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How To Update Apps On Apple TV In 3 Steps, With Photos

Click on the grey gear icon to open Settings.

How To Update Apps On Apple TV In 3 Steps, With Photos

The tvOS, which powers Apple TV was built on Apple iOS. This has been the case since tvOS 9 launched in 2015. This is underlined by the TV’s reliance on Apple silicon. The latest model, the third-generation Apple TV 4K, runs on A15 Bionic. It’s advisable to update apps on Apple TV just as you would with your iPhone with each release. However, updating apps on Apple TV is different from iPhone or iPad. Here’s how it works.

Why Update Apps On Apple TV?

Some people update Apple TV apps for convenience’s sake. But it’s not the only reason for doing so. Others update their TVs’ apps to unlock the latest features. Still, others run updates to fix glitchy apps. Regardless, it’s worth knowing how to update your apps.

Unlock The Latest Features

Updating an app lets you enjoy the latest and best features. No app is perfect from the outset. Updates allow developers to debut new and improved app versions. This goes so far beyond basic bug fixes. From adding new settings and features to removing unpopular functions or features, updates let you access the latest app version. That’s why it’s so essential to know how to perform updates.

Fix Performance Bugs

Nothing is worse than a performance bug. Videos won’t stream, features won’t work, games won’t play -it’s incredibly frustrating. Some apps are just plain buggy. Others take time and effort to fix their problems so they can enjoy the best possible version of the app. This is where updates come in. They fix major performance bugs, serious app issues, and dangerous security flaws that lessen our enjoyment of Apple TV apps.

App Won’t Work Without Updating

Lastly, some apps plain won’t work unless you update them. When an app undergoes a major overhaul or faces tremendous performance bugs, the developer might find blocking access to outdated versions easier to encourage users to update to the new version. While not the most common reason to update the apps on your Apple TV, it is another reason. So, instead of worrying about what’s wrong with your Apple TV, you’ll know you need to update.

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03/11/2024 09:42 am GMT

How To Update Apps On Apple TV

App updates are only possible on the Apple TV HD and beyond. Any Apple TV released before this fourth-generation device in 2015 has pre-installed apps. Only the Apple TV HD and the three Apple TV 4K releases can update apps. We’re walking you through the first-generation Apple TV 4K, but the steps should work as long as you have a compatible device.

Step One: Open Settings App

Settings app on Apple TV.

The Settings app comes pre-installed on Apple TV devices.

Turn on your Apple TV device if you haven’t done so, then navigate to the home screen and find the Settings app. It’s gray with an assortment of gears. Once you find the Settings, click it.

Step Two: Select Apps

The "Apps" option in the Apple TV Settings app.

To update apps on Apple TV, go to the “Apps” settings within the Settings app.

Next, use the Siri Remote to maneuver down to the option that reads “Apps.” You should see it seven spaces down from the top. It’s wedged between the “Accessibility” and “Network” options. Click it to open up your Apple TV app settings.

Step Three: Turn On Automatic Updates

Automatically Update Apps option on the Apple TV.

Automatically update apps to save yourself time and energy.

Below the App settings menu, select the top option that reads “Automatically Update Apps.” Change the word “Off” to the word “On” by hitting the Select button. This will activate automatic app updates. Now, your Apple TV will automatically update your apps going forward.

How To Manually Update Apps

If there’s a reason you don’t want to turn on automatic updates, you can still manually update Apple TV apps. Simply navigate to the Apple TV App Store, then search for the app you want to update. Once you’ve found it, select the app to open its designated page. From there, you can choose “Update” in the same place you once hit “Get.” You’ll have to repeat this procedure whenever there’s a new update unless you turn automatic updates back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find recently updated Apple TV apps?

You can see a list of all your recently updated apps by going to the Apple TV App Store and navigating to the Purchased tab. You’ll see an option to select “Recently Updated Apps.” Click it to see your recently updated apps, from newest to oldest.

What's the point of updating your Apple TV apps?

Updating Apple TV apps gives you access to any app’s newest and most stable version. These updates help implement bug fixes, correct security flaws and even add new features and functions not previously found on the app.

How do you turn off automatic app updates on Apple TV?

To turn off automatic updates on your Apple TV, go to the Settings app and then select the Apps heading. From there, select the “Automatically Update Apps” option and switch it from “On” to “Off.” In the future, you’ll have to manually update your apps from the App Store by searching for the application by name and hitting the “Update” button.

What happens if an app update fails on Apple TV?

If an app update fails on your Apple TV, you can try troubleshooting it. Make sure you’re still connected to the Internet. Often, a simple loss of connection can interrupt app updates. Secondly, you can try force-closing the app by double-tapping Home and swiping up on the app’s screen. Lastly, if neither of these two options works, you can try deleting and re-downloading the app from the App Store.

Can you revert to an old version of an Apple TV app?

You can’t revert to the previous version once you’ve updated an Apple TV app. So, make sure you want to download the update before hitting the “Update” button. With automatic updates installed, you can do little to prevent updates from running unless you turn them off in your settings. However, turning off automatic app updates puts you at a greater risk of encountering security flaws and programming bugs and missing out on new features.

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