update overnight when your device is plugged in and on Wi-Fi.

On Mac, open System Settings, click General, select Software Update, and turn on "Automatic Updates." Your Mac will install updates automatically, usually at night or when you're not using it.

On smart TVs and streaming devices, automatic updates are usually on by default. Check your device's app store settings or main settings menu to confirm. Look for an option like "Auto-Update Apps" or "Automatic App Updates" and make sure it's enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Apple TV app update?

Apple releases updates for the Apple TV app several times a month, though not every update is large. Some updates fix bugs or add small features, while others bring bigger changes. With automatic updates on, you'll always have the latest version without thinking about it.

Will updating the Apple TV app delete my saved shows and preferences?

No. Updates only change the app's code and features. Your watch history, saved shows, and account information stay exactly as they are. Your Apple ID is tied to your account, so everything syncs back when the app restarts.

Do I need to sign in again after updating?

Usually not. Your sign-in information is stored on your device, so you'll stay logged in after the update. If you do get signed out for any reason, just enter your Apple ID and password again—it takes less than a minute.

What if my device is too old to get the latest Apple TV app update?

Older devices sometimes can't run the newest app versions because they don't have the processing power or operating system required. If an update won't install, your device may have reached the end of support for that app. Check your device's operating system version in settings and compare it to Apple's system requirements for the latest Apple TV app version.

Can I downgrade to an older version of the Apple TV app?

No. App stores don't allow downgrading to older versions. If the new version causes problems, restart your device and clear the app's cache through your device's settings. If issues persist, contact Apple Support through the Apple TV app or your device's support options.