The fastest way to update apps on Apple TV

Most apps on Apple TV update automatically overnight if you have automatic updates turned on. You do not need to do anything — the system checks for new versions while your Apple TV is idle and installs them in the background. If you want to update an app right now instead of waiting, you can do it manually through the App Store in about 30 seconds.

The manual route works the same way on all Apple TV models: open the App Store, find the app you want, and tap the update button if one appears. If no button appears, the app is already at the newest version. You can also see which apps have pending updates by looking at a notification badge on the App Store icon itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Automatic updates are on by default, so most apps update themselves overnight without you taking any action.
  • To update a single app right now, open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the update button next to it.
  • If you see a number badge on the App Store icon on your home screen, that tells you how many apps have updates waiting.
  • You can turn automatic updates on or off in Settings under Apps, which controls whether apps update in the background.
  • Restarting your Apple TV can help if an app update seems stuck or if the App Store is not showing the update button.

How to manually update a single app right now

Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen. Use the search icon at the top to find the app you want to update by typing its name. When the app appears in the results, select it to open its detail page.

On the detail page, look for a button that says "Update" — it will be in the top right area of the screen. If you see "Update" instead of "Open", tap it. The app will begin downloading and installing. You will see a progress bar while the update runs. Most app updates finish in under a minute, though larger ones can take two to three minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the update finishes, the button will change back to "Open". You do not have to open the app right away — the update is complete and ready to use whenever you want.

Turning automatic updates on or off

Automatic updates are the default setting on Apple TV, which means your apps update themselves without you doing anything. If you prefer to update apps manually instead, you can turn this off in Settings.

Go to Settings on your home screen, then select Apps. Look for the option that says "Automatic Updates" and toggle it off. Once you turn it off, apps will no longer update in the background. You will need to update them yourself through the App Store whenever you want the newest version. If you change your mind later, you can turn automatic updates back on the same way.

Understanding the update badge on the App Store icon

When apps have updates waiting, you will see a small red circle with a number on the App Store icon on your home screen. That number tells you how many apps have updates available. For example, if the badge shows "3", that means three of your apps have new versions waiting to be installed.

This badge appears whether automatic updates are on or off. If automatic updates are on, those updates will install overnight, and the badge will disappear once they finish. If automatic updates are off, the badge stays there until you manually update each app. Tapping the App Store icon takes you directly to the Updates section, where you can see all the apps with pending updates listed in one place.

What to do if an app will not update

If you tap the update button but nothing happens, or if the button does not appear even though you know an update exists, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold the select button on your remote for about six seconds until the control center appears, then select Restart. Wait about 30 seconds for your Apple TV to shut down and turn back on.

Once it restarts, open the App Store again and search for the app. The update button should now appear. If it still does not, check your internet connection — a weak or unstable connection can prevent the App Store from showing updates. You can test your connection in Settings under AirPlay and HomeKit, then Network. If the connection is working, try restarting your Apple TV one more time.

If an app update fails partway through and gets stuck, you can delete the app and reinstall it fresh from the App Store. Go to your home screen, hold select on the app icon until a menu appears, choose Remove, then confirm. Once it is deleted, open the App Store, search for the app, and tap Get to install the newest version.

How much storage space app updates need

App updates usually take very little storage space — most are between 10 and 100 megabytes. Your Apple TV has enough built-in storage for hundreds of apps and their updates. You rarely need to worry about running out of room unless you have installed dozens of large games or streaming apps.

If your Apple TV is running low on storage and an update will not install, you can delete apps you no longer use to free up space. Go to your home screen, hold select on an app you want to remove, choose Remove, and confirm. Once you have freed up space, try the update again. You can always reinstall deleted apps later from the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update all my apps at once instead of one at a time?

If automatic updates are on, they all update together overnight. If you want to update them all manually right now, you have to tap the update button for each app individually — there is no "update all" button in the App Store. However, you can start multiple updates in a row, and they will read and install in the background while you do other things.

Will updating an app delete my saved games or settings?

No. App updates preserve all your saved data, login information, and settings. The update only replaces the app code itself, not the files the app has created. Your progress, preferences, and account information stay exactly as they were.

Do I need to be connected to WiFi to update apps?

Yes. Apple TV only updates apps over WiFi, not over a wired ethernet connection. Make sure your Apple TV is connected to a WiFi network before you try to update. If you are using ethernet, you will need to switch to WiFi temporarily to read updates.

What happens if I unplug my Apple TV while an app is updating?

The update will stop and may not complete. When you plug your Apple TV back in, the app will likely still be in an incomplete state. Restart your Apple TV and try updating the app again. If the app becomes corrupted, delete it and reinstall it fresh from the App Store.

Why does the App Store say an app is up to date when I know there is a newer version?

The version you see on the App Store detail page is the newest version available for your Apple TV model. Older Apple TV models sometimes do not receive the latest app updates because the developer stopped supporting them. Check the app's description to see if there is a note about compatibility with your specific Apple TV generation.