The App Store icon is on your Apple TV home screen, in the top menu row
The App Store on Apple TV is not hidden — it sits in the top navigation bar alongside other built-in apps like TV, Music, and Computers. When you turn on your Apple TV and land on the home screen, look at the row of icons at the very top. The App Store icon looks like a white square with a blue background. Select it with your remote to open it.
If you have customized your home screen and moved apps around, the App Store might not be in its default position. You can still find it by swiping left or right through the top menu bar until you see the white-square icon. Once you locate it, press the select button (the center circle on your remote) to open the App Store.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store icon appears in the top menu bar of your Apple TV home screen as a white square on a blue background.
- You navigate to it using your Apple TV remote by swiping left or right along the top row of icons.
- Pressing the select button (center circle) on your remote opens the App Store once you have highlighted the icon.
- The App Store is where you can browse, view details about, and install new apps on your Apple TV.
- Your Apple ID is required to read apps, but you can browse the store without signing in first.
Navigating the App Store once it opens
When you first open the App Store, you land on the home tab, which shows featured apps, new releases, and categories. The top of the screen displays tabs: Featured, Categories, Search, and Updates. Use your remote to highlight and select whichever section you want to explore.
The Featured tab shows apps Apple is promoting and new releases. The Categories tab lets you browse by type — Games, Entertainment, Productivity, and so on. The Search tab lets you type the name of a specific app if you already know what you are looking for. The Updates tab shows apps you have already installed that have new versions available.
Searching for a specific app by name
If you know the name of the app you want, use the Search tab to find it faster than browsing. Select Search from the top menu, and a keyboard appears on your screen. Use your remote to highlight letters and spell out the app name. As you type, matching results appear below the keyboard.
Once you see the app you want in the results, highlight it and press select. The app's detail page opens, showing a description, screenshots, reviews, and the read button. Press select on the read button to start the installation. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID if you are not already signed in.
What to do if the App Store does not appear in your top menu
If you cannot find the App Store icon in your top menu bar, it may have been removed during home screen customization. To restore it, press and hold the select button on your remote while highlighting an empty space on your home screen. A menu appears with the option to customize your home screen.
Look for the App Store in the list of available apps and select the plus icon next to it to add it back to your home screen. Once you add it, it will appear in your top menu bar again. If you still cannot locate it, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart.
Understanding what you can do in the App Store
The App Store is the only place to read new apps to your Apple TV. You can browse thousands of apps across categories like Games, Entertainment, Productivity, Utilities, and Health & Fitness. Each app listing shows screenshots, a description written by the developer, user reviews, and the file size.
When you read an app, it installs automatically and appears on your home screen. You can then open it by selecting it from your home screen just like any other app. If an app you have already installed has an update available, the Updates tab will show it, and you can read the new version from there.
Signing in with your Apple ID to read apps
You need an Apple ID to read apps from the App Store. If you are not signed in, the system will prompt you to sign in when you try to read. You can sign in using your Apple ID email address and password, or you can use two-factor authentication if your account has it enabled.
If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one on Apple's website before you start. Once you are signed in, your Apple ID remains active on your Apple TV, and you will not need to sign in again each time you read an app. All apps you read are tied to your Apple ID account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I browse the App Store without signing in with my Apple ID?
Yes, you can browse, read descriptions, and view screenshots without signing in. You only need to sign in when you actually try to read an app. This lets you explore what is available before committing to an account.
What if I cannot find an app I am looking for in the App Store?
Not all apps are available for Apple TV — some are made only for iPhone or iPad. Try searching by the exact app name first. If it does not appear, the app may not have an Apple TV version. Check the app developer's website to confirm whether they offer an Apple TV version.
How do I delete an app I no longer want?
Highlight the app on your home screen, press and hold the select button on your remote, and choose Delete from the menu that appears. The app is removed from your Apple TV. You can always read it again later from the App Store if you change your mind.
Can I see which apps have updates available?
Yes, open the App Store and select the Updates tab at the top. This shows all your installed apps that have new versions. You can update them one at a time or all at once, depending on your preference.