The fastest way to install apps on Apple TV

You install apps on Apple TV through the App Store, which is built into every Apple TV device. Open the App Store app on your TV, search for the app you want, and select it to download and install — it takes about 30 seconds per app. The app appears on your home screen automatically once installation finishes.

This works the same way whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model. You do not need a computer or any extra equipment. The only requirement is that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and you are signed in with an Apple ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the App Store app on your Apple TV, search for the app by name, and select it to install directly to your device.
  • Apps download and install automatically in the background, and you can start using them as soon as they finish.
  • You can also install apps from your iPhone or iPad by opening the App Store app on those devices, finding the app, and selecting "Open in App Store" to send it to your Apple TV.
  • Deleting an app from your Apple TV is as simple as highlighting it on the home screen, pressing and holding the touchpad or remote button, and selecting delete.
  • If an app will not install, restart your Apple TV and check that you have enough storage space and a working internet connection.

Installing apps directly from your Apple TV

Start by pressing the home button on your Apple TV remote to go to the home screen. Look for the App Store icon — it is a white square with a blue background. Select it with your remote.

Once inside the App Store, you will see featured apps and categories. Use the search function at the top to find the specific app you want. Type the app name using your remote's keyboard. When you see the app in the results, select it to open its detail page.

On the detail page, you will see a button that says "Get" or a cloud icon if you have already installed it before. Select "Get" to start the download. The app will ask you to confirm with your Apple ID password. Enter it, and the installation begins automatically. You do not need to do anything else — the app will appear on your home screen when it finishes.

Installing apps from your iPhone or iPad

You can also send apps to your Apple TV from an iPhone or iPad without touching your TV remote. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad and search for the app you want.

When you find it, tap the cloud icon with a download arrow (or the "Get" button if you have not installed it before). Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. After installation finishes on your phone, look for an option that says "Open in App Store" or a similar prompt. Select it, and your Apple TV will appear as a device option. Choose your Apple TV, and the app will install on your TV automatically.

This method is useful if you are away from your TV or want to install multiple apps at once. All the apps you send this way will be waiting on your home screen when you return.

What to do if an app will not install

If an app gets stuck during download or fails to install, the first step is to restart your Apple TV. Hold the menu button on your remote for about six seconds until the shutdown screen appears. Select "Restart" and wait for your TV to turn back on. Then try installing the app again.

Check that you have enough storage space available. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then look at the storage information. If you are running low on space, delete apps you no longer use to free up room. You can also check your internet connection by going to Settings, selecting Network, and confirming that your Apple TV is connected to WiFi.

If the app still will not install after restarting and checking storage, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, choose your account, and select Sign Out. Then sign back in with your Apple ID. This refreshes your account connection and often fixes installation problems.

Managing and removing apps

Apps you install stay on your home screen until you remove them. To delete an app, highlight it on the home screen and press and hold the touchpad or the select button on your remote. A menu will appear with a delete option. Select it, and the app will be removed from your Apple TV.

Removing an app does not delete your account or settings within that app. If you reinstall it later, you can usually sign back in and pick up where you left off. Some apps, like Apple TV+ and Apple Music, may require you to sign in again.

Organizing your home screen

Once you have installed several apps, you can rearrange them on your home screen. Highlight any app, press and hold the select button, and choose "Move" from the menu. Use your remote to navigate the app to a new position, then press select to place it there.

You can also create folders to group similar apps together. Highlight an app, press and hold select, and look for an option to create a folder. Add apps to the folder by dragging them into it. This keeps your home screen organized and makes it easier to find the apps you use most.

Understanding app compatibility and updates

Not every app available on the iPhone App Store works on Apple TV. The App Store on your TV only shows apps that are compatible with your specific Apple TV model. If you search for an app and it does not appear, it is not available for Apple TV.

Apps update automatically on Apple TV by default. Go to Settings, select Apps, then select Automatic Updates to turn this on or off. If you turn off automatic updates, you can update apps manually by going to the App Store, selecting the account icon at the top, and choosing "Update All" to install any pending updates at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to install apps on Apple TV?

Yes, you need to be signed in with an Apple ID on your Apple TV to download and install apps. You can create a free Apple ID if you do not have one already. The same Apple ID you use on your iPhone or iPad works on Apple TV.

Can I install apps from outside the App Store?

No, the App Store is the only official way to install apps on Apple TV. You cannot sideload apps or install them from other sources. This is a security feature that Apple uses to protect your device.

What happens to my apps if I reset my Apple TV?

If you reset your Apple TV to factory settings, all apps and data will be deleted. However, you can reinstall them afterward by signing back in with your Apple ID. The App Store will remember which apps you have previously installed, making it faster to set up again.

Why is my internet connection affecting app installation?

Apps download over your WiFi connection, so a weak or unstable connection can cause downloads to fail or take much longer. Move your Apple TV closer to your router, or restart your router to improve the connection. A wired ethernet connection (if your Apple TV model supports it) is more stable than WiFi.

Can I install the same app on multiple Apple TV devices?

Yes, if you have more than one Apple TV signed in with the same Apple ID, you can install an app on all of them. Use the iPhone method to send the app to each device, or install it manually on each Apple TV through the App Store.