The fastest way to get apps on Apple TV

You read apps on Apple TV through the App Store built into the device itself — you do not read them on a computer first. Open the App Store app on your Apple TV, search for what you want, and install it directly. The whole process takes a few minutes and works the same way whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 11 or later.

Your Apple TV connects to the internet through WiFi or ethernet, so it can reach the App Store on its own. You will need an Apple ID to read apps, but you can use the same one you use for iPhone, iPad, or Mac — or create a new one if you do not have one yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps install directly on your Apple TV through its built-in App Store, not through a computer or phone.
  • You need an Apple ID signed in on your Apple TV to read anything, and you can use an existing Apple ID or create a new one.
  • The App Store on Apple TV shows you free apps, paid apps, and apps with in-app purchases — read the description before you install to know what you are getting.
  • Once an app is installed, it stays on your Apple TV until you delete it, and you can update it manually or turn on automatic updates in Settings.

Setting up your Apple ID on Apple TV

Before you can read anything, you need to sign in with an Apple ID. Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Accounts and iCloud. Choose Sign In and enter your Apple ID email and password. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one during this step — Apple TV will walk you through it.

If you already use an Apple ID on an iPhone or Mac, use that same one. Your Apple TV will then remember your ID, and you will not have to sign in again. If multiple people in your household use the Apple TV, each person can have their own Apple ID, and their apps and purchases will stay separate.

Finding and installing apps through the App Store

Open the App Store app on your Apple TV home screen. You will see categories like Games, Entertainment, and Productivity, or you can search for a specific app by name. When you find an app you want, select it to see the full description, screenshots, and reviews from other users.

Look at the price or the word "Get" next to the app name. If it says "Get," the app is free. If it shows a dollar amount, you will be charged when you install it. Some apps are free to read but have in-app purchases — the description will say "Offers In-App Purchases" if that is the case. Select the button to install, and your Apple TV will read and install the app in the background. You can start using it as soon as the installation finishes, usually within a minute or two.

Where your apps appear after installation

Once an app is installed, it appears on your Apple TV home screen. You can organize your apps by moving them around — hold down the touchpad or remote button on an app, and you can drag it to a new position. You can also create folders to group related apps together, the same way you would on an iPhone.

If you install an app and then change your mind, you can delete it. Hold down the button on the app, select Delete, and confirm. Deleting an app does not charge you again if you want to reinstall it later — your Apple ID remembers that you own it.

Updating apps and turning on automatic updates

Apple TV can update your apps automatically, or you can update them manually. To turn on automatic updates, go to Settings, select Apps, then Automatic Updates, and toggle it on. With automatic updates on, your apps will update in the background whenever new versions are released.

If you prefer to update manually, leave automatic updates off and check the App Store for updates when you want. Open the App Store, go to the Updates tab, and you will see a list of apps with new versions available. Select the ones you want to update, or select Update All to update everything at once.

Apps that come pre-installed and cannot be deleted

Your Apple TV comes with some apps already installed, like TV, Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV+. You cannot delete these built-in apps, but you can hide them from your home screen if you do not use them. Hold down the button on an app, select Hide, and it will move to a separate section at the bottom of your home screen called Purchased. You can unhide it later the same way if you change your mind.

The built-in apps are there because Apple TV is designed to work with Apple's own services. You do not have to use them, and they do not take up much space on your device.

Troubleshooting when an app will not read

If an app will not read, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, select Network, and make sure you see a WiFi or ethernet connection. If the connection is weak, move your Apple TV closer to your router or connect it with an ethernet cable if possible.

If the internet is working, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings, Accounts, iCloud, and select Sign Out. Then sign back in with your Apple ID. Sometimes an app will not read because there is not enough storage space on your Apple TV — delete apps you do not use to free up room. If an app still will not read after trying these steps, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, System, and Restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 have to read each app directly on the device where you want to use it. Some apps, like Netflix or Hulu, are available for both iPhone and Apple TV, but you read them separately on each device.

What if an app I want is not available in the App Store on my Apple TV?

Not all apps are made for Apple TV — some are only for iPhone or iPad. If an app does not appear in the Apple TV App Store, it was not built to work on television screens. You can check the app's website or contact the developer to ask if they plan to make an Apple TV version.

Do I have to pay for apps every time I read them again?

No. Once you buy an app with your Apple ID, you own it. If you delete it and read it again later, you will not be charged again. Your purchase is tied to your Apple ID, not to the device.

Can I use a family member's Apple ID to read apps on my Apple TV?

You can sign in with someone else's Apple ID, but their purchases will be tied to their account. If you want to share apps within a family, set up Family Sharing in iCloud Settings on your Apple TV, and family members can read apps that others have purchased.

What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?

Resetting your Apple TV erases everything on it, including all your apps. When you set it up again and sign in with your Apple ID, you can read your apps again — they will not be charged to you a second time because your Apple ID remembers your purchases.