How to Download Apps on Your Apple TV

The simplest way to add apps to Apple TV

You read apps on Apple TV directly from the App Store built into the device itself — you do not need a computer. The App Store appears as an icon on your Apple TV home screen, and from there you can browse, find, and install apps the same way you would on an iPhone or iPad.

The process takes about two minutes per app. You will need an Apple ID (the same account you use for iCloud, iTunes, or the App Store on other Apple devices), and your Apple TV must be connected to the internet. If you do not have an Apple ID yet, you can create one directly on the Apple TV during setup, or create one on any other Apple device and sign in on the TV.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for the app you want, and select it to read and install automatically.
You must be signed in with an Apple ID on your Apple TV before you can read any apps.
Apps read and install in the background — you can start using them as soon as the installation finishes, usually within seconds to a minute.
If an app does not appear in the App Store search, it may not be available for Apple TV, or it may be region-restricted based on your location.
You can delete apps by pressing and holding the app icon on the home screen and selecting remove from the menu that appears.

Finding and downloading an app step by step

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 a white circle inside. Select it and press the touchpad or select button in the center of the remote.

Once the App Store opens, you will see featured apps and categories. To find a specific app, select the search icon (usually a magnifying glass at the top of the screen) and use the remote to type the app name. The remote has a keyboard that appears on screen — you can use the touchpad to move between letters, or speak the name aloud if your remote has a microphone button.

When you find the app you want, select it to open the app details page. You will see a button that says "Get" or shows a cloud icon with a read arrow. Select that button. The app will begin downloading and installing when ready. You do not need to confirm anything else — the installation happens in the background while you continue using your TV.

What to do if you already own the app on another device

If you have already bought an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may see a cloud icon with a read arrow instead of a "Get" button on Apple TV. This means you own the app and can read it again for free. Select the cloud icon and the app will install on your Apple TV without charging you again.

This works because apps are tied to your Apple ID. When you sign in to Apple TV with the same Apple ID you use on your other devices, the App Store recognizes which apps you have already bought and lets you read them without paying twice. Free apps you have downloaded before will also show the cloud icon instead of "Get".

Making sure your Apple TV is signed in

Before you can read anything, you need to be signed in with an Apple ID. Go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Users and Accounts, then select your account name. If you see "Sign In" instead of an account name, select it and enter your Apple ID email and password.

If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one during this step by selecting "Create New Apple ID". You will need to provide an email address, a password, and answer a security question. The process takes about five minutes. Once you are signed in, you can read apps when ready.

Understanding app installation and storage

Apps install automatically once you select them — there is no separate installation step. Most apps finish installing within 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the app size and your internet speed. You will see a progress indicator on the app icon while it installs, and the icon will change once installation is complete.

Apple TV has limited storage space, and larger apps (like games or streaming services) can take up several gigabytes. If your Apple TV runs out of space, you will see a message when you try to read. In that case, delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding the app icon on the home screen, then selecting "Remove" from the menu.

Why an app might not appear in search results

Not every app available on iPhone or iPad is made for Apple TV. Some apps are only designed for phones and tablets, and the developer has not created an Apple TV version. If you search for an app and nothing appears, it likely does not have a tvOS version.

Some apps are also region-restricted, meaning they are only available in certain countries. If you are traveling or using a VPN, you might not see apps that are normally available in your home region. Check the app developer's website to confirm whether an Apple TV version exists, or try searching for a similar app that serves the same purpose.

Updating apps you have already downloaded

Apps update automatically on Apple TV by default. You do not need to do anything — the TV will read and install updates in the background when you are not using it, usually overnight. If you want to check for updates manually, go to the App Store, select the search icon, then look for "Updates" at the top of the screen.

You can also turn off automatic updates if you prefer to update apps yourself. Go to Settings, select Apps, then toggle off "Automatic Updates". After that, you will see an "Update" button on apps that have new versions available, and you can select it whenever you want to update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read apps on Apple TV using my iPhone or iPad instead?

You can use your iPhone or iPad to remotely install apps on your Apple TV if both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the App Store on your iPhone, find the app, and look for the Apple TV icon next to the "Get" button. Select it to install the app on your TV from your phone.

What happens if my internet connection drops while an app is downloading?

If your connection drops, the read will pause. Once your internet is back, the read will resume automatically from where it stopped. You do not need to start over. If the read fails completely, try selecting the app again and choosing "Get" or the cloud icon to restart it.

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

Yes. You can sign in with the same Apple ID on as many Apple TVs as you own. Apps you buy are tied to your Apple ID, so you can read them on any TV you sign in to. However, only one person should be the primary account holder on each TV to avoid sharing restrictions.

Why does an app say "In-App Purchases" on its details page?

This means the app itself is free or paid, but it also offers things you can buy inside the app — like extra levels in a game, premium features, or a subscription. You are not required to make any in-app purchases. The app will work without them, though some features may be limited.

How do I know if an app will work with my Apple TV model?

The App Store on your Apple TV only shows apps that are compatible with your specific model. If an app does not appear in search results, it is not compatible with the TV you are using. You can also check the app's details page on Apple's website to see which Apple TV models it supports.

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.