Apple TV updates apps automatically by default, but you can also update them manually whenever you want

Your Apple TV can refresh apps in the background without you doing anything — that is the standard setting. But if you want to update a specific app right now, or if you have turned off automatic updates, you can do it yourself in a few taps. The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 11 or later.

Updates happen through the App Store app on your Apple TV, the same place you read new apps. You do not need a computer, and you do not need to restart your device. The update installs while you use other apps, though some apps may ask you to restart them once the update is done.

Key Takeaways

  • Automatic app updates are turned on by default, so most apps refresh themselves overnight or when your Apple TV is idle.
  • To manually update a single app, open the App Store, go to the Updates tab, find the app, and select Update.
  • To update all apps at once, go to Settings > Apps > Automatically Update Apps and toggle it on if it is off, or select Update All in the Updates tab.
  • Apps that have pending updates show a red notification badge with a number on the App Store icon on your home screen.
  • You can check which apps have updates waiting by opening the App Store and tapping the Updates tab at the bottom.

Turn on automatic updates so apps refresh on their own

Automatic updates are usually already on, but it is worth checking to make sure. Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Apps. Look for Automatically Update Apps and make sure the toggle is switched on (it will be green or highlighted).

When automatic updates are on, your Apple TV checks for new versions of your apps when the device is plugged in and not in use — typically overnight or when you are not watching. The updates read and install without interrupting you. You will not see a notification or a progress bar; the app just becomes the newer version the next time you open it.

If you turn automatic updates off, apps will never refresh unless you update them by hand. This is rarely necessary, but some people do it if they have very slow internet or want to control exactly when apps change.

Manually update a single app from the App Store

Open the App Store app from your home screen. At the bottom of the screen, you will see five tabs: Featured, Explore, Search, Library, and Updates. Tap Updates.

You will see a list of all your apps that have new versions waiting. Find the app you want to update and highlight it. A panel will appear on the right side of the screen showing the app name, what is new in the update, and an Update button. Press the button on your remote to select it.

The update will begin downloading and installing right away. You can keep using your Apple TV while this happens — you do not have to wait for it to finish. If the app was running when you started the update, you may see a message asking you to close and reopen it once the update is done.

Update all apps at once

If you have multiple apps waiting for updates and want to refresh them all together, go to the App Store and tap the Updates tab. At the top of the list, you should see an Update All button. Select it, and every app with a pending update will begin downloading and installing.

This process can take a few minutes if you have many apps or if your internet connection is slow. Your Apple TV will handle the downloads in the background, so you can watch something else while it works. Apps will be ready to use as soon as their individual updates finish.

Check which apps have updates waiting

The fastest way to see if any of your apps need updating is to look at your home screen. The App Store icon itself will show a red badge with a number on it — that number tells you how many apps have updates available. For example, a red circle with a "3" means three apps are waiting to be updated.

You can also open the App Store and go to the Updates tab to see the full list. Apps are usually listed in the order they were last updated, with the most recent at the top. If the Updates tab is empty, all your apps are current.

What happens during and after an app update

While an app is updating, you will see a progress bar next to its name in the Updates tab. The bar fills as the read and installation move forward. Most updates take less than a minute on a fast connection, though larger apps or slower internet can take longer.

Once an update finishes, the app is ready to use when ready. If the app was open when the update completed, you may need to close it and reopen it to see the new version. Some apps will prompt you to do this automatically; others will just start using the new version the next time you launch them.

Occasionally, an update will require your Apple TV to restart. This is rare, but if it happens, you will see a message telling you so. The restart will happen automatically after a short countdown, or you can select a button to restart right away.

Troubleshoot if an app update gets stuck

If an update seems to be taking too long or appears frozen, the first step is to check your internet connection. Open Settings, go to Network, and make sure your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and showing a strong signal. A weak or unstable connection can slow updates to a crawl.

If your connection is fine, try restarting the update. Go back to the Updates tab, highlight the stuck app, and select Update again. If that does not work, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Once it boots back up, try the update one more time.

If an app update repeatedly fails or hangs, you can delete the app and read it fresh from the App Store. This is a last resort, but it usually solves persistent problems. You will not lose any saved data or settings inside the app itself — those are stored separately on Apple's servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off updates for just one app?

No. Automatic updates are an all-or-nothing setting in Settings > Apps > Automatically Update Apps. If you turn it on, all apps update automatically. If you turn it off, no apps update automatically. You can always manually update individual apps from the Updates tab whenever you want.

Will updating an app delete my saved games or settings?

No. App updates only change the app code itself. Your saved games, preferences, login information, and any data stored in the app stay exactly as they are. The app just becomes a newer version with the same data inside.

Do I need to be connected to the internet for updates to work?

Yes. Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi to read and install app updates. If you are not connected, the Update button will be grayed out or will not appear. Make sure you are on a stable Wi-Fi network before starting an update.

What if an app update makes it run worse or causes problems?

Updates are tested before release, but problems can still happen. If an app behaves badly after an update, try restarting it by closing it completely and reopening it. If that does not help, restart your Apple TV. If the problem continues, you can delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store, or contact the app maker's support team.

How often do Apple TV apps get updated?

It varies by app. Popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube update frequently — sometimes weekly or monthly. Less active apps might update only a few times a year. There is no fixed schedule; developers release updates whenever they have bug fixes or new features to add.