Getting apps onto your Apple TV
You download apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into your device. You navigate to it using your remote, search for the app you want, and select it to download. The app then installs automatically and appears on your home screen. The whole process takes a few minutes, and you do not need a computer.
Apple TV models from 2015 onward all have the App Store built in. If you have an older model, you may not be able to download apps this way — check your device settings to see which version you have. The process is the same whether you own an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or earlier tvOS models.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV using your remote, then search for the app by name or browse categories.
- Select the app and press the center button on your remote to start the download, which happens automatically in the background.
- Downloaded apps appear on your home screen immediately, even while they are still installing.
- You need an Apple ID to download apps, and your Apple TV must be signed into that account.
- If a download stalls or fails, restart your Apple TV and try again from the App Store.
Make sure you are signed in with an Apple ID
Before you can download anything, your Apple TV needs to be signed into an Apple ID. This is the same account you use for iPhone, iPad, or Mac — or you can create a new one just for your TV. Open Settings on your Apple TV, go to Users and Accounts, and select your account. If you are not signed in, you will see a prompt to sign in or create an account.
If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one directly on the TV. Select "Create New Apple ID" and follow the on-screen steps. You will need an email address and a password. Once you are signed in, you can download any free app. Paid apps require a payment method on file, which you can add in Settings under Users and Accounts.
Open the App Store and search for your app
From your Apple TV home screen, scroll to the top and look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white circle inside. Select it with your remote and press the center button to open it. You will see featured apps, categories, and a search option at the top.
To find a specific app, select the search icon (a magnifying glass) and use your remote to type the app name. The remote has a keyboard that appears on screen — use the trackpad or arrow buttons to move between letters and press the center button to select each one. As you type, matching apps appear below. Select the one you want and press the center button to open its details page.
Download the app to your Apple TV
On the app's details page, you will see a button that says "Get" or a price (for paid apps). Press the center button on your remote to start the download. If it is a paid app, you may be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID. Enter your password or authenticate, and the download begins.
The app downloads and installs in the background — you do not have to wait on the details page. You will see a progress indicator showing the download status. Once it is complete, the button changes to "Open" and the app appears on your home screen. You can open it immediately or come back to it later.
Find your downloaded apps on the home screen
All apps you download appear on your Apple TV home screen automatically. They show up in the order you downloaded them, usually at the end of your existing apps. You can rearrange them by holding the center button on your remote while an app is highlighted, then moving it to a new position using the arrow buttons.
If you download many apps, you can organize them into folders. Hold the center button on an app, select "Move", and then select another app to group them together. The TV creates a folder automatically. You can rename the folder by selecting it, holding the center button, and choosing "Rename".
What to do if a download fails or gets stuck
If an app download stalls, stops, or shows an error, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings, select System, and choose Restart. Wait for the TV to turn back on and sign in again. Then return to the App Store and try downloading the app once more.
If the download fails again, check that you have enough storage space. Go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, and look at the available storage. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use by holding the center button on them and selecting "Delete". You can always download them again later. If you still have trouble, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, sign back in, and try the download again.
Updating apps you have already downloaded
Apps update automatically on Apple TV by default, so you do not have to do anything. Updates happen in the background when your TV is idle and connected to power. If you want to check for updates manually or turn off automatic updates, go to Settings, select Apps, and select "Automatic Updates". You can toggle this on or off, and you can also see which apps have updates waiting.
To update a single app manually, open the App Store, go to the search tab, and select your profile icon in the top right corner. Scroll down to see apps with available updates and select "Update" next to any app you want to update now. The app updates in the background just like a new download.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download apps from my iPhone to my Apple TV?
No, you cannot send apps from your iPhone to your Apple TV. Each device has its own App Store, and apps are designed for one or the other. You must download each app separately on your Apple TV using the App Store on the TV itself. Some apps are available on both platforms, but you download them independently.
What if an app is not available in the App Store?
Not all apps are available for Apple TV. Developers choose which platforms to release their apps on, and some apps only work on iPhone or iPad. If you cannot find an app in the App Store, it may not have an Apple TV version. Check the app's website or support page to see if a TV version exists.
Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?
Many apps are free to download, though some may have paid features or subscriptions inside them. Other apps cost money upfront. When you select an app, the price is shown clearly — "Get" means it is free, and a dollar amount means it costs money. You can only download paid apps if you have a payment method saved to your Apple ID.
Can I delete an app after I download it?
Yes. Hold the center button on your remote while the app is highlighted on your home screen, then select "Delete". The app is removed from your TV. You can download it again anytime from the App Store without paying again if it was a paid app you already purchased.
Why is my Apple TV not finding the app I am looking for?
The app may not be available for Apple TV, or you may have a typo in the search. Try searching for just part of the app name, or browse the categories to find it. If you still cannot find it, check that you are signed into your Apple ID and that your TV has an internet connection. Restart your TV and try searching again.