Apple TV · Storage & Backup
Free up space and manage installed apps
Apple TV has fixed internal storage (32GB, 64GB, or 128GB depending on model) shared between apps, downloaded content, and system data. Managing storage keeps installs and updates from failing.
What you should know
- Go to Settings > General > Manage Storage to see how much space each app is using, sorted largest first.
- Select an app and choose Delete to remove it and reclaim its space; reinstalling later restores it from the App Store without losing your Apple ID-linked progress in most games.
- Enable Automatically Install Apps under Settings > General to have apps you've downloaded on other Apple devices appear on Apple TV automatically.
- Rearrange or remove apps from the Home Screen by holding the Touch surface on the remote, then choosing Delete App or Move.
Why it matters
Apple TV models can't be expanded with external storage, so running low on space can block tvOS updates and new app installs — clearing out unused apps is usually the fastest fix.
Best practices
- Periodically check Settings > General > Manage Storage and remove apps you no longer use, especially large game installs.
- Turn off Automatically Install Apps if storage is tight and you'd rather control what gets installed manually.
- Delete and reinstall a misbehaving app before trying a full device reset — it resolves most app-specific glitches.
Common problems and fixes
- "Not Enough Storage" when installing an app
- Delete a large, rarely used app under Settings > General > Manage Storage, then retry the install.
- An app repeatedly crashes on launch
- Delete the app from the Home Screen and reinstall it from the App Store — this clears corrupted local app data.
Tips and tricks
- Game save data for many titles is tied to Game Center or the developer's account system, so deleting and reinstalling a game rarely loses your progress — check the app's own cloud save settings if you're unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add external storage to Apple TV?
No — Apple TV's internal storage is fixed and cannot be expanded with a USB drive or SD card.
Related settings
- tvOS Software UpdatetvOS updates patch security vulnerabilities, improve AirPlay and HomeKit reliability, and are sometimes required before certain apps or 4K HDR content will play correctly.
- Siri Remote Pairing & SetupThe Siri Remote connects to Apple TV over Bluetooth and normally pairs automatically the first time you bring it close to the box. If it stops responding or you're setting up a second remote, it can be re-paired manually.