The basic steps to download an app on Apple TV
To download an app on Apple TV, open the App Store from your home screen, search for the app you want, and select it. Then press the select button on your remote and choose "Get" or the cloud icon if you've downloaded it before. The app will install automatically — you don't need to confirm anything else or restart your device.
The entire process takes less than a minute for most apps. Once the download finishes, the app appears on your home screen or in your library, ready to open immediately. You can download as many apps as your Apple TV's storage allows, though older models with less storage may need you to delete apps you no longer use to make room for new ones.
Key Takeaways
- Open the App Store from your Apple TV home screen, search for the app by name, and press select on your remote to start the download.
- Downloaded apps appear on your home screen or in your library automatically once installation finishes, with no restart required.
- You can organize your home screen by moving apps around or hiding ones you don't use regularly.
- Storage space varies by Apple TV model — older devices may run out of room and require you to delete unused apps before downloading new ones.
- Apps purchased on your Apple ID can be re-downloaded at no cost if you delete them later.
Finding apps in the App Store
The App Store is the only place to download apps on Apple TV. You reach it by highlighting the App Store icon on your home screen and pressing select on your remote. The icon looks like a blue square with a white app symbol inside it.
Once inside, you can search by typing the app name using your remote's keyboard, or browse categories like Entertainment, Sports, or Productivity. If you know the exact name of the app you want, searching is faster. If you're browsing, the categories show popular and newly released apps in each section.
Installing an app and what happens next
When you find an app, select it to open its detail page. You'll see a description, screenshots, reviews, and a button that says either "Get" or a cloud icon with a downward arrow. Press select on that button to start the download.
The app begins installing immediately — you don't need to confirm anything else or wait for a restart. A progress indicator shows how far along the download is. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open," and the app is ready to use. Most apps finish downloading within seconds to a few minutes, depending on file size and your internet speed.
Organizing and managing downloaded apps
Downloaded apps appear on your home screen by default, but you can move them around to organize them however you like. Press and hold an app icon with your remote, then use the directional buttons to move it to a new spot. Release the select button to place it there.
If your home screen gets crowded, you can also hide apps you don't use often. Press and hold an app, scroll down to "Remove from Home Screen," and select it. The app stays on your Apple TV and remains in your library — you can unhide it anytime by going to the App Store, finding it again, and selecting "Open" to bring it back to your home screen.
Storage limits and what to do when space runs out
Apple TV models have different amounts of storage. Newer models typically have more space than older ones, but all of them have a limit. If you download many large apps or games, you may eventually run out of room.
When storage is full, you'll see a message telling you there isn't enough space. To free up room, delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding them on your home screen, scrolling down to "Delete," and selecting it. Deleting an app removes it from your Apple TV but doesn't affect your Apple ID — you can download it again later at no cost. Check how much storage you're using by going to Settings, then System, then Storage.
Downloading apps you've purchased before
If you've bought an app on another Apple device using the same Apple ID, you can download it on your Apple TV without paying again. When you search for that app in the App Store, the button shows a cloud icon with a downward arrow instead of "Get." Select that button and the app downloads just like a free app would.
This works for apps you've purchased on iPhone, iPad, or Mac as long as you're signed into the same Apple ID on your Apple TV. You can see which apps you've purchased by going to the App Store, selecting your profile icon in the top right, and choosing "Purchased."
Troubleshooting common download problems
If an app won't download, first check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that the connection is stable. A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause downloads to stall or fail. Move closer to your router or restart your Wi-Fi if the signal is poor.
If the download still doesn't work, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, then System, then Restart. Wait for it to turn back on, then try downloading the app again. If a specific app repeatedly fails to download, the app itself may have a problem — try searching for a similar app or check the app's page in the App Store to see if other users have reported issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download apps on Apple TV without a remote?
You need a remote or the Apple TV Remote app on your iPhone to navigate and select apps. The Apple TV Remote app lets you use your phone as a remote if your physical remote is lost or broken. You can download it free from the App Store on your iPhone.
Do I need an Apple ID to download apps?
Yes, you must be signed into an Apple ID on your Apple TV to download apps from the App Store. You can create a free Apple ID at appleid.apple.com if you don't have one. Once you sign in on your Apple TV, you can download free apps and any apps you've purchased on other devices.
Why does an app say "Waiting" instead of downloading?
An app shows "Waiting" when your Apple TV is busy installing other apps or updating. The download will start once the current task finishes. You can check the status by going back to the App Store and looking at the app's page — it will show progress once the download begins.
Can I download apps on my iPhone and have them appear on Apple TV automatically?
No, apps don't automatically transfer between devices. You must download each app separately on your Apple TV using the App Store there. However, if you've purchased an app on iPhone, you can download it on Apple TV for free using the same Apple ID.
What happens if I delete an app and want it back?
Deleted apps can be downloaded again at no cost. Go to the App Store, search for the app by name, and select "Get" or the cloud icon to download it again. Your saved data within the app may be lost when you delete it, depending on whether the app stores data in iCloud.