Keeping your Apple TV apps up-to-date is essential for enjoying the best performance and newest features. Unfortunately, the process differs from updating iPhone or iPad apps, leaving some users unsure how to manually trigger Apple TV app updates or enable automatic background updating.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through updating apps on Apple TV using automatic updates or manual updates via the App Store. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot update failures, revert to previous app versions if needed, and manage your overall Apple TV app experience.
Why App Updates Matter on Apple TV
Updating apps on your Apple TV unlocks key benefits including:
Access To New Features: Developers constantly add new functions and tweak apps through updates. Updating ensures you can leverage all available tools.
Improved Stability: Updates frequently include bug fixes and performance enhancements. Keeping apps updated prevents crashes, lag, or other issues.
Continued Compatibility: Certain apps may stop working properly or deny access if not updated to the latest release.
Apple leverages its tvOS platform that runs on top of the same iOS software iPhones use for a familiar and tightly integrated app experience.
But this reliance on iOS means your Apple TV periodically requires app updates just like your iPhone. Failure to update could leave you unable to open apps or missing out on faster speeds after an optimization patch.
Let’s now dive into the step-by-step process for updating your Apple TV apps using either automatic or manual methods.
Compatible Apple TV Models
Before updating apps, verify your Apple TV model supports app installs and updates:
- Apple TV HD (4th generation)
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation)
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
The Apple TV HD and later run the tvOS platform capable of updating apps. Earlier Apple TV models rely on pre-installed software without customizable app access.
If you own an older Apple TV without app support, consider upgrading to unlock the full Apple TV experience including app flexibility:
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) – $147.50
- 4K Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos Sound
- A15 Bionic Chip
- Enhanced Siri Remote
Step 1: Open Apple TV Settings
Begin by accessing your Apple TV settings menu:
- Turn on your compatible Apple TV and navigate to the home screen
- Select the gray Settings app icon
- You will be taken to the general Apple TV settings menu
Step 2: Choose Apps Setting
With the settings open, proceed to the apps management screen:
- Scroll down to find and select the “Apps” option
- This is generally located a few rows below the top settings
- Tapping it will open the app update controls
Step 3: Enable Automatic App Updates
Now it’s time to turn on automated app updating:
- Choose the “Automatically Update Apps” setting
- Toggle the button to switch from “Off” to “On”
- This will update apps automatically moving forward
With auto-updates enabled, your Apple TV will now handle updating apps in the background without any effort on your end.
How To Manually Update Apple TV Apps
If you prefer manually controlling app updates, that works too. Here’s how to update Apple TV apps individually:
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV
- Search for the app you want to update
- Select the app to open its page
- Choose the Update button to download the latest release
Remember, new updates may add features, fix bugs, or improve performance. So periodic manual app checks are still recommended even without auto-updates enabled.
Troubleshooting Apple TV App Update Failures
App updates can occasionally fail even on Apple TV models supporting updates and with a solid WiFi connection.
Before trying the update again, attempt the following troubleshooting:
Verify your Apple TV has an active internet connection in the settings menu. If not, check your WiFi router or ethernet cabling.
Force close the app by double clicking the home button and swiping it offscreen. Then reopen and retry updating.
Delete and reinstall the app fresh from the App Store if it failed multiple update attempts. This wipes corrupt temporary data.
In rare cases certain apps may have coding bugs blocking installation of newer updates. Check the app developer’s forums or contact their support team if issues persist across troubleshooting attempts.
Can You Revert To Old Apple TV App Versions?
Unlike iPhone and iPad, Apple TV does not let you revert app updates to previous functioning versions.
The update button permanently overwrites your existing app build. Make absolutely certain you want to update before clicking confirm.
With automatic updates enabled, you surrender control to Apple approving updates on your behalf. Disable auto-updates if this concerns you, but expect a less optimized experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions around updating Apple TV apps:
Where Can I See Recently Updated Apple TV Apps?
Navigate to the Purchased tab of the App Store, then choose the Recently Updated Apps option to view your latest app updates.
Why Does Updating Apps Matter on Apple TV?
Updates give you the latest features, critical bug fixes for crashes or lag, and compatibility support for apps that may block outdated versions from opening.
How Do I Disable Auto App Updates on Apple TV?
Open Settings > Apps > Automatically Update Apps then toggle from On to Off. Just know disabling them requires manually monitoring and installing updates going forward.
What If an Apple TV App Update Fails To Install?
First, check your internet connection. Also force quit then reopen the app before retrying the update. If issues continue, deleting then re-downloading the app through the App Store can often resolve stubborn update failures.
Summary
I hope this guide gave you a better understanding of how to update your Apple TV apps quickly and easily. Maintaining your app suite lays the foundation for smooth streaming, playing, and casting functionality.
Feel free to bookmark this article for reference whenever apps start acting buggy or you want to enable newly-released features. And as always let me know via the comments if you have any other Apple TV app questions!
