Download Twitch directly from the official source

The safest way to get Twitch is to download it from the official Twitch website or your device's app store. Twitch is the live streaming platform owned by Amazon, and they offer free apps for phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs. Going through official channels protects you from fake versions that could contain malware or steal your login information.

You do not need to pay anything to download or use Twitch. The app itself is free, though streamers may offer paid subscriptions and some games require payment to play.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Twitch from twitch.tv, the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Microsoft Store — never from third-party websites.
  • The download takes two to five minutes on most connections, and the app uses 100 to 300 MB of storage depending on your device.
  • You can watch streams without creating an account, but you will need one to follow channels, chat, or save favorites.
  • If the download stalls or the app crashes on startup, clearing your device's cache and restarting usually fixes the problem.

Download Twitch on Windows or Mac

On a computer, go to twitch.tv in your web browser and look for the download link in the footer or menu. Click it, and your browser will download an installer file. Once the download finishes, open the file and follow the on-screen prompts to install the app to your computer.

The Windows version requires Windows 10 or newer. The Mac version requires macOS 10.13 or newer. If your computer is older than that, you can still watch Twitch in your web browser — you do not need the app.

After installation finishes, the app will open automatically. You can then sign in with your Twitch account or create one. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one during this step using an email address and password.

Download Twitch on iPhone or iPad

Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Search for "Twitch" in the search tab at the bottom of the screen. When you find the official Twitch app (it has the purple Twitch logo), tap the cloud icon with a down arrow to download it.

The app requires iOS 13.0 or later. If your device is older, the App Store will tell you that the app is not compatible, and you will need to update your device's operating system first or watch Twitch in Safari instead.

Once the download finishes, the cloud icon changes to "Open." Tap it to launch the app. You can sign in with an existing Twitch account or create a new one inside the app.

Download Twitch on Android phones and tablets

Open Google Play on your Android device. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type "Twitch." Select the official Twitch app from the results — it has the purple Twitch logo and is published by "Twitch Interactive, Inc."

Tap "Install" and wait for the download to finish. This usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed. Once installation is complete, tap "Open" to launch the app for the first time.

Android requires version 6.0 or later. If your device is older, Google Play will not show the app as available. In that case, you can still watch Twitch through your web browser.

What to do if the download fails or the app will not open

If the download stalls halfway through, check that you have a stable internet connection and at least 500 MB of free storage space. Close other apps that might be using your connection, then try downloading again.

If the app downloads but crashes when you open it, try clearing the app's cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Twitch > Storage > Clear Cache. On iPhone, delete the app and download it again from the App Store. On Windows or Mac, uninstall the app, restart your computer, and download it again.

If you see an error message about your device not being compatible, your operating system is too old. You can still watch Twitch by opening twitch.tv in your web browser instead of using the app.

Create your Twitch account after downloading

When you open the app for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. If you already have a Twitch account, enter your email address and password. If you do not have one, tap "Sign Up" and follow the prompts to create one using an email address, a username, and a password.

You can watch most streams without signing in, but you will need an account to follow channels, save favorites, or chat during streams. Creating an account takes about two minutes and requires only an email address and password — you do not need to provide payment information unless you decide to subscribe to a channel later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to download Twitch from websites other than the official app stores?

No. Download only from twitch.tv, the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Microsoft Store. Third-party websites may host fake versions of Twitch that steal your login information or contain malware. If you are unsure whether a download link is real, go directly to twitch.tv or your device's official app store instead.

How much storage space does Twitch need?

The app itself uses about 100 to 300 MB depending on your device. Make sure you have at least 500 MB of free space before downloading to avoid installation errors. Watching streams does not require additional storage unless you save videos to your device.

Can I watch Twitch without downloading the app?

Yes. You can watch streams by opening twitch.tv in any web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet. The app offers a slightly better experience on phones and tablets, but the website works fine if you prefer not to download anything.

What do I do if I forgot my Twitch password?

On the sign-in screen, tap "Forgot your password?" and enter your email address. Twitch will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email (including spam folders) and follow the link to create a new password.

Do I need to pay to download or use Twitch?

No. Downloading the app and watching streams is completely free. You can pay to subscribe to specific streamers or buy games, but nothing is required to use the basic features.