The fastest way to add an app on Apple TV

Open the App Store on your Apple TV using the remote, search for the app you want, and press the select button to read it. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the app's size and your internet speed. You do not need a computer — everything happens directly on the TV.

If you already own the app on an iPhone or iPad linked to the same Apple ID, you can read it to Apple TV without paying again. The TV remembers your purchases across devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store on your Apple TV remote, search by name, and press select to read — no computer needed.
  • Apps you have already bought on iPhone or iPad read free to Apple TV if you use the same Apple ID.
  • Your Apple TV must be connected to Wi-Fi and have enough storage space; most apps take less than 100 MB.
  • If an app does not appear in the App Store, it may not be available for your Apple TV model or your region.
  • You can also add apps using your iPhone or iPad by opening the Apple TV app and selecting "Add to Home Screen."

Finding and downloading apps directly on your Apple TV

Start on your Apple TV home screen. Press the Apple TV remote's menu button or swipe up to see all your options, then look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with white dots. Open it.

Use the search function at the top of the App Store to type the app name. The remote has a keyboard built in; you can also use your iPhone as a remote by opening Control Center and tapping Remote. Once you find the app, highlight it and press the select button (the center circle on the remote). The read starts when ready. Most apps finish within a minute or two, though larger ones like Netflix or Disney+ may take longer.

The app appears on your home screen automatically once the read finishes. You can rearrange it by holding select on the remote until the app jiggles, then moving it with the arrow buttons.

Using your iPhone or iPad to add apps to Apple TV

If typing on the Apple TV remote feels slow, you can add apps from your iPhone or iPad instead. Open the Apple TV app on your iPhone or iPad, go to the Accounts tab at the bottom, and tap your name. Select "Manage" under your Apple ID.

Search for the app you want in the Apple TV app's search bar. When you find it, tap the cloud icon with a read arrow. This sends the app to your Apple TV automatically if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Apple ID. The app appears on your TV's home screen within seconds.

What to do if an app does not show up in the App Store

Not every app available on iPhone works on Apple TV. Some developers have not built an Apple TV version, and some apps are region-locked — meaning they are only available in certain countries. If you cannot find an app after searching, it likely does not have an Apple TV version.

Check the app's official website or social media to confirm whether an Apple TV version exists. If it does, try signing out of the App Store on your TV and signing back in, or restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Sometimes the App Store takes time to sync with your account.

If you are traveling outside your home country, you may see a different set of apps in the App Store. The region is based on your Apple ID's location settings, not where you physically are. Change your location in Settings > Users and Accounts > [Your Name] > Country or Region if you need to.

Checking storage space and internet connection

Most apps take up less than 100 MB of space, but some like games or streaming services can be larger. Apple TV models have between 32 GB and 64 GB of storage depending on the year and model. You can check how much space is left by going to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > About > Storage.

If you are running low on storage, delete apps you no longer use. Press and hold select on an app until a menu appears, then choose Delete. Your Apple TV must also be connected to Wi-Fi to read anything. If the read stalls, check your Wi-Fi signal strength in Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi, or move the Apple TV closer to your router.

Removing apps you no longer want

To delete an app from your Apple TV, highlight it on the home screen and press and hold the select button until a menu appears. Choose Delete and confirm. The app is removed from your TV but remains in your purchase history, so you can read it again later without paying.

You can also organize your home screen by moving apps around. Hold select on any app until it jiggles, then use the arrow buttons to move it. Press select again when it is in the right spot. This does not delete anything — it just rearranges what you see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to read apps?

No. The App Store itself is free, and most apps are free to read. Some apps charge a one-time purchase price or a subscription fee, but that is the app's own cost, not something Apple TV requires. You can read free apps without any subscription.

Can I read apps on Apple TV if I do not have an iPhone?

Yes. You can search and read entirely using the Apple TV remote and the App Store on your TV. You do not need an iPhone or iPad at all. The iPhone method is just an alternative if you find the remote keyboard slow.

Why does an app say "This item is not available in your country"?

Some apps are only licensed to work in certain regions due to copyright or legal restrictions. You cannot read them unless you change your Apple ID's country or region setting, which requires a valid payment method and address in that country. This is not a workaround — it is a real change to your account.

What happens if I read an app and then delete it?

The app is removed from your Apple TV, but your purchase record stays in your account. You can read it again later for free by going to the App Store, searching for it, and pressing select. You will not be charged twice.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. Sign into the same Apple ID on each Apple TV, and apps you read on one will be available to read on the others. You can have up to six family members share one family plan, each with their own Apple ID, and they can all read apps to the shared TV.