How to Update Apps on Your Apple TV

Update Apps Automatically or Manually on Apple TV

Apple TV can update apps in the background without you doing anything, or you can update them yourself whenever you want. By default, most Apple TVs are set to update apps automatically when connected to power and Wi-Fi overnight. If you prefer to control when updates happen, you can turn off automatic updates and refresh apps one at a time from the App Store.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have an older Apple TV (4th generation or earlier) or a newer model running tvOS 11 or later. Both methods work the same way in practice — you either let the system handle it, or you go into Settings to manage updates yourself.

Key Takeaways

Apple TV updates most apps automatically when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so you may not need to do anything.
To update a single app right now, open the App Store, go to the Updates tab, find the app, and select Update.
You can turn off automatic updates in Settings under Apps, then manually update apps whenever you choose.
Apps update faster when your Apple TV is connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal and plugged into power.
If an app fails to update, restart your Apple TV and try again from the Updates tab in the App Store.

Check for App Updates in the App Store

The quickest way to see which apps have updates waiting is to open the App Store on your Apple TV and look at the Updates tab. From the home screen, select App Store, then navigate to the Updates section at the bottom of the menu. You will see a list of all apps with available updates, along with a number badge showing how many updates are ready.

Each app in the Updates list shows the app name, the version number of the update, and a brief description of what changed. Select any app to read the full release notes, which often explain bug fixes or new features. Once you have chosen an app to update, press the select button (the center of the touchpad on your remote) and choose Update.

Update a Single App Right Now

To update one app without waiting for automatic updates, go to App Store on your Apple TV home screen. Press down on the remote to reach the Updates tab at the bottom. Scroll through the list until you find the app you want to update.

Highlight the app and press select on your remote. A menu will appear with the option to Update. Press select again to start the read and installation. The app will begin updating when ready if your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi. You will see a progress bar showing how much of the update has downloaded. Most app updates take between one and five minutes, depending on the app size and your internet speed.

While an app is updating, you can continue using other apps on your Apple TV. The update will run in the background. Do not unplug your Apple TV during an update, as this can corrupt the app and force you to reinstall it.

Turn Off Automatic Updates and Update Manually

If you prefer to decide when apps update instead of letting it happen automatically, you can disable automatic updates in Settings. Go to Settings on your home screen, then select Apps. Look for the option labeled Automatic Updates (the exact wording varies by tvOS version, but it will mention automatic or background updates).

Select this option and choose Off or Disable. From that point forward, apps will only update when you manually select Update from the Updates tab in the App Store. This gives you full control over which apps update and when, which is useful if you want to avoid updates that might change an app's interface or features in ways you do not like.

Keep in mind that turning off automatic updates means you are responsible for checking the Updates tab regularly. Apps with pending updates will show a number badge on the App Store icon on your home screen, so you can see at a glance when updates are waiting.

Restart Your Apple TV if Updates Fail

Occasionally an app update will stall or fail partway through. If you see an error message or the update seems stuck, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings, select System, then choose Restart. Your Apple TV will shut down and turn back on, which usually clears temporary problems that block updates.

Once your Apple TV has restarted, go back to the App Store Updates tab and try updating the app again. If the same app fails a second time, check your Wi-Fi connection by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi. Make sure you are connected to a strong signal — apps read faster and more reliably on stronger networks. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or remove obstacles between them.

If the app still will not update after a restart and a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can delete the app and reinstall it fresh from the App Store. Go to the home screen, highlight the app, press and hold select on your remote, then choose Delete. Once it is removed, go to the App Store, search for the app by name, and select Get to reinstall it.

Understand What Automatic Updates Does

When automatic updates are turned on (the default setting), your Apple TV checks for app updates once per day, usually in the early morning hours. If updates are found and your Apple TV is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, the system will read and install them automatically without asking you first.

This means you wake up to the latest versions of your apps without lifting a finger. The trade-off is that you do not see what changed or have a chance to delay an update if you are worried about a new version. Most app updates are small and fix bugs or improve performance, so automatic updates rarely cause problems.

If you have automatic updates on but want to check right now whether updates are available without waiting until tomorrow, go to the Updates tab in the App Store. The system will check when ready and show you any updates that are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my app update taking so long?

App size and internet speed both affect read time. Larger apps like streaming services can take five to ten minutes on a standard connection. If an update is taking longer than 15 minutes, check your Wi-Fi signal strength in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi. Weak signals cause slow downloads. If the signal is strong, restart your Apple TV and try again.

Can I use my Apple TV while an app is updating?

Yes. Updates run in the background, so you can watch shows, play games, or use other apps while one app is updating. The only exception is if you try to open the app that is currently updating — you will see a message saying the app is being updated and you cannot use it yet.

What happens if I unplug my Apple TV during an update?

Unplugging during an update can corrupt the app file, which means the app may not work afterward. You will likely need to delete it and reinstall it from the App Store. Always wait for the update progress bar to finish and disappear before unplugging your Apple TV.

Do I need to restart my Apple TV after an app updates?

No. Most app updates take effect when ready without a restart. You can start using the updated app right away. A few apps may ask you to restart the app itself (close it and open it again), but this is rare and the app will tell you if it is needed.

Can I update apps on my Apple TV from my iPhone?

No. You must update apps directly on the Apple TV using the App Store app on the device itself. You cannot trigger updates remotely from an iPhone or Mac. However, you can turn on automatic updates so the Apple TV handles updates on its own schedule.

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.