The fastest way to add an app to Apple TV
The easiest way to add an app to Apple TV is through the App Store built into your device. Open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and select it. Press the select button on your remote, then choose "Get" — the app downloads and installs automatically. Within seconds, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open.
You do not need a computer or any setup beyond your Apple TV remote and an active internet connection. If you already own the app on another Apple device linked to the same Apple ID, you can download it again to Apple TV at no cost.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV home screen, search for an app by name, and press "Get" to download it instantly.
- Apps you have purchased on iPhone, iPad, or Mac can be downloaded to Apple TV again using the same Apple ID at no additional cost.
- Downloaded apps appear on your home screen immediately and can be organized by dragging them to different positions.
- If an app does not appear in the App Store, it may not be compatible with your Apple TV model or tvOS version.
Finding apps in the App Store
The App Store is the only official place to download apps for Apple TV. From your home screen, scroll up and select the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white app symbol. Once inside, you can search by typing the app name using your remote, or browse categories like Entertainment, Sports, or Productivity.
Use the search function if you know the app name. Highlight the search icon at the top, then use your remote to type. Apple TV shows suggestions as you type, so you can select the app as soon as you see it. If you are browsing instead, scroll through category sections to find apps organized by type.
Downloading and installing an app
Once you find an app in the App Store, select it to open the app's detail page. This page shows the app name, description, screenshots, and a button that says either "Get" or a price. Press the select button on your remote to choose "Get" (for free apps) or to confirm the purchase (for paid apps). The download begins immediately.
Installation happens in the background while you use your Apple TV. Most apps finish within a few seconds, though larger apps may take longer depending on your internet speed. You will see a progress indicator on the app's icon. Once complete, the button changes to "Open," and the app is ready to use.
Apps you already own on other devices
If you bought an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the same Apple ID, you can download it to Apple TV without paying again. Open the App Store on Apple TV, search for the app, and select it. The button will say "Get" instead of showing a price, because you have already purchased it. Press select, and the app downloads to your Apple TV at no cost.
This works for most apps, but not all developers allow their apps across every Apple device. Some apps are designed only for iPhone or only for Apple TV. If an app you own does not appear in the App Store on Apple TV, it may not be available for that device.
Organizing apps on your home screen
After an app downloads, it appears on your Apple TV home screen. You can move it to a different position by selecting it, holding down the select button, and dragging it with your remote. This lets you arrange your most-used apps at the top or group similar apps together.
You can also delete an app from your home screen by selecting it, holding down the menu button, and choosing "Remove from Home Screen." The app remains in your library and can be re-downloaded later from the App Store without cost. To permanently delete an app from your Apple TV entirely, select it, hold the menu button, and choose "Delete."
Troubleshooting apps that will not download
If an app will not download, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and has enough storage space. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage to see how much space is available. If storage is full, delete apps or content you no longer use.
If storage is not the issue, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for it to power back on, then try downloading the app again. If the app still will not download, check that your tvOS is up to date by going to Settings, then System, then Software Updates. Some apps require a newer tvOS version than what your Apple TV currently has.
Apps that may not be available on Apple TV
Not every app in the App Store works on Apple TV. Some are designed only for iPhone or iPad, and some older apps have not been updated to work with current tvOS versions. When you search for an app, if it does not appear in the results, it is not compatible with your Apple TV model.
Developers choose which Apple devices their apps support. A popular app on your iPhone may not have an Apple TV version. In that case, you can sometimes use AirPlay to stream content from your iPhone to your Apple TV instead — this lets you display your iPhone screen on your television without downloading a separate app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple ID to download apps on Apple TV?
Yes. Your Apple TV must be signed in to an Apple ID before you can download apps from the App Store. This is the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free on Apple's website or during Apple TV setup.
Can I download apps on Apple TV without a remote?
You need a remote to navigate the App Store and select apps. However, you can use your iPhone as a remote by opening Control Center and selecting Apple TV Remote. This works if your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.
What happens if I delete an app from Apple TV?
Deleting an app removes it from your Apple TV and frees up storage space. You can download it again later from the App Store at no cost. Any data the app saved on your Apple TV will be deleted, but you can usually sign back in to the app to restore your account information.
Why does an app I own on my iPhone not show up on Apple TV?
Not all apps are available on Apple TV, even if you own them on other devices. Developers decide which Apple platforms their apps support. Some apps are designed only for iPhone or iPad. Check the App Store on Apple TV to see if a tvOS version exists.
Can I download apps to Apple TV without Wi-Fi?
No. Your Apple TV must be connected to the internet to download apps from the App Store. Use a Wi-Fi network or connect your Apple TV to the internet with an ethernet cable if available.