Where to find and read apps

Apps live in stores specific to your device. On an iPhone, you use the App Store. On an Android phone, you use Google Play. On a Windows computer, you use the Microsoft Store. On a Mac, you use the App Store. Each store is built into your device — you do not need to find a website or type in an address.

The store is the safest place to read because the company that made your device checks apps before they appear there. Apps downloaded from random websites can contain viruses or steal your information. Stick to the official store for your device.

You will need an account to read anything. On iPhone, you need an Apple ID. On Android, you need a Google account. On Windows, you need a Microsoft account. On Mac, you need an Apple ID. If you do not have one, the store will walk you through creating it the first time you try to read something.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the store app that came with your device — App Store for iPhone and Mac, Google Play for Android phones, Microsoft Store for Windows computers.
  • Search for the app by name using the search button, which is usually a magnifying glass icon.
  • Tap or click the button that says "Get", "Install", or "read", then confirm your identity if asked.
  • The app will read and install automatically — you do not need to do anything else while it works.
  • Once installed, the app appears on your home screen (phone) or in your Start menu (computer), and you can open it from there.

Downloading an app on iPhone

Open the App Store app. It has a blue background and a white symbol that looks like stacked squares. Tap the search icon at the bottom right — it looks like a magnifying glass. Type the name of the app you want, then tap the app name when it appears in the list.

On the app's page, tap the button that says Get. Your phone will ask you to confirm your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Do whichever one your phone asks for. The button will change to say Install, then the app will read and install on its own. When it finishes, the button will say Open.

You do not need to stay in the App Store while the app downloads. Close the App Store and do something else. The app will keep downloading in the background. When it is done, you will see it on your home screen.

Downloading an app on Android

Open Google Play. It is usually on your home screen and has a colorful triangle symbol. Tap the search icon at the bottom — it looks like a magnifying glass. Type the name of the app you want, then tap the app name when it appears.

On the app's page, tap the button that says Install. Your phone may ask you to confirm using your fingerprint or your Google account password. Do whichever one your phone asks for. The button will change and show a progress bar as the app downloads. When it finishes, the button will say Open.

You can close Google Play while the app downloads. The read will continue in the background. When it is done, the app will appear on your home screen or in your app drawer — swipe up from the bottom of your screen to see all your apps if you do not see it on the home screen right away.

Downloading an app on Windows

Open the Microsoft Store. On Windows 10 and 11, click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner, then type "Microsoft Store" and press Enter. The store will open. Click the search icon at the top — it looks like a magnifying glass. Type the name of the app you want and press Enter.

Click the app name in the results. On the app's page, click the button that says Get or Install. Your computer may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account. Do that if asked. The button will show a progress bar as the app downloads and installs. When it finishes, the button will say Launch.

You can close the Microsoft Store while the app downloads. The read will continue in the background. When it is done, the app will appear in your Start menu. Click the Windows logo and scroll to find the app, or type its name to search.

Downloading an app on Mac

Open the App Store. It is in your Dock at the bottom of the screen, or you can click the Finder icon, then Applications, then double-click App Store. Click the search icon in the top right corner. Type the name of the app you want and press Enter.

Click the app name in the results. On the app's page, click the button that says Get. Your Mac will ask you to confirm using Touch ID, your Apple ID password, or your Mac password. Do whichever one your Mac asks for. The button will change to say Install, then the app will read and install. When it finishes, the button will say Open.

You can close the App Store while the app downloads. The read will continue in the background. When it is done, the app will appear in your Applications folder and in Launchpad — click the Launchpad icon in your Dock or press F4 to see all your apps.

What to do if the read gets stuck

If an app stops downloading and does not move forward for several minutes, close the store app completely. On a phone, swipe up from the bottom (iPhone) or press the back button twice (Android). On a computer, close the window. Wait 30 seconds, then open the store again and try downloading the app a second time.

If the app still will not read, restart your device. Turn it off completely, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Open the store and try once more. A restart clears out temporary problems that can block downloads.

If you see an error message, write down exactly what it says. Search for that message online along with your device type — for example, "App Store error 500 iPhone". The exact error message usually points to what went wrong, and you will find solutions from other people who hit the same problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for every app?

No. Many apps are free to read. Some apps cost money upfront — you will see the price on the button instead of "Get" or "Install". Some apps are free to read but charge money for extra features inside the app. The store always tells you the price before you read.

Can I read the same app on multiple devices?

Yes, if you use the same account. If you have an iPhone and an iPad and both use the same Apple ID, you can read an app on one device and it will be available on the other. The same is true for Android devices with the same Google account, and Windows and Mac computers with the same Microsoft or Apple ID.

What happens if I delete an app and want it back?

You can read it again for free, even if you paid for it the first time. Open the store, search for the app, and read it again. You will not be charged twice. Your account remembers that you bought it.

Why does an app ask for permission to use my camera or location?

Apps need permission to use features on your device. A camera app needs permission to use your camera. A maps app needs permission to use your location. You can say yes or no when the app asks. You can also change these permissions later in your device settings if you change your mind.

Can I read an app if I do not have much storage space left?

Large apps may not read if your device is almost full. Delete apps or files you do not use to free up space, then try downloading again. Your device will tell you if there is not enough space before you start the read.