The two ways to add apps to Apple TV

You can add apps to Apple TV in two ways: directly from the App Store on your TV itself, or from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the App Store app there. The TV method is simpler if you're sitting in front of the screen. The phone or computer method is faster if you already know which app you want and don't want to search on the TV remote.

Both methods put the app on your Apple TV immediately. You don't need to restart the device or do anything else after installation — the app appears on your home screen and is ready to open.

Key Takeaways

  • You can install apps directly on Apple TV using the remote and the App Store, or remotely from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
  • Apps you install appear on your Apple TV home screen automatically and are ready to use right away.
  • Your Apple TV must be signed into an Apple ID account before you can download any apps.
  • Some apps require a subscription or account with the service itself (like Netflix or Disney+) even after you install them on Apple TV.
  • If an app won't install, restart your Apple TV and check that you have enough storage space available.

Installing apps directly on your Apple TV using the remote

Open the App Store app on your Apple TV home screen. Use your remote to navigate to the search icon at the top and select it. Type the name of the app you want — the remote has a keyboard that appears on screen, or you can use voice search by holding the microphone button on your remote and speaking the app name.

When you find the app, select it and choose the download button (it usually shows a cloud with a down arrow). The app begins installing immediately. You'll see a progress bar while it downloads. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open" — you can select that to launch the app right away, or just go back to your home screen and the app will be there.

If you don't see a download button and instead see a price or a "Get" button, that app costs money. Select it if you want to buy it, or go back and search for a different app.

Installing apps from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Search for the app you want to add to Apple TV. When you find it, look for a button that says "Get" or shows a price — next to that button, you should see a small icon that looks like a TV or a box with an arrow. Tap or click that icon.

A menu appears asking which device you want to install the app on. Select your Apple TV from the list. The app begins installing on your TV immediately, even though you're controlling it from your phone or computer. You don't need to do anything else — go to your Apple TV and the app will be on your home screen within a minute or two.

Not every app offers this remote installation option. If you don't see the TV icon, you'll need to install the app directly on your Apple TV using the method above.

What to do if an app won't install

First, check that your Apple TV is signed into an Apple ID. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Users and Accounts, then Apple ID, and make sure you're signed in. If you're not, sign in with your Apple ID email and password.

Next, restart your Apple TV. Go to Settings, select System, then Restart. Wait for the device to turn off and back on — this usually takes about a minute. Try installing the app again.

If the app still won't install, check how much storage space you have left. Go to Settings, select AirPlay and HomeKit, then look at the available storage. If you're very low on space (under 1 GB), delete an app you don't use anymore to make room. Select the app on your home screen, hold down the remote's select button, and choose Delete.

If none of that works, the app may not be available for your Apple TV model, or there may be a temporary problem with the App Store. Try again in a few hours, or search for an alternative app that does the same thing.

Understanding app accounts and subscriptions

Installing an app on Apple TV is different from having an account with that service. For example, you can install the Netflix app on your Apple TV, but you still need a Netflix subscription and you still need to sign into Netflix inside the app with your Netflix email and password.

When you open an app for the first time, it usually asks you to sign in or create an account. Some apps let you sign in with your Apple ID. Others require you to use your account with that specific service — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and most others work this way. Have your username and password ready, or be prepared to create a new account if you don't have one yet.

Managing apps and freeing up space

Your Apple TV home screen can hold many apps, but the device itself has limited storage. If you install a lot of apps, you may eventually run out of space and new apps won't install until you delete some old ones.

To delete an app, go to your home screen, highlight the app you want to remove, hold down the select button on your remote, and choose Delete. The app disappears from your home screen and frees up storage space. You can always reinstall it later using the same method you used the first time.

You can also rearrange apps on your home screen by highlighting an app, holding down the select button, and choosing Move. Use your remote to position it where you want it, then press select again to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for apps on Apple TV?

Most apps are free to download and install. Some apps cost money upfront — you'll see the price instead of a "Get" button. Additionally, many free apps require a paid subscription to the service itself (like Netflix or HBO Max) to actually use them, but the app installation is free.

Can I use the same Apple ID on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. Sign each Apple TV into the same Apple ID, and apps you download on one will be available on all of them. You can also set up different user accounts on a single Apple TV, each with their own Apple ID, and each person can have their own set of apps.

What if an app I want isn't in the App Store?

Not all apps are available for Apple TV, even if they exist for iPhone or iPad. Search the App Store on your TV to confirm it's not there. If it's not available, look for an alternative app that does the same thing, or check whether the service has a web version you can access through the Apple TV's web browser.

Will deleting an app delete my account or saved data?

Deleting the app removes it from your Apple TV, but it doesn't delete your account with that service. When you reinstall the app, you can sign back in with the same username and password and your account will be there. Some apps save settings locally on the TV, which will be lost when you delete the app.

Can I install apps on Apple TV if I don't have an iPhone or iPad?

Yes. You can install apps directly on your Apple TV using just the remote and the App Store app on the TV itself. You don't need any other Apple device — you only need an Apple ID account, which you can create on the Apple TV during setup.