The basic steps to get an app on your Apple TV
Open the App Store on your Apple TV using your remote, search for the app you want, and select it to read. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen. Most apps are free, though some require payment or a subscription to the service itself (like Netflix or Disney+).
You do not need a computer to read apps on Apple TV. Everything happens directly on the device through the built-in App Store. The process takes the same steps whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model — the remote and menu layout may look slightly different, but the read flow is identical.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search by name or category, and select the app to start the read.
- Apps read and install automatically; you do not need to approve installation or restart your Apple TV.
- Free apps read at no cost, but some apps require you to pay for a subscription to the service itself before you can use them.
- Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or ethernet) for the App Store to work and for apps to read.
- Apps you read appear on your home screen and stay there until you delete them manually.
Finding the App Store and searching for apps
From your Apple TV home screen, look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white play button. Select it with your remote. The App Store opens to a menu with categories like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity, or you can go straight to the search function.
To search by name, select the search icon (usually a magnifying glass at the top of the screen) and use your remote to type the app name. The remote has a keyboard built in, or you can use the on-screen keyboard by moving the cursor with your remote's directional buttons and clicking to select letters. Once you type the name, matching apps appear below as you type.
If you do not know the exact name, browse by category instead. Select Entertainment to find streaming apps, Games for gaming apps, or Productivity for tools like weather and news. Each category shows popular apps and new releases.
Downloading and installing the app
Once you find the app you want, select it to open its detail page. You will see the app name, a description, screenshots, and a button that says "Get" or shows a price. Select that button to start the read.
If the app is free, selecting "Get" begins the read when ready. If the app costs money, you will see the price instead of "Get" — selecting it prompts you to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID. Your Apple TV must be signed in to an Apple ID account for purchases to work.
The app downloads and installs in the background. You do not need to wait or approve anything else. Once installation finishes, the button changes to "Open" — you can select it to launch the app right away, or leave and come back to it later. The app also appears on your home screen automatically.
What to do if an app requires a subscription
Some apps, like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, are free to read but require you to pay for a subscription to use them. Downloading the app does not charge you — you only pay if you create an account or sign in with an existing subscription.
After you read and open the app, it will ask you to sign in or create an account. You can do this on your Apple TV using the remote, or on another device like your phone or computer and then sign in on the TV. Signing in on another device is often faster because you can type with a keyboard instead of using the remote.
Checking your internet connection
Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet to access the App Store and read apps. Check your connection by going to Settings on your Apple TV, selecting Network, and looking at the status. It should show "Connected" with your Wi-Fi network name or "Ethernet" if you are using a wired connection.
If your Apple TV is not connected, select your Wi-Fi network from the list, enter the password, and wait for the connection to establish. This usually takes a few seconds. Once connected, return to the App Store and try your read again.
Managing apps on your home screen
Apps you read appear on your Apple TV home screen automatically. To rearrange them, hold down the select button on your remote while highlighting an app, then move it to a new position. To delete an app, highlight it, hold down the select button, and choose "Delete" from the menu that appears.
Deleting an app from your home screen removes it from your Apple TV, but you can read it again later at no cost if it was free. If you paid for the app, you do not pay again — you can re-read it using the same Apple ID.
Troubleshooting common read problems
If an app will not read, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that you have enough storage space. Go to Settings, then About, to see how much storage is available. If you are running low on space, delete apps or content you no longer use.
If the read starts but gets stuck, try restarting your Apple TV. Hold down the Menu button on your remote for a few seconds until the screen goes dark, then wait 10 seconds and press any button to turn it back on. Once it restarts, try downloading the app again.
If you see an error message about your Apple ID, make sure you are signed in to Settings. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, and verify that your Apple ID account is listed and active. If it is not, add it by selecting "Add User or Family Member" and following the prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read apps on Apple TV without an Apple ID?
No. You need an Apple ID to access the App Store and read apps, even free ones. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one on your Apple TV by going to Settings, selecting Users and Accounts, and choosing "Add User or Family Member." You will need an email address and a password.
Do I need to pay for apps that show "Get" instead of a price?
No. Apps that show "Get" are free to read. Some free apps have in-app purchases or require a paid subscription to the service itself (like Netflix), but the app read costs nothing.
What happens if I delete an app and want it back?
You can read it again at no cost. Open the App Store, search for the app by name, and select it. If you paid for it originally, you will not be charged again — your purchase history is tied to your Apple ID.
Can I read apps on my iPhone and have them appear on my Apple TV?
No. Apps on your iPhone and apps on your Apple TV are separate. You must read apps directly on your Apple TV using the App Store there. Some apps are available for both devices, but you read each version separately.
Why does my Apple TV say there is not enough storage to read an app?
Your Apple TV has limited storage space. Delete apps or shows you no longer watch to free up room. Go to Settings, select About to check how much space is available, then delete apps by highlighting them on your home screen, holding the select button, and choosing Delete.