How to Download an App on Apple TV

The basic steps to get an app on your Apple TV

To read an app on Apple TV, you open the App Store on your TV itself, search for the app you want, and press the button to install it. The app then appears on your home screen and is ready to use. You do not read apps through a computer or phone and send them to the TV — everything happens directly on the device.

Apple TV models from 2015 onward all have an App Store built in. If your Apple TV is older than that, you cannot read apps the same way, though some older models have a limited selection of pre-installed apps you can use.

Key Takeaways

Open the App Store on your Apple TV using the remote, then search for the app by name or browse categories.
Press the select button on the remote when you find the app, then choose the option to read or install it.
The app downloads and installs automatically — you do not need to do anything else or confirm the installation.
Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and you can open it when ready by selecting it with the remote.
You need an Apple ID and an internet connection, but you do not need to pay for most apps unless they are paid apps.

Opening the App Store and finding an app

Press the TV button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. You will see rows of apps and services already on your TV. Look for an icon that says "App Store" — it usually has a blue background with a white symbol. Select it by pointing the remote at it and pressing the center button (or the touchpad if you have a newer remote).

Once you are in the App Store, you can search for an app by name or browse by category. To search, look for a search icon at the top of the screen and select it. Type the name of the app using the on-screen keyboard — the remote lets you move a cursor and select letters. If you prefer to browse, you can look through categories like Games, Entertainment, or Productivity to find apps that interest you.

Installing the app

When you find the app you want, select it to open its details page. You will see information about what the app does, reviews from other users, and a button that says "Get" or shows a price if it is a paid app. Press the center button on your remote to start the read.

The app begins downloading and installing right away. You will see a progress indicator on the screen showing that the installation is happening. You do not need to do anything else — just wait for it to finish. This usually takes less than a minute on a fast internet connection, though larger apps may take longer.

Finding your newly installed app

Once the installation is complete, the button on the app's page will change to say "Open" instead of "Get". You can press it to launch the app when ready, or you can go back to your home screen and find the app there. New apps usually appear at the end of your home screen or in a section for recently added apps, depending on how your Apple TV is organized.

If you want to move the app to a different spot on your home screen, you can hold down the select button on the remote while the app is highlighted, then drag it to a new position. This helps you keep the apps you use most often in straightforward-to-reach spots.

What you need before you start

You must have an Apple ID signed in on your Apple TV. This is the same account you use for an iPhone, iPad, or Mac if you have one. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on Apple's website before you set up your TV, or you can create one during the setup process when you first turn on your Apple TV.

You also need a working internet connection. Your Apple TV connects to Wi-Fi or ethernet, and the connection must be stable enough to read the app. If your internet is very slow, the read may take longer or fail partway through — in that case, you can try again once the connection improves.

Paid apps and free apps

Most apps in the App Store are free to read and use. Some apps cost money — you will see the price displayed instead of a "Get" button. When you try to read a paid app, Apple will ask you to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID. The charge goes to whatever payment method is linked to your account.

Some apps are free to read but charge money for certain features or content inside the app — these are called in-app purchases. You can usually use the app without paying, but some features will be locked until you pay. The app's description page tells you whether it has in-app purchases.

Troubleshooting a read that is not working

If an app will not read, the most common reason is that your internet connection is too slow or dropped during the read. Try going back to the app's page and selecting it again to restart the read. If that does not work, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart.

If you see a message saying you do not have enough storage space, your Apple TV's hard drive is full. You can delete apps you no longer use to make room — hold down the select button on an app from your home screen and choose the delete option. If the problem keeps happening, you may need a newer Apple TV model with more storage.

If you see a message about your Apple ID, make sure you are signed in. Go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, and check that your Apple ID is listed and marked as the primary account. If it is not, sign in again using your email and password.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can use your iPhone or iPad to search for apps and see what is available, but the actual read and installation must happen on the Apple TV itself. Some apps let you start a read from your phone, and it will install on your TV automatically if both devices use the same Apple ID, but this does not work for all apps.

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

You can read it again anytime by going back to the App Store and selecting it. Your purchase history is saved to your Apple ID, so you will not be charged again for apps you have already bought. Any data the app saved on your TV will be gone, though — some apps let you sign in to restore your settings.

Do I need to update apps after I read them?

Apps update automatically on Apple TV if you have automatic updates turned on, which is the default setting. You can also check for updates manually by going to the App Store, selecting your profile icon, and looking for available updates. Keeping apps updated fixes bugs and adds new features.

Why does an app say it is not compatible with my Apple TV?

Some apps require a newer version of tvOS (the operating system that runs Apple TV) or a newer Apple TV model with more processing power. You can check your tvOS version in Settings, then System, then About. If an update is available, you can install it there, which may make the app compatible.

Can I read apps if I do not have an Apple ID?

No, you need an Apple ID to read any app from the App Store. Creating one is free and takes a few minutes — you just need an email address. You can set it up on your Apple TV during the initial setup or anytime afterward in Settings, then Users and Accounts.

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.