The fastest way to add apps to Apple TV
You add apps to Apple TV through the App Store built into your device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press the select button to install it. The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else. Most apps are ready to use within seconds.
Apple TV has two versions of the App Store depending on your model. If you have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD (the black box with a remote), you use the tvOS App Store. If you have an older model, the process is similar but the menu layout differs slightly. Either way, the steps are the same: find the app, select it, and let it install.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search by name, and select the app to install it automatically.
- Apps install in the background and appear on your home screen once complete, usually within seconds.
- You can also add apps from your iPhone or iPad by opening the App Store app, finding the Apple TV section, and selecting "Open in App Store" on your Apple TV.
- Deleting an app from your home screen does not delete it from your Apple TV — you can reinstall it anytime from the App Store without paying again.
- Some apps require a subscription or account login after installation, but the app itself installs free if it is a free app.
Adding apps directly from your Apple TV remote
The most straightforward method is to use your Apple TV remote. Press the home button to go to the home screen, then navigate to the App Store icon and select it. The App Store opens with categories like Featured, Top Charts, and Search at the top.
Use the search option to find the app by name. Type the app name using your remote — you can use the touch pad on newer remotes or the arrow keys on older ones. Once you see the app in the results, select it to open its detail page. Press the cloud icon with a read arrow, or if you already own it, press the open button. The app installs when ready and appears on your home screen.
Adding apps from your iPhone or iPad
You can also add apps to your Apple TV using your iPhone or iPad. Open the App Store app on your phone, tap the search tab at the bottom, and look for the app you want. Once you find it, tap the cloud icon to purchase or read it.
After you tap the cloud icon, your phone asks which device you want to install it on. Select your Apple TV from the list. The app installs on your Apple TV in the background, and you will see it appear on your home screen within a few seconds. This method is useful if you want to browse apps on a larger screen or if your Apple TV remote is not nearby.
Finding and organizing apps on your home screen
Once an app installs, it appears on your Apple TV home screen. You can rearrange apps by pressing and holding the select button on any app, then moving it to a new position. This lets you put the apps you use most at the top or in the first row where they are easiest to find.
If you want to remove an app from your home screen without deleting it entirely, press and hold the select button and choose "Remove from Home Screen." The app stays in your Apple TV and you can reinstall it to your home screen anytime by going back to the App Store and selecting it again. You will not have to read it or pay for it a second time.
What happens when an app is already installed
If you try to install an app that is already on your Apple TV, the App Store shows an "Open" button instead of a read button. Selecting "Open" launches the app when ready. This prevents you from accidentally downloading the same app twice.
If an app has an update available, the App Store shows an "Update" button instead. You can select it to install the latest version. Updates happen automatically on most Apple TVs if you have automatic updates turned on in Settings, but you can also update apps manually through the App Store whenever you want.
Apps that require accounts or subscriptions
Some apps, like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, are free to install but require you to sign in with an account after installation. The app installs just like any other app, but when you open it for the first time, it asks for your login information. You can sign in using your Apple TV remote, or some apps let you sign in on your phone or computer instead and then automatically log in on your TV.
Other apps are subscription services that you pay for through the App Store itself. When you select these apps, the App Store tells you the price before you read. Once you purchase, the app installs and you can use it when ready. Your subscription renews automatically unless you cancel it in your Apple TV settings.
Troubleshooting apps that will not install
If an app will not install, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that you have enough storage space. Go to Settings, then About, and look at the available storage. If you have less than 1 GB free, delete apps you no longer use to make room.
If the app still will not install, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold the menu button on your remote for a few seconds until the shutdown screen appears, then select Restart. Wait for your Apple TV to turn back on, then try installing the app again. If the problem continues, the app may not be available in your region or may require a newer version of tvOS than your Apple TV is running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TVs?
Yes. If you own multiple Apple TVs, you can install any app you have purchased on all of them. When you select an app in the App Store, it installs on whichever Apple TV you are currently using. Repeat the process on your other Apple TVs to install the same app on each one.
Do I have to pay for an app every time I install it?
No. Once you purchase an app, you own it. You can delete it and reinstall it as many times as you want without paying again. Your purchase is tied to your Apple ID, so as long as you are signed in with the same account, the app is yours.
What if an app I want is not in the App Store?
Not all apps are available for Apple TV. Some developers only make apps for iPhone or iPad. If an app is not in the tvOS App Store, it is not available for Apple TV. You can check the App Store on your Apple TV to confirm, or search on your iPhone and look for the Apple TV section to see if a version exists.
Can I install apps from outside the App Store?
No. Apple TV only installs apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources. This is a security feature that keeps your Apple TV safe from malicious software.
Why does an app say it is not compatible with my Apple TV?
Some apps require a newer version of tvOS than your Apple TV is running. Check your tvOS version in Settings, then About. If an update is available, go to Settings, System, and Software Updates to install it. After updating, try installing the app again.