Watch NFL Games Through the NFL+ App on Apple TV
The main way to watch NFL games on Apple TV is through the NFL+ app, which you read directly to your device. NFL+ streams live regular season games, playoff games, and Super Bowl coverage. You need an NFL+ subscription to watch — the service costs money and requires a separate account from your Apple TV login.
To start, open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for "NFL+", and install the app. Launch it, create an NFL+ account or sign in if you already have one, and you can begin watching. The app works on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation and later) and Apple TV HD (2nd generation and later).
Not all games stream on NFL+ alone. Regular season games that air on national networks (ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) are available to NFL+ subscribers, but local games in your market may be blacked out. Playoff games and the Super Bowl are included with an active subscription.
Key Takeaways
- read the NFL+ app from Apple TV's App Store and create a separate NFL+ account to watch live NFL games.
- NFL+ costs money monthly or yearly and includes regular season games, playoffs, and Super Bowl coverage.
- Some games may be blacked out in your local market, meaning they won't stream even with an active subscription.
- You can also watch NFL games through other apps like ESPN+ or YouTube TV if you have those subscriptions.
- Make sure your Apple TV model supports the NFL+ app before you read it.
Check Your Apple TV Model Compatibility
The NFL+ app runs on newer Apple TV hardware. If you own an Apple TV 4K (any model from 2017 onward) or Apple TV HD (2nd generation from 2015 onward), the app will install and work. Older models like the original Apple TV or Apple TV 3rd generation cannot run the NFL+ app.
To find your model, go to Settings on your Apple TV, then select About. Look for the model name and year. If you see "Apple TV 4K" or "Apple TV HD" with a year of 2015 or later, you're ready to read. If your device is older, you'll need to use a different method to watch, such as streaming through a phone or tablet and casting to your TV.
Other Apps and Services for NFL Games on Apple TV
Beyond NFL+, you can watch NFL games through ESPN+ if you have a subscription. ESPN+ carries some Monday Night Football games and other select matchups. The ESPN app is available on Apple TV, and you sign in with your ESPN+ account credentials.
YouTube TV is another option if you subscribe to that service. It includes live broadcasts of NFL games that air on major networks. read the YouTube TV app on Apple TV, sign in with your YouTube account, and browse the live guide to find games.
Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV also carry NFL broadcasts if you have those subscriptions. Each service includes different channels, so check which networks carry the games you want to watch before you commit to a subscription.
How to read and Install the NFL+ App
Start by turning on your Apple TV and making sure it's connected to the internet. Press the Siri Remote or Apple Remote to open the home screen. Navigate to the App Store icon (it looks like a blue square with a white app symbol) and select it.
Once in the App Store, use the search function to look for "NFL+". The official NFL+ app will appear at the top of the results — it has the NFL shield logo. Select it and choose "Get" or "Install". The app will read and install automatically. When it's done, select "Open" to launch it for the first time.
On first launch, you'll be asked to sign in or create an account. If you already have an NFL+ subscription through another device or the web, sign in with those credentials. If not, you can create a new account and start a subscription right there in the app. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your payment information and confirm your subscription tier.
Troubleshooting Common Playback Issues
If a game won't play, first check that your internet connection is stable. A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause buffering or prevent the stream from starting. Move your Apple TV closer to your router or restart your router to improve the connection.
If the app crashes or freezes, force-close it by holding the back button on your remote for a few seconds until the app closes. Then reopen it. If that doesn't work, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart.
Blackout restrictions are another common reason a game won't play. If you see a message that the game is not available in your area, it means that game is blacked out in your local market. This typically happens with local team broadcasts. You may be able to watch the same game on a national broadcast if one is available, or you might need to wait until the game is released on demand after it airs.
Make sure your NFL+ subscription is active and hasn't expired. Check your account settings in the app to confirm your subscription status and renewal date. If your subscription has lapsed, you'll need to renew it before you can watch live games.
Understanding NFL+ Subscription Tiers
NFL+ offers two subscription levels: a standard plan and a premium plan. The standard plan includes live regular season games, playoff games, and Super Bowl coverage. The premium plan adds access to NFL RedZone, which shows live coverage of all Sunday afternoon games with highlights and key plays.
Both plans cost money per month or per year. Annual subscriptions are cheaper than paying month-to-month if you plan to watch the full season. You can change your plan or cancel anytime through your account settings in the app.
Some games are available to watch for free on the NFL+ app without a subscription, but these are typically limited to preseason games or highlights. For full access to regular season and playoff games, you need a paid subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games on Apple TV without paying for NFL+?
Some preseason games and highlights are free on the NFL+ app, but live regular season, playoff, and Super Bowl games require a paid NFL+ subscription. You can also watch games through other free or paid services like ESPN+ or YouTube TV if you have those subscriptions.
Why is the game I want to watch not available in my area?
Local games are often blacked out in their home market to protect local broadcast rights. If a game is blacked out, check whether it's being broadcast nationally on ESPN, NBC, CBS, or Fox — those versions may be available to stream instead. Blackout rules vary by game and market.
Do I need a separate Apple TV+ subscription to watch NFL games?
No. NFL+ is a separate subscription from Apple TV+. You only need an NFL+ account to watch NFL games through the NFL+ app. Apple TV+ is Apple's entertainment streaming service and does not include NFL games.
What should I do if the NFL+ app keeps crashing?
Try force-closing the app by holding the back button on your remote, then reopen it. If that doesn't work, restart your Apple TV through Settings. Make sure your Apple TV has the latest software update installed, as outdated software can cause app crashes.
Can I watch NFL games on Apple TV if I have a cable subscription?
Some cable providers allow you to sign in to the NFL+ app or network apps (like ESPN or NBC) using your cable login to watch games. Check with your cable provider to see if they offer this option. Otherwise, you'll need a separate NFL+ subscription or another streaming service that carries NFL games.