The fastest way to add apps to Apple TV

You add apps to Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into every Apple TV device. Open the App Store app on your Apple TV, search for the app you want, and select it to download. The app installs automatically and appears on your home screen within seconds.

You can also add apps from your iPhone or iPad if you own the same Apple ID as the Apple TV — the app downloads to your TV without you touching the remote. This method works even if you are in a different room.

A third option is to use iCloud to sync apps across your devices, though this requires setup beforehand and works only for apps you already own on another Apple device.

Key Takeaways

  • The App Store on your Apple TV is the main way to find and download apps, and new apps appear on your home screen immediately after installation.
  • You can send apps to your Apple TV from your iPhone or iPad using the same Apple ID, without touching your TV remote.
  • Some apps require a subscription or account login after download — the app itself is free, but access to its content may not be.
  • Deleting an app from your Apple TV does not delete it from your Apple ID account, so you can reinstall it later without paying again.

Adding apps directly from your Apple TV

Press the home button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. Scroll to the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white circle — and select it. You will see a search bar at the top and categories below, such as Featured, Top Charts, and Categories.

To find a specific app, select the search bar and use the remote to type the app name. Apple TV will show matching results as you type. Select the app you want from the list. On the app's page, you will see a button that says "Get" or shows a price. Select it, and the app begins downloading. If the app costs money, you will be asked to confirm the purchase using your Apple ID password or Face ID.

Once the download finishes, the button changes to "Open" or the app appears on your home screen. You do not need to do anything else — the app is ready to use immediately.

Sending apps from your iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad and find the app you want to add to your Apple TV. Select the app and tap the cloud icon with a download arrow, or tap "Get" if you do not own it yet. A menu will appear asking which devices you want to send it to.

Select your Apple TV from the list. The app will download to your TV in the background, even if your TV is asleep. You do not need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but your iPhone and Apple TV must use the same Apple ID. When the download finishes, the app appears on your Apple TV home screen.

This method is useful if you are already browsing the App Store on your phone and want to add something to your TV without walking over to it. It also works if multiple people in your household share an Apple TV — anyone with the same Apple ID can send apps to the shared device.

What happens after you download an app

Most apps appear on your Apple TV home screen right away and are ready to open. Some apps, like Netflix or Disney+, ask you to sign in with an account the first time you open them. You will use your remote to enter your username and password, or the app may show a code you can enter on your phone or computer instead.

A few apps require a subscription to use their full features. The app itself downloads for free, but you cannot watch content or use certain functions without paying. The app's page in the App Store will tell you if a subscription is required.

Apps update automatically by default, so you do not need to manually update them. If you want to turn off automatic updates, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Apps, then select Automatic Updates and turn it off.

Organizing and removing apps from your home screen

To move an app on your home screen, press and hold the app icon with your remote until a menu appears. Select "Move" and use the remote to drag the app to a new location. Release the remote button to drop it in place. You can arrange your apps in any order you want.

To remove an app from your home screen without deleting it completely, select "Remove from Home Screen" from the same menu. The app stays in your library and you can add it back later. To delete an app entirely, select "Delete" instead. Deleting an app removes it from your Apple TV, but you can download it again later using the same Apple ID without paying a second time.

If you have many apps, you can create folders to organize them. Press and hold an app, select "Create Folder," and drag other apps into it. This keeps your home screen less cluttered.

Troubleshooting apps that won't download

If an app fails to download, check that your Apple TV is connected to Wi-Fi and has enough storage space. Go to Settings, then About, then Storage to see how much space is available. If storage is low, delete apps you no longer use to free up room.

If the download still does not work, restart your Apple TV. Hold the home button on your remote for about six seconds until the control center appears, then select Sleep. Wait a few seconds, then press any button to wake it up. Try downloading the app again.

Some apps are not available in all countries or regions. If you cannot find an app in the App Store, it may not be offered in your location. Check the app's page on Apple's website to confirm it is available where you are. If you recently moved or changed your region settings, you may need to update your Apple ID location in Settings before the app appears.

Using iCloud to sync apps across devices

If you turn on iCloud sync for apps, any app you download on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will automatically download to your Apple TV as well. To set this up, go to Settings on your Apple TV, select your Apple ID, then select iCloud. Turn on "Sync Apps" or "App Library Sync," depending on your tvOS version.

This method works only if all your devices use the same Apple ID. It also means you cannot control which apps go to which device — everything syncs automatically. Many people prefer to add apps manually instead, so they can keep different apps on different devices.

If you turn off app sync later, apps that were synced will remain on your Apple TV. You can delete them individually if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps to Apple TV if I do not have an iPhone?

Yes. You can add apps directly from the App Store on your Apple TV using just the remote. You do not need an iPhone or iPad to download apps — the App Store is built into every Apple TV device.

Do I have to pay for every app I download?

No. Most apps are free to download. Some apps cost money upfront, and others are free but require a paid subscription to use their content. The App Store shows the price or subscription requirement before you download, so you know what to expect.

What if an app I want is not in the App Store?

Not all apps are available on Apple TV. Some developers only make apps for iPhone or Android. Check the App Store search to confirm the app exists for tvOS. If it does not, there may be a web version you can access through a browser app, or an alternative app that offers similar features.

Can I share apps with other people on my Apple TV?

Yes, if they use the same Apple ID. Anyone signed in with that account can open any app downloaded on the TV. If you want to keep apps separate between users, each person needs their own Apple ID profile on the Apple TV.

Will I lose my apps if I restart my Apple TV?

No. Restarting your Apple TV does not delete apps. All your downloaded apps will still be there after the restart, along with your login information for most apps.