How to Delete Apps on Apple TV

Deleting apps on Apple TV removes them from the Home Screen and frees the space they use on the device. You can remove most apps with the Siri Remote; the exact menu labels can vary slightly by tvOS version. Before you begin, make sure you are on the Home Screen and have the remote available.

What You’ll Need

An Apple TV with its Siri Remote, or a compatible remote with navigation and select buttons.
Access to the Apple TV Home Screen. You do not need an internet connection to delete an installed app.

Step-by-Step

Go to the Home Screen. Press the Back button (or Menu button on some remotes) until the grid of apps appears. If an app is open, return to the Home Screen first.
Highlight the app. Use the remote’s directional controls to move the highlight to the app you want to remove. Do not open it.
Open the app’s options. Press and hold the center of the clickpad or touch surface until the app begins to jiggle or an options menu appears. On some tvOS versions and remotes, pressing and holding the Select button has the same effect.
Choose the delete option. If an options menu appears, select Delete App. On a jiggling Home Screen, press the Play/Pause button to open the menu, then select Delete or Delete App.
Confirm your choice. Read the confirmation prompt and select Delete. The app will be removed from the Apple TV. If you see only an option to hide the app, that is not the same as deleting it; see the troubleshooting section below.
Repeat for other apps as needed. Return to the Home Screen and follow the same process for each app you want to remove.

Some Apple TV models or tvOS releases show the actions in a slightly different order. The key is to highlight the app, open its contextual options, and choose the delete action rather than simply moving or hiding it.

Common Mistakes

Opening the app instead of selecting it. A short press on the highlighted app launches it. Highlight the icon first, then press and hold Select to bring up its options.
Choosing Hide instead of Delete. Hiding removes an app from the Home Screen but may leave it installed. Use the delete command if your aim is to reclaim local storage.
Expecting deletion to cancel a subscription. Removing an app does not cancel a subscription billed through Apple or another provider. Manage the subscription separately through the account or service that bills you.
Assuming app data is always erased everywhere. Deleting an app removes it from this Apple TV, but saved information may remain in an online account or synced service. Check the app’s own account settings if you also want to remove cloud data.
Trying to remove a built-in app. Some Apple apps or system components cannot be deleted. If no delete option appears, the app may only be hideable or may be required by tvOS.
Deleting an app from one device and expecting it to disappear from every device. Home Screen syncing and app installation settings can affect other Apple TVs linked to the same account. Check each device if you want a consistent layout.

Tips

Check storage before removing apps. Open Settings > General > Manage Storage, if available on your tvOS version, to see installed apps and their storage use. This can help you decide what to remove first.
Use offloading if you want to keep app data. Some Apple TV versions offer an option to offload unused apps. Offloading removes the app itself while retaining its documents and data; reinstalling the app may restore that data. It is not available in every version or for every app.
Remember that apps can usually be downloaded again. If an app is still offered for your Apple TV model and region, you can find it in the App Store and install it again. Availability can change, and older devices may not support the latest app version.
Organize rather than delete when space is not the problem. You can move apps around on the Home Screen using the same edit mode. This keeps frequently used apps easy to reach without removing them.
Check which Apple TV you are using. Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models support app installation and deletion. Older Apple TV models that do not use the App Store manage channels differently, so these instructions may not apply.

Troubleshooting

The app does not jiggle and no menu appears: Make sure the icon is highlighted, not open, and hold the center of the remote’s clickpad or touch surface for a little longer. If your remote has a separate Select button, try holding it. On a jiggling screen, use Play/Pause to display the available actions.

There is no Delete App option: The app may be built in, restricted, or controlled by a setting that prevents deletion. Try checking Settings > General > Restrictions or the Screen Time settings available on your device. If deletion is limited, review the restrictions using the authorized device or account settings. A system app may offer only a hide option.

You cannot find the app on the Home Screen: Look through the other Home Screen pages and folders. If your tvOS version provides app search, use it to locate the app. Also check Settings > General > Manage Storage, if present, to see whether it is installed.

The app returns after deletion: Confirm that you completed the final confirmation and did not select Hide. Then check Home Screen syncing or automatic app installation settings on Apple TVs using the same account. Another device or a later setup may be adding the app again.

The remote will not select or hold an icon: Check that the remote has charge and is connected to the Apple TV. Restart the Apple TV from Settings > System > Restart, if you can navigate the menus, then try again. A compatible connected remote can also help you determine whether the issue is with the Siri Remote.

You need to free up more space: Removing one small app may not make a noticeable difference. Review storage usage and remove several apps you no longer use. Restarting the Apple TV afterward can help the device refresh its displayed storage information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting an Apple TV app cancel its subscription?
No. Cancel the subscription separately through the service or account that bills you. Deleting the app only removes it from the device.

Can I reinstall an app after deleting it?
Usually, yes. Search for it in the App Store on Apple TV and download it again, if it is still available and compatible with your device.

Will deleting an app erase my account or saved progress?
It removes the app from that Apple TV, but online account details and synced progress may remain. What is retained depends on the app and its service.

Why can I hide an app but not delete it?
Some built-in or system apps cannot be removed. Restrictions may also limit deletion. Check the device’s restriction settings, or hide the app if removal is not offered.

Can I delete apps from the Apple TV app on my iPhone?
No. Use the Apple TV’s Home Screen or its storage settings to remove apps from the device.

Does deleting an app remove it from other Apple TVs?
Not necessarily. The change is made on the device you are using, though Home Screen syncing or automatic installation settings may affect other devices. Check those Apple TVs separately.

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

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