The Apple TV App Store is built into your Apple TV device

The App Store on Apple TV is not a separate website or app you read—it comes pre-installed on your Apple TV box. You access it directly from your home screen by selecting the App Store icon, which looks like a blue square with white dots arranged in a grid pattern. Once you open it, you can browse, search for, and read apps the same way you would on an iPhone or iPad.

The location and appearance of the App Store icon depends on which Apple TV model you own and which tvOS version is running. On most current Apple TV models, the App Store appears in the top row of your home screen. If you cannot find it when ready, you can search for "App Store" using the search function at the top of your home screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The App Store icon appears on your Apple TV home screen as a blue square with white dots and opens directly without needing to read anything first.
  • You navigate the App Store using your Apple TV remote, and apps you read install to your Apple TV device itself, not to a separate account.
  • The same Apple ID you use for other Apple devices controls which apps you can read and whether you need to enter a password.
  • Apps read and install directly to your Apple TV's storage, so the number of apps you can keep depends on how much free space your device has.

How to navigate the App Store once you open it

Once the App Store opens, you will see sections like "Featured," "Top Charts," "Categories," and "Search." Use your Apple TV remote to highlight and select apps you want to learn more about. When you find an app you want, select it to see a description, screenshots, reviews, and the read button.

The search function at the top of the App Store lets you type the name of a specific app if you already know what you are looking for. You can also browse by category—for example, Entertainment, Sports, Games, or Productivity—to discover new apps in areas that interest you.

What happens when you read an app

When you select the read button, the app begins installing directly onto your Apple TV device. The read and installation usually take a few minutes depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once installation finishes, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use.

Downloaded apps stay on your Apple TV until you manually delete them. If you run out of storage space on your device, you may need to delete apps you no longer use to make room for new ones. You can always read the same app again later without paying twice, as long as you use the same Apple ID.

Using the same Apple ID across devices

Your Apple ID controls which apps you own and can read. If you sign in to the App Store on your Apple TV with the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone or iPad, you will see apps you have already purchased on those devices. This means you do not have to buy an app twice if you want it on multiple Apple devices.

When you read an app on Apple TV using your Apple ID, that purchase is tied to your account. If you later set up a new Apple TV or sign in on a different device with the same Apple ID, you can read those apps again at no additional cost.

Password requirements and family sharing

Depending on your Apple TV settings, you may need to enter your Apple ID password before downloading an app. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized purchases. You can adjust these settings in the Settings app under Users and Accounts.

If you use Family Sharing, you can set up different family members with their own accounts on the same Apple TV. Each person can have their own app library, and a family organizer can control whether children need approval before downloading apps. This is useful if multiple people use the same Apple TV and you want to manage what gets installed.

What to do if you cannot find the App Store

If the App Store icon is not visible on your home screen, it may have been moved or hidden. Try using the search function at the top of your home screen and search for "App Store." Select it from the results, and it will open.

If search does not find it, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. After the device restarts, the App Store should appear on your home screen again. If you still cannot locate it after restarting, check that your Apple TV is running the latest tvOS version by going to Settings > System > Software Updates.

Storage and managing your apps

Apple TV devices have limited storage space, and apps take up room on that storage. If you read many large apps—particularly games—you may eventually run out of space. When this happens, you will see a message that your device storage is full, and you will need to delete apps before downloading new ones.

To delete an app, highlight it on your home screen, press and hold the remote's select button, and choose "Delete" from the menu. Deleting an app removes it from your device but does not remove it from your Apple ID account, so you can read it again later if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the App Store on Apple TV without an Apple ID?

No. You need an Apple ID to read apps from the App Store. If you do not have one, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during the setup process on your Apple TV. The Apple ID is how Apple tracks which apps you own and allows you to read them again on other devices.

Do apps on Apple TV cost money?

Some apps are free, and some cost money. The App Store shows the price clearly on each app's page. Free apps read without payment. Paid apps require you to confirm the purchase, which may prompt you to enter your Apple ID password depending on your settings.

What if an app I want is not in the App Store?

Not every app available on iPhone or iPad is available for Apple TV. Developers choose which platforms to release their apps on. If an app you want is not in the Apple TV App Store, it is not currently available for that device. You can check back periodically in case the developer adds it later.

Can I read apps from somewhere other than the App Store?

No. The App Store is the only official way to read apps to Apple TV. You cannot sideload apps or read them from other sources. This is a security measure Apple uses to protect your device and data.

What happens to my apps if I sell my Apple TV?

Before selling or giving away your Apple TV, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings > Users and Accounts. This removes your account and all associated apps from the device. The new owner can then set up their own Apple ID and read their own apps.