How to Add Apps on Apple TV (Step-by-Step)

Adding apps to your Apple TV lets you stream new services, play games, and customize your home screen. This guide walks you through installing apps from the App Store on all current Apple TV models (Apple TV HD, 4K, and 4K 2nd/3rd generation). You’ll need your Apple TV remote (Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote) and an Apple ID signed in on the device.

What You’ll Need

Apple TV (any model running tvOS 12 or later)
Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote
Apple ID (already signed in on the Apple TV)
Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

Step-by-Step

Turn on your Apple TV and make sure it’s connected to your network. If you haven’t set it up yet, follow the on-screen prompts to sign in with your Apple ID.
Go to the App Store. From the home screen, navigate to the App Store icon (a blue square with a white “A”). If you don’t see it, swipe up to open the dock—it’s usually there.
Open the App Store by clicking the touchpad or center button on your remote.
Browse or search for an app. Use the top row of tabs: “Discover,” “Arcade,” “Apps,” “Games,” and “Search.” To search, select the magnifying glass icon (Search) and use the on-screen keyboard. You can also use Siri by pressing and holding the microphone button on your remote and saying, “Search for Netflix.”
Select the app you want. This opens its detail page with screenshots, description, and ratings.
Get the app. If it’s free, the button says “GET.” If it’s paid, it shows the price. Click the button.
Confirm the install. For free apps, you may just need to click again. For paid apps, you’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID/Face ID (on compatible iPhones) to confirm the purchase.
Wait for the download. The app icon will appear on your home screen with a progress ring. Once the ring fills, the app is ready to open.
Open the app by clicking its icon. Some apps may ask you to sign in or activate your subscription before you can use them.

Common Mistakes

Not signing in with an Apple ID: You must be signed in to the App Store. If you skipped this during setup, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Add New User.
Searching for the wrong name: Some apps have different names on tvOS. For example, “YouTube TV” is separate from “YouTube.” Double-check the exact app name.
Ignoring compatibility: Not all iOS apps are available on Apple TV. The App Store only shows apps that work with tvOS.
Assuming all apps are free: Many apps offer in-app purchases or require a subscription. The “GET” button may turn into a price if it’s paid. Always check the price before confirming.
Forgetting to update: If an app doesn’t appear, your tvOS might be outdated. Go to Settings > System > Software Update to check for updates.

Tips

Use Siri to search: Instead of typing, just press and hold the microphone button and say the app name. It’s much faster.
Organize your home screen: After installing, you can rearrange icons by pressing and holding the touchpad until they jiggle, then drag them. You can also create folders by dragging one app onto another.
Enable automatic updates: Go to Settings > Apps > Automatically Update Apps to keep your apps current without manual effort.
Use the App Store’s “Purchased” tab: If you previously downloaded an app on another Apple device, you can find it under the “Purchased” section in the App Store and re-download it for free.
Check storage: If you have a lot of apps, go to Settings > General > Manage Storage to see how much space is used and delete apps you no longer need.

Troubleshooting

App won’t download: Check your internet connection. Restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. If that fails, sign out of your Apple ID (Settings > Users and Accounts > Sign Out) and sign back in.
App Store not working: Make sure your tvOS is up to date. If the App Store is unresponsive, try restarting your Apple TV. If the issue persists, reset your network settings (Settings > Network > Reset) and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
App says “Cannot Install”: This often happens due to insufficient storage. Delete some apps or photos to free up space. You can also check if the app requires a newer version of tvOS.
Payment issue: If you see a message about payment, your Apple ID may have an unpaid balance or your payment method is invalid. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment & Shipping to update your information.
App appears but won’t open: Force quit the app by double-clicking the Home button (swipe up on the touchpad) and swiping up on the app preview. Then try opening it again. If it still fails, delete and reinstall the app.
App not showing on home screen: Sometimes the app installs but the icon is hidden. Go to Settings > Apps > App Store and check “Show on Home Screen.” You can also search for the app using Spotlight (swipe down on the home screen) to find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install apps from the iPhone App Store on Apple TV?

No. The Apple TV App Store only contains apps designed for tvOS. You cannot install iOS-only apps directly, but some apps offer a universal purchase that works on both platforms—check the app’s compatibility.

Do I need a subscription for most streaming apps?

Many streaming apps (like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+) require a subscription to watch content, but the app itself is free to download. Some apps, like YouTube, are free to use without a subscription.

How do I delete an app from Apple TV?

Press and hold the touchpad on the app icon until it jiggles, then press the Play/Pause button and select Delete. You can also go to Settings > General > Manage Storage, select the app, and click Delete.

Why can’t I find a specific app on the App Store?

The app may not be available in your region or may not have a tvOS version. Some apps are exclusive to certain countries due to licensing. You can also try searching with the exact name or using Siri.

Can I add apps from a USB drive or sideload them?

No, Apple TV does not support sideloading apps outside of the App Store. You can only install apps from the official App Store, which ensures security and compatibility.

How do I update apps on Apple TV?

Apps update automatically by default. To check manually, go to Settings > Apps > Automatically Update Apps and toggle it off if you prefer manual updates. You can also go to the App Store > Purchased > Updates to see available updates.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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