How to Install Apps on Apple TV

The fastest way to add apps to Apple TV

You install apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and press Install. The app downloads and appears on your home screen within seconds to a few minutes depending on file size and your internet speed. You do not need a computer — everything happens directly on the TV.

The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or the older Apple TV (3rd generation). The main difference is that older models have fewer apps available, but the installation method is identical. If you have multiple Apple TVs in your home, you can install the same app on each one separately, or use Family Sharing to let family members access apps you have already purchased.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and tap Install to read it directly to your device.
Apps appear on your home screen after installation and are ready to use when ready without any setup on a computer.
You need an Apple ID to install apps, and the same ID can share purchased apps with family members through Family Sharing.
If an app fails to install, restart your Apple TV and check that you have a stable internet connection before trying again.
You can delete apps by holding down the select button on an app icon and choosing Remove from the menu that appears.

Finding and installing apps from the App Store

Start by pressing the home button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with white lines forming a grid. Select it and press the select button (the center circle on your remote) to open the App Store.

Once inside, you will see featured apps at the top and categories below. You can browse by category — Entertainment, Sports, Music, Games, and others — or use the search function. To search, select the search icon at the top of the screen, type the app name using the on-screen keyboard, and press select when you see the app you want. Select the app name to open its details page, then select the Install button. The app will begin downloading when ready.

Installation usually takes less than a minute for smaller apps like streaming services. Larger apps or games may take several minutes. You will see a progress bar showing the read status. Once complete, the Install button changes to Open, and the app also appears on your home screen automatically.

What you need before you can install anything

You must have an Apple ID signed in on your Apple TV. This is the same account you use for iPhone, iPad, or Mac — if you have any Apple device, you already have one. When you first set up your Apple TV, you are prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. If you skipped that step, go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, and choose Add User or sign in with an existing account.

Your Apple TV also needs a stable internet connection. Use Wi-Fi or connect an ethernet cable if your TV is near your router. If your connection is slow or drops frequently, apps may fail to read. You can check your connection speed in Settings under Network. Most apps require at least 5 Mbps read speed to install reliably.

Some apps are free, and some cost money. If an app costs money, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID before it installs. You can set up payment methods in Settings under Users and Accounts, or use an existing payment method already linked to your Apple ID from other Apple devices.

Installing apps you have already purchased on other devices

If you bought an app on your iPhone or iPad, you do not have to buy it again for Apple TV. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, go to the Purchased tab at the bottom of the screen, and look for the app. You will see a cloud icon with a read arrow next to it. Select that icon to install the app for free on your Apple TV.

This works because apps are tied to your Apple ID, not to a specific device. The same applies if you purchased an app on Apple TV and want to use it on another Apple TV in your home — as long as you sign in with the same Apple ID, you can read it again without paying.

If you use Family Sharing, family members can also install apps that you purchased, as long as you have enabled app sharing in Settings under Users and Accounts. Each family member needs their own Apple ID, but they can access your purchased apps without needing their own payment method.

Troubleshooting when an app will not install

If an app fails to read or gets stuck, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up — you will see the Apple logo and then the home screen. Try installing the app again.

If the app still will not install, check your internet connection. Go to Settings, select Network, and look at your Wi-Fi or ethernet status. If the connection shows as connected but you are not sure about speed, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Poor Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason apps fail to read.

If you see an error message saying the app is not available in your region, that app is not sold in your country's App Store. Some apps are region-locked by the developer or publisher. You cannot install region-locked apps, but you can try searching for an alternative app that does the same thing.

If you see a message about storage, your Apple TV may not have enough free space. Go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, and check available storage. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use by holding the select button on an app icon and choosing Remove. This frees up space for new installations.

Managing and organizing your apps

After you install an app, it appears on your home screen. You can rearrange apps by holding the select button on any app icon until it starts to jiggle, then using the arrow buttons on your remote to move it to a new position. Press select again to lock it in place.

You can also create folders to organize apps by type. Hold select on an app, choose Add to Folder, and either create a new folder or add it to an existing one. This keeps your home screen cleaner if you have many apps installed.

To remove an app you no longer use, hold select on the app icon and choose Remove. This deletes the app from your Apple TV but does not remove it from your Apple ID account — you can reinstall it anytime from the App Store without paying again.

Using Siri to install apps faster

If your Apple TV remote has a microphone — the Siri Remote does — you can use voice commands to install apps. Press and hold the microphone button on your remote and say "Open App Store" or "Install [app name]." Siri will open the App Store or search for the app you named.

Voice installation is faster than typing on the on-screen keyboard, especially for apps with long names. You can also use Siri to open apps you have already installed by saying "Open [app name]" without opening the App Store first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps on Apple TV without an Apple ID?

No. You must have an Apple ID signed in on your Apple TV to access the App Store and install anything. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com using an email address and password.

Do I need to update apps on Apple TV like I do on my iPhone?

Yes. Apps receive updates periodically to fix bugs and add features. Go to the App Store, select the Purchased tab, and look for apps with an Update button next to them. Select Update to install the latest version. You can also turn on automatic updates in Settings under Apps so apps update on their own when your Apple TV is not in use.

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

You can reinstall it anytime from the App Store without paying again, as long as you are signed in with the same Apple ID. Go to the App Store, find the app, and select Install. It will read and appear on your home screen again.

Can I install apps from outside the App Store on Apple TV?

No. Apple TV only allows apps from the official App Store. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources the way you might on a computer. This is a security feature built into Apple TV.

Why does an app say it is not available in my region?

Some apps are only sold in certain countries due to licensing agreements or developer restrictions. If an app is not available in your region, you cannot install it on Apple TV. Search the App Store for similar apps that do work in your area.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.